Guest after guest streamed into the imperial palace.
With most of the noble families having arrived earlier, the new arrivals were mostly visitors from distant regions.
The palace hall quickly grew crowded, alive with the chatter of the assembled guests.
"Tsk! What's wrong with you, Allen? Why do you look so upset?" A man asked playfully.
He was tall, with light blue hair and a strikingly handsome face. He wore a white robe crafted from the finest silk.
He was one of the empire's most renowned figures in the western region: Victor Valcrest, son of the Duke of Valcrest.
In terms of status, he was Allen's equal—perhaps even slightly above. He was, in comparison, on the same level as Rafine.
Although Allen was the heir, he had never been entrusted with any family affairs.
He was an heir in name only, without a solid position or real influence.
"Are you mocking me, Victor?" Allen asked coldly, narrowing his eyes.
