“Greetings, Duke.”

“Welcome to the Bluewell estate.”

The man who welcomed Rupert had striking blue hair, a middle-aged figure with an air of authority. He was Firionel Bluewell, the head of the Bluewell family, reputed to hold the greatest power and influence among the Empire’s nobles. They had met once before at a banquet, and their third encounter had been during the Agora, but this was the first time they were meeting one-on-one, which added a hint of awkwardness.

“I truly appreciate the judgment you gave at the recent Agora.”

“Well, my daughter asked me to do it, and I …