"Ball?" No. 4, who was holding the cannon fodder body, Inanna rubbed her eyes and looked up, a trace of confusion flashed in her pink eyes as she repeated the word her father had just uttered.

"That’s right, a ball!" Duke Alama puffed out his chest, his voice sonorous, trying to make his tone sound full of love and joy, "My dear daughter, your eighteenth birthday wasn’t properly celebrated due to the intense war. But now that things have eased a bit, this belated celebration must be made up for! I have invited many outstanding young men from the Kingdom to celebrate with you, and witness the charm of the Saint Claire family’s jewel!"

"Eh—?!"

Upon hearing that many strangers would be gathered, Inanna’s brows furrowed immediately, and even her hands stopped kneading Puki.

If she had a choice, Inanna would prefer to spend her birthday with Puki in the Mushroom Garden.

Unfortunately, the boss didn’t know when her birthday was, and never asked.

It’s not that she’s complaining; in her mind, Puki probably doesn’t have the concept of birthdays.

The key point is, her father is now bringing in a crowd of people she doesn’t know and isn’t interested in, which for her is nothing less than a social torture.

She is not the type of person who enjoys such occasions.

Seeing his daughter’s look of resistance, Alama gently rubbed his clasped hands and switched to a softer, more reassuring tone:

"Dear daughter, you are now the youngest war hero in the Kingdom, the spotlight of everyone. You’re destined to stand in higher places, bear heavier responsibilities. You’re familiar with the old folks like Lorenzo, but you can’t forever only interact with us old ones. These young people are the future of the Kingdom! Use this opportunity to get to know them, build some connections, which will be beneficial, with no harm, for you, the family, and the Kingdom’s future."

The old butler behind him, Eric, timely agreed, "The Duke is absolutely right, Miss, this is indeed a great opportunity."

Inanna glanced skeptically between her father and the butler, somewhat puzzled as to why she was informed only after everything was arranged?

And also why both came together, as if afraid she’d refuse?

However, Alama’s words made sense, and Inanna was not the kind of willful young miss who only thought of herself; she understood the responsibilities that came with her identity.

Although a bit reluctant, she eventually nodded in agreement.

In her arms, No. 4, which had waited all this time for her to continue stroking, finally couldn’t help but nudge.

Only then did Inanna come back to her senses, and absentmindedly resumed kneading its soft mushroom hat.

Upon exiting the room, Alama quietly wiped his forehead where no sweat existed—thankfully, he wasn’t outright rejected on the spot.

To be honest, with the power Inanna now wielded and her reputation as a "war hero," in the United Kingdom, if she were firmly unwilling, there really wasn’t anyone who could force her, not even him as her father.

Precisely because of the fear that his daughter might outright refuse, this matchmaking event was carefully packaged as a "belated birthday feast."

Moreover, aside from the clueless Inanna herself, every invited young talent and their families received some kind of unspoken hint—Duke Alama was in fact selecting a future partner for his promising only daughter!

Alama was indeed quite conflicted inside; it felt like he was scheming against his own daughter.

But he couldn’t just watch Inanna spend her life alone with Puki forever!

Look at those two lads from the Lorenzo family!

One got married at fifteen, the other at sixteen.

That’s the typical marrying age in the noble circle of the United Kingdom!

At eighteen, it isn’t exactly too late. The real issue is, Alama hasn’t seen even a trace of interest in romance in his precious daughter!

Other noble girls of her age all expect romantic encounters, their eyes lingering on those handsome young knights or talented mage newcomers.

Only his Inanna, day in and day out, either stays at the Duke’s Mansion kneading Puki for a whole day or heads to the Puki Dungeon to play more with them.

Whether Puki represents an opportunity or a threat to the Kingdom, Alama temporarily sets aside; the immediate concern is that at this rate, Inanna might become an old maid by twenty without a partner!

This is a matter that makes him, as a father, anxious!

Of course, Inanna being his beloved shining star, is by no means a burden he’s eager to hand off; even if anxious, he wouldn’t casually find someone to marry off his daughter.

Like that guy called Edin.

Though holding the title of Viscount, his abilities are sufficient for him to secure a real estate in the future, but... he’s almost as old as Alama!

His daughter absolutely cannot marry such an old geezer!

So basically, Alama didn’t even invite Edin to the feast, despite any acquaintance he might have with Inanna.

By comparison, Warren, who served as deputy to Inanna and showed outstanding performance in the Battle of Dragon Roar Valley, is far more appealing.

Although born of a Baron family, he’s from a clean background, is highly capable, and has a good character.

Alama even privately sent people to investigate thoroughly, confirming he’s not a two-faced hypocrite, and is a viable candidate for a son-in-law worth considering.

Of course, even though Alama has a favorable impression of Warren personally and specially invited him, the final decision still rests with Inanna.

In fact, every young person who received an invitation to this feast is someone Alama has carefully vetted.

Those with a tainted reputation, poor character, or physical abnormalities have no chance of stepping into the ball.

Alama doesn’t care about offending anyone; anyone who disagrees is welcome to confront him directly to "argue."

And should there be any lucky one who truly wins Inanna’s favor, Alama will conduct further investigations to ensure his daughter isn’t misled.

His only worry now is... his daughter might end up not considering any of them.

"Hopefully... it’s not likely that none will meet her eye, right?" He mumbled somewhat uncertainly, as if seeking affirmation, "I’ve brought together the best in terms of family, capability, and character among young people of this age group throughout the Kingdom. Eric, what do you think?"

The old butler behind him slightly bowed and suggested, "Sir, the young lady is so outstanding that ordinary introductions may not catch her attention. Perhaps... it would be more effective to give the young men a chance to showcase their skills."

"That makes sense!" Alama’s eyes lit up, and he immediately had an idea, "Simply dancing and drinking would be too bland; some programs should be arranged at the feast for them to shine..."

He began pondering how to cleverly design segments that are both dignified and give the candidates a chance to exhibit their best side in front of his daughter.

...

In the room, Inanna was still unaware of all this.

However, Lin Junquan heard it.