The banquet hall blazed with lights and buzzed with voices.
Anduin darted through the crowd like a little fish.
The banquet had not officially begun yet. The nobles gathered in twos and threes, flattering one another or quietly spreading secret news.
"Oh, what a cute little boy. Whose child is this?" An aged voice reached Anduin's ears as a bleary-eyed old noble blocked his path.
The old man studied him for a long time, unable to remember which family in his circle of noble acquaintances had such an adorable little boy.
Thinking of this, he grinned greedily and reached out with his sinful claws toward Anduin.
The people nearby saw it, but none of them recognized Anduin.
Someone whispered, "What is Lord Borr doing?"
"That little boy is in trouble. He's a new face—probably from some small family that just moved to the royal capital." His companion held a glass of wine and took a light sip.
"What? Does he have that sort of hobby?"
"Yes. Several small families have already been forced to offer up their children. He's just an old lecher." His companion turned away, unable to bear watching.
"What an old bastard." Some cursed under their breath and simply turned away, pretending not to see. Others watched from afar with keen interest.
"E-excuse me, Grandpa, please move aside," Anduin requested very politely.
"Oh ho ho, what a polite child. Grandpa likes you very much. I have some very rare toys at my place. Would you like to come take a look?" Lord Borr became even happier in the face of Anduin's good manners.
Without even thinking, Anduin refused. "Sorry, Grandpa, but my father told me not to go with strangers."
As he spoke, he tried to walk around him.
But just as Anduin passed by, Lord Borr