Inside the National Banquet Hall.
"Congratulations, Viscount Scott. Your performance just now was perfect. All of Backlund will cheer for your glory."
Holding a glass of champagne, Earl Hall approached Lorne with a warm, exceptionally approachable smile. The Kingdom's wealthiest banker wore an impeccably tailored dark evening suit, and every gesture carried the composure of a man long accustomed to authority.
"You're too kind, Your Excellency."
Lorne immediately withdrew his searching gaze. Bowing slightly, he responded with just the right degree of humility, "Your praise leaves me deeply honored."
They gently clinked their glasses, producing a crisp chime.
After exchanging a few courtesies, they settled into a pleasant conversation. Earl Hall was a thoroughly charming conversationalist: knowledgeable, humorous, and adept at putting others at ease. After a few remarks about the Church's recent Charity Event, he unobtrusively steered the discussion toward Lorne's role as a factory owner.
"Viscount Scott, I hear your pharmaceutical factory is undergoing a major expansion? That can only benefit the Kingdom."
Earl Hall gently swirled his glass, a shrewd gleam flashing in his eyes.
He leaned forward slightly and asked softly, with a hint of implication, "The Kingdom is developing by the day. I wonder whether, in your future business plans and... certain ideals, you lean more toward those energetic, up-and-coming merchants?"
He narrowed his eyes slightly, watching Lorne's reaction. "Do you also believe we need more vitality and change?"
The implication was already quite plain. He might as well have asked Lorne directly whether this newly elevated commoner, who had made his fortune running factories, intended to commit fully to the New Party and the Reformists.
Naturally, Lorne understood what he meant. But at such a sensitive juncture, he had no intention of expressing any political leanings...
"You must be joking, Your Excellency." Lorne's smile