The topic did not linger on Russell for long.
Although he was as handsome as any member of the Monochoria Family, he was still only a second son who had just come of age and been granted a fief. Even with a Mushroom Bird, under normal circumstances, it would take several generations of hard work for his family to rise.
If a wastrel appeared along the way, all that effort might be reduced to nothing.
Moreover, Russell was not much of a talker. Whenever others questioned him, he answered as briefly as possible, so he quickly returned to being an inconspicuous figure.
That suited him just fine, allowing him to enjoy the Magic Food without restraint.
At the same time, he secretly observed his maternal grandfather, Count Merlin, and his eldest aunt by marriage, Kuna Shadowflame. Both were among the highest-ranking figures in the Shadowflame Grand Duchy. One had governed the state for ten years, while the other was the former Grand Duke's daughter and the current Grand Duke's aunt.
However, perhaps because they had already left the Red Keep, Count Merlin had no desire to discuss politics. Faced with Baron Roman's several attempts to probe him, he brushed them aside with a few perfunctory words.
Yet Baron Roman seemingly failed to notice Count Merlin's impatience and continued asking, "Father-in-law, after the Grand Duke took power, was there any discussion about serf policy... There should have been arrangements before the Elder Council's transition, right?"
Count Merlin cut into his steak, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly. Then he raised his head and said mildly, "It is rare for a family to gather together. Let us talk more about interesting things happening in the fief."
"What interesting things could possibly happen in the fief..." Baron Roman said instinctively.
Madam Meryl immediately kicked