After taking a short break, we were informed that preparations were complete, and we were guided to the party venue.
As the doors opened, a scene of opulence and splendor came into view.
The grand hall serving as the party venue featured a ceiling that seemed to stretch endlessly upward, with expensive-looking decorations scattered throughout. It was a reminder of the grandeur of the royal family, even in decline.
The people in the grand hall stared at my father and me, but no one spoke to us, leaving a sense of unease in the air.
“The arrival of His Majesty the King!”
Since there was still a power struggle over succession, he wasn’t yet the Crown Prince… Must be a political gesture.
From a door at the back of the grand hall, a man appeared.
The moment I saw him, a shiver of fear ran through me.
He was the most unsettling person in the room.
His blonde hair and lavish clothing certainly gave the impression of royalty, but his lifeless skin and dark circles under his eyes were noticeable. On their own, they would just make him look unhealthy, but it was his eyes—sharp and gleaming—that were truly disturbing.
The man addressed as His Majesty took a glass from a nearby maid, cleared his throat, and began to speak.
“…I am glad you all have come today. This year, we shall finally crush the Grand Duke and restore the prestige of the royal family. Let us toast to our unity today.”
As the man called His Majesty proposed the toast, everyone responded with applause.
Except for my father and me, of course.
Once the applause ended, the man addressed as His Majesty began walking toward us.
“…So, you are the Duke of Baltia?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
Even here, I couldn’t afford to make a mistake and call him Your Majesty or Your Highness. I had to be careful with my words.
“…Thank you for coming today. It may be modest, but please enjoy yourself.”
“Yes, I appreciate your hospitality.”
I placed my hand on my chest and bowed.
He gave a slight nod without saying much else and turned toward my father. It seemed he wanted to convey that even before the Earl, the Duke should be respected first.
Around my father, a crowd had already gathered around the man addressed as His Majesty.
As for me, a few people had come to greet me, but now no one remained.
I wondered if he realized… that his actions were eroding the authority of the royal family. While the Duke’s family also had royal blood, neglecting us like this would only further diminish both the royal bloodline and its authority.
I recalled his appearance—the unhealthy look and those sharp, glinting eyes.
Ah, he’s completely consumed by the desire to become king. So much so that he’s even asking for help from the Earl who overthrew the Duke…
Perhaps this is why the age of turmoil never ends.
As I pondered this, a man approached and spoke to me.
“Are you the Duke of Baltia?”
He was a sturdy man with blond hair, exuding a charismatic aura.
