Published: August 15, 2025
About a week after Eliaria met with King Elias alongside her parents... In the Royal Palace's largest great hall, a grand evening banquet hosted by the king was about to commence.
The great hall was divided into six tiered sections: at the farthest end sat the host, the king and the royal family; the next tier was reserved for the Duke's households, followed by Marquis households, then Count's households, Viscount households, and finally Baron households. Each group had its designated waiting position.
The entrance followed a custom: to arrive just in time for the official start of the banquet, with those of lower rank entering earlier and higher-ranking guests arriving later.
At this moment, most participants had entered and were waiting for the official start. However, in reality, attendees were already mingling, and the sharp, competitive exchanges typical among nobles had begun... but tonight's banquet was about more than that.
The guests of honor this evening were the children of noble families who had enrolled at the academy this year.
They were gathered here, whether consciously aware or not, to be celebrated, scrutinized, and recognized as the future pillars of the nation.
Surrounding these children were not only parents genuinely concerned about their sons and daughters' unfamiliarity with such social events but also those keeping a watchful eye to prevent any impropriety, or scouting for future marriage prospects. This created a unique tension in the air.
If Ryoma from Japan on Earth were present, he might describe this as an incredibly tense parents’ day event.
At that moment, another family arrived—a parent and child who had just enrolled this year.
The ringing of a bell announced their arrival, drawing the attention of those present.
After a brief pause, a staff member standing at the entrance raised their voice:
"Head of the Duke Jamill's household, Lord reinhardt jamil! Along with Lady Elise Jamil and young lady Eliaria Jamil! You may enter!"
Due to the layout of the great hall, the three were exposed to the gazes of the many already inside.
Yet, disregarding these eyes, they displayed an elegant demeanor.
Moreover, their attire for the day was adorned with large pearl accessories.
These, coupled with their graceful conduct, drew considerable attention, causing a stir among the nobles and their children gathered there.
"As expected from the Duke Jamill's household—they’re on a different level altogether."
"Eliaria must have just enrolled this year as well, yet how poised she is!"
"Is that the Duke Jamill? He’s so handsome... completely unlike his father."
"Lady Elise’s deep crimson dress and young lady Eliaria’s vivid blue ensemble—both exquisite. And those accessories!"
"Lord reinhardt jamil sports a brooch at his chest, while the lady and young lady wear earrings studded with such large pearls… truly befitting a Duke's family."
"The fabric and thread quality are obvious, and the designs are modest without excessive exposure or gaudiness. This makes the accessories stand out, giving an overall impression of refinement. Definitely not like those flashy nouveau riche lower nobles competing in ostentation."
"Father, I want accessories like those too."
"Ah, those? A single pearl is quite valuable..."
"With pearls that beautiful, any woman would be interested. Right, dear?"
"When we return home, we should summon the jeweler. With money, we can get as many as we want."
"Don't you understand the value of those pearls?"
"They're just jewels. If ordered from a shop, they can be obtained."
Behind the graceful family walking through the crowd, many voices rose and fell.
Tonight's banquet was a standing reception, and guests could move freely, but no one approached the Jamil family.
Etiquette and unspoken rules dictated that it was considered rude for those of lower status to address higher-ranking individuals directly. Instead, one would ask for an introduction through a mutual connection or wait to be approached. Calling out directly was unacceptable.