As everyone in the hall stopped moving, the Earl at the door walked in immediately.
Miss Stella held the Earl's wrist and followed him.
"I have met the Earl!"
"I've met Miss Stella!"
The vassals and guests offered their greetings one after another, while the Earl took Miss Stella slowly towards the high platform at the front of the hall.
"This tulip flower is beautiful again!"
Stella's dress code for the dinner has changed.
During the day, she was still wearing an elegant beige dress, but now she had changed into a strapless purple evening dress.
Of course, there was only a small patch of shoulder exposed, but it couldn't cover up the skin as white as jade.
Paired with a string of sparkling gemstone necklaces around the neck, the noble and elegant temperament comes across.
“It’s an honor for everyone to come to our birthday dinner tonight!”
"After tonight, my tulip flower will be eighteen years old! She is the most precious existence in my life besides her mother!"
"I, Bernard Glory Tulip, am very happy and satisfied to see her grow!"
The Earl took Stella to the high platform, and still needed him, the Earl, to make a brief opening.
Originally, the opening was quite normal, but as he continued, the earl's words began to change.
"Of course, although I say I am satisfied, I actually have another wish now, and that is to quickly embrace the next generation of my Tulip family."
"Father!" Stella's face turned cold when she heard the Earl's straightforward words, and she was a little unable to stand down.
"Stella, what my father said is true. This is my father's only wish now. Stella hopes you don't blame your father!"
"In addition, my father will not dance with you in the first dance on your birthday in previous years. My father feels that it is time to give this opportunity to young people!"
"Okay, that's all I have to say, now let the banquet officially begin!"
Bernard was surprisingly tough this time. He did not stop talking because of his daughter's anger. Instead, he said something that shocked the other young people.
Of course, this is not why the Earl is so straightforward.
A county not only has military and political autonomy, but also has a vast territory and numerous vassals. It is actually no different from a small country.
Therefore, as a vassal, it is natural to ensure that there are successors to the family, so that he can feel at ease and his vassals can also feel at ease.
After saying that, the earl knew that he was on the verge of anger, so he immediately said no more.
But the young people below were eager to give it a try after the earl finished speaking.
They originally thought that Stella's birthday would be the same as usual this time, and that the Earl would dance the first dance with her again.
But this time, the earl actually gave up this opportunity.
This is simply good news for the young people who are greedy for tulip flowers, especially the second sons who received the news in advance.
Because at this birthday party, no matter whether the birthday hero wants it or not, he needs to dance the first dance.
This is not only an opportunity to showcase yourself, but also to express respect for the guests.
As for the candidates for this first dance, if they are married, they can dance with their husbands.
But if you are unmarried, unless there is a justifiable reason, the chance will be the one who gives you the most precious gift tonight.
The gift-giving habits in this world are similar to those of Westerners in previous lives. After receiving a gift, they will open it on the spot as a sign of respect for the guest.
When guests come from far away to express their feelings by presenting the most precious gifts, the recipients of the gifts naturally also want to express their gratitude.
This first dance is a great thank you gift.
Therefore, every birthday party of a noble lady is an opportunity for the young people who like her.
In previous years, Stella still had her father as a shield. Although everyone was eager, they never had the chance.
But now the earl has taken the initiative to give up the opportunity, which gives hope to all the toads.
Of course, it is a pity that opportunities come to those who are prepared.
For example, the six second sons received reminders from the Earl's messenger in advance.
As for other young people, most of them came with their elders, or simply came on behalf of their families.
"Wow! Narant, you second sons are so lucky this time. Miss Stella is eighteen years old now. I followed my father to attend Stella's birthday dinners several times, but I have never seen Stella.
Miss Della danced with the others!"
"Even at her coming-of-age ceremony, Miss Stella's first dance was only with the Earl!"
Boris didn't know when he came back, and after the earl finished speaking, he immediately looked at Nalant and made an envious sound.
"Tsk tsk!"
Speaking of which, Nalant is indeed a bit greedy.
Naturally, dancing requires physical contact, such as leaning against each other and holding onto a slender waist.
But Nalant knew that this opportunity would probably be difficult, so the other guests didn't have to worry, but the younger sons definitely showed their talents.
Even if his gift is carefully prepared, it may not be comparable to others.
"Miss Stella, I wish you a happy birthday!" At this moment, some young people were already in front of them and couldn't wait to come forward and give them gifts.
However, these young men were not the second sons participating in the competition. Their gifts were only gifts for their fathers, and the value was only some jewelry and other items worth four or five gold coins each.
"Thank you!" Stella stamped her feet angrily at what her father had just said and this irresponsible behavior, but in full view of the crowd, she understood the general situation and responded politely to the guests.
"Miss Stella, happy birthday to you!"
Soon, one after another young people came to the stage and presented gifts. Stella would accept them one by one to express her gratitude, and at the same time, she would open the gifts in public to show respect.
As expected, their gifts were all of similar value, and rarely exceeded ten gold coins.
Only a few big families' gifts were worth more than a dozen gold coins.
Seeing that the gift-giving was gradually coming to an end, several of the younger sons who participated in the competition finally couldn't stand it any longer.
"Miss Stella, my name is Deen Kirby, and my territory is in Gaogangling. I wish you a happy birthday. After knowing your birthday, I carefully prepared a gift for you. I hope you like it!"
As soon as the second son of the competition appeared, it was really different.
This time Zi not only introduced his name, but also told the location of the territory.
Although this is redundant, it can make the earl sitting not far away remember him.
As for whether Stella remembers it, there is no way of knowing.
"Thank you!" Stella's expression froze for a moment, but then she returned to her original state.
If you know how to do psychological close-ups, you might be able to see a clue, that is, Stella doesn't like such words that obviously have hints and purposes.
It's a pity that the Earl is sitting aside, and Stella can't accept this gift.