Once the servants finished tidying their attire, the two returned to the banquet hall together.
Just as they entered the hall, Altair saw Madam Anna gesturing for him to come over. After bidding farewell to Audrey, Altair headed straight toward his teacher's position.
Seeing Altair moving toward her, Madam Anna turned around and began searching for a place where they could talk. Once they found a secluded corner, Madam Anna asked curiously, "Is your family collaborating with Count Hall's family recently?"
Altair thought for a moment and saw no reason to hide it, stating frankly, "There is a collaboration. Two months ago, I invested in a project of Count Leif's, and a month ago, Count Hall joined in through an exchange of interests."
"You should have heard of it; it's the matter in the industrial zone that caused the biggest stir recently."
"Is there something wrong?"
Madam Anna patted Altair's hand to reassure him, then said, "I thought so. How else would someone as low-profile as you be noticed?"
"Just after you left, Caitlin... that is, the Countess Hall and Audrey's Mother, was inquiring about your marital status. You've likely been targeted by their family."
"Altair, you are the most obedient and studious student I have ever seen, so I am willing to say some things I probably shouldn't. I'll give you some personal advice: I don't recommend choosing the Hall family for a marriage alliance."
"Although the current Count Hall earned a very high social status and wealth through his early investments in industry and infrastructure..."
"His eldest son, Lord Hibbert, is a typical aristocratic playboy. The second son, Alfred, has a steady personality, but as the second son, he cannot inherit the Hall family estate. He can only hope Hibbert gives him more wealth when the family branches out later."
"So no one in his family is worth a marriage alliance for you. I will try my best to help you deflect them in a while; you should also be careful."
After listening to Madam Anna's advice, Altair smiled and said, "I understand. Teacher, you told me their purpose so directly; aren't you afraid of offending their family?"
This question didn't affect Madam Anna's mood. She just glared at Altair and said flatly, "You don't need to worry about my affairs. I'm not afraid of them."
"As for you, inheriting your own family's properties was already enough, and now you've invested in such a large project. Once you finish your social coming-of-age ceremony, you'll have plenty to keep you busy."
...The host of the banquet, Count Hall, walked up to the second floor of his home. Standing at a prominent central position and holding a glass of deep ruby-colored Red Aurmir Wine, he addressed the guests below:
"Distinguished guests, thank you all for taking the time to visit my humble abode. Tonight's lights shine brighter because of your arrival, and this hall is more glorious for your presence."
"On behalf of my entire family, I extend our most sincere welcome to you all. May tonight's gathering allow us to share joy and strengthen our friendships, and may you all forget your toil in this warm atmosphere and enjoy the music, food, and fine time."
..."Let us drink the first glass of wine—to friendship, to health, and to the wonderful time tonight."
As Count Hall finished his speech, Altair took a small sip of the drink he had picked up earlier. It tasted sweet at first, but the aftertaste wasn't great, feeling somewhat like a high-proof spirit.
Seeing Altair's flushed face, Madam Anna explained, "Sonia Blood Wine, brewed from the sweet wood sap specialty of the area around the Golden Spring. It is golden-red in color and has a slightly viscous feel when swirled, like thin honey mixed with blood. It tastes sweet but makes one drunk very easily."
"If you drink this whole glass, you'll likely pass out. It seems you need to hire a sommelier to give you lessons. After all, drinking unknown beverages at parties in the future will cause a lot of trouble."
Altair looked down at the glass in his hand and asked directly, "Indeed. Madam Anna, do you have any recommended teachers?"
Before Madam Anna could reply, Caitlin had already approached Altair's side. She bowed elegantly and then gestured for the young man beside her to step forward, saying, "Count Altair, allow me to introduce my eldest son, Lord Hibbert Hall."
"He has already entered the Cabinet and the National Atmospheric Pollution Committee. He is a very outstanding and ambitious young man..."
After introducing Hibbert, she began again, "This is Count Altair, the heir to the Sheffield Family."
After Caitlin introduced the two to each other, she left quietly. As for Hibbert, he did not choose to follow his Mother. Instead, he stayed to begin a conversation with Altair.
When the music began to play and Count and Countess Hall started the first dance, Hibbert wanted to invite Altair to dance together.
When Altair turned to look at Madam Anna, she only nodded slightly to indicate it was okay. Helpless, he could only accompany him through one dance.
When the music ended and the two bowed to each other, Altair used lack of physical strength as an excuse to decline the next dance. He left the dance floor and found Madam Anna nearby.
As Altair approached, Madam Anna said, "Your body was too stiff just now, which made the dance performance not very good. I suggest you invite your dance teacher back to continue learning."
Altair, the party involved, was grumbling inwardly, 'I already did well enough by enduring the awkwardness and finishing that uncomfortable dance. To expect me to perform better? Impossible!' But on the surface, he said, "I understand, Madam Anna."
"Didn't you say you would try to help me block the Hall family? Why did you agree to let me dance with Hibbert?"
Madam Anna didn't choose to answer Altair directly. Instead, she took a sip of the champagne in her hand and asked back, "Have you forgotten the lessons from your etiquette and dance classes? After the important figures open the dance, the host's son acts as the representative of the host. Dancing with him is an expression of respect and decency; it is also an important part of banquet socializing."
"It seems you've forgotten most of the knowledge you learned back then. I feel it's necessary for you to study again."
To Madam Anna's words, Altair could only smile awkwardly, trying to brush it off. Although he had learned it, it was normal to slowly forget things that weren't used often.
With the end of the second piece of music, Lord Hibbert, as Madam Anna expected, came forward as scheduled to invite Altair to continue dancing. But this time, he was directly intercepted and rejected by Madam Anna.
As Altair's 'Guardian,' Madam Anna had this right. Even if the matter blew up and others found out, only Hibbert would be reprimanded. The reason was simple: Altair did not yet have the status to attend banquets independently; everything he did required the consent of his guardian.
Simply put, the original owner was a 'minor'.