The Guard Captain bowed again, "Of course, Marquis Duca."

After speaking, the Guard Captain quickly stepped aside with four guards, clearing the path.

Mark nodded slightly, walking into the castle with graceful steps.

The attendant was left outside the door.

Seeing Mark enter the castle, the Guard Captain's heart slightly relaxed.

With the corner of his eye, he glanced inside the castle and saw Mark walking in that direction.

The Guard Captain instantly understood.

The arrogant and domineering Mark Duca had become so approachable.

Inside the castle, Mark's gaze was fixed on a tall and sturdy figure ahead.

Golden locks were brushed back like a lion's mane from the front to the nape of the neck.

His explosive muscles strained the silk robe he wore.

One could even see the contours of muscles on his arms, back, and chest.

Together with his nearly two-meter height, from a distance, he resembled a humanoid beast!

Mark walked steadily towards the imposing man, finally stopping two meters behind him.

The man's overwhelming aura and visual pressure made Mark's breathing somewhat labored.

At that moment, the imposing man was conversing with another middle-aged man.

Mark did not dare to interrupt at all, quietly standing behind waiting.

An attendant carrying a tray of drinks passed by, and Mark casually took a tall wine glass.

Until a few minutes later.

The conversation between the imposing man and the middle-aged man finally ceased, and the middle-aged man stepped back to leave.

At this moment.

Mark finally spoke slowly, "Your Highness Mitchell."

The commanding man heard Mark's respectful address and turned to look over.

It was a stern and solemn face that, even without words, could instill immense pressure with just a glance.

Even as the youngest Marquis of the Karedi Empire, Mark's heart sank a little.

Not just because Mitchell Carolin was the eldest son of Charlemagne VI of the Karedi Empire.

But also because he had another title—Spear of the Empire!

Even though the current Emperor of the Empire, Charlemagne VI, abolished this title.

Mitchell Carolin's prowess remained an unshakable presence!

No one could ignore him!

Looking at Mark Duca before him, Mitchell's face broke into a smile, "So it's the youngest marquis of the Karedi Empire, Marquis Mark Duca."

Hearing Mitchell's reference to himself, Mark's face showed a trace of embarrassment, and he quickly said, "Your Highness Mitchell, please don't say that, in front of you I'm nothing."

"You are a lofty highness, and I... was just someone you watched grow up..."

"It's only because my father's health isn't good, so the marquisate was prematurely inherited to me, his eldest son."

Mitchell smiled and said, "Marquis Duca, is it always the case that the eldest son can inherit position and status? I don't think so."

Mark was slightly taken aback.

He naturally knew that Mitchell was using his inheritance affairs to satirize the current Emperor, Charlemagne VI!

Mitchell Carolin, in his early forties, was in his prime, being the eldest son of the royal family with great personal strength and governance capabilities!

However.

Due to previous losses in the Battle of Windless Valley, the title of Spear of the Empire was directly abolished.

He was even forbidden by Charlemagne VI to participate in the Imperial Secretariat!

Mark hesitantly asked, "Your Highness, do you mean..."

Mitchell smiled again, "Marquis Duca, you may have misunderstood."

"I meant that to inherit the position of Marquis Duca, one should naturally be like you, with prodigious talent and the status of an eldest son!"

"Otherwise, it's irresponsible not only to the Ducas Clan but also to the Karedi Empire!"

Mark's heart sank, nodding in agreement.

Mitchell shifted the topic, continuing, "Marquis, time is nearly up, I must accompany young Yuna to walk the carpet, shall we discuss further later?"

Mark responded, "Of course, Your Highness Mitchell."

Mitchell smiled slightly, patted Mark on the shoulder, and then headed towards the steps inside the castle laid with a red carpet.

Watching Mitchell's burly figure ascend the stairs, ascending slowly, and finally disappearing at the second-floor corner.

Only then did Mark retract his gaze, raising his wine glass and taking a big sip.

Then, he slightly parted his lips, exhaling a breath of alcohol, feeling much better.

Mark scanned the room, finally seeing a round table not far away; he walked over, sat on a leather chair, and quietly awaited the start of the ceremony.

Mark's gaze gradually moved over the array of faces.

He found that most of those attending Yuna Carolin's coming-of-age ceremony were young or middle-aged men.

Even without guessing, Mark could understand their intent.

At Yuna Carolin's coming-of-age ceremony, they intended to introduce the younger generation of their families to Yuna for connection and acquaintance.

Thus aiming to establish ties with the royal family, gaining royal bloodline!

Even if it were just a hint, compared to ordinary noble lords, their family status would rise sharply!

If, further recommended by Yuna with imperial blood, they could introduce the younger family members into the Imperial Secretariat.

The entire family's standing would advance further.

The current Emperor of the Empire, Charlemagne VI, was already over seventy.

Despite having nearly forty to fifty concubines in the harem.

He fathered over ten daughters, but sons, only two!

The eldest son, Mitchell Carolin.

The second son, Caesar Carolin!

Of the Three Great Dukes, besides the absent Duke of Red Dragon, the other two, Duke Cangyu and Duke Heiyao, were already present.

This time attending Yuna Carolin's coming-of-age ceremony was both a feast and a stance!

Clearly.

Two of the Three Great Dukes chose to side with Mitchell Carolin.

Mark's mind rapidly pondered.

If Mitchell intended to use his recently come-of-age daughter, Yuna, for a marriage alliance to strengthen and solidify his standing.

Undoubtedly, he would certainly choose one of the two dukes.

However, as a mere marquis, neither his status nor his family's strength were anywhere near capable competitors!

How could he seize the initiative?

As Mark mused, the united chorus in the castle grew louder.

The noble lords, who were conversing at the banquet, simultaneously turned their gaze towards the center steps of the castle.

There, the two-meter-tall Mitchell was slowly walking down, holding the hand of a young girl with a graceful figure...

That girl was the sole progeny of the Empire's eldest son, Mitchell Carolin—Yuna Carolin.

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