Forced Conscription (2)

The three of them sat around a high-backed sofa in the corner, laughter ringing out continuously.

Ang told Natiya and Quintina several jokes.

Quintina laughed so hard she clutched her stomach, while tears welled at the corners of Natiya's eyes. Several times, she nearly spilled the maple mead in her hand.

Just then, a middle-aged nobleman in a formal robe trimmed with blue and gold approached them.

He was Viscount Paramount Pend, the host of tonight's ball.

"Viscount Ang, I am deeply honored that you could attend my ball." Paramount smiled and raised his glass in greeting, his tone modest.

Ang gave a slight nod and responded with a few polite pleasantries in an even tone, though he clearly had no interest in talking further.

Paramount quickly sensed that something was off. He smiled knowingly, excused himself politely, and turned to exchange greetings with the other guests.

Before long, a rather plump young man dressed in noble attire stepped forward and gave Ang a standard noble military salute with some hesitation.

"My lord," he said quietly.

"This isn't a military camp," Ang said with a smile, his tone relaxed. "We're both viscounts. Don't be so stiff—take it easy."

As he spoke, he turned to introduce him to Natiya. "This is Viscount Jennings, a lord under the Northern Council. His territory lies within Amnath and the Milaginbi Mountains."

Jennings immediately bowed to Natiya, respectful without losing his composure.

Natiya gave a slight nod in return, offering a polite response, though her gaze showed little reaction.

"I heard you recently bought quite a bit of Viscount Steven Brill's former land?" Ang raised a brow at Jennings, his tone teasing.

"Oh, you're making fun of me, my lord. I merely got lucky and picked up a bargain." Jennings scratched his head with a