By Zephyria Musicians were gathered next to the entrance of the party house. They even had a conductor who was invited to complete the ensemble, so it looked like a small orchestra had been brought in. In time with the music they played, the servants bustled about inside and outside the hall. It was because guests were flocking in all at once ahead of the main event of the banquet.
In the circular garden where the setting sun cast its glow, carriages stopped one after another in front of the outer staircase, maintaining a certain distance. Among them, one vehicle entered with an overheated engine and screeching tires.
In aristocratic society, carriages were still a symbol of authority and the main means of transportation, so the crude appearance with scrap metal attached was enough to attract everyone’s attention.
The door opened, and a gentleman and a lady stepped lightly out of the vehicle. The herald on the opposite side checked the list and shouted loudly.
“Baroness Margaret Penroad, with her partner Sir Henry Digliff, enters!”
Some nobles watching from the terrace turned and whispered, saying that they were newly emerging nobles who had barely entered the Imperial Faction after receiving their titles this time.
“This isn’t a battlefield.”
“How undignified. That piece of junk….”
“I heard they bought the title with money.”
“Surely not.”
Rejection was the main reaction, but their lowered eyes glanced at the piece of junk with curious gazes. Of course, they didn’t show it. An instinctive aversion to new things was an attitude that was as prevalent as tradition at Imperial Faction banquets, where old nobles overwhelmingly predominated.
The power they had accumulated over many years was all created in this way. If they brought in unverified objects or people, the tower of status and honor they had painstakingly built would collapse in an instant.
Guards stood on the stairs leading to the banquet hall at intervals of four steps. Their uniforms were different from those who were controlling the main road outside. The decorations and designs were very similar, as if they had directly copied the Imperial Guard’s uniform.
The guards, imitating the Imperial Guard, repeated the name and title that the herald had shouted.
“Baroness Margaret Penroad, Sir Henry Digliff!”
It was an extravagant welcoming ceremony that wasn’t even done at the Imperial Palace, but the Baroness, who had just received her title and was attending her first banquet, seemed to be secretly pleased. Her attendant drove the vehicle to the opposite side, and the two who were left linked arms affectionately and ascended the luxurious stairs.
They entered the entrance and followed the wave of people through the high-ceilinged hallway. In the distance, an overwhelmingly large chandelier emitted a shimmering light.
In the large banquet hall that unfolded beneath it, luxurious jewelry and flowers were abundant enough to blind the eyes. The pearls on the ladies’ dresses and the sparkle of the marble floor were also the epitome of splendor.
Perhaps because the banquet had been postponed once and was finally being held, everyone had put a lot of effort into their attire, as if they had been waiting for this. The attendance of Duke Agrizendro, who was past his prime marriageable age, would also have accounted for a large portion of the scale of today’s banquet.
Although there had been some recent noise related to the trial, no one would deny that he was, in vulgar terms, the best-blooded stud in society today. The nobles gathered in groups of three or five, holding different wines and champagnes and clinking glasses. Occasionally, they would peek towards the entrance to see if the Duke had arrived.
However, most of them were busy sharing laughter with newly acquainted people. Political and economic partners, superiors or subordinates within the organizations they belonged to. Since nobles with various relationships were gathered, no one cared if one or two unfamiliar faces passed by.
Among the middle-aged men wearing top hats and draped in high-quality fabrics, Drake Duncan, wearing a mink coat made of black sable, was a standout.
He was busy introducing his son, who had taken over his title.
“Introducing the new owner of Pentagov, our Count Duncan!”
“I’m Richard Duncan. Thank you for taking the time to respond to the invitation.”
“He’s handsome and dignified like his father. He’s a man who will do great things in the future.”
“I wish you prosperity. Glory to Pentagov.”
“I heard he’s the most outstanding of your bright children.”
The young noble, the new owner of Pentagov, responded to their well-wishing with a subtle smile.
“I spend my days carefully considering how to carry on my father’s legacy. I hope you will all spare no harsh advice to guide me on the right path. For the sake of the honorable name of Pentagov and the solidarity of our Imperial Faction, I will always learn and dedicate myself.”
“Alright, everyone―.”
Drake Duncan looked around at the right moment and gestured. At once, the nobles clapped and sent boisterous praise and cheers to the young master of the Count’s family. As the protagonist of the banquet seemed to be solidifying, Drake Duncan patted his son’s back with a satisfied expression.
“I’m proud of you.”
“It’s an honor, Father.”
“Now, take your time and greet each other before the main ceremony begins.”
After the celebratory atmosphere subsided for the time being, Duncan led his son up the stairs to the second floor of the party house.
It was a place with a lounge and changing area for the host Count’s family, as well as guest rooms for distinguished guests with special friendships.
Duncan’s expression, panting as he climbed the stairs, was different from before. He seemed displeased with something, and said with a deliberate weight.
“There won’t be a party as grand as this one among the social gatherings in the second half of the season. Do you understand what I mean? There are few days like today when potential partners are so plentiful. If you are truly the new owner of Pentagov, you should hold the hands of the young ladies and dance with them before it’s too late. If you miss your chance for marriage, it will be difficult in the future.”
“Ah, Father. I’ve told you before. I―.”
“Enough. You’ve become the formal head of the family, yet you’re still going to wander?”
“It’s not wandering, but….”
“I’ve never heard of an illegitimate heir obtained through black magic. Only your children, naturally obtained from noble blood, can become members of our Count’s family.”
“…Haa.”
“Recently, rumors have been circulating that you enjoy same-sex relationships, causing me grief. How long must this father clean up after you? Remember. There are many who would run to pick up even crumbs if they could stick by Duke Agrizendro. At such times, you should at least become acquainted with the young ladies. Even better if they have a title. If necessary, absorb their wealth and honor―.”
“Oof!”
“Aish―!”
Richard Duncan looked down at his clothes with annoyance. He had bumped into a maid coming down the stairs and spilled the glass of wine she was carrying.
“I, I’m sorry, Count.”
The dark red liquid flowed down his chest, soaking his trouser cuffs and shoes. It was fortunate that the color of the fabric was dark, so it wasn’t very noticeable.
“What are you doing right now?”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry….”
The maid’s face turned pale at the cold question, and she quickly bowed her head. She took out a handkerchief from her pocket and tried to wipe the clothes and shoes of the banquet’s protagonist with trembling hands. However, Richard brushed away the maid’s hand as if she were a nuisance.
“Ugh, seriously… are your eyes just for decoration?”
“Richard, don’t raise your voice on a good day. The guests are watching. Haven’t you learned how to behave when you encounter the master? This is why commoners are… just slow. If it weren’t for the banquet….”
“Excuse me, Count.”
Duncan, who had been scolding the maid, stopped speaking at the sudden voice. He turned around with a puzzled expression, and the figure of a woman in a well-tailored suit came into view.
The father and son glanced at each other for a moment. Then, Drake Duncan rolled his eyes first and gave the woman an awkward smile.
“Oh dear, you’ve caught me in an embarrassing situation. Don’t mind it. You, go upstairs and fetch the Count’s clothes, quickly.”
“Yes, yes. I understand.”
The maid bowed her head at Duncan’s instruction and hurried upstairs to the second floor. Richard concealed his annoyance and roughly wiped his clothes with a handkerchief. Duncan, having removed the uncomfortable presence, revealed his gold teeth again and asked.
“Ahem. My memory hasn’t been good lately… which family are you from…?”
“Ah, I’m late with introductions. I am Margaret Penrod, recently granted the title of Baroness. It’s an honor to meet you.”
The woman, who introduced herself as a Baroness, wore a refined smile and slightly bent her knees in greeting. The veil on her hat partially covered her face, but a certain energy could be felt in the clear gaze beyond it.
To Duncan, who prided himself on having an eye for people after meeting various nobles, that gaze was quite captivating. He had heard of the Baroness who had recently received her title. She was a nouveau riche unmarried woman who had bought her title with the great success of her business, or so the rumors said.
Duncan, having scanned his opponent in a short time, nudged his son’s arm. At the same time, he put on a benevolent smile and responded to her greeting.
“I am the one who is grateful for you gracing us with your presence. This is my son, Count Duncan.”
“…Richard Duncan.”
“I’ve heard a lot about you. You have an exceptional appearance and spirit, as I’ve heard.”
At the Baroness’s formal greeting, Duncan’s lips spread with undisguised joy.
“I was in a hurry to find an opportunity to greet you both, so I’m worried that I may have come at an inappropriate time.”
“Haha, how could that be? We welcome distinguished guests anytime.”
“Thank you for your hospitality. As this is my first banquet as a noble, I have prepared a gift for the Count for providing such a wonderful occasion.”
The Baroness handed Richard Duncan the black briefcase she was holding. He accepted the gift with a bewildered expression. Although he had formally become the head of the Count’s family, there were still few who truly treated him as a Count. Moreover, the gift was quite heavy.
“It’s just a small token of my sincerity.”
The Baroness curved one eye into a crescent shape, as if winking. Although her background was regrettable, she had a lot of money and boosted his son’s spirits. In Drake Duncan’s eyes, she was the perfect match for his son.
He took the briefcase his son had received and handed it to a servant who was passing by.
“It’s a valuable gift, so take good care of it in the reception room on the second floor where the jewelry is kept.”
“Yes, I understand.”
The servant received the briefcase, bowed his head, and went up the stairs. He showed the bag to the guard guarding the second floor and naturally entered the lounge that only members of the Count’s family could use.
The two Duncans, with their backs turned, did not notice.
The Baroness, who had been watching the scene from her angle of vision, took out a handkerchief and carefully wiped Richard’s collar.
“If you don’t mind, would you introduce me to other people? I’m still unfamiliar with the banquet and haven’t had a chance to speak with many people.”
“Ah, that’s right. You haven’t had your title for long, so there must be many unfamiliar faces. I’ll arrange a meeting. Let’s move together.”
“Father, my clothes….”
“It’s not very wet, so it’s fine. Are you going to keep the lady waiting?”
Duncan scolded his insensitive son, then caught himself and turned his expression back to the Baroness.
The Baroness didn’t add anything, but gave an expectant smile. The three turned around in the middle of the stairs and went back down to the banquet hall.
A small sensor with its light off was attached between the collar of Richard’s clothes, which the Baroness had touched.