Families invited to the ducal residence began to arrive one after another.

Children getting out of carriages, tightly holding their parents’ hands, were filled with excitement on their faces.

In contrast, tension was clearly visible on the faces of the parents.

“Go and make sure to greet the Duke, understand?”

“Say it’s a small gift and discreetly hand it over. Don’t forget to mention it’s from the Rolls family!”

“Try to talk to the Duke as much as you can.”

In reality, what was happening today was closer to a simple tea party for the children rather than a grand banquet.

Nevertheless, being invited to the duke’s residence was a rare event.

Thus, the message all the parents emphasized to their children was generally the same.

‘Do not waste this opportunity!’

So, it was only natural that the parents accompanying their children were dressed extravagantly from head to toe.

Contrary to the parents’ wishes, the children were simply captivated by the grand and spacious mansion.

‘Where is the training ground?’

‘I heard the Leviche Knights are stationed here!’

‘I get to see Duke Clemens!’

While some children were enthusiastically exploring the mansion with wide eyes, others were making use of the social skills they had learned over time.

“Lady Messina, it’s been a while. You look radiant today, much different from how sullen you looked last time. I’m glad you’re well.”

“Really? You haven’t changed at all, Lady Grace. You were concerned about your height; seems like you still have a lot to worry about.”

“Ho ho ho! Well, I’m content. Also, there are many pretty designs among highheeled shoes these days.”

“If so, I’m glad. I hope your concerns, Lady Grace, are resolved smoothly.”

But soon, upon entering the hall, the children could not help but be filled with excitement.

“Wow!”

The first thing that caught their eye was the sparkling chandelier hanging from the domeshaped ceiling.

Following the chandelier down, their gaze landed on the marble floor beneath.

On the tables, various desserts were generously arranged, and scattered around were colorful toys and eyecatching musicians.

It was different in scale from an ordinary banquet.

The noble ladies and young ladies, guided to their seats by the servants, were filled with tension.

Soon, the gaze of a few young ladies focused on one spot.

“My goodness.”

“Is that…!”

The man who captivated everyone’s attention was a gentleman walking down the hallway dressed in elegant attire.

The long, brown hair of the striking gentleman caught everyone’s eye.

Noble ladies who had long been in social circles easily identified him.

‘Duke Consta of the Kingdom of Balkandia!’

The friendship between Duke Consta and Crustel Duke was already widely known.

‘Of course, they invited the Duke as well.’

It was a natural train of thought.

The noble ladies thought it was fortunate. After all, like the immense duke, Duke Consta came from no simple family.

Even though he was a duke from another kingdom, he was of royal descent. Meeting them could only be good, not bad.

Furthermore, at a glance, the clothes he wore were undoubtedly expensive beyond their imagination.

‘Why isn’t he entering the banquet hall?’

But he only showed his face at the entrance of the hall and didn’t seem to have any intention of coming in.

A servant who couldn’t stand it anymore was about to approach him, but even before the servant could move, he walked away swiftly.

‘Where is he going?’

Doubt arose, but as time passed, it naturally faded away.
The eyes had already shifted elsewhere, and soon after, the Duke and Clements entered the hall.

The blonde boy walking beside the Duke no longer looked out of place.

In contrast to the Duke’s overall dark hues, the child appeared even more radiant.

He was now eleven years old. Moreover, he was not yet officially declared as the successor.

Nevertheless, every lady and young master couldn’t help but focus on him as he stepped onto the stage.

“Thank you all for coming to my house.”

Even in the casual greeting of “my house,” words affirming his position were evident.

“As you all know, this is not an occasion for special celebration. It’s a social gathering, so please enjoy yourselves without any burden.”

To host a party without a special theme, one could not ignore the costs of manpower, food, and beverages used for these few hours.

Therefore, parties were generally not held unless for celebration or announcement.

Yet, the Duke always held a feast whenever Clements returned.

People once again realized this fact. That Clements still received the Duke’s full support.

‘…So boring.’

Having completed his greetings with acquaintances he had briefly known, Clements sighed as he turned behind a pillar.

Clements was thoroughly bored.

Coming back from the academy and immediately preparing for and hosting a party felt like an annual homework assignment to him.

But he had no choice. Otherwise, unnecessary rumors about him would circulate.