* * *

Within just 10 minutes of Hernan and Jurgen’s arrival at Garnet Palace, word of Hernan’s presence had spread to nearly everyone in the expansive banquet hall.

They said even the imperial princess, blushing like a teenager, could barely string words together.

Sir Nilson, supposedly done with his dalliances, couldn’t tear his eyes away from Hernan and was rumored to have practically drooled.

Did you hear?

When Duke Hernan stepped through the doors, the sound of fans dropping echoed throughout the hall.

The palace quickly filled with people sneaking glances toward the main hall, eager to witness the legendary beauty.

‘…Hah.’

Hernan, the subject of all this gossip, found it both laughable and unbearably irritating.

His overly sharp hearing meant he caught every whispered remark far too clearly, making the whole ordeal even more uncomfortable.

‘I just want to go home.’

He’d much rather be sent on a mission to hunt down monsters.

Even that would be less draining. If everyone’s attention were solely on him, that would have been one thing.

But, as expected, the man standing tall and poised beside him was garnering far too much attention.

“Oh my, Viscount Everdeen! It’s been a while!”

“Indeed. I was concerned since you’ve been scarce these days. Is everything all right?”

“Oh, nothing serious! I’ll visit Father soon, and I hope to see you at Paradise when that happens.”

It was astounding how many people seemed to know Jurgen.

They swarmed him at every opportunity, though Hernan quickly realized that their true objective wasn’t Jurgen himself but an excuse to approach Hernan through him.

‘Wow… Nosy busybodies, all of them.’

Anton, trailing two steps behind Hernan and Jurgen, could easily read the room but had no chance to explain it to Hernan.

‘Not like someone of my lowly status could interrupt the mingling of nobles.’

Objectively, Anton’s status wasn’t exactly low, but compared to the capital’s elite, he was no match.

Walking behind Hernan in his plain yet tidy formal attire, he felt his neck prickling under all the stares.

Still, this ordeal would guarantee him at least two years of peace.

Last night, he’d slyly made a deal with his superior, who was secretly worried about their workaholic young master pushing himself too hard. It had been the perfect move.

Once he managed to send Jurgen off to another room and was pondering how to handle the chaotic banquet, Anton had made a peculiar suggestion to Hernan.

“What if we head to the wrong train station?”

The idea was so random that Hernan frowned. How could this possibly help when assassins were lurking?

Smirking, Anton elaborated.

“When people are in a hurry, they tend to forget everything else.”

Why was he bringing this up now? Hernan’s cold gaze made Anton grin wider.

“The viscount may be disappointed with you right now, but when push comes to shove, he’ll undoubtedly step up to protect his reputation. So, if you accidentally make a mistake, like getting off at the wrong station and creating a dire situation…”

‘…….’

Seeing Hernan’s deepening frown, Anton clapped his hands together.

“He’ll have no choice but to focus solely on getting through the banquet successfully.”

Surprisingly, the gamble worked.

Faced with the prospect of missing the ball entirely, Jurgen had snapped out of his funk and resolved to ensure their timely arrival at the palace, even if it meant dragging them there himself.

Not only did they arrive on time, but Jurgen also regained his composure, his sharp eyes gleaming once more.

The result?

Hernan promised not to send Anton to the front lines for at least two years, leaving Anton positively euphoric.

He wasn’t about to play matchmaker, but for his superior?

That was different.

Peace over war.

Deployment be damned.

Sure, the border skirmishes were about safeguarding the empire, but slogging through snow-covered wastelands was no longer an option.

‘If this leads to marriage, he might settle in the castle permanently.’

The young, sharp-featured man who not only held considerable power but also possessed striking looks, seemed to ignite envy in the older man.

Watching Jurgen naturally brush off the man’s sarcastic remarks, Anton thought to himself:

“If the Grand Duke, who’s grown well into his years, is so worried that he’s rushing to the rescue like an overprotective parent, why don’t you just shack up together?”

Clicking his tongue quietly, Anton observed the chaos around him.

It wasn’t just a storm in a teacup—it was more like a hurricane in a barrel of ale.

His soft tsk was entirely drowned out by the noisy atmosphere.

---

An hour had passed since Hernan and me had arrived at the imperial capital.

After introducing Hernan to several nobles connected to the Council of Elders, starting with the Duchess of Velesa, I felt my energy waning.

“Maybe I should sneak out to the balcony for a moment of peace.”

Moving with Hernan inevitably drew a great deal of attention.

Slipping away quietly was nearly impossible.

For now, there were enough watchful eyes to dissuade anyone from approaching, but if we headed somewhere less crowded, we’d surely be ambushed by a swarm of young ladies lying in wait to present flowers to Hernan.

“How can I escape unnoticed?”

While I was pondering a solution, a blaring trumpet and a booming voice cut through the noise.

“His Majesty the Emperor is entering!”

“What impeccable timing.”

Though the Emperor was expected to make an appearance before the banquet ended, I hadn’t anticipated it would be now.

Regardless, his arrival was a welcome relief.

No one could enter after the Emperor or leave before him, meaning that with his appearance, both Hernan and I could depart without breaching etiquette.

“Let’s see the Emperor and make a swift exit.”

I’d done everything necessary: greeted the important figures, ensured no unnecessary comments were made, and even successfully dodged the flower-giving spectacle.

As long as nothing unexpected happened, tonight’s ordeal would end smoothly.

“Let’s head to the main hall.”

When the Emperor made his entrance, all attendees were required to witness his toast.

Staying at the back to observe was more than sufficient.

As I extended my hand, Hernan, almost like a refined young noblewoman, gently placed his hand in mine.

“Um… I wasn’t asking for your hand, you know.”

“Ah.”

I had only been gesturing to indicate the direction, not intending to escort him like a lady of the court.

Though I almost laughed at his reaction, the surrounding murmurs kept me from doing so.

Instead, I took his hand and led him inside.

At the center of the main hall stood the Emperor, draped in a grand cloak that seemed to stretch for three meters.

“It pleases me greatly to see so many gathered to celebrate my beloved daughter’s coming of age,” he declared.

The juxtaposition was almost laughable—an elderly man nearing his grave, joyfully announcing his daughter’s adulthood.

No matter how powerful one might be… tsk.

As I listened to the toast, my eyes wandered to the princess.

Her face was flushed red, but she stood proudly before her father.

To be so at ease in front of a man who could command the entire nation—it was clear she was a cherished daughter, raised with love.

I doubted even her older siblings could stand so confidently.

“Now, enjoy the celebration. As for me, my back aches, so I shall retire.”

‘Indeed, your back must be aching at your age.’

As the Emperor turned to leave, the princess gave him a respectful bow, her expression reflecting well-practiced elegance.

Then, unexpectedly, the Emperor made a remark that sent a chill down every bachelor’s spine.

“Come to think of it, I’ve never seen my daughter dance. It would be wonderful to witness that tonight.”

* * *