Many of these young men were close in age to Simon. Compared to the young duchess, the other noble young ladies, though from slightly lesser families, were closer in age and more aligned with their tastes in beauty. Those were the targets they had in mind.

The noble young ladies shared this sentiment. Their first choice was Simon, but if that failed, they would settle for another well-matched marriage prospect. After all, they were all offspring of barons, making them well-suited in status and position.

For the young men and women, this ball was more of a matchmaking event.

Compared to the men, who were eating with less restraint, the...