In the banquet hall of the Valencia Family Manor, the air was filled not just with the mingling scents of perfume and fine wine, but with an indescribable tension and anticipation.
Under the golden lights, guests dressed in luxurious attire gathered in small groups. They laughed and conversed quietly, yet couldn't help but focus their gaze toward the entrance of the banquet hall.
Or to put it more accurately—
In every pair of eyes, the same figure was reflected.
"…I didn't expect the Regent King to personally come out to greet us!"
In the corner, an elderly Baron couldn't hide the surprise in his voice. Although he spoke quietly, his words were clearly overheard by many around him.
A noble next to him chuckled softly.
"What's so strange about that? I'm more surprised that Duke Valencia came downstairs as well."
