The banquet was in full swing, but there was a gaze fixed on Liter, who was quietly eating. The Count Kalsberg, who had just been insulted by Osen, was now staring at Liter. Between the toasting, Osen noticed the Count and when he saw him looking in his direction without saying a word, he became puzzled. He didn't know what the Count was thinking.

Soon after, the Count stood up and raised a glass to Osen. "Master Osen, I propose a toast to you." With that, he drank the wine in his glass in one gulp. Before Osen could react, the Count continued, "It is well known that the Strannik family is known for their martial prowess, and Master Osen, as the most renowned young talent of The Empire, must surely have inherited the martial prowess of Duke Lucius."

The Count's words caught the attention of everyone at the banquet, including Liter who had been lowering his head quietly, but now slowly stopped his hand movements. "Today, as Master Liter returns, I am somewhat curious..." The Count looked in the direction of Liter, his gaze sharp. "Master Liter, what outstanding qualities have you inherited from Duke Lucius?"

After the Count finished speaking, silence fell upon the room. The other nobles looked towards Liter and Lucius. The couple sitting at the head of the table had a somewhat helpless expression. Mary even glanced at Kalsberg with a hint of anger, but due to the occasion, she couldn't confront him openly. Liter remained silent with his head down.

Beside him, Osen was surprised by Kalsberg's remark. What did this Count mean? It took so much effort to divert the topic away from Liter, to ensure a smooth first day for Liter entering the family and not provoke his self-esteem, to prevent him from turning dark. Yet now the other party has brought the topic back to Liter? Are you intentionally picking a fight?

Thinking this, Osen couldn't help but prepare to stand up. "Master Osen," Kalsberg quickly spoke upon seeing Osen's actions, "I know Master Liter has just returned home, and you 'love' this little brother very much, but excessive indulgence won't allow a child to grow, but rather it will hinder their progress."

"Could it be, Master Osen, that you 'love' Master Liter so much for this reason?" After Kalsberg finished speaking, he deliberately revealed a surprised expression. "Oops, I apologize, I inadvertently said too much. I hope Master Osen won't mind my candid advice."

Seeing Kalsberg's true petty nature, Osen frowned. He really wanted to kick him out directly, but first of all, the other party was invited by his father and he couldn't disrespect his father. On the other hand, the other party was likely trying to provoke him intentionally. After all, Lucius was still here, and he was the true owner of the Strannik family. If Osen disregarded Lucius and scolded Count Kalsberg, how would the others view Osen?

Being disrespectful and arrogant. That would still be considered mild. If people felt that after seeing Liter, Osen became impatient about the inheritance matter and wanted to seize power, that would be a serious problem. Therefore, at this time, he had to leave it to Lucius. Osen turned his head in the direction of Lucius, who was now deep in thought. Then, he raised his head and looked at Kalsberg. "Count Kalsberg, if I recall correctly, your family used to be involved in business, right?"

"Yes, that is correct." Kalsberg nodded, a little confused as to why Lucius was asking this question.

"Then you should have inherited the expertise of your elders in business and be quite skilled in commerce, right?" Lucius raised an eyebrow and said, "But why is it that in the financial report you handed me last month, the commercial activities within your territory have declined instead?""This..." Count Kars heard Lucius' words that seemed mocking and reproachful at the same time, and became nervous.

"Duke, let me explain. There are many reasons for this outcome..."

"No need to explain." Lucius interrupted Count Kars. "According to your words, Count Kars, you shouldn't be good at business, right?"

Seeing the situation on the field becoming tense, other nobles started to speak up to ease the atmosphere.

"Duke, Count Kars also meant well."

"Yes, yes, after all, Master Liter is your son and will inherit your position in the future."

"Count Kars has a point. He has been in the countryside for so long and has fallen behind in education compared to others. If he is spoiled any further, he might spoil the child."

Osen clenched his fist in anger listening to the nobles talking back and forth.

So you're all afraid that everything will be calm, right?

Liter has only just entered the family for one day and they are already talking about the matter of inheritance.

Afraid that no one knows that you, Duke Lucius, have two sons competing for the throne, huh?

Osen looked at Liter beside him. At this moment, Liter was lowering his head and staying silent, his hands stopped moving.

Oh no, could it be that Liter is being influenced by these people and starting to think that everything before was just pretense?

Just as Osen was about to explain to Liter, Lucius stood up directly.

"Everyone, I invited you all here today because you are my vassals and friends of Lucius."

"Having this family banquet is only to celebrate the return of my long-lost son, Liter, to the family." Lucius said, looking at the group of nobles led by Count Kars. "If you are not satisfied with the food and drink at the banquet, feel free to leave. I won't mind."

"But if you continue to bring up irrelevant matters, don't blame me, Lucius, for kicking you out!"

"As for the education issue you mentioned about Liter, don't worry about it. I will naturally arrange the best teachers for Liter and work hard to groom him into someone who can compete for the duke's inheritance."

After saying that, Lucius sat down heavily.

In this moment, his demeanor changed abruptly from an amiable lord to a majestic military man.

Seeing Lucius speak, the other nobles present couldn't say anything more.

"Alright, alright. Today is a happy day, let's not make it unpleasant." At this time, Mary, who was beside Lucius, came out to mediate the atmosphere.

Liter sat in his chair, not knowing why, but even though he didn't do anything, the topic still revolved around him.

Indeed, maybe nobody likes him?

Thinking this, his mood became low.

Regarding the matter of inheritance, Liter didn't really have a concept of it. After all, he had just entered the family and didn't understand the ways of the nobles.

He didn't even know what his father, the Duke, really meant.

"Don't think too much." At this moment, Osen whispered by his ear. "Just focus on eating."

"Yes, thank you, Brother Osen." Liter nodded.

That was the first thing he said after sitting down at the table.