The guests attending the Red Palace banquet actually included an envoy from the New Moon Kingdom, which was something Charlotte never expected.

Not only that, but this envoy was also an acquaintance of Charlotte.

"Moon Guardian Duke—John de Anlo..."

Charlotte read the name off the list.

The Moon Guardian Duke was an old acquaintance of Charlotte's, having warmly welcomed her to Castel when she first inherited her territory.

After winning the war for Castel's independence from Bold Castel, the Moon Guardian Duke even took the initiative to host salons and introduce Charlotte to the lords of various kingdoms.

Charlotte was able to quickly integrate into the high society of the New Moon Kingdom's nobility, and the Castel Domain was able to establish stable channels for extraordinary trade with the lords of the major kingdoms, largely thanks to the tremendous effort of the Moon Guardian Duke.

Charlotte always had a rather good impression of this loyal royalist noble.

The Moon Guardian Duke was amiable and generous, with a kind-hearted nature. In another life, he would be that person in the office who got along with everyone and was always cheerfully sociable.

However, if one truly believed the Moon Guardian Duke to be nothing but a friendly old man without any abilities, they would be deeply mistaken.

To become a leader among the Kingdom Nobles and the right-hand man to New Moon King Louis V, the Moon Guardian Duke definitely had substantial skills.

It was said that even the final ceasefire agreement of the Star Moon War was orchestrated by him, and at that time, the Moon Guardian Duke was not even twenty years old.

Moreover, in a certain sense, he also played no small part in easing the post-war relationship between Charlotte and the New Moon Royal Family.

After all, during the Bold Castel war, the Royal Family had tacitly agreed to the Third Prince Philip's stripping of her title, making them enemies even without direct confrontation.

The fact that they could later sit down and have a serious discussion was thanks to the Moon Guardian Duke's mediation.

Even the recognition of Castel's independence and the proposal to accept Castel as a direct vassal came from his initiative and suggestion to the king.

Without a doubt, the Moon Guardian Duke was a true confidant of Louis V.

As an envoy visiting the Falling Star Kingdom, his every move and every word likely represented the stance of the New Moon Royal Family.

"The envoy from the New Moon Kingdom... when did they arrive at Falling Star? What could be their purpose?"

After a moment of thought, Charlotte asked.

She had only arrived in Falling Star a day ago; considering the Moon Guardian Duke had to travel from farther away, it was only possible that he had left earlier and not later.

This meant that the Moon Guardian Duke had come to the Falling Star Kingdom with his own agenda.

Marquis Howard replied respectfully,

"It's quite coincidental; he just arrived this morning. We are not clear about his intentions yet, but they are probably related to the territorial dispute between our two countries."

"As you know, the peace treaty at the end of the Star Moon War did not resolve the territorial issues between our two countries. Our Falling Star Kingdom regards the Romany Duchy as king's land, while the New Moon Kingdom likewise considers it by law."

"Twenty years ago, when the peace treaty was signed, it was agreed to temporarily set aside the territorial disputes."

"But now, our Falling Star situation is unstable and the throne is vacant, which probably has stirred the New Moon Kingdom again."

Charlotte's heart stirred, and she immediately understood.

The eighty-year Star Moon War did not fully resolve the conflicts between the two countries, and the territorial disputes have always been a looming issue.

And now with Falling Star in internal turmoil and the throne empty, coupled with the abrupt emergence of Castel as a new variable, the New Moon Kingdom certainly could not remain idle.

After all, if Charlotte were to actually become the Queen of Falling Star, the disputed territory would not be limited to the Romany Duchy.

In addition to the Romany Duchy, they would have to consider Castel, with its geographic location and even richer strategic resources.

Under these circumstances, the presence of the New Moon Kingdom's envoy at Charlotte's welcome banquet became quite delicate.

It meant that the New Moon Kingdom already had plans to meddle in the succession for the throne of Falling Star.

Without a doubt, tonight's banquet was going to be lively.

Marquis Howard had obviously considered this as well.

It was clear from his expression, almost written all over his face with worry.

From their perspective, it was understandable; for these nobles from the Parliamentary Party, lacking extraordinary martial strength, supporting Charlotte's succession was already difficult. Furthermore, when Charlotte agreed to take the throne, she expressly stated that she would not give up Castel Domain.

But now that the New Moon Kingdom's envoy had arrived, one could easily guess that they would certainly not accept such an arrangement, potentially pushing the New Moon Kingdom towards the Lilac Party nobles.

This would certainly complicate the succession issue.

After some internal struggle, Marquis Howard bit his lip and once again bowed to Charlotte:

"Queen... Your Majesty..."

Watching him with an expression that suggested he had something to say, Charlotte nodded:

"Speak your mind."

Taking a deep breath, Marquis Howard asked,

"Your Majesty, are you... unwilling to give up Castel Domain under any circumstances? Forgive my frankness, the New Moon Kingdom will definitely not allow Castel Domain to fall under Falling Star's dominion. If you insist on this, they will certainly stand with our opponents..."

"I believe you must realize that not everything is perfect, and sometimes, necessary sacrifices must be made..."

Charlotte looked at him, shook her head, and said,

"Lord Howard, I do not know if Count Stafford has told you, but my willingness to accept the throne of Falling Star comes with the stipulation that I will never give up my Castel Domain."