Night.
Aaron, dressed in an elaborate, luxurious formal outfit, walked into the castle's banquet hall.
A huge chandelier hung overhead, holding dozens of lit candles. Layer upon layer of wax coated its base, and some even dripped down.
The lavishly decorated dining table was piled with all kinds of delicacies.
Roast chicken, suckling pig, steak, lamb chops, foie gras, seafood platters, sweet shrimp salad, vegetable salad, caviar, raspberry jam, beef stew, crème caramel, and wine to accompany the meal...
Colin sat at the head of the table, with Lady Sonia and Sean beside him.
Ginny was nowhere to be seen.
The lords mingled over drinks, while a band played nearby.
"What a shame..."
Holding a glass of wine, Aaron sighed. "If they played something like 'Rainy Season,' it would be even more perfect and refined..."
When he saw Aaron enter, Colin nodded. At once, a servant slipped out and quietly closed the banquet hall doors.
"Everyone!"
Colin rose and raised his glass. "Welcome, all of you. Thank you for your well wishes for my father's health. As Green Forest's acting count, I raise this glass to Theodore and wish him a speedy recovery!"
"To Theodore!"
Aaron raised his glass too and drained it.
"Now, for the second announcement. I will inherit the count's title and become the Count of Green Forest."
Colin looked down at the assembled lords with an amused expression, his gaze settling on Aaron. "Who's in favor? Who's opposed?"
The music stopped abruptly, and everyone stared at Colin in shock.
"No! The Count isn't dead yet. Colin, why are you in such a hurry?"
Aaron saw that it was Baron Dennis who had spoken. He was renowned for his fiery temper.
"Then..."
Colin pressed down his hand.
At once, soldiers poured in from every direction, sealing off