Duke Chateaubriand stiffened rigidly.

Shortly after, Duke Germo entered and let out a snicker.

The positions of Daymond and Duke Chateaubriand had completely reversed.

The once all-powerful Duke Chateaubriand, leader of the pro-Emperor faction, was now isolated.

Meanwhile, Daymond...

“He will safely enter the Central Tower.”

But that was not all.

The moment he stepped foot in the Central Tower, he absorbed an enormous faction.

“Indeed...”

Duke Germo, still chuckling, spoke to Duke Astra.

“Truly, your son is remarkable, my lord.”

“...”

“Is he truly the fierce hound of Astra who only knows the battlefield? I never imagined such greatness was contained within him.”

“Is that how it seems?”

“Yes?”

“To me, it seems less like something contained and more like something overflowing.”

“What do you mean...?”

Duke Astra raised a slight smirk as he looked at the impassive Daymond.

Now it was clear who stood at the heart of Daymond’s domain.

What filled Daymond’s vessel was more than just his talent.

Behind him stood a prodigy of the realm, whose genius had been obscured only by his youth.

“Erilot.”

“I have to protect grandfather...! (But I also have to protect my grandfather...!)”

That was the reason he entered the Imperial Palace.

The reason a decisive child unexpectedly pleaded for Silin’s chance.

The reasons why Silin had been tolerated until now.

“...It was all for this.”

For the glorious entrance of his own son into the Central Tower.

And Erilot’s plan was perfectly fulfilled.

Duke Isiron, who had arrived earlier, spoke.

“Who could possess such a formidable faction before even entering the Central Tower?”

“...”

“Your son has proudly become the head of one of the four factions of the Central Tower.”

“The future is what matters. The pro-Emperor faction is not merely a tempting fruit.”

Though he now follows Daymond by imperial command, the moment Daymond slips, they will not hesitate.

Just as they abandoned Chateaubriand, they would easily discard Daymond.

Duke Isiron shook his head.

“Well, I wonder if your granddaughter is truly that capable.”

“You had an inkling of the situation?”

“Even a rotten fish has its merits.”

As one who once led the nobles, Duke Isiron already guessed who had made Daymond.

He chuckled.

“Sometimes an old hawk is better than a young crow. Though I mean no insult to your house.”

Duke Astra raised his eyebrow as Duke Isiron grinned.

“What of the bastard you had in Astra?”

“You think I sent that child to spy on Astra?”

“If so.”

“Well, I’ll say her presence at the Astra estate was... a marvelous coincidence.”

Duke Isiron smiled at the trembling Chateaubriand duke.

“I have no wish to cross Astra.”

“...”

“Especially not your clever granddaughter.”

“She’s ruthless to her enemies.”

“They say matchmakers are searching for Astra, yes? Even the Empress Dowager has subtly shown interest. Where is her heart truly?”

Duke Astra’s eyes hardened.

“There is no meaning to those lusting after a mere eleven-year-old child.”

He spoke as if not even considering that both he and his children had betrothed partners before turning ten.

Duke Isiron chuckled, waving his hand lightly.

“Finding a husband for your granddaughter will be like catching stars from the sky.”

His eyes gleamed slyly.

“She looks quite fitting with Alexis.”

Quick-witted Duke Germo laughed and asked,

“Duke Isiron, who do you have in mind as a match for your newly emerged son? My niece is quite a fine child.”

“Haha, don’t you know my ambitions? She won’t be so easily won.”

Duke Isiron glanced at Daymond and murmured,

“He should be like the second Great Empress of the Shadows (the fifth Empress, Isabella), no less.”

“Oh, if it’s that sort, I too have strong ambitions. There’s a saying stemming from Empress Isabella, isn’t there?”

“That if loved by a Western woman, a worm becomes a dragon and ascends.”

Other nobles flinched and interjected.

“T-the sons of you two don’t seem like worms! The Western woman needed is my son...!”

“No, mine is far worse...!”

“Don’t say that! My son always causes trouble. He desperately searches for a daughter-in-law to blossom his talents...!”

The noble’s eyes burned fiercely as they looked at Duke Astra and Daymond.

Erilot’s nickname was no longer just “the girl with the dragon.”

She was the strongest Western Wonhwa.

The second Isabella.

And...

“The treasure of wisdom.”

An enviable bride indeed.

Duke Astra frowned.

“Enough nonsense, let’s start the meeting.”

Those schemers only wanted to benefit.

When he cast his fierce gaze around, those who had boasted of their “worm” sons hunched their shoulders.

And so the review of Daymond’s entry permit to the Central Tower began.

At that time, in the Paante salon party—

Silin clenched her teeth and glared sideways.

Her cousin Isabella, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, was brightly surveying the surroundings.

“Why did you even come along?”

“I was worried you’d cause some accident if left alone. Father was glad I said I’d come with you.”

“Stop with that ‘father’ talk...!”

“Oh my! Isn’t that Sebastia Biferi? The Eastern army’s Wonhwa. Introduce me.”

“Don’t be ridiculous and keep still. Don’t disgrace me with that tacky outfit.”

“Oh dear, the disgrace is what you’ve done to the Chateaubriand family.”

“You...!”

“Miss Biferi~.”

Isabella approached Sebastia with a coquettish voice.

Sebastia, dressed in formal trousers with her hair tied up, looked truly magnificent.

“Ahh...”

This really made me feel the grandeur of the capital.

There were many noble young ladies envied by girls from the provinces.

“A Paante party, huh.”

The Paante Marchioness’s parties were considered the best in the empire.

And many girls dreamed of attending the party hosted by her daughter, Rumelisa Paante.

Rumelisa Paante was there.

So was Sebastia Biferi, the idol of the girls.

And over there was Catherine Trang, daughter of a foreign princess and duke, nobility beyond words.

Also, Ivona Kabarins, fiancée of a foreign crown prince.

And the famed mage lineage Caitlyn Rosdal...!

Sebastia glanced at Isabella.

“Nice to meet you.”

“Oh! Greetings~. I’m Isabella Chateaubriand.”

“Chateaubriand?”

“My uncle is Duke Chateaubriand.”

“Oh, I heard you’re preparing to be officially registered in the Chateaubriand main family.”

“You know me? Oh my, how glad I am...”

Isabella happily covered her mouth with a fan.

“May I sit beside you? I don’t know anyone here in the capital, and Miss Biferi’s company would be reassuring.”

“Sorry, that seat is already taken.”

“Taken by...?”

Isabella’s eyes widened as she asked.

Suddenly, a commotion arose.

As someone entered from the lounge, the gathered young ladies all rushed over.

“How are you feeling?”

“You should rest more. Attending the party in such a poor condition really shows the brilliant friendship between the Paante lady and the Western Wonhwa.”

“Would you like some warm tea? It’ll soothe your stomach.”

Erilot smiled gently as she walked through the young ladies.

Sebastia raised a kindly hand.

“Here, Erilot.”

“Thank you for saving my seat, sister.”

“You’re welcome.”

Erilot was about to sit but glanced at Isabella.

“And this is...?”

“Isabella Chateaubriand, currently going through registration with the Chateaubriand main family.”

“Oh.”

Erilot greeted Isabella.

“Nice to meet you. I am Erilot Astra of the Second Countship of Astra.”

“W-w-welcome...!”

Isabella stammered messily, causing Erilot’s eyes to widen slightly.

“Y-young lady...?”

“W-w-welcome─!!”

Isabella suddenly bowed deeply.

It was the customary greeting to spread one’s skirt and bend the knees.

Several nobles sensitive to etiquette frowned.

Erilot smiled awkwardly, looked around, and took Isabella’s hand.

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I’ve seen all your battle videos! The Western preliminary Wonhwa match, the Sun Society... oh, it wasn’t a battle at the Sun Society, though. And the Crimson Ghoul suppression, the Imperial guard open battle training... and more...!”

“...”

“Oh my, I got too excited. It must be overwhelming.”

“Not at all. I’m glad you think well of me.”

“I’ve admired you all along! My name is Isabella. Your nickname is ‘Great Empress of Shadows,’ right? The spelling differs a bit, but isn’t that fate...?”

Sebastia and Erilot exchanged glances.

Both widened their eyes and laughed at the same time.

“I didn’t know there was someone so frank about Chateaubriand.”

Sebastia said, and Isabella blushed, covering her cheeks with both hands.

“I’ve always admired you! How embarrassing~.”

“My sister said she loves your honest personality.”

“You two are so kind. I’m the Western Wonhwa. Actually, my blessing matches well with yours. I’ve secretly wanted to become partners. My blessing is for monsters...”

Suddenly, Silin grabbed Isabella’s arm sharply.

“A disturbance at the party?”

Silin’s expression was cold.

“Foolish...!”

She came intending to help but is making a scene, embarrassing Rumelisa Paante.

The noble children’s expressions were sour.

Not only Sebastia but also this annoying Erilot Astra was gaining admiration from the capital’s boys and girls through various schemes.

Everyone probably wanted to associate with them, but they were monopolizing the attention and causing a fuss...

No wonder the Chateaubriand faction was disliked.

“I was just greeting.”

“Everyone’s uncomfortable. Control yourself...”

“Were you uncomfortable?!”

Isabella raised her voice.

No one responded.

Because responding would be seen as mistreating a young lady taking her first steps in the capital’s social scene.

Silin’s face hardened.

“They all know. That cunning one...!”

Isabella smiled sweetly at Silin.

“Seems no one is uncomfortable~?”

“Isabella.”

“So you don’t have to care. You should talk to the Paante lady. You came to ‘apologize,’ right?”

“...!”

To apologize meant admitting fault.

Admitting one’s fault publicly was like covering oneself in mud.

“Yelling like that in public?!”

People twisted their lips as they looked at Silin.

At that moment, Rumelisa Paante, arms crossed, walked out.

“You seem to have something to say.”

All eyes focused on her.

Even Sebastia and the detestable Erilot looked at her.

Silin clenched her skirt ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) tightly, face bright red.

“I will speak with you privately. Arrange a place.”

Rumelisa Paante glared.

“You still haven’t come to your senses.”

It was difficult for a host to leave her party.

Yet she spoke in such a commanding tone even while asking.

“How much do you disdain me?”

Silin already felt unwelcome.

She had sullied the party using the Southern Wonhwa.

Hadn’t she caused a disturbance even at the grand year-end party hosted by the Empress Dowager herself?

“If you act like this, it’ll be hard for me to show any consideration.”

Rumelisa Paante frowned.

“The host cannot leave. If you have something to say, say it here.”

“...!”

Erilot glanced around at everyone.

They all looked astonished as they glared at Silin.

“Now that Silin has come to this, and everyone knows what she’s done behind the scenes...”

There were quite a few victims.

She had trampled noble heirs and noble ladies in the capital from the shadows.

Sebastia whispered to Erilot.

“If there’s another disturbance here, people will talk about the Wonhwa’s misbehavior again.”

“That’s a problem.”

If I’m going to get covered in filth, it might as well be you.

Erilot gently took Rumelisa Paante’s hand.

“Since this is a party, how about talking separately next time?”

“Really... Erilot, how can you be so kind?”

“Huh?”

“You asked His Majesty to forgive Miss Chateaubriand, who did those things to you, and today...”

That was all because of a sly scheme.

“Well, it doesn’t hurt to look kindly on it...”

Rumelisa sighed deeply.

“If it’s Erilot’s request, I’ll comply.”

“How considerate...”

“Enough─!!”

Silin shouted.

She didn’t want help from such a cruel person.

“Pretending to be considerate!”

Isabella frowned.

“You’re being rude to someone trying to help, Silin.”

“I mean I don’t need help.”

Silin looked at Rumelisa.

“I’ll apologize. Is that enough?”

“Hah...! Is that what you call an apology?”

“I want to clear misunderstandings. I didn’t target you or cause that at the party!”

“You really...”

“The Western Wonhwa has always been hostile to me, the Central Wonhwa. If I step into the social scene in this state, not only I but others will be in trouble!”

“...”

“...”

“I thought that continuing like this might cause division in the Wonhwa troops. But if that caused trouble for Miss Paante, then it was a mistake.”

“...”

“I apologize. So—”

“Truly a dreadful person.”

Rumelisa muttered.

The atmosphere grew cold.

“Is admitting fault so difficult?”

“To Miss Paante, I think I’m wrong—”

“Does justifying yourself make it not a bad deed?”

“...”

“Please leave my party at once.”

“Miss Paante─!”

“I hope I never see you again.”

“That’s... How can you say that─”

At that moment,

People parted to make a path.

They were urging the unwelcome guest to leave.

In high society, it was tantamount to declaring social death.

“...!”

But that was not the end.

“Did you hear?!”

Someone like a swift messenger ran into the party.

“His Majesty has ordered Silin Chateaubriand and her daughter to be put on trial!”

It was the end of Silin’s noble life.