“Ah, so I finally get to meet that enigmatic person Wellington has been raving about?”

“What do you mean ‘enigmatic person’? Are you trying to play detective?”

“Well, it’s because you’ve been so secretive about who it is, even when everyone was begging you to spill the beans.”

Wellington forced a wry smile at the barrage of teasing from his long-time friends.

In truth, he understood why his friends were acting this way.

For the past three months, he hadn’t been socializing with them at all, spending nearly all his time at the Fourth Training Grounds.

He even often declined group meetings and matchmaking events he usually enjoyed.

As a result, the hot topic among his friends—his fellow members of the ‘Kyoryong’—was, “Who is the friend that has lured Narshio Wellington?”

But throughout this time, Wellington hadn’t mentioned Theo even once.

‘They probably still have strong preconceived notions about Theo.’

Even if rumors were circulating about how Theo had started to change recently, those discussions were limited to the lower-ranking knights.

For those already positioned in the upper echelons, such trivial gossip held no interest.

‘So, this meeting will help change that image they’ve built over time.’

Wellington believed that Theo could certainly fit in with them.

He wasn’t the type to easily acknowledge defeat.

Or rather, even if he weren’t, the Theo he had observed from the sidelines was different from others.

Perseverance.

Effort.

Desire.

Talent.

He had it all.

‘And on top of that, he has leadership qualities. A good character. He’s not someone who’ll remain just a lowly bastard.’

In fact, Wellington had initially approached Theo out of mere boredom.

But now, he was completely inspired by Theo.

However, there was one problem.

‘I’m not sure if I can call him a friend yet.’

Theo strangely kept a certain distance from not only Wellington but others as well.

This made Wellington even more eager to invite Theo to the Kyoryong Meeting.

He thought that if he showed some of his true self, Theo might open up a bit.

‘It’s not unrequited love or anything, but I can’t quite figure out what it is.’

This only meant that Theo was an exceptionally charming person.

“Everyone, don’t push Wellington too much. He’ll find out soon enough; what’s the rush?”

At that moment, the mood shifted sharply with a sudden remark from a man who had been quietly listening to the conversation.

“R-Right?”

“Yeah, since Wellington is praising him, he must have the qualifications to mingle with us.”

“I’m curious about which family’s blood he inherits. It’d be nice if he’s from our side.”

“If he’s from your side, isn’t that blood too filthy?”

“What the hell? You’re insulting our family? It’s a duel. Let’s fight.”

“Hahaha! Just a joke, a joke.”

“Who makes jokes like that…?”

“I’m already looking forward to it! Hahaha!”

The man seemed to enjoy the changed atmosphere, winking at Wellington with a grin.

Wellington responded with an awkward smile.

Just by sitting there, the man commanded attention, revealing the fearsome presence of Ragnar.

Yet, the way he looked at Wellington and his friends suggested they were all ‘obviously beneath’ him, which he still found distasteful.

It was a strange mix of affection as a friend and annoyance as a rival.

Aksion Ragnar, the dark horse of the competition.

As the legitimate son of the third wife, he was one of the most spotlighted prospects at this event alongside ‘Snow Ice Sword’ Ray Ragnar.

Though he appeared playful and cheerful on the outside, his pride and arrogance regarding himself were remarkably strong.

He was also the de facto leader of the Kyoryong Meeting.

‘The only thing I’m worried about is Aksion, but there’s no direct connection between him and Theo… so there shouldn’t be any real problems.’

Wellington took a swig of his whiskey, pushing those thoughts aside.

Unbeknownst to him, Aksion was still watching him with a strange smile.

---

Theo was experiencing a first awkward situation since his return.

“How do you like this outfit, young master?”

“No, sister. I think a frilly shirt would suit you better.”

“How about a tailcoat?”

“It’s nice, but don’t you think they might consider it too over the top?”

“Then we’ll go with this color for this part…”

“What about this hat?”

“Oh my, oh my! How could this happen? It suits you perfectly! You’re exuding elegance!”

“As long as the clothes fit well, anything will look good on you…!”

Chatter, chatter.

The news that Theo was debuting in society spread rapidly among the maids of the Rose Palace.

- They say the young master is making his first debut in society!

- And it’s a big party thrown by Wellington Narshio!

- Apparently, many distinguished guests will be attending!

- We can’t let our beloved young master roam around looking shabby!

- Let’s make sure he stands out at the gathering!

- He’s handsome and has a slender figure, so anything will suit him!

The maids were so focused on finding the best outfit for Theo that they abandoned their other tasks.

As a result, Theo, who suddenly found himself playing the role of a doll in a dress-up game, felt dizzy.

‘Where am I… Who am I…?’

Wasn’t clothing supposed to just be comfortable to move in?

Theo had always thought so, but he had to concede to the maids’ insistence that it was absolutely not the case.

In truth, having always been treated as an outcast from his family, he had only heard of high society and knew nothing of its ecosystem.

All he knew was that extravagantly adorned men and women mingled, and various confidential discussions took place behind the scenes.

Thus, Theo had no choice but to leave his fate in the hands of the veteran maids in this regard.

‘Maybe it was a mistake to accept the invitation…’

In reality, Theo had accepted the invitation to learn more about the ‘blue light.’

He had a gut feeling that it was somehow connected to the messages.

‘The light disappeared right after I received the invitation, though.’

But he needed to uncover the secret of the message.

Therefore, he had resolved to attend, even if it was a hassle. Just then,

Bang!

“Who dares to bring such vulgar and shabby things to my son!”

The door burst open angrily as Cecilia strode in.

Behind her followed a swarm of people.

Tailors in neat attire, servants carrying various fabrics, barbers with scissors, and those with makeup tools—an array of characters flooded in.

There were even porters struggling to carry a large full-length mirror and chairs.

“You brought this nonsense for my son? Utterly useless items! How can you even say you’re serving my son with such eyes… tsk!”

Cecilia inspected the clothes on the hanger and clicked her tongue.

The maids instinctively bowed their heads.

Theo hesitated to step in, but Cecilia turned to him with a bright smile, as if nothing had happened.

“I’ve heard about my son. They say you received an invitation from the Kyoryong Meeting?”

“Indeed, that’s correct.”

“Then how could you not come to find me right away…!”

Cecilia inhaled deeply and continued.

“The Kyoryong Meeting is full of talents like Aksion, the son of Emile, that crafty one, and Wellington. Naturally, it attracts much attention from many people. Even the Senate is interested. Therefore, every little detail about your attire, demeanor, and court etiquette will be scrutinized.”

Theo could only nod quietly.

He knew what Cecilia had omitted.

A bastard born of a lowly lineage.

Many people would mock him for not knowing about social etiquette just because of that.

He had experienced it countless times in his previous life.

“My son, since you’ve always had such a serious demeanor since childhood, you won’t have any points of contention regarding etiquette. But your attire and demeanor are different. Those depend on your discernment, which doesn’t come overnight.”

Cecilia smiled confidently.

“Fortunately, I can help you in that regard. Now, what are you all doing? You should be serving my son.”

Clap!

As Cecilia clapped her hands, four tailors approached Theo with measuring tapes.

“Excuse us.”

From there, it was a whirlwind of activity.

They took various measurements and diligently recorded everything, even asking about Theo’s preferences.

The barbers seated Theo in front of the full-length mirror and began arranging a suitable hairstyle, while the makeup experts discussed colors that would complement his skin tone.

Then, they all gathered together, discussing something closely, using terms that were hard for Theo to comprehend.

The fascinating part was that Cecilia led this atmosphere.

She didn’t merely stick to her own ideas but understood what the experts were saying and provided meticulous feedback.

Her expression was incredibly serious.

What could he say?

Did it seem lively?

‘Did my mother have such a side to her…?’

Theo, who only remembered his mother’s often spiteful and jealous demeanor, was astonished.

‘Come to think of it, she was said to be a very famous actress when she caught the attention of the head of the family. Did she learn all of this there?’

The maids of the Rose Palace were also taken aback, as if they were witnessing a side of Cecilia they had never seen before.

Clap!

“Now, let’s start the work based on what we discussed.”

The barbers were the first to tidy Theo’s hair

.

His untamed locks, which had not been properly taken care of, were trimmed away, and the makeup experts enhanced Theo’s sun-kissed features.

When they dressed him in a temporarily fitted outfit and put on shoes, Theo couldn’t help but feel how awkward his reflection in the mirror was.

On the other hand…

“Oh my, oh my…!”

“Are you really the young master…?”

Ooooh.

Cheers erupted from various corners.

Some maids blushed, busy stealing glances at Theo’s profile.

Not only did his already renowned good looks as the most handsome in Ragnar seem to have transformed into something even more splendid.

His attire was just as remarkable.

The outfit, perfectly highlighting his slender yet well-toned physique, was like wings in itself.

“How is it? Do you like it?”

Cecilia smiled confidently, seemingly pleased with her work.

“It’s… a bit uncomfortable.”

“Comfort and style are usually inversely proportional. But you must bear with this much. This is also part of your new debut.”

Cecilia stood beside Theo and tilted her head slightly.

“By the way, have you grown taller? Your shoulders seem broader. You’re about to surpass me!”

Theo found it difficult to speak about the messages, so he just mumbled something vague.

“It seems so.”

“Indeed, you must be in a growth phase, as your features have become much sharper. It’s almost like seeing the head of the family in his younger days…”

For a moment, Theo caught a glimpse of the bittersweet smile that formed on Cecilia’s lips.

But she quickly returned to her confident demeanor.

“Remember this. You are the son of Cecilia. Be bold and dignified wherever you go. Never let yourself feel small. If you stand tall, the world won’t dare harm you.”

Though it may have stemmed from a twisted affection and possessiveness towards her son, 

“Even if you make a mistake, don’t worry. I’ll be your umbrella, protecting you no matter what.”

Theo was feeling a strange emotion he hadn’t experienced from her before.

“…”

Somehow, there was a tingling sensation in his heart.

---

“...Is that really Theo? He seems like a completely different person.”

“Are you mocking me too, Wellington?”

As Theo climbed onto the carriage that Wellington had come to greet him at the Rose Palace, he let out a sigh.

‘It really suits him well.’

Wellington wore a strange expression at the unexpected misunderstanding.

Theo looked so different that it was hard to recognize him, as his clothes indeed transformed him into someone else.

He might be the best-looking person in this gathering, male or female.

Clunk—

The carriage wheels began to turn.

The banquet venue was Camellia Palace.

It was quite a distance from the Rose Palace.

Wellington looked at Theo, who still seemed awkward in his uncomfortable attire, and said, “I’ve heard this is your first social gathering, Lord Theo.”

Theo silently nodded.

“Even so, as a lord, you will manage just fine, even if it feels awkward. Friends are quite curious about you too. They’re not bad people. It’s just that…”

“Is there something you’re concerned about?”

“Well, Aksion, that friend, can be a bit… no, very mischievous. But he doesn’t harbor any malice…”

Wellington's trailing words faded away.

Aksion.

That single word lingered in Theo’s ears.

‘Was it Aksion who set the line when Rendon left the Rose Palace? Was that a coincidence, or…?’

Theo occasionally pondered such speculations.

- Could it be that the accusation against my mother and my death in my previous life were part of a scheme that had been in motion for a long time?

- Was Rendon really unrelated to it at all?

Theo’s thoughts trailed off, interrupted.

“...The person who invited you to the gathering because they wanted to see you is actually Aksion as well. So, please don’t think of him negatively.”

In that moment, Theo’s eyes lit up.

‘Is that so?’