The spacious banquet hall of Vikander Castle.
A low, captivating voice fell into the hall, which brimmed with vassals and knights freshly returned from beast subjugation.
"To the beginning of the Jeniv Street renovation."
The transparent wine glass held aloft by the Grand Duke caught the light, golden fruit wine swirling within.
The Grand Duke, mid-toast, paused for a moment.
At that precise instant, every vassal and knight in attendance suppressed their laughter. Everyone present knew this grand banquet had been held to celebrate the start of the Jeniv Street project—the first initiative the precious Young Lady had championed in Vikander.
But the look in the Young Lady's eyes as she held her glass beside the Grand Duke was unmistakable.
Silver hair elegantly styled with a jeweled pin. Mysterious green eyes. Witnessing her noble bearing, the knights unconsciously took her side.
Silent pressure to quickly continue the toast piled up. The Grand Duke shrugged his shoulders in surrender.
"...And to the knights who returned safely."
"To all of us!"
The chorus was so thunderous it seemed the banquet hall might lift from its foundations. The sound of clinking glasses rang out in unison.
It was the first time anyone had witnessed His Highness the Grand Duke—always strong and ruthless—obediently following someone else's will.
From the moment they had entered bustling Sonnaire Street, rumors had been spreading that His Highness had found a worthy companion.
Soon, boisterous laughter erupted from every corner, as though no one could contain themselves any longer.
"Good heavens. Before I die, I actually received a banquet from His Highness the Grand Duke celebrating a beast subjugation expedition!"
"Exactly! It's not as though subduing the usual beasts is such a grand achievement."
"You're saying this is all thanks to you? Bethany brought out enough fruit wine to drown in! I still feel like I'm dreaming at the border!"
The knights who had just returned rubbed their eyes in amazement. It was only natural—the reality before them refused to change no matter how much they blinked.
Howard, listening to their chatter, nodded quietly to himself.
It was all thanks to the Young Lady that the Grand Duke had held a banquet to praise their efforts and served Bethany's prized fruit wine so generously.
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