Chapter VI-I:

Duke of Waterwell

Though the second prince of H’arkin had already walked down the steps, the great hero continued to stay kneeled.

Having been a loyal servant to the imperial family his whole life, Carlston [correctly] sensed that the Queen would not lift a single finger to forward this preposterous situation. Clearing his throat, he called out to the next suitor, “Next!”

You could practically see the bafflement of everyone in the room: We have to present ourselves while the great hero is prostrated there!?

Indeed, Mithius stayed as still as a statue while the future duke of Waterwell, Cameron, stepped forward and was announced by a servant.

Raven black hair lay slicked back on top of an austere and cool face. Cameron’s eyes were a shade of profound midnight and more deep-set than most, which lent an oppressive quality to him.

The nobleman stood tall, his posture not a single degree off. His suit of ebony was tailored perfectly and his cerulean-blue tie an appropriate style that matched Eilane’s eyes - there wasn’t a single detail out of place.

“Your Highness, it is an honour to present myself before you.” Cameron scraped, flawlessly ignoring the statue mere steps away from him. The crowd thought his mental fortitude was awe-inducing.

“From a young age, I was raised for the sole purpose of competently serving the imperial family as well as my dukedom.” His voice was low and clear, resounding throughout the grand hall.

Eilane blinked expressionlessly, How… Uptight.

“Through the economical policies I have enacted in my fief, recreational tourism has increased by 120%. Further development and construction to expand business has led to a 75% boost in employment. From this, there has been a corresponding gain in the royal coffers from both consumption taxes as well as employment taxes from Waterwell.”

Cameron began listing off achievements as if giving an official report, making sure to include factual data and conclude how it had benefited the Queen.

The competition swallowed in concern, understanding had dawned on them on how high of a level their introduction needed to be in order to make an impression.