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Fireworks signaling the start of the banquet were launched from Jurnova Castle.

The people of the provincial capital, spread out around the castle, suddenly stopped what they were doing and looked up at the fireworks. The sky was still bright, and the fireworks only produced sound and smoke, but a cheer rose up.

“The celebrations have begun, haven’t they?”
“Yes, grandly.”

Gazing at the castle, such conversations were exchanged. The beaming merchant was likely one who had supplied ingredients for the feast.

“The new duke is young, but he really gets it. He favors the reputable trading houses and spends his money locally. Just like back in Sergei’s days.”
“That’s good news. Right after Duke Sergei passed away, some outsider nobody knew took over all the castle work. I was worried about what would happen next.”
“Will His Grace be staying here permanently? I hear he brought a beautiful wife with him.”

This too was a common rumor in the provincial capital.

“No, I hear that’s his sister. She’s the legitimate princess of Jurnova, but apparently she was locked away somewhere for a long time. Poor thing. I hear His Grace cherishes her dearly.”

Many tilted their heads at this remark.

“Huh? I heard they’re a very close couple.”
“No, they’re siblings. I heard it directly from a castle servant. It’s true.”
“But someone who actually saw them said they looked like a perfect couple.”
“No, they’re not.”

Such conversations were frequently heard that night.

.

The Grand Hall of Jurnova Castle.
Two enormous chandeliers were already lit, illuminating the glittering decorations and the massive paintings on the walls.
And in the center, another chandelier—crafted from the brightest prismites, chosen for their intense glow—illuminated the guests. It was the self-luminous lamp, the pride of the Jurnova family, created by an inventor invited by the Fifth Duke Vasily. Not even the imperial palace possessed one so large and bright.

Many guests had already gathered in the castle, and elegantly dressed noble ladies chattered and laughed. Waiters weaved through them, distributing drinks, while lavishly prepared dishes were served, beautifully arranged.
Yet, the banquet had not formally begun. The hosts, Duke Aleksei and his escort, his sister Ekaterina, had not yet appeared.
In one corner of the grand hall, musicians waited, instruments in hand. It was the Jurnova family’s custom that the Duke would appear the moment they began to play.

At the butler’s signal, the musicians took up their instruments. The guests gasped as the music began to flow.
Their eyes turned toward the grand staircase connecting the great hall to the upper floors.
At that very moment, the Duke of Jurnova, his dignity restored in his formal black attire, and a noble lady dressed in a gown resembling the evening sky itself beyond the windows, appeared on the upper landing. The sight of the two beautiful figures drew cheers from the crowd.

.

The collective cheer from the crowd filling the grand hall made Ekaterina unconsciously tighten her grip on her brother’s right arm.
Whoa, that startled me!
I didn’t know when this many people shouted together, it created a shockwave like a thud!
And this grand staircase. Like something out of a classic Hollywood film, like Gone with the Wind, or the finale of a girls’ musical troupe. To descend this, under such intense scrutiny… This is a proper mental trial.

“Ekaterina, are you all right?”

Aleksei wrapped his left hand around hers, clasping it gently.

“Yes, Onii-sama. I was merely startled.”
“You don’t have to push yourself. If you feel unwell, tell me immediately.”

Ah, the frail health trope is still active. I’d completely forgotten about it. My apologies.

“No matter how many guests are present, I shall be fine. With you by my side, Onii-sama, I feel perfectly at ease.”
“…I see.”

Aleksei’s neon-blue eyes softened at his sister’s words.

Everyone over there is a subject of the domain. They are your subjects. You needn’t worry about them. Just act as the queen you are.”
“Oh, Onii-sama. You are the lord of the domain, and I am your subject.”
“I am your servant, my Queen.”

Damn it, I let him say it.
Well, since Onii-sama is right beside me, I shouldn’t be nervous about descending the grand staircase under everyone’s gaze. Onii-sama is more wonderful than any Hollywood star or top star of a girls’ musical troupe!

.

People sighed and murmured in admiration at the sight of the brother and sister descending the grand staircase, leaning intimately together.

Many of them had known Aleksei Jurnova, the duke’s eldest son, for years. Still, a banquet like this at Jurnova Castle hadn’t been held since the late Duke Aleksandr inherited his title. During the successive funerals of his father, grandmother, and mother, Aleksei had been occupied with receiving high-ranking nobility, and few had seen him. Combined with his dislike of socializing, in their memories he remained a child, despite his intelligence that rivaled adults.
Now, however, he had matured into a dignified, handsome young man, possessing a composure beyond his eighteen years. His tall, slender frame was clad in the duke’s formal attire, predominantly black, a testament to his presence commanding all gathered here. The cold expression with which he surveyed those below radiated an authority that forbade dismissing him as a mere youth.
Yet, when he looked at his sister beside him, his impassive face softened completely.
This transformation seemed all the more surprising to those who knew Aleksei well, leaving many young men speechless and young ladies blushing as they gazed at him.

Conversely, Ekaterina was unknown to everyone. Most were seeing her for the very first time.
A young lady imprisoned for years, ignorant of the world. She had not made her debut in society and had received little proper education. Given this information, many imagined a girl who knew nothing of the manners expected of an aristocratic lady.
Yet the Ekaterina who appeared wore a dress more refined than any of the noblewomen of the Northern Capital, her bearing radiating grace. The slender dress featured a dignified design that minimized exposure, yet clearly revealed a figure rich in feminine curves, utterly captivating. The dress’s design clearly evoked the blue rose, symbol of the Duke of Jurnova’s house, as if declaring to all that she was the rightful heiress inheriting four centuries of history.
Her beauty, showing a maturity far beyond her fifteen years and a hint of fortitude, not only stood equal to her brother Aleksei’s but created a synergistic effect, lending her an almost intimidating aura.
This beauty had only just made her debut in society. She belonged to no one yet. The princess of Jurnova, boasting the highest honor and wealth.
It was no wonder young men of Ekaterina’s age were breathless with excitement.

Applause erupted spontaneously, seemingly from nowhere.
It spread in an instant, becoming a thunderous ovation from the entire grand hall that welcomed the siblings.

.

—And so it began.
Smiling at the crowd, Ekaterina caught sight out of the corner of her eye of a group huddled together, slightly apart from the grand staircase. They did not join in the applause, instead fixing the siblings with hostile stares.
Among them were Count Novadain and his daughter, Kira.

Those magnificent rolls she’s sporting, no matter what they always look fascinating.
Ah, that kinda rhymes.

Ekaterina couldn’t help but chuckle.
Mistaking it for a smug smile, Kira’s eyebrows shot up in anger, but Ekaterina’s gaze had already shifted elsewhere.

Novak, Aleksei’s closest aide; Aaron, the mining director; Forli, the forestry and agriculture director—the familiar faces from the academy’s administrative offices. They were waiting for Aleksei and Ekaterina with smiles.

Everyone is here. Above all, Onii-sama is by my side.
Lady Drill-Hair and her Sycophant Father, I’m sorry, but I’m not afraid of you.