When the Duke of Yurinova succeeded to the title, a banquet was held in the ducal territory and in the imperial capital.
Like the imperial family, it was customary for the three major dukes to pass on their titles while the duke was still alive. In such cases, the feast would be held promptly.
If the succession occurred after the death of a predecessor, a funeral would be held first, followed by a banquet to celebrate the new duke after a certain period of time.
A banquet to celebrate Alexei’s succession to the dukedom had already been held in the imperial capital.
The feast at the dukedom, on the other hand, had been postponed for an unusually long period of time because Alexei was a student which could not return to the dukedom very often, or, in other words because he did not want to. He thought that the feast in the capital would suffice.
However, times have changed, and now a grand banquet is to be held. The feast’s purpose was not only to commemorate his succession to the dukedom, but also to make his sister Ekaterina, who had never appeared before the people of the dukedom since her birth, widely known as the Duchess of Yurinova.
In other words, this banquet was held by Alexei for Ekaterina. It was no exaggeration to say so.
“Young Lady.”
Anna, the head maid, entered the room with her head bowed and was about to speak when she was cut off.
Ekaterina was writing at her desk, and Regina, who was lying at her feet, jerked herself up. A huge hound with sword-like fangs was staring at her with glowing eyes, and Anna, a veteran with scarlet hair mixed with gray, was so frightened that her plump body trembled.
“Regina, don’t frighten Anna.”
Ekaterina smiled and patted Regina’s head. Squinting, Regina lay back down again.
“Oh, Young Lady, hounds are not allowed in the mansion.”
“Big Brother allowed it. I was also told that when Grandfather returned to his estate, he kept his favorite leader dog by his side.”
“That’s…”
Anna, a veteran who remembered Grandfather’s time, stammered, unable to argue. She seemed to mumble something about the Magic Beast in the mix.
“More importantly, did you not want to see me?”
“Ye, yes.”
She looked up and quickly regained her composure, which I suppose was in part because of her experience.
“Young lady, which outfit would you like to wear for the feast?”
“The one I prepared in the imperial capital. What about it?”
Ekaterina asked, her purplish-blue eyes wide, and Anna looked puzzled.
“That’s because we will be preparing for the Young Lady. We need to know what kind of clothes you will be wearing. Besides, there are trends here in the northern capital, and I would be happy to take a look at your clothes and give you some advice.”
“Oh, you thought so. Don’t worry, my dress is tailored to the latest fashions in the capital. If it doesn’t match the fashion in the northern capital, then we’ll leave it at that.”
Ekaterina smiled, and then her expression changed.
“I’m not going to change anything, even if Anna tells me to. This dress is made of a fabric developed by Big Brother to become a new specialty of the Yurinova territory. Moreover, when we entertained the imperial family in a dress designed by the same person, the Empress praised it and purchased the fabric. I’m afraid I won’t be able to change it because of your advice. Do you understand?”
“Yes, yes…I am sorry, Young Lady, for my insolence.”
Ekaterina’s tone was gentle, but every word was clear. There was no other way to respond.
“Mina knows how to prepare. You can assist her as she instructs you on the day of the event.”
“Yes, my Lady.”
Anna glanced at Mina, who was standing behind Ekaterina.
