Chapter 255: Chapter 255: Succession

While Lu Xiao was pulling Ares along, eager to get something to eat, many people in the banquet hall were already inquiring about their identities.

“Who are those two? I don’t think I’ve ever seen them before.”

“You can’t be serious. You don’t even know them? I could see you not knowing Ares, but you’ve never even seen Lu Xiao?”

“So that’s Lu Xiao?”

“Good heavens, she’s even younger and more beautiful than I imagined!”

“I could go over and say hello. I’d love to meet her—it would be even better if my own daughter could meet her too.”

“I think we’d better not go over right now. Duke Cecilia will introduce her when the banquet officially begins. Wouldn’t it be better to approach her then?”

“Are you sure we’ll even have a chance by then?”

…

And so, Lu Xiao had barely started to eat when people began approaching to greet them.

Seeing this, Ares instinctively shielded Lu Xiao, fielding their conversations. Lu Xiao knew he just wanted her to be able to eat in peace.

But at the same time, she couldn’t bear to see Ares handle it all himself.

She linked her arm with his and smiled at the crowd. “Pardon me, but my partner hasn’t had a chance to eat yet, either. Could we please get some food first?”

The people who had come over heard her and nodded immediately. “Of course, of course. We won’t disturb you two for now.”

Ares glanced down, his eyes meeting Lu Xiao’s. A hint of a smile touched them both.

For others, a banquet like this might be a prime opportunity for networking. But for Lu Xiao and Ares, it was just another party, nothing special.

Soon, as the time for the formal dinner approached, Cecilia descended the stairs in an elegant gown. Lu Xiao smiled and went to meet her, taking Cecilia’s arm as they walked down the rest of the way together.

All the guests applauded, their faces wreathed in smiles.

After descending the stairs, Cecilia led Lu Xiao to the center of the room. “I am delighted to see all of you here tonight. It has been far too long. Seeing you all so well brings me great comfort. Tonight, I wish to introduce my granddaughter, Lu Xiao, to you all. From this day forward, she will be the next heir to the Duke Garieldo Mansion. I trust you will all treat her with the same respect you show me.”

Lu Xiao’s heart seized. She instinctively looked at Cecilia, who was smiling as she spoke.

’This is completely different from what we discussed.’ Previously, Cecilia had only said she was going to introduce her to everyone; she never mentioned announcing her as the heir to the Duke Garieldo Mansion.

Cecilia smiled and gently patted the back of Lu Xiao’s hand in a reassuring gesture.

Lu Xiao realized this must be her grandmother’s surprise—and the most precious gift she could ever give.

“Thank you, Grandmother.”

Cecilia’s words were like a stone dropped into a still pond, and in an instant, the way every guest looked at Lu Xiao became incredibly serious.

They knew it. For the Duke Garieldo Mansion to suddenly host a banquet after so long, there had to be major news to announce.

And just as they’d expected, they were not disappointed.

While some were surprised, others felt it was only natural.

It was nearly impossible to find another young female in the entire Empire as outstanding as Lu Xiao.

It was perfectly logical for Cecilia to choose Lu Xiao as her successor.

Those who were surprised felt that Lu Xiao was simply too young. ’Could a female that young truly bear the title of Duke Galli Odello?’

After all, they had daughters of a similar age at home, and every last one of them was willful, reckless, and incredibly difficult to manage.

They wouldn’t feel comfortable entrusting their own titles to such a young woman.

But regardless of whether these people accepted it, this was a private matter for the House of Galli Odello.

Duke Leslie and Asina were the first to applaud. “Duke Cecilia, your judgment is as sharp as ever!” Duke Leslie declared. “And Lu Xiao is certainly worthy. It makes one so envious. Why couldn’t I have a daughter like that!”

With Duke Leslie leading the way, others quickly chimed in. “Yes, we’ve all heard of Lu Xiao’s accomplishments! It’s so enviable. Compared to her, my little hellion is a complete embarrassment. She insisted on coming today, but I was too ashamed to bring her!”

“Isn’t that the truth? I used to think all young females in the Empire were the same, so it was normal that mine was a bit willful. But ever since meeting Lu Xiao, I understand. There are good ones out there—we just weren’t lucky enough to have them. Duke Cecilia is truly blessed!”

“Hey, can you imagine how Earl Lu Ge Wei must feel right now, knowing the daughter she gave birth to is about to inherit the title of Duke Galli Odello?”

“If I were her, I’d be kicking myself so hard I’d turn black and blue!”

…

Listening to the murmuring crowd, Cecilia smiled, took Lu Xiao by the hand, and personally began introducing her to a few select guests.

Lu Xiao carefully committed to memory everyone Cecilia personally introduced her to. She knew her grandmother wouldn’t be introducing her to anyone unimportant.

Ares stood to one side, a wine glass in hand, his gaze never leaving Lu Xiao. Even though everyone at the banquet was dressed to the nines and dazzling in their own right, they all paled in comparison to her in his eyes.

His glass was tapped gently, and Ares looked up to see Fred approaching.

“I haven’t had a chance to congratulate you on your promotion to Vice Admiral.”

Ares took a sip of his wine. “Thanks.”

Fred turned to look at the young female at the center of the festivities. “I’ve applied for a transfer to the garrison on the Edge Star. I leave next week.”

Hearing this unexpected news, Ares looked at Fred instinctively. “Why so suddenly?”

“The First Army is an off-world garrison. Admiral Clan is getting on in years; it’s not a suitable post for him anymore. I’m going over to prepare to take command. By the time I return, I’ll likely be promoted to Admiral.” Fred let out a small laugh. “Besides, I wanted a change of scenery.”

Fred didn’t say why he wanted a change of scenery, but Ares understood. He wanted to leave, to get away from Lu Xiao and put an end to his feelings for her.

On that subject, Ares felt that as the one who had won out, he couldn’t really say anything. He could only offer, “In that case, I wish you all the best.”

Fred clapped him on the shoulder. “Admiral Kula Peng isn’t getting any younger, either. He’ll probably promote you within the next couple of years. Maybe we’ll see each other again then.”

Ares nodded.

Fred chuckled. “I really do envy you, Ares. In fact, a lot of people envy you. Do you know why I decided to give up? Back at the Canghe Tribe, I saw with my own eyes the way you and Lu Xiao are with each other. I knew right then that I didn’t stand a chance. There’s no room for anyone else between the two of you. Trying to force my way in and destroy that… it would just make me feel guilty.”

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