“That courtesy will soon be taken care of by the gifts that are about to be inspected. So, when it’s time to leave, just leave, Louisa.”

Anthony suddenly turned serious as he spoke.

“It’s not exactly comfortable for me to watch an old friend suffer humiliation.”

Louisa turned her head at his words. Anthony looked down at her, arms crossed.

“His Majesty won’t even properly remember who came anyway. So go when it’s time. Understand?”

“Your Highness. Please don’t say things that will get you in trouble with His Majesty.”

“Ah. Father is coming out now.”

Anthony ignored her remark and gestured towards the center with his chin.

The aging king, now in his later years, walked slowly towards the center seat at the top of the hall.

Soon, the king, standing in the center, addressed the audience.

“Thank you all for gathering here every year.”

His deep, masculine voice filled the hall. Despite some gray hair, his posture remained upright and his eyes sparkled.

“I won’t make this long, as it would just bore everyone. Now, please enjoy the party.”

“I may not know about other things, but I do like this aspect of my father.”

Prince Anthony casually commented. Evelyn Bryde giggled at his remark, then quickly shut her mouth upon catching Louisa’s glance.

“I should be going now too. See you next time, Mrs. Bryde.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Have a good time.”

Evelyn bowed her knee in greeting.

Louisa sighed as she watched Anthony walk away.

Having paid her respects, it seemed a good time to leave, considering the circumstances.

‘But what if, even if it’s late, Ed comes…’

If she left and her husband arrived later…

She pondered the situations Edward would face.

If someone was rude to him, there would be no one to defend him.

If someone gossiped about his background, there would be no one to stand up for him.

Most importantly, if she left him like this, he would also become a husband abandoned by his wife.

Their rumored discord worsening would not bode well for the company.

For these reasons, Louisa decided to stay a little longer at the party.

“Oh!”

Suddenly, someone spilled wine on her white dress hem.

The three men, led by Edward, hurriedly made their way against the setting sun.

Bang!

They forcefully pushed open the doors of the patent office.

Employees, preparing to leave, gaped at the unexpected trio.

Their attire was wildly different.

One looked ready for a party in his flashy outfit, another in a dress coat with glasses, and the last, shabby enough to make one wonder if he had bathed today.

Especially the man leading the group caught everyone’s attention.

Even in the same coat, he stood out, looking like an ideal model sought after by designers.

They quickly disappeared into the patent examination department.

“Who are they, coming here dressed like that?”
At the comment of his colleague, a man glanced up to see who had entered and replied,

“That’s Edward Allen.”

“Ah, that man? He’s quite different from what I’ve heard. Looks more dignified than I expected.”

“What does it matter? A nouveau riche is a nouveau riche, after all.”

Packing their bags, they exchanged glances and chuckled among themselves.