As Rin and Leo stood among the nobles, their glasses gleamed in the warm light. Rin's pink eyes darted between the gentle murmurs of the nobles and the dais where the Caulem family stood. Leo sipped his amber liquor.
Princess Thalia, Adrian, and Erin were waiting for Duke Alric's major announcement across the hall while seated on a plush velvet couch with their eyes focused on the dais.
As the quartet's music faded, nobles whispered behind ornate fans and crystal goblets. Some speculated that Lucian, the endearing second son, would be the next Duke to be named.
One noble whispered, "It's definitely the second son."
"Why not celebrate a birthday with such a lavish feast?"
Others brought up Leo's recent reputation.
"The first son has been causing a stir."
"They claim that he slain an unidentified S-rank monster."
There was a caustic scoff. Though their gaze lingered on Leo with renewed interest, one doubter remarked, "Faked tales to polish his reputation, nothing more."
