“I hope this banquet will deepen the friendship between the imperial family and the ducal families. And, Duke Penvernon.”

Castor raised his glass looking at Rashid.

“Congratulations on the Great Blooming of camellias.”

To his congratulations, Rashid substituted a greeting by slightly lowering his head. His cold expression without a hint of a smile somehow made me feel embarrassed.

But Castor smiled, completely unconcerned by Rashid’s expression.

“It seems there will be joyous occasions for House Penvernon soon. I pray it will be filled with delight.”

The clear sound of bells rang announcing the start of the banquet. The dishes were prepared in order.

To my right at the seat of honor sat Castor. And to my left was Rashid, across from me sat the Duke and Duchess of Pentroff.

Unlike the gentle Duke and Duchess of Chrysante or the steady Duke and Duchess of Ailan, the Duke and Duchess of Pentroff seemed to subtly put up a wall against me during the meal and conversation.

‘Since they’re said to be a conservative family.’

Their family’s inherited ability was the power of defense. Somehow I thought it was an ability that perfectly matched their family traditions as I focused on the meal.

Rashid took care of me from time to time, and thanks to that, the Duke and Duchess of Pentroff at least didn’t seem to ignore me.

“Come to think of it, it’s been several years since Duke Penvernon married.”

“Two years.”

Rashid briefly answered Duke Pentroff’s question while moistening his throat with wine.

The elderly Duke naturally shifted his gaze to Castor.

“Aren’t Duke Penvernon and His Highness the Crown Prince of similar age?”

“Indeed.”

This time Castor picked up the conversation.

Somehow the air feels heavy. I should probably just focus on eating.

“Speaking of which, you should be able to hear good news soon.”

Castor seemed to realize what Duke Pentroff wanted to say and gave an appropriate answer.

Instantly everyone’s attention focused on him.

Well, all the nobles with daughters of suitable age would be on high alert right now.

“Oh, Your Highness. May we look forward to it?”

“Though it may take a bit more time as I’m considering various factors, it won’t be too late.”

“We’re overjoyed that we’ll finally have a Crown Princess.”

Duchess Ailan said with a flushed face. An unmarried daughter sat across from her.

Looking at the faces, the families qualified to aim for the position of Crown Princess of this generation were probably just Limnike and Ailan. If Dana had been alive, Penvernon might have qualified too, but that’s now a meaningless story.

A subtle tension flowed over the table. Though everyone was conversing gently, it was merely feigned tranquility.

「Duchess Ailan glanced at the young lady of House Limnike.」

I lightly ignored the appearing sentence.

‘It has nothing to do with me.’

I don’t care who becomes Crown Princess.

Just like last time, the palace banquet food was delicious. Whether people were kicking under the table or not, I gladly enjoyed my meal. It was a happy time.

* * *

After the banquet, the seating changed and conversations continued.

The ladies and young misses gathered together to enjoy refreshments.

The conversation topics seemed peaceful at first glance. They discussed recent daily life, popular plays, upcoming concerts, dress styles and various stories about jewelry.

Between these, questions probing each other flew back and forth between Crown Princess candidates and their mothers. While pretending not to, they clearly showed signs of checking their competition.

‘I’m fortunate to be married.’

Though if I hadn’t married Duke Penvernon in the first place, I wouldn’t even be included in gatherings like this.

While thinking such thoughts and eating snacks or lightly agreeing with others, that’s when it happened.

“By the way, Duchess Penvernon. Your sponsorship of the Magic Tower went very well last time, didn’t it?”

Duchess Chrysante turned the topic to me.

“Ah, yes. I didn’t do much. The people at the Magic Tower did everything.”

“Having the virtue of modesty too makes you even more beautiful.”

That can’t be, I really mean it.

‘Besides, it wasn’t even the success I intended.’

It was merely a case of stumbling backwards into catching a mouse.

I just smiled, hoping this topic would pass quickly.

But regardless of my wishes, Duchess Ailan picked up the conversation.

“That’s what I mean. When I first heard about it I found it strange, but there was intention behind it all.”

“Hahaha, not at all……”

I laughed awkwardly.

Following her mother, House Ailan’s eldest daughter addressed me.

“I wanted to talk more with Duchess Penvernon, but unfortunately there weren’t appropriate opportunities. I’m glad to see you today at least.”

The beautiful brown-haired young lady smiled brightly at me.

“Shall we have tea together sometime soon?”

I gave a light bow to show courtesy.

“Thank you. Then would it be alright if I visit with Countess Spendal? I think it would be more enjoyable if she joins us.”

“Spendal? Ah, you mean that merchant family.”

Duchess Ailan smiled faintly. A subtle energy could be felt in her voice as she mentioned Karla with the term ‘merchant family.’

“That would be fine too, but since we’re at it, I think it would be better if you and Beatrice spent time together just the two of you. Since Countess Spendal’s opinion matters too.”

Duchess Ailan gave her daughter a look.

The young lady called Beatrice quickly nodded at her mother’s words.

“Ah, that seems fine too. What do you think, Duchess Penvernon?”

“I think it would be enjoyable to meet all together.”

The two Ailan women looked a bit troubled at my answer. They showed signs of not wanting to invite Karla.

Why? Seeing her being rejected made me feel a bit uncomfortable. Because I sensed it wasn’t simply due to unfamiliarity.

“Countess Spendal has quite excellent discernment. That aspect is quite remarkable.”

At that moment, Patricia, who had been watching, spoke up. She was taking my side.

“I would very much like to join that gathering too, Duchess.”

I slightly nodded towards her with an ambiguous expression.

What’s this about? Is it because she’s her acquaintance? I looked at her with questioning eyes. Patricia briefly looked at me with transparent eyes before withdrawing her gaze.

“Oh my, is that so.”

Duchess Ailan retorted shortly. Patricia was her daughter’s competitor for Crown Princess, so she wouldn’t want to lose.

“I was just hesitant about inviting someone unfamiliar. You understand, don’t you, Duchess?”

“Ah, yes. Then… if it’s alright, I’ll invite you when I hold my next gathering. It would be nice to meet together then.”

Beatrice answered my suggestion by slightly lowering her head. It was an attitude difficult to tell whether it was acceptance or rejection.

Then Patricia spoke,

“Speaking of which, about that upcoming concert, Duchess.”

Thanks to that, the conversation naturally began flowing in a different direction.

* * *

The Crown Princess issue was also an important topic at the men’s gathering. Not only those who wanted their daughters to become Crown Princess, but even those who didn’t were on high alert trying to gauge where power would flow.

Since the person in question was present here, the conversation took on more vivid colors.

“What kind of woman do I want? Well. Is that important?”

Castor let his words trail off when asked about his ideal wife. It wasn’t a position that could be decided purely by his will alone.

Then suddenly, his gaze landed on Rashid. He was sitting there with a face that clearly showed he found this situation tedious.

A dim emotion suddenly rose in Castor’s heart. Though it was complex and difficult to name precisely, it was clearly an emotion that made him unpleasant.

That’s why. The reason he deliberately pointed to Rashid Penvernon, that woman’s husband, and spoke was…

“If I had to say… someone like Duke Penvernon’s wife would be more than perfect.”

Then Rashid, who had been sitting there disinterestedly until then, opened his eyes sharply. The unrefined hostility that rose instantly was blatant.

Castor paid no mind to this and maintained his usual faint smile.

“Come to think of it, wasn’t your marriage to your wife all His Majesty’s will?”

He raised the glass in his hand and looked at Rashid’s reflection in it. The gaze piercing through the glass was quite sharp, and Castor found it amusing and interesting.

That this man would show such clear emotion.

Eventually it began to feel unbearably irritating.

“You never refuse anything His Majesty wills, truly befitting a dog of the imperial family.”

In an instant the air froze cold. The other dukes doubted their ears. The Crown Prince’s words were clearly mockery.

It’s true that the Emperor used Duke Penvernon’s pardon as leverage to tighten his leash even more.

However, for the Crown Prince to speak in such a tone was undoubtedly an insult and display of power.

Why?

The Crown Prince was someone who consistently maintained a gentle facade. Though the dukes knew what lurked beyond that, nevertheless, Castor always maintained his composure and that was what made him more fearsome.

But now, the Crown Prince had revealed his true face.

Or perhaps, failed to hide it.

The dukes watched Rashid’s face while swallowing hard or turning pale.

He said,

“Yes, that’s a narrow view.”

A bloody smile shadowed Rashid’s face.

“I mercilessly tear apart any intruders who violate my territory.”

Like a dog that had tasted blood, Rashid bared his fangs and deliberately released part of his magical power.

“……!”

At that moment, everyone present stopped breathing in shock. It was an instant where even breathing wasn’t allowed. A sharp pressure that felt like it was cutting into flesh overwhelmed them.