"I feel so embarrassed."
In the resplendent banquet hall, Glaya lowered her head in shame, feeling the strange stares coming frequently from around.
But the figure beside her, wearing a sharp-beaked crow mask, Lynn, seemed to think otherwise.
He held a drink in his hand, slipping the straw through the eye portion of the crow mask, sipping it with a slurping noise.
"Anyway, I'm wearing a mask, so the shame will fall on the Augusta family, not on me."
Meanwhile, his gaze swept around subtly.
The banquet had already begun.
People moved back and forth inside the hall; at the center stage, musicians played delightful dance tunes.
A long dining table beside showcased exquisite floral-patterned tablecloths, expensive silver candelabras, and offered steaks, desserts, fruits, and various cold dishes for everyone to pick from.
The number of guests present, excluding the servants, had probably exceeded two hundred.
The scene was undeniably grand.
The entire Tierus Mansion was splendid, with crystal chandeliers on the ceiling casting a bright yellow glow, and the floor's porcelain tiles sparkling with intricate golden patterns.
Though the time for dancing had not yet arrived, people were scattered in small groups throughout the ground floor hall, holding champagne and conversing.
As for the Imperial Princess, as soon as she entered, she was greeted by several young ladies and noblewomen of the Tierus family.
The anticipated scene of her being ostracized did not occur.
After all, those present were from the Duke's family, and Ivyst was the Royal Family.
As long as the masks stayed on, the etiquette was maintained.
"That's the bishop responsible for the Heavenly Principle Church in Orn City," said Glaya quietly at that moment. "His name is Moselle Brandi, a prominent invisible power broker locally, reportedly with deep connections to numerous nobles in the Imperial Capital."
Lynn looked thoughtfully at the middle-aged man dressed in a Church Robe.
Just then, the lighting in the mansion dimmed slightly, then focused on the corridor on the third floor.
A middle-aged man with a heroic appearance, dressed in military uniform, stood at the edge of the staircase.
He appeared to be around forty, with slicked back black hair, a well-built physique, and his military jacket adorned with countless medals of honor.
Bai Leier Tierus, the organizer of the evening and the head of the Tierus family.
His gaze swept over the crowd authoritatively.
Seeing that everyone was silently and nervously watching him, Duke Tierus suddenly smiled.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this charity fundraising dinner," his voice boomed. "I hope you have fun and enjoy drinks on this long night."
"And for those gentlemen and ladies who are still single, I have only one request."
"Enjoy the dinner and the upcoming dance!"
With that, he raised his glass and downed it in one go.
The atmosphere of the banquet instantly warmed up, reaching a climax.
Immediately after, Duke Tierus descended from the staircase, picked up another glass of wine from a servant's tray, and slowly mingled among the guests.
He stopped now and then to exchange pleasantries with a lady, whispered with a noble, or shared a mutual smile.
Though a military man, he was still a noble deeply rooted in the upper reaches of the Empire, naturally familiar with these protocols.
However, after watching for a while, Lynn sensed something was amiss.
Logically, even if Ivyst wasn't the most honored guest tonight, she should at least be among the top few.
But this old man had already switched several glasses of wine, enjoyed lively chats with many nobles from Orn City, and at least greeted those he was unfamiliar with.
But he completely missed the Imperial Princess.
From start to finish, he did not once approach her to speak.
Lynn couldn't help but turn towards Ivyst, who was standing by the side of the other women.
Although she was still occasionally engaging in conversation with those around her, Lynn, who knew her well, detected a trace of coldness in her red eyes.
It was clear that Ivyst also understood the hidden meaning behind Duke Tierus's actions.
Sending an invitation and observing all formalities was a mark of nobility and respect towards the Royal Family.
But as a military man, he did not want to get involved in the King's election so early, or to make a move that showed where he stood.
Or perhaps, he simply did not think highly of Ivyst.
Whichever the reason, it was enough to irritate her.
"Do you feel like the temperature around us has dropped a bit?"
Glaya suddenly commented.
Soon, the banquet was halfway through.
Watching the donation box being pushed to the center of the hall, everyone fell into silence.
Clearly, the highlight of the evening was about to begin.
They all understood that the Tierus family was not truly unable to come up with the funds for the disabled soldiers.
They were using this facade to probe certain matters.
Or perhaps, to urge some people to take sides.
Watching the silent crowd, Duke Tierus, as if oblivious, announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, next is the charity donation segment. Thank you for your generous participation tonight. On behalf of over twenty thousand disabled soldiers from the Military Department, I offer you my sincere respects."
Saying this, he made a slight bow before everyone.
Instantly, the room was engulfed in silence, with everyone glancing around, seemingly to observe the reactions of others.
Clearly, nobody wanted to be the first to give.
The powers in Orn City were intricately interlinked; pulling one thread could affect the whole situation. Two families might share deeply intertwined interests.
How could they not see that Duke Tierus was asking them to lay down their cards?
But once you become the first mover, your happy days in Orn City would come to an end. After his departure, there would surely be suppression and exclusion by the entire city's power.
After all, the taxes that had accumulated over the years amounted to a terrifying astronomical figure.
If they were really to make up the entire sum, it would be extremely damaging.
Rather than being individually hewn and deboned, it was better to form a united front, showing the Duke that the local snakes could be fierce.
Moreover, it shouldn't be their turn to be the first mover.
Observing the scene before him, Duke Tierus slightly narrowed his eyes, seemingly understanding something.
Accompanying the sudden applause, everyone's attention was drawn towards the source of the sound.
Seeing the middle-aged man in a Church Robe, many breathed a sigh of relief.
Bishop Moselle made his way through the crowd, clapping his hands while exhibiting a respectful demeanor.
"I've long heard that the Duke is sympathetic to the soldiers; seeing it today, I truly find it admirable and well-deserved of his reputation."
"Although Orn City is located at the frontier and the Heavenly Principle Church has a difficult time moving around here, out of humanitarian concern for our soldiers who protect our homeland, I will five thousand Gold Coins to the Military Department on behalf of our Church."
Saying this, he placed an envelope into the donation box.
"Thank you for your generosity,"
Duke Tierus said flatly.
As far as donations were concerned, this was undoubtedly a large amount, but he showed no joy whatsoever.
Meanwhile, a round of appreciative applause broke out in the hall.
Hearing the noise from behind, Moselle gestured for silence and then looked sincerely at Duke Tierus.
"Additionally, I have another gift I'd like to present to the Duke and all the distinguished guests present here tonight."