As feared, the number of people trying to approach the Duke of Lancester Household increased.

At the same time, an evening party was scheduled to be hosted by Marquis of Brandner. The epidemic had finally subsided, and peaceful days were returning to the capital of the Kingdom of Branwill.

The gathering seemed to be for celebrating that and deepening exchanges among the nobles who had returned to the capital. However, everyone understood that the true purpose was for exchanging information about the areas devastated by the epidemic and to collect donations. That was why such an extensive number of nobles had gathered in the grand hall.

“The epidemic truly brought about tragic results and major changes to society.”

“Yes, distribution has finally returned to normal, and people have returned to the royal capital as well. It will likely take time for things to return completely to how they were.”

As Avril and Dylan were having this conversation, they never imagined that their positions within the royal family would change, nor that the repercussions would also reach them.

I understand His Highness Lawrence’s desire to keep the capable Lord Dylan as his successor. However, to suddenly place such a heavy responsibility on someone who has never before been in that position is far too cruel.

Dylan had been approached by Lawrence about becoming the next Crown Prince the other day, but he postponed officially answering. His answer, that he had no intention of accepting, remained unchanged, yet he also knew that Lawrence wouldn’t give up easily.

Therefore, Dylan’s conclusion was that he should approach the three members of the royal family who were trying to renounce their rights of succession, confirm whether their intentions were truly firm, and then act.

In this country, members of the direct royal line automatically possess the right of succession to the throne. The reason there’s so much commotion about who the Crown Prince will be now is because the matter has reached collateral branches. If a member from the direct line withdraws their refusal, there won’t be any problems.

Though imagining that Lawrence of all people wouldn’t have tried this himself was difficult, it was clear that he valued Dylan more highly than the candidates of the direct line.  His accepting their renunciations without trying to persuade them otherwise wasn’t impossible.

Given the purpose of today’s evening party and its host, it was known that the candidates who had renounced their claims to the throne would be attending. Avril and Dylan attended for the purpose of meeting them.

At any rate, I must conduct myself properly…!

Dylan was the one escorting Avril, but Samuel was accompanying them from behind.

Since the party was at Samuel’s family home, and because Dylan would likely be spending more time acting on his own, the plan was for Samuel to also serve as Avril’s escort.

It was clear that Dylan wouldn’t simply be approaching those who had renounced their succession rights and listening to their reasons.  He was going to take action to persuade them.

And thus, the decisive evening party began.

The grand hall of the Marquis Brandner’s mansion was packed with people. Beneath the opulent chandeliers, the elegant melody of a waltz flowed through the room.

Elegantly dressed nobles mingled everywhere. In the open space at the center of the hall, young men and women gracefully danced.

Amidst the bustling atmosphere, Dylan seemed to have already spotted one of the people he was seeking. He whispered in Avril’s ear.

“…Duke Smühl is here. I’ll be stepping away for a moment.”

“Certainly.”

“Of the remaining two, Duke Lasalle is a conspicuous man as would be befitting of a duke, but Duke Gondran is an elusive man. His actions and thoughts are impossible to predictable. He will probably be quite difficult to find. In any case, don’t get caught up in any trouble.”

“Leave it to me! Please take care.”

After seeing Dylan’s departing back off, Avril’s gaze turned to Samuel who was beside her.

“So, Samuel, may I ask you to escort me from here?”

“Yes. My home is my garden, after all. I will escort you as is befitting of my responsibly.”

The respectful bow he gave was very endearing. Avril had to resist the urge for her cheeks to smile, almost forgetting the important purpose for which they attended this evening party.

This is no time to be absentminded…!

Since Dylan had gone to speak with the Duke of Smühl, Avril should look for the next person.

Three of the people attending this night’s evening party have renounced their succession rights to the throne: the Duke of Smühl, the Duke of Lasalle, and the Duke of Gondran. I heard they are all advanced in age and have been in poor health, but since collecting donations is a purpose of this gathering, they are likely to make an active appearance.

Avril carefully surveyed the grand hall. She did not know their faces, but she should be able to make a rough guess of their identities from their attire and the people they were associating with. However, for the moment, the people she was looking for did not seem to be anywhere in sight.

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