The next time that Howard and Rutherford exited their carriage was when they reached the Palace where the banquet was to be held.

This was the venue for their every year banquet so the Earl was already well-acquainted with this place.

This Palace was different from the Main Palace where the King's Throne room was as this one had a larger ballroom where the gathering could be held.

"Ready?

" Rutherford polled while glancing at his son who stood beside him.

Howard's nod made the man smile after which the two resumed their stoic faces.

One old and one young but two men with similar appearances were seen entering the banquet hall where many had already arrived.

The men who had their eyes set on Rutherford were now assessing the young boy who was walking next to him.

They were aware of his identity as the sole heir of the St. Claire's family and were eager to see how he would perform today.

Some were waiting to see whether he would be just as good as his father when he was this age while others were waiting to see him fail and make a mockery of their family's name.

Among the many nobles who arrived with their heirs, there was one who was specifically leering at the father and son pair who had just arrived.

"Well, well, well… If it isn't Earl St. Claire.

" A snarky voice was heard followed by footsteps coming towards them.

The crowd parted to catch a glimpse of who it was and they were excited to see what show they might have the good graces of watching before the King made his appearance.

Howard glanced at the short man who was walking in their direction before his eyes moved to the boy who was next to him.

The other boy flashed a charming grin to him but Howard had caught the sneer which he had hidden deep in his eyes.

The two knew who the other was as they studied and stayed at the same Academy and had passed each other on multiple occasions.

Though Howard did not know how he had managed to offend this older boy, he was sure that this boy did not hold goodwill towards him.

"Greetings, Earl St. Claire.

" The boy was the first to wish Rutherford who gave a languid nod in response.

Howard was taught perfect etiquettes so he too turned towards the older man who had arrived and greeted him as well.

"Greetings, Earl Blaise.

" He bent his head for just a second, not appearing too haughty and neither being too subservient.

Rutherford was pleased with his son as he had done the right thing.

Once the younger generation had greeted the elders, they glanced at each other but did nothing to acknowledge the other's presence.

For someone who had lived so many years with a snobby younger sister before she turned from her wicked ways just recently, Howard knew that ignoring such a person was the best way to get on their nerves.

He then stood in silence next to his father as they held similar indifferent looks on their faces.

Earl Blaise, the man who had arrived with his son, Stanley Blaise narrowed his eyes at this blatant disrespect that the younger boy had shown to his son.

"Looks like the Earl has not taught his son well… It's such a shame that he does not know how to greet someone older than he is.

" Earl Blaise taunted while shaking his head in disappointment.

It was true that Stanley was two years older than Howard yet the latter had failed to show due respect meant for him.

Stanley raised his chin when he heard the crowd murmuring among themselves that Howard, the newcomer had already caused trouble the moment he had arrived.

A protective father like Rutherford would not mind it as long as people spread rumors about him but attempting to tarnish his son's reputation was not something that he was willing to accept.

Therefore, he glanced at the older boy who was displaying a haughty look at having obtained an advantage over Howard.

Stanley stiffened under the measuring gaze of the tall man whose arm muscles were bigger than his head.

"In my opinion, it is Earl Blaise who has failed in teaching this child.

" Rutherford spoke in a calm tone, unlike the one that Earl Blaise had used earlier.

The nobles surrounding them had now stopped their conversations to listen in on what this man was about to say.

Earl Blaise felt his face sting when he saw that so many nobles were watching them and decided to use this opportunity to take down the mighty St. Claire's down a peg.

"We stand at the same social status and with my son being older, shouldn't your boy be the one to greet him first?

" He sneered openly without trying to hide his hostility.

The crowd agreed with these words as according to hierarchy and norms if the two families were of the same status then the younger should pay respects first.

Howard stood with the same serene expression as before as though what was taking place had nothing to do with him.

Rutherford chuckled when he heard these words then looked the other Earl in the eye as he spoke his next words.

"Do you truly believe that your family stands on the same height as mine?

" He retorted with amusement apparent in his tone.

Earl Blaise choked on air when he heard this statement whose implication many of the noblemen had grasped for sure.

The St. Claire's were the wealthiest in the land, only second to the Royal family so how could the Blaises even think of comparing their status to them?

Even Howard broke character and grinned when he heard someone chortling in the back after what his father had said.

"If there is nothing else then we shall take our leave.

" Rutherford added with a frown as he had recognized the voice of the person who had dared to snicker during this incident.

Earl Blaise was furious at being insulted but when he heard these words, his lips curved into a mocking smirk.

"Who in here can bear to be friends with the high and mighty Earl St. Claire?

" He muttered to himself while shrugging his shoulders but his words struck a chord with many of the nobles here.

If the Earl was so haughty about his wealth then he would surely look down on those below him so they frowned at the thought of this.

Howard's eyes finally had traces of worry when he heard this but his father was calm as ever.

"Earl should not be so bothered about me.

" He declared and nodded at his son, indicating him to follow.

'Before that person arrives.' He urged the boy who seemed to be confused about what he was trying to signal.

"Earl! I was waiting for you to arrive!

" A loud and cheerful voice coming from behind turned everyone's attention to the man who was so brazen so as to yell in the King's banquet hall.

However, the man who was striding towards them had no issue with the stares he was receiving as he stepped ahead to reach the Earl's position.

Their irked stares transformed into looks of admiration when they identified who this man was.

Earl Blaise was ecstatic to see that such an influential man was coming towards him and stood upright to greet him.

"Greetings, Marquess Samed. I hope you are doing great today.

" He took the initiative to greet the man who had stopped close to him.

The crowd began whispering when they saw how the Marquess who was also the Royal Tutor of the Princess had come forward to greet Earl Blaise.

Many of them began thinking of how to use the Blaises as a stepping stone to get closer to this influential family in order to get in the good graces of their King.

However, what they saw next was enough to change their views about this matter in an instant.

Marquess Sullivan Samed looked at Earl Blaise with a blank look for a second before nodding his head.

"Oh, so it was Earl Blaise. Good to see you here.

" He greeted indifferently after taking a moment to recognize who this person was.

He then turned around and his blank face turned into an excited grin when his eyes laid on the father and son a few steps away from him.

"Earl St. Claire! It's been long since I've seen you.

" He chirped and this time specified the name of the person he was looking forward to meeting.

Everyone present could only watch as Earl Blaise and his son were left in the dust and the Marquess was now before Earl St. Claire, engaging in animated conversation.