62 - Stop Hypnotizing Me, Villainous Princess!

## Chapter 62: The Overlooked Princess "Feeling so embarrassed." In the resplendent banquet hall, Grey lowered his head in shame, sensing the peculiar glances frequently cast in his direction. However, Lynn, wearing a pointy-nosed raven mask, appeared to see things differently. Holding a beverage, he inserted the straw through the eye of the mask and sipped contentedly. "With the mask on, any embarrassment affects only your Augusta family," he remarked cheerfully, all the while discreetly surveying the surroundings. The banquet had already begun. The hall was bustling with people. At the center, musicians played beautiful dance music on a stage. Nearby, a long dining table covered in an intricately patterned cloth displayed an array of expensive silver candelabras, offering cold dishes like steaks, desserts, and fruits for guests to pick and choose from. Excluding the servers, over two hundred guests had arrived. The occasion was nothing short of grand. The entire Tirus mansion was opulent, with crystal chandeliers casting warm yellow light, and tiles on the floor adorned with lavish gold embroidery patterns. Though the ball had yet to commence, people were scattered throughout the first-floor hall in groups of threes and fours, holding champagne and conversing. As for the princess, upon entering, she was immediately surrounded by the Tirus family's ladies and noblewomen. The anticipated exclusion did not occur; these people were from a duke's family, and Ivest was royalty. As long as the masks stayed on, etiquette dictated appropriate behavior. "That person is the bishop of the Church of Heaven, responsible for the Ollan city district," Grey suddenly whispered. "His name is Mozel Brandy, a well-known hidden figure among the elite here, reportedly closely connected with many of the capital's nobility." Lynn looked thoughtfully at the middle-aged man in clerical robes. Just then, the lights in the manor dimmed slightly, focusing on the third-floor corridor. Everyone turned their eyes upward. There stood a dignified middle-aged man in military uniform at the edge of the stairs. He looked about forty, with pitch-black hair slicked back, a robust physique, and his military chest adorned with countless honorary medals. Toller Tirus, the evening's host and head of the Tirus family. His authoritative gaze swept the room. Seeing everyone fall silent and tense with attention on him, Duke Tirus suddenly smiled. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this charitable fundraising banquet," he boomed. "I hope you enjoy this long night, drink heartily, and have fun." "And for those still single, I have just one request:" "End your singlehood!" "Enjoy the banquet and the subsequent ball!" With that, he raised his glass and drank it in one go. The atmosphere of the banquet instantly became lively, reaching a crescendo. Then, Duke Tirus descended the stairs, picking up another glass of wine from a server's tray, and leisurely mingled with the crowd. He would pause to chat with a lady here, quietly converse with a noble there, exchanging smiles with others. Though a soldier at heart, his roots were entrenched in the empire's upper echelons, making him well-versed in such matters. But as Lynn observed, something seemed amiss. By rights, tonight's most distinguished guest, if not Ivest, would still rank among the top few. Yet the old man had changed several drinks, chatting warmly with many local nobles in Ollan city. Even if unfamiliar, he at least greeted them. But he completely overlooked the princess. From beginning to end, he hadn't approached her to converse. Lynn glanced toward Ivest, standing among the women. Though she continued to engage in conversations with those around her, Lynn, familiar with her personality, detected a hint of frost in her red eyes. Clearly, Ivest also noticed Duke Tirus's unspoken message. Sending an invitation, being courteous and proper, respect as nobles for royalty. Yet as a soldier, he didn't want to prematurely involve himself in the royal election, taking a stand. Or perhaps, he simply did not have confidence in Ivest. Regardless of the reason, it was enough to displease her. "Did you feel the temperature drop a bit?" Grey suddenly said. "Heh." ... Time flew by. Soon, the banquet was halfway through. Seeing the donation box being brought to the center of the hall, the crowd fell silent. Evidently, what followed was the highlight of the evening. They all knew the Tirus family could afford the allowance for disabled soldiers; tonight's event was just a pretext to probe some matters or perhaps pressure a faction to take sides. Noticing the silent attendees, seemingly observing the actions of others, Duke Tirus spoke as if oblivious to their reluctance: "Ladies and gentlemen, the charity fundraising now begins. Thank you for your generous attendance tonight. On behalf of the over twenty thousand disabled soldiers in the military, I extend my sincere respect to you." With that, he bowed slightly for all to see. Silence engulfed the crowd, glancing around as if to gauge others' responses. Clearly, no one wanted to be the first to move. In Ollan city, powers were deeply intertwined, and even the smallest change could have vast repercussions, with profound interest connections between even two families. Surely, they realized Duke Tirus was asking them for a pledge? But to be the trailblazer meant bringing an end to peaceful days in Ollan city, exposing oneself to the entire city’s oppression and rejection after he leaves. Given the terrifying astronomical sums involved in years of unpaid taxes, repaying them would be nothing short of catastrophic. Better to band together and let Duke Tirus experience the power of native influence rather than tearing their own flesh. Besides, even if someone were to make the first move, it wouldn't be them. Watching the scene unfold, Duke Tirus narrowed his eyes slightly as if understanding something. "Clap, clap!!" With sudden applause, the crowd's attention shifted to its source. Seeing the robed middle-aged man, many within sighed in relief. Bishop Mozel stepped forward, clapping with a respectful look. "I've heard of Duke’s compassion for soldiers. Seeing it today, I am truly impressed." "Though the Church of Heaven struggles at the frontier in Ollan city, out of humane concern for these defending soldiers, I will represent our district and donate five thousand gold coins to the military." Saying this, he deposited an envelope into the donation box. "Thank you for your generosity," Duke Tirus responded coolly. For a donation, this was a substantial sum, yet he showed no sign of delight. At the same time, applause filled the hall. Mozel gestured for silence, then earnestly looked at Duke Tirus. "Additionally, I have a gift for you, Duke, and for all assembled guests."