However, even though he was startled, Edward still had a look of ease on his face and spoke his mind with a joking tone.

"Five million... To be honest, you gave me quite a scare, is it really worth that much for just a banquet?"

"It depends on whom," Yang Andes said with a smile, "If it's for His Majesty you, I think any amount of investment is worthwhile."

The word "His Majesty" made the corners of Edward's mouth unwittingly rise.

Although he quickly composed his face again, that fleeting expression did not escape Yang Andes's eyes.

"In consideration of our friendship, I will forgive your impudence... My father is still alive, he is the true lord of the entire duchy."

"That was presumptuous of me." Yang Andes said respectfully, nodding his head.

Honestly, Edward's feelings toward his father were quite complex. On one hand, he had lived in the shadow of his forebear since childhood, genuinely admiring that great Chosen One; on the other hand, he was unwilling to live in his shadow forever.

He longed to do something memorable!

And this was impossible while his father was still alive.

Thus, at times he was perplexed. When faced with his bedridden father, he was unsure whether sorrow or joy weighed more heavily in his heart.

To prevent others from seeing through the indecision in his heart, Edward shifted his gaze from the wealth-scented upstart to survey the guests in attendance.

And it was then, a baron standing not far from the dance floor caught his attention.

The man was dressed in a deep blue suit with gold trim, its voluminous contours hiding his portly beer belly, and his slight upward-curling mustaches closely resembled the aesthetic preferences of rural nobility.

However, what was notable was not his expensive and rustic suit or the meticulously groomed mustaches, but rather the white silk garments on his legs—

They looked like pants, yet were seamless like long stockings, and Edward stared at them so long he couldn't figure out what exactly they were.

It was not just Edward who noticed the eccentric attire; Sir Andes standing beside him also looked at the man with surprise.

Indeed a curiosity.

There were still treasures in the world he had not seen.

"Good heavens, what is that?" a lady in a long dress couldn't help but exclaim softly, her eyes never leaving the baron's legs.

She knew it was improper to stare so intently at a person's legs, but they were just too unusual.

Every time she thought to avert her gaze, she couldn't resist taking another look.

"I heard him say it's from a merchant from the colonies, supposedly called stockings, just becoming fashionable in the imperial court," whispered a gentleman wearing a red cape with shoulder drapes and boots, half incredulity, half envy, and jealousy in his hearty voice.

Both nobles of the same county, even holding the same rank of baron, why had such treasures not appeared within his own lands?

It seemed he needed to patrol his own territories more, to regularly inspect his subjects' wardrobes!

"Such form-fitting fabric, able to depict such exquisite contours of the legs... this, this is truly a work of art!" Another young noble not far away couldn't help but express his admiration with visible esteem and appreciation.

Baron Ges held his chin high, basking in the admiring glances of those around him, his demeanor much like a proud swan from his estate's back pond.

The aristocrats present were indeed dazzled by him.

They all considered themselves to be of noble birth, yet had never seen such a novel object.

Even a glutton could show off the lines of his leg muscles, and paired with an inverted triangle shirt and wide lapels, anyone could appear like a diligent warrior.

Edward couldn't help but wonder how those things would look on his own legs.

Hmm.

He would find out where this fellow obtained them later.

He had just been planning to raise a new knightly order completely loyal to him as a counterbalance to the Trident Knights.

If the knights from this order all wore those things, it would undoubtedly bring out his majesty!

Sir Andes had been observing Edward's expressions, keenly catching on to his interest in the novel item, though due to his standing he hadn't expressed it too overtly.

With this thought, he immediately said with a smile.

"I am acquainted with that gentleman; he is Baron Victor Ges from Thunder County. I had the pleasure of meeting him at the banquet hosted by Governor-General."

"Then do you know where that intriguing suit came from?" Seemingly aware that such a question was somewhat indelicate, Edward hastily added, "I'm just curious... something I've not seen before is actually in my domain."

Sir Andes smiled and said.

"Forgive my bluntness, but I have never seen any such novel item either. However, I can inquire for you... using my name."

Edward's face showed a look of approval, and he nodded his head.

That was best.

As the eldest son of the Grand Duke Campbell, it wasn't fitting for him to show excessive interest in such frivolous accessories. Moreover, for a duke to approach a baron was somewhat beneath his status.

Having Sir Andes go was most appropriate.

Although he was quite wealthy, his title was merely the lowest of the ranks, a noble without a feudal estate.

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