Chapter 327 The day of inauguration
The Duke took a deep breath, calming himself. He nodded hesitantly. “But this isn’t over.”
Meanwhile, in the Duchy of Hans, the atmosphere was the complete opposite.
The entire estate was lively with excitement and celebration. Duke Hans was practically jumping around the room like a young girl running around in the garden.
“See?! I knew this would happen!” he said proudly. “That’s why I invested everything in the Easvil family. And now, my investment is going to pay off tenfold!”
Lisa’s face glowed at the news of Julian’s inauguration. “Yes, I knew it too,” she said softly. “Julian is extraordinary.”
Her hand moved to her stomach, caressing it gently. A small, knowing smile played on her lips as she held a secret that made her heart swell with joy.
Isabel stood quietly in the corner, watching her father’s celebration. Poor Dad. To him, everything is about the duchy and titles.
Her gaze softened, and her own hand moved to her stomach, mirroring Lisa’s gesture.
**
The day finally arrived, and the Duchy of Easvil was transformed into a scene of grandeur. Flags bearing the family crest of Easvil hung from every building, fluttering in the wind.
Carriages bearing the kingdom’s most important figures, from marquises to counts and viscounts, all passed through the bustling streets.
Their horses were well equipped, and their clothes were perfectly tailored and fit for the occasion.
The nobles hoping to gain favor from the new Duke exchanged whispers and glances, watching the people they considered rivals and allies alike.
The common folk, too, were out crowding the streets in their finest clothes.
Merchants set up stalls to sell their goods; families laughed and chatted, their faces filled with anticipation of the coming event.
The air was thick with excitement, and the chatter grew louder with each passing hour.
Everyone present was eager to catch a glimpse of Julian, the new Duke, who had become the talk of the entire kingdom.
At the center of it all stood the grand castle, adorned with banners and flags to mark the special occasion. Inside, the final preparations were underway.
The great hall had been decorated with luxurious decorations and items. There also were large, golden chandeliers that cast a warm glow over the room.
The smell of fine food and drink filled the air, ready for the grand feast that would follow.
A massive stage had been set up at the center of the great hall, lavishly decorated with his magnificent presence.
The huge crest of Easvil hung beautifully behind it. On this stage, six grand thrones were placed beside one another, each carved from the finest materials.
The nobles who had gathered were seated in their assigned spots, eyeing each other with both envy and admiration.
They knew this was no ordinary ceremony. The rise of Julian Easvil as Duke was a game-changer in the kingdom.
Julian’s family, too, gathered in the castle, awaiting the moment when he would step forward to claim the title.
His mother, Regina, stood confidently, wearing a magnificent gown adorned with many rare and beautiful jewels. Her dress complemented her figure perfectly, radiating both elegance and authority.
Beside her, Eva and Eleanor were equally stunning with their beautiful gowns, each sparkling with rare gems.
Eva’s gown was maroon, while Eleanor’s was navy blue. The way they carried themselves only added to their allure, befitting the women of the Easvil family.
Just then, outside the castle, a grand carriage adorned with the emblem of the Hans family came to a stop. It immediately drew the attention of the gathered crowd.
The door opened, and stepping out first was Duke Hans. He adjusted his attire as he scanned the surroundings with a satisfied nod.
Following him, the Duchess of Hans emerged gracefully. Her dress was a sparkling yellow gown that perfectly complemented her beauty and allure.
And then, Isabel stepped out. The moment she did, murmurs spread through the crowd.
“Look, it’s the Hans family,” one noble whispered, nudging his companion.
Another gazed in admiration. “The Duchess carries herself so well. Truly befitting of nobility.”
Someone else’s eyes landed on Isabel. “Look at young Isabel… she is just as stunning as her mother.”
People couldn’t help but admire her beauty. She walked gracefully, her gown flowing elegantly with every step.
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A small smirk played on her lips as she listened to the gossip around her.
They made their way inside the grand hall, and as they did, everyone stood and bowed in respect. Duke Hans waved his hand casually, acknowledging the gesture.
Without wasting any time, he walked toward one of the five thrones placed on the grand stage. He stopped before it, his gaze lingering on the symbol of Easvil engraved onto the chair.
A smirk formed on his lips before he finally took his seat.
Not long after, the sound of horses hooves echoed through the air as two more carriages came to a stop outside the castle.
One bore the crest of the Norish family, while the other carried the emblem of the Ethwer family.
The door of the Norish carriage opened first, and stepping out was Duke Norish. His expression was unreadable as ever.
Beside him, the Duchess of Norish descended gracefully, though her eyes carried a hint of weariness.
The sight of them caused another wave of murmurs to spread through the hall.
“Norish is here as well,” someone whispered.
A quiet sigh came from another noble. “They lost their son… It’s a pity.”
Another nodded solemnly. “If he were alive, he would have had a chance to become a duke too.”
The murmur did not fail to reach Norish’s ear, and he gritted his teeth, suppressing his anger.
The weight of his loss was something he carried every day, and hearing such remarks only deepened the wound.
But before his emotions could get the better of him, the Duchess reached for his hand, holding it gently.
Duke Norish took a deep breath, steadying himself before proceeding forward towards the hall.