As the return of the Duke of Bellerus, who had been a leading figure among the nobles for decades, the party was magnificent and grand.

The splendor of Bellerus, which even the royal family couldn’t casually approach, seemed to be on full display.

Because of this, the mansion was bustling with crowds welcoming Dmitry’s entry into the capital.

By the way, I heard that the Duke of Bellerus will introduce someone today. Have you heard anything?

Ah, I heard vaguely that it’s a woman…

If it’s a woman, could it be that rumored concubine…?

That’s what I’m talking about. Marchioness Hyatt supposedly saw that concubine in the city, at the dressmaker’s. They say she’s very beautiful.

The young ladies formed groups, discussing the Duke’s concubine. Hearing about the beauty from one young lady, a daughter of the Marquis, another daughter of a Viscount sneezed.

She must be beautiful. After all, she managed to captivate the distinguished Duke of Bellerus.

I heard she’s of common birth? She must have learned proper noble etiquette. To introduce such a woman in this kind of party…

As the conversation continued, the expressions of the young ladies became increasingly uncomfortable.

Although this gathering was supposed to celebrate the Duke of Bellerus’s entry into the capital, the fact that the protagonist was a commoner woman made them uneasy.

Well, we’ll know soon. I wonder what kind of lady she is in terms of tactics.

As the nobles gathered in the central hall of the Bellerus mansion began to bring up rumors about the Duke’s concubine one by one, Dmitry descended the central staircase.

“I extend my gratitude to all the distinguished guests who have attended this gathering today.”

When Duke Bellerus revealed himself, the guests in the hall welcomed him with enthusiastic applause.

Dmitry, looking at the bustling mansion after a long time, felt a renewed sense of emotion.

When the Duke’s wife and Ariel were alive, they used to regularly host grand parties. Every time, the hall would be filled with gentlemen eyeing the beautifully adorned Ariel.

Dmitry wiped away the bitter smile spreading across his lips. Today was a good day. It was an occasion to introduce Lea, the treasure Ariel had given him, to the world.

“It’s been nearly 20 years since I left the capital. I cannot express enough how grateful I am that you haven’t forgotten this old man during that time.”

Dmitry scanned the nobles looking at him. Today, Lea would become the sole heir of the Bellerus Duke family in this gathering.
And that fact will quickly spread through their mouths.

Dmitry was aware of the circulating rumors about Lea. To dare to spread gossip about his granddaughter, who wouldn’t even hurt his eyes if he poked them.

‘Attaching such rumors to the Bellerus Duke’s family, he’s fearless.’

Today’s elaborate preparation for this grand party was to publicly announce that Lea had officially joined the Bellerus Duke family as their heiress after putting an end to the circulating rumors.

With a wry smile on his lips, Dmitry continued speaking.

“So, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce someone to all of you.”

When Dmitry pointed to the left of the stairs, a red-haired woman, standing tall and elegant, descended the stairs slowly alongside Edward.

With graceful steps and a posture that didn’t waver in the slightest.

‘Commoner origin, they said.’

The woman reflected in the eyes of the young ladies exhibited gestures inherent to nobility, flawless in every aspect. However, people’s attention was drawn to her fiery red hair.

Is the man next to her Lord Alensia’s son?

Yes, indeed. Also, that woman, her hair is red?

That’s right. And her appearance is just…

As everyone was nodding their heads at the somewhat familiar face, Lea, escorted by Edward, descended the central staircase, stopping in front of Dmitry.

Even though she was already a lovely granddaughter, seeing Lea adorned so beautifully made her as beautiful as a rose in full bloom.

Looking at Lea, who was standing in front of him, Dmitry wore a smile more affectionate than anyone else. Then, he turned back to the guests.

“Let me introduce. This is my granddaughter, Lea.”

Instantly, a heavy silence fell in the hall, as if cold water had been poured over it. People looked at the two in disbelief, blinking their eyes.

The granddaughter of the Duke of Bellerus. That meant the lady in front of them was the sole heir of the Bellerus family.

People thought the Duke of Bellerus had brought in a stepdaughter to continue the family line. Otherwise, there was no way such a mature granddaughter would suddenly appear.

However, Dmitry, seemingly mocking everyone’s expectations, continued speaking.

“Lea is the legitimate daughter of the late Lady Ariel Bellerus, who was my daughter. She is the sole legitimate daughter of our Bellerus Duke family.”

Oh my goodness!

People who heard that statement couldn’t erase the look of astonishment.

The late Lady Ariel had a daughter.

Everyone in the empire’s nobility knew how the Duke of Bellerus abhorred his daughter. At the end of the short silence, applause and cheers erupted from all around.

Trying to hide their confusion, those clapping their hands likely shared the same thought.

That the woman now holding the Duke’s hand and descending was going to set the empire ablaze.