On this continent, the nobility each had their own crest, and generally speaking, each crest was unique.
The content of a crest had various symbolic meanings and many details to consider.
For example, the crest of the Beisher Family first featured a shield, indicating that their family came from knightly origins within secular power. Then, there were the dual rosemary totems on the shield, one representing the Beisher Family and the other symbolizing the rule of the Beisher Duchy. The laurel branches and gold horns around the shield indicated that the Beisher Family held the rank of Duke and were also conferred by the King, not an independent lordship. The silver edging on the shield showed that this family was recognized by the Church.
In fact, this was the crest used by Yilin's father. One day when Yilin truly ascended to the position of Duke, the crest would need to be altered. Elements from Yilin's mother's family would have to be incorporated because Yilin fully inherited all the wealth and rights from her mother, who was also an only daughter.
Gray's crest, on the other hand, was very simple, featuring a shield with a silver moon in the center, surrounded by laurel leaves and reindeer moss. This indicated that Gray had a hereditary baronetcy and was granted his title by a Duke. The silver moon was his totem.
Actually, the laurel leaves and reindeer moss on Gray's crest were still controversial since Yilin had not formally inherited the duchess title. Only after Yilin formally inherited would Gray's title of baron formally take effect. Until then, it was still acceptable for him to call himself a knight.
Generally speaking, the more complex the crest, the more powerful it represented the family.
And the crest of the old man before them was extremely complex…
Ivy vines indicated that he was an Earl. Like Gray, it had laurel leaves and a shield, indicating his knightly origins and that his rank was also granted by a Duke. Additionally, there were silver cross edges, showing he was recognized by the Church, similar to the Beisher Family. But the most crucial part was the family totem on his shield… as many as eight kinds. Yes, eight. The shield was divided into eight sections, with eight different totems on it!
This meant that the old man inherited the rights and properties of eight distinguished families.
Of course, Gray could not recognize these details now, but he really recognized this crest! Because he had seen it when he dug up the Gruglu family's ancestral tomb! It was engraved on a big stone around the cemetery!
The moment he recognized the crest, Gray immediately stopped in his tracks.
Yilin, who was being supported by him, also stopped.
"What is it?"
"He is…"
"Count Gruglu, Artwood III," *Yilin maintained her smile, lowering her voice as she looked at Count Gruglu and said,* "Why, do you know him?"
"No… no, I don't."
"He is my prime target in opposing His Majesty the King, even more important than Count Caspar. But he was the first to refuse me. If it weren't for him, the other vassals wouldn't be so indecisive. I even suspect that it was a conspiracy between him and the King. However, tonight I plan to take this opportunity to try again. After all, he came. Since he's willing to come, it means there's still a possibility, doesn't it?"
*Saying this, Yilin smiled, let go of Gray's hand, lifted her dress, and walked straight toward Count Gruglu.*
People around began pairing up and dancing to the music. However, it was clearly not the kind of dance Gray had imagined.
Hesitating, Gray had to follow along timidly.
"Dear Uncle Gruglu, long time no see," *Yilin respectfully greeted Count Gruglu.*
"Not that long, just half a month. I heard you've been quite busy these past two weeks. You went to Salted Fish Port, met Count Caspar, and even acquired the loyalty of a powerful knight," *Count Gruglu's gaze briefly fell on Gray before quickly retracting, sighing lightly,* "It seems my little niece Yilin has really grown up."
"Uncle Gruglu wouldn't you invite Yilin to dance the first dance?" *Yilin asked with a smile.*
"It would be an honor," *Count Gruglu elegantly gestured, then took Yilin's hand and walked to the center of the hall.*
Gray wanted to follow but was swiftly blocked by Huoersi with an outstretched arm.
The dance began, both of them wearing polite smiles on their faces.
Even though there was a distance of more than ten meters, and despite their low voices, Gray could clearly hear their conversation through magic.
"I heard that your knight is very powerful. He can pull up trees with his bare hands. But why is he still wearing armor at the ball? Is it unsafe here?"
"If it's not safe here, then where is? He's just used to it. By the way, has Uncle Gruglu reconsidered Yilin's previous request?"
"Actually, I have always been considering it. I know all the news, and I've been assessing. As the leader of the family, I have a duty to consider the future of the family."
"So, what's your decision? Your presence tonight, does it mean you've made up your mind?"
"Actually, no. Because I suddenly think I might have received incorrect information. If the information is wrong, the evaluation process becomes pointless."
"Incorrect information, you mean?"
"About your knight," *Count Gruglu gestured toward where Gray was standing,* "Everything else is understandable, but the rumors about your knight… using the chains of a drawbridge as a whip, pulling up trees with his bare hands, and even lifting an iron gate alone. These sound more like tall tales. Do you understand what I mean?"
"Does Uncle Gruglu want to see for himself? Why don't we make a bet? If Gray can really do it, Uncle Gruglu would agree to Yilin's request, how about it?"
"Well… Ahem, you are indeed stronger than we expected, but not enough, Yilin. The Gruglu family, 'only supports those destined to win.' This is the family motto that has been our foundation for a thousand years. The Gruglu family's history is older than the Beisher Family's."
*Gray listened in a daze, then suddenly remembered something more important and urgently asked Huoersi beside him,* "Isn't this supposed to be a ball? Why isn't anyone dancing?"
"Aren't they dancing already?"
"They're already dancing?" *Gray looked around.*
Huoersi pointed to Yilin and Count Gruglu in front of them, as well as the people around them.
"This is dancing?"
"What else would it be? What do you think they are doing?"
"I thought dancing should be…" *Seeing the puzzled look on Huoersi's face, Gray quickly swallowed his words.*
*New information, there's more than one kind of dance.*
*So now, the question is, where to find a dance partner?*
Clearly, Gray still hadn't given up on the idea of dancing tonight. He started looking around for someone.
Who? Pas.
Yilin already had a partner, and Pas was Gray's first instinct, thinking that Pas would be the most familiar to dance with him.
Although he had noticed that everyone dancing was paired man and woman, and he himself seemed universally recognized as male. But that was fine! Nothing could stop a Lich from wanting to dance, not even the absence of women!
He soon discovered that Pas, the traitor, was already in the distance, hugging some unknown girl intimately.
Helpless, he turned to Huoersi, staring until Huoersi got goosebumps and involuntarily moved his legs back.
As Gray hesitated about asking Huoersi to be his dance partner, a hand was extended in front of him, "Baron, would you mind dancing with me?"
A playful young girl, around sixteen or seventeen, about the same age as Yilin, appeared before Gray.
She wore a long orange silk dress, had fair skin, her golden hair was pinned up at the back of her head, her willow-leaf eyebrows always seemed to be smiling, and her seemingly frail figure carried an inherent sense of pride.
At that moment, she was slightly tilting her head, extending a hand, haughtily looking at Gray.
However, Gray wasn't looking at her. To be precise, he was looking at the family crest on her chest—Gruglu again!
Undoubtedly, Gray was looking forward to dancing the first dance but had to admit that the Gruglu family cast a shadow in his heart.
Was it not just digging up an ancestral tomb? And being chased by an entire knight's regiment as a result.
How could any Lich not have a shadow from that?
Gray started to worry if they might have recognized him. Otherwise, why did they keep appearing in front of him?
So, Gray chose to—pretend he didn't see it, turning his head away to keep staring at Huoersi.
The scene became a bit awkward.
The surrounding people's eyes were drawn to them, and the girl's face turned bright red, her brows furrowing so tightly that water could be wrung from them.
Huoersi nudged Gray with his elbow, indicating that he should respond. Yet, Gray still pretended not to see.
The girl became genuinely angry and asked in a trembling voice, "Does Baron think that Shelley isn't beautiful enough?"
"No, Miss Shelley is the most beautiful woman in the world," *Huoersi quickly smoothed things over.*
"I didn't ask you!" Shelley didn't even glance at Huoersi, her eyes locking onto Gray, "I'm talking to the Baron."
Forced into a corner, Gray reluctantly moved his gaze to Shelley.
In the distance, Count Gruglu, who was dancing with Yilin, was secretly glancing this way.
Following Count Gruglu's gaze, Yilin also looked over.
"Invite her to dance! Miss Yilin cannot completely offend the Gruglu family now!" *Huoersi harshly whispered into Gray's ear.*
Saying that he also gave Gray a push from behind.
This was something Gray could understand.
Reluctantly, Gray awkwardly imitated Count Gruglu's gesture of bowing and said, "It would be an honor," then reached out to take Shelley's hand.
The moment their hands touched, Shelley, who was previously angry, smiled in satisfaction. At the same time, Gray clearly felt an enraged boy in a black suit leave in anger.
The music continued, and so did the dancing.
Shelley smiled proudly, but it was evident that her smile wouldn't last long. Dancing with Gray was not a pleasant experience.
"Ouch! You stepped on me!"
…
"Ouch! You stepped on me again!"
…
"Ouch! You did it again!"
He got the moves right, but ballroom dancing was more than just getting the moves right. Gray's rhythm was entirely off.
Shelley pouted and stared at Gray to express her displeasure.
"Sorry… this is my first dance," *Gray apologized softly.*
"Your first dance?" *Shelley widened her eyes in surprise.*
"Yes."
"It's okay, actually, it's my first time too."
"Really?"
"Really," *Shelley giggled,* "It's my first time dancing with someone in armor."