The main person everyone wanted to get close to was Huey Sevlord, the master of this mansion. A majority of the guests flocked around him.

“It’s truly reassuring to know that the Count will be overseeing the Seban territory. Guarding the borders is always fraught with uncertainties, so we’ve been wondering when His Majesty would send someone suitable.”

“I heard the Count graduated at the top of your class from the Imperial Academy a few years ago. Did His Majesty choose the Count as the right person for this place after recognizing that? The thought of this place progressing makes my heart swell with pride.”

“That’s high praise. I’m not very familiar with the East, so I might need assistance at some point.”

“Oh, I’m more than willing to help. Assisting you, Count would be an honor.”

The ones fervently seeking the Count’s attention were all local nobles. From a distance, Martian observed the scene, shaking her head. She didn’t want to delve into that crowd, where all were vying for a moment with the Count.

She nudged Ron, whom she had brought along, saying, “Let’s leave after a while. Though I feel sorry for the butler, but this seems like a waste of time.”

She never harbored any grand ambitions. Her only desire was to properly manage her territory, a task she could achieve through her efforts. Establishing a regular household and preparing the next heir was somewhat challenging, but it wasn’t something that would be resolved by enduring long hours in the Count’s banquet hall. Attending the banquet was just a dull obligation to her.

She looked around at the attendees. There were many who clearly had connections with the duchy.

“They all seem fond of money and power,” she muttered. 

She had hoped to find some decent individuals in this place, but it turned out to be a backwater. Men from the capital were easily distinguishable; they were tall, well-built, with flawless skin and neatly styled hair, akin to pedigree dogs.

Among them, the one who stood out the most was Huey Sevlord. As if born to be in the limelight, his appearance was exceptionally dazzling and beautiful. 

His golden hair shimmered like honey, his skin was pale and pristine, and his facial features were sharp and delicate. From the fit of his clothing, it was evident that he had a very well-toned physique.

Martian inadvertently imagined “Doan family’s doom” before swiftly turning her head away. While his appearance was very much to her taste, she had no desire to get involved with him. It would be risky to carelessly indulge in such a tempting dish.

‘Let’s eat something delicious instead.’

Martian decided to stop letting her mind wander and focus on the pleasures at hand. The banquet spread before her was quite vast, and it was evident that each dish was made using the finest ingredients, sparing no expense.

The meat seasoned with various spices, fresh and zesty vegetables, and bread generously filled with aromatic butter and cheese. With every bite, her mood seemed to lighten, and the lengthy journey to get here felt a tad more worth it.

“Ron, have a drink too.”

When she offered the wine, Ron took it without hesitation and drank. Maybe because he was previously neglected, he seemed to act quickly on Martian’s command, a result that was different than what she had intended. She didn’t want to train him to be more obedient, after all.

“How dull.”

She remarked lightly, taking away Ron’s glass.

“Take off your shirt.”

At her command, Ron’s eyes quivered with apprehension. He had always been uncomfortable exposing himself in public. Previously, he would have pleaded with her at least once, but now, tensely, he began to remove his vest.

Martian stepped back, sipping from the glass she’d taken from Ron, observing him as if he were a spectacle.

Underneath, Ron wore a deep blue shirt. It complemented his dark skin, but being of thin material, it revealed his physique. As he began to unbutton, glimpses of his bare skin became visible.

The rings and chains attached to his n*pples peeked out. Some glances from the surrounding people landed on him, then awkwardly shifted away.

Martian put down her glass and slid her hand into the slightly opened shirt, feeling the flesh where the ring pierced. It was still soft. As she twisted it, Ron stiffened immediately.

“What are you doing? Continue undressing.”

She whispered with evident pleasure. His hand continued its path, unbuttoning further, though his fingers trembled, slipping a few times.

Suddenly, Martian grasped Ron’s hand. It was cold from the tension. Ron, fearing she was angered by his hesitance, looked terrified.

“I’m sorry, Viscount. I’m just so nervous…”

His voice wavered pitifully. Martian chuckled softly. The sight of his strained demeanor was exciting to her, appealing in its erotic vulnerability.

She wanted to torment him until tears filled his eyes. Even if Ron had not changed the way she wanted after her “training”, his frequent displays of fear pleased her.

Martian spoke, feigning innocence as if suggesting that it was Ron who initiated the undressing.

“Ron, no matter how much you want to do it, you can’t just undress anywhere. Shall we go inside?”

She draped his outerwear over him. Ron, unsure of how to react, looked at her, his expression clueless. She thought, ‘So oblivious,’ and gently patted his cheek.

“Let’s go back and rest.”

At a formal banquet hall, she couldn’t completely undress Ron. While a light tease might be overlooked by most, what she wanted now was far from mere teasing. Just as she was about to lead Ron out of the hall, someone dressed as a butler hurriedly stopped her.

“Are you the Viscount Martian?”

“Yes, I am… What is it?”

“The Count wishes to see you.”

“Me?”

“Yes, Viscount. He insisted it’s a matter of utmost importance and requested your presence.”