"Word has it that the Duke of Gonzalez from Andalusia County has been in the capital for a few days now. Some people have spotted him shopping all over the place with his fiancée, seemingly preparing for Your Highness's birthday banquet," one noblewoman mentioned to Isabella.

Isabella was well aware of Simon's recent activities; she had, after all, stationed people to keep an eye on the Gonzalez household, waiting to see when he would finally send his gift.

Now, practically everyone in the capital was watching Simon, and news of his lavish spending on his fiancée was common knowledge.

"The Duke of Gonzalez is very generous to his fiancée. I...