"Duke Blacknight is arriving with his partner, Lady Alia Blacknight."
The large doors opened, and two figures stepped inside. Bennett, dressed in the formal attire of a duke, walked steadily, while Alia held gently onto her arm.
"Ah, so you must be the new Duke, the hero of Maine, yes?" A middle-aged man with brown hair approached, raising his glass of wine in greeting.
Bennett tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing in mild confusion as she regarded him.
"Oh, I'm Count Edes."
As a waiter passed, Bennett took a glass of wine, raising it lightly before clinking it against his.
"So, you are Count Edes. Good to meet you."
Edes nodded with a smile, sipping his wine. "It's also good to meet the great hero. And congratulations on claiming your rightful position."
Bennett gave a small nod. The surrounding nobles immediately fell silent, their whispers dying away as all eyes shifted toward the grand staircase.
