A fireworks display was launched from Yurinova Castle, signaling the beginning of the banquet.

The people of the city, who were gathered around the castle, suddenly stopped to look at the fireworks. Because the sky was still clear, the fireworks were only sound and smoke.

I see the celebration has begun.

Yes, and a big one at that.

Such discussions took place while looking at the castle. The smiling merchants must be the ones who delivered the food and other items for the banquet.

The new duke knows what hes doing, even though hes young. He patronizes the serious merchants and brings money to the local community, just as Lord Sergei did.

Im glad because after Lord Sergei died, some stranger from who knows where took over all of the work in the castle, and I was worried about what would happen next.

These sentiments were shared by many of the merchants in the capital. They had no way of knowing it was the aftermath of a massive embezzlement, though.

Is the duke going to be here for a long time now? I heard he brought his beautiful wife with him.

This was also a common rumor in the capital.

No, thats his sister. She is the princess of Yurinova, but she was locked up somewhere for a long time. The duke is taking excellent care of her because he feels sorry for her.

Many people nodded their heads at these words.

What? I heard they were a close couple.

No, theyre brother and sister. I heard that directly from a servant at the castle. Im sure of it.

But the people who saw them in person said they were a perfect couple.

No, they werent.

This was one of the many conversations that took place that evening.

The Great Hall of Yurinova Castle.

Two huge chandeliers were already lit, illuminating the glittering decorations and huge paintings on the walls.

And another chandelier in the center, made of the most luminous of all the glowing stones, the rainbow stones, illuminated the people. The Yurinova family was proud of this light, created by an inventor invited by the fifth Duke Vassily. Not even in the imperial castle were their lights as large and bright as these.

Many of the invited guests had already gathered at the castle, where beautifully dressed ladies and gentlemen were whispering and smiling. The waiters were passing by, serving drinks, and the sumptuous food was beautifully arranged and served.

However, the banquet had not yet officially begun. The main actors, Duke Alexei and his sister Ekaterina, had not yet appeared.

The musicians waited in a corner of the hall with their musical instruments. As soon as they started playing music, the Duke would make an appearance, as was the custom at the Yurinovas evening banquet.

The musicians, at the signal of the butler, set their instruments at the ready. The guests gasped as the music began to flow out.

Then they looked up at the grand staircase that connected the hall to the upper floor.

The Duke of Yurinova, dressed in his formal black robes, and a lady in a dress that resembled the evening sky, appeared on the floor at that very moment. The crowd cheered at the sight of these two stunning figures.

In response to the loud cheers, Ekaterina unintentionally placed her hand on her brothers right arm.

I was so surprised!

I didnt realize that when so many people shout simultaneously, it could create a shockwave like a bang!

And this grand staircase. Similar to the one that was shown in the classic Hollywood movie Gone with the Wind or the finale of a girls revue. Going down there with all the eyes on youwas a mental ordeal.