Among the four Dukes of Norvaegard, none commanded more respect than the Iron Duke.

He was the shield of the North, the steadfast wall that stood between the kingdom and the endless waves of monsters, marauding barbarians, and foreign armies. Through every winter, every siege, every war... the North did not fall.

Because he did not fall.

To the common folk, the Iron Duke was what a noble should be, unbending, unshaken, and uncorrupted. A man of iron will and colder discipline. He neither indulged in courtly games nor wasted words on empty flattery.

He stood where others fled. Fought where others wavered. And endured where others broke. The nobles called him rigid. The soldiers called him unyielding. The people called him a pillar of the kingdom.

If Seraphina's presence was like a seductive thorny flower, Elandor was that of a warm, pious believer, and Kaelvar was a floating cloud with a hidden storm. Vardon was a large mountain, and each step he made was filled with heavy resolve.

Despite not wearing armor right now, everyone who was watching Vardon walk saw him wearing magnificent silver armor.

When Kaelvar saw this scene, his thirst for battle was at full blast, and a vicious grin appeared on his face.

"Heh, as expected of my best friend and rival. To think that he, too, had grown stronger from before." Kaelvar unconsciously had his hand almost touch the hilt of his sword when Elandor appeared before him.

"Hey, you idiot. Even if it's you, if you take action here, you will not be forgiven." Elandor's silent pressure bore down on Kaelvar.

'Should I take Elandor as well? This is my chance to have an incredible fight!'

While Kaelvar's intent to battle was rising, his beloved daughter Elyra grabbed hold of a part of his clothes. Seeing this, Kaelvar was able to calm down as he lowered his hand.

"Sorry about that, I just got a little excited."

Elandor did not respond and simply frowned at Kaelvar. He decided to stick close to the brute just in case he thinks of doing something stupid.

***

Vardon arrived in front of the royals and performed a knight's salute, and Lucen, who was standing behind, also did the same. Vardon then signalled Sir Thalos in the back, who nodded his head and left the ballroom.

While waiting for Sir Tahlos to come back, Vardon simply stood in front of the little prince, who was feeling anxious to be in Vardon's presence.

The First Prince Elric looked at Vardon, thinking of how to make this Duke become his ally. The Second Prince Gregory, whose thoughts were unreadable, was not looking at the Iron Duke but at Lucen.

The Second Princess Elena was also looking at Lucen curiously. This was the person who was the subject of most of the rumors in recent days. The First princess, Mirabelle, looked uninterested, but she was glancing at Vardon and Lucen every now and then.

The King, too, had his gaze fixed on Vardon... But more intently on Lucen. He had already informed the Iron Duke that he wished to speak with the boy.

After a short wait, Sir Thalos returned, carrying a round shield. With practiced formality, he presented it to the Third Prince.

"This is my gift, it is a round shield crafted from many monster materials. It was forged from the scales of a young fire dragon, one slain by my son and his men."

When the people heard that Lucen truly defeated a young fire dragon, they were aghast. If it were anyone else who said it, they might have doubted the news, but it was the Iron Duke who said it.

This was a person who would never lie, no matter the circumstances. It wasn't just him; the entire Thornehart bloodline had a heavy dislike for the court's politics. They were men of battle and honor. Even if it were for his blood, he would never let go of honor.

"So the rumor was true!" That was what the majority of the nobles present were murmuring to one another.

The nobles had many different reactions upon confirming the truth of the rumors. Some showed an expression of fear, others with interest, many were of disbelief, and there were also those who had anger written all over their face.

"This shield is imbued with anti-mana properties. It can nullify lesser spells and endure even the force of high-tier spells. The shield also has many enchantments placed on it that would protect its user from damage even if the shield is not directly hit."

The Royal Guard who took the shield was about to place the gift with the others when he noticed how light the shield was. It felt like he was holding nothing in his hands.

"As for the second gift, my son has something to give."

Harlik handed over the item in question to Lucen, who presented it to the Third Prince. Many people already knew what the item was. It was the popular board game Territory War, but unlike other boards, this one looked different; it closely resembled that of the round shield that was given.

"This is my gift, it is a one-of-a-kind Territory War board made from the same scales of the young fire dragon. The pieces hand-carved from its claws and bones are balanced for perfect weight. It is the only one of its kind. I, as the creator of the game, have even put my signature on it."

The very second Lucen said those words, many people reacted, especially the Aeromont mother and daughter, as well as Lysette Crowlorne.

Murmurs broke out once more, louder than before. Unlike the shield, which only nobles of rank could envy, this was something anyone, mage, merchant, or noble, could covet. As a one-of-a-kind item, it was pretty much priceless.

"Third Prince, would you consider selling that board to me?"

Seraphina suddenly spoke, surprising everyone, including Elandor. If other nobles did the same thing, they would have been punished, but as one of the four Dukes and a Tower Master, Seraphina held significant power.

Even Lucen was quite surprised by the sudden interruption by Seraphina. 'She did say she and her daughter liked the game... But this much?... Then again, this world has no arcades, no cards, and their version of chess is f*cking too complicated. Even something like Reversi would count as a royal pastime.'

The King did not say anything as he looked at the scene with an amused smile on his face. He was waiting to see what his seven-year-old son would do in such a situation. The ballroom fell silent. All eyes turned to the Third Prince, waiting. Watching, judging.

Elion, overwhelmed by the stares directed at him, waiting for what he was about to say, could do the only thing he knew how to; he went to his second sister's side. Seeing his actions, the king could only sigh. The queen showed a warm gaze at her child.

Elric had a cold gaze and scoffed at his brother's cowardice. Mirabelle looked at the board deep in thought. Gregory did not look interested in the board, as he continued to look intently at Lucen, as if he wanted to see through Lucen's very soul.

Elena patted her younger brother's head as Elion whispered in his big sister's ears. "Help me."

"Do you want the board?"

Elena whispered back, and Elion quickly nodded his head. Ever since the game Territory War appeared, he had played with the servants for hours, and sometimes with his siblings. He really liked the game.

The special board made for him was something he did not want to give up. Unfortunately, he did not have the courage to speak out against the Duchess Seraphina. Seeing her younger brother's response, Elena nodded her head.

Elena was the one who responded to Seraphina. "I'm afraid," she said with a smile, "this board is not for sale."

The room went quiet. The King was smiling; he wanted his youngest to respond like that, but seeing Elena do it was equally satisfying.

"I addressed the Third Prince, not his elder sister. Unless, of course, he cannot speak for himself?" Seraphina responded with a gentle smile on her face, but there was an invisible pressure in every word she said. Elena did not back down and replied.

"My brother entrusted me with his answer. And it remains no."

Everyone was quite surprised, a twelve-year-old girl, even if she was a princess, was able to respond like that to the Duchess Seraphina was truly eye-opening.

"Is that so?..." Seraphina looked at the second princess, Elena, with amusement.

"Surely, there's something I can give that you would exchange for the board."

Robert, who was bored listening to the exchange, suddenly perked up. Seraphina was willing to go that far for that board made by Lucen.

'Maybe she would trade the original journal of Lunavere Aeromont for another limited edition board.' Robert then glanced in Lucen's direction. "I'll ask Lucen later if he can make me something similar so I can trade with the old hag," Robert mumbled to himself.

Even though he spoke in a way that only he could hear, Robert felt a cold glare. He saw that Seraphina was looking directly at him. Robert quickly stood beside his master, Thelwin. Seraphina's gaze at Robert was only a second as her attention went back to the Third Prince and the Second Princess waiting for their reply.

"Unfortunately, Duchess Seraphina, my younger brother truly likes the board and is not willing to exchange it for anything."

Seraphina gazed at the two royals and closed her eyes; a sweet smile then appeared on her face. "I guess, you truly like that board. Maybe, my daughter and I can play on that board with the third prince and second princess."

"That does sound pleasant. My younger brother and I also like playing Territory War. Playing with someone like the Duchess and her daughter should be fun." Elena replied with a bright smile on her face.

While the rest of the room returned to its cheerful buzz, Prince Gregory's gaze never left Lucen. There was no curiosity in his eyes, only quiet, growing intent.