Salon. It was a space established by the nobility, who willingly put forth their money to build mansions in corners of the capital, placing various supporting goods out for their enjoyment of diverse cultural lives.

As splendid as its reputation, within the grand mansion, a room for deep discussion while reading books was called the ‘Salon de Me’.

Hours before the door of the Salon de Me was opened, it was a usual sight for the ladies to gather in the salon’s reception room and converse about social issues.

Usually, they formed small groups depending on the topics they were interested in among various gossips, but today was different. A lady had captivated everyone’s attention with an intriguing topic.

“Do you all know that the family that has donated the most cumulative sponsorship money sits in the host’s seat at the salon?”

“Of course. That’s why Duchess Depont and the young Duchess have always been seated in the host’s seat.”

Even if the salon was created with the collective donations of the nobility, there was a difference in the amount of sponsorship.

Traditionally, the family with the most accumulated sponsorship money sat in the highest seat as the ‘host of the salon’ and had the right to lead the discussion.

To cheerfully donate a standout sponsorship amount even among the nobility who were not reluctant to spend money, one had to be a family with the top economic power within the empire.

Thanks to that, the Duchess Depont had always been seated in the topmost seat and ruled over the salon. And also the young Duchess, Seres.

“That’s right. But you know.”

Countess Bert looked around and confirmed that everyone was focused on her words. It was a satisfactory reaction. She then lowered her voice and whispered, not forgetting to squint her eyes as if it was a secret just between them.

“I heard a rumor that the host has changed from this gathering.”

It was the word of Countess Bert, known as the foremost in the social world.

The reaction was explosive. There could not be a hotter topic.

The owner, who had not changed for nearly 10 years, was changing!

The ladies and the young ones, who were standing tall in their own groups with only their ears pricked up, flocked towards the Countess.

“What do you mean by that? The owner of the salon has always been Duchess Depont.”

“Could it be that there is a family that has donated more sponsorship money than the Duke of Depont?”

“No way! I heard that the Depont family invests a considerable part of their wealth in this salon.”

The fluttering ladies surrounding her looked like rats that had their meat stolen. The Countess, who brought in inaccessible information, fanned herself while grinning triumphantly.

Now, now, line up in front of the new power.

“Countess, do you perhaps have a hint about which family it is?”

“Despite everyone knowing well that the sponsorship amount is strictly confidential. Hence, the new host can also not be known until the opening.”

The Countess pretended not to know. Her true feelings were quite different.

‘Why did you particularly choose me for this task. If I do it well and foster a good relationship, it will surely be of great help to our family.’

He, the highup, reached out first saying he needed her. She was so proud that she wanted to show off immediately, but she managed to hide it as if there was no such feeling.

‘He instructed that as long as I grab the wind, it’s enough, but since he entrusted it to me, I need to make the most dramatic effect.’

The Countess brought in another family for no reason.

“If I were to guess, wouldn’t it be the Duke of Kassis who often attended?”

The ladies took the bait instantly.

“That’s plausible. The young Duke of Kassis has reached the age to show his face.”

If there’s a family that could financially rival the Duke of Depont, it would probably be the somewhat similar Duke of Kassis. Most agreed. Then, Countess Bert proposed another option.

“Ah, there’s also the Count of Iserna. The Countess is so interested in the salon.”

“Indeed, the Countess almost always attends!”

“Right. Plus, you all heard the news that the trade led by the Iserna Count’s family has been successful lately, right?”

Opinions after that were diverse. The families with power, wealth, dignity, and interest in the salon were brought up one after another.

Except for the Artina Duke’s family.

Artina had neither interest nor steps in the salon since its inception, so they were not considered in the first place.

Moreover, even if they decided to attend, other families would have to cough up more than the sponsorship fees they’ve despised for over a decade to even get a seat at the host’s table. Even for a duke’s family with seemingly inexhaustible wealth, there was no reason to do so now.

The attendees were wary of each other. The host of the salon. The new owner of the salon. These terms carried an undeniably significant weight.

“Ahem I will be in the lounge for a moment.”

“I also have something to attend to for a while.”