"Remember what I taught you," Illianna whispered to Sian as they walked down the corridor that led to the noble area on the first floor. "They are rulers of kingdoms, you must maintain appearances and be polite with them."
"I'll try," Sian said casually.
"I hope you take this seriously," she said.
"Again, I'll try."
When Sian and Illianna arrived at the noble wing, the atmosphere of the area was completely different from the tavern. The colors were brighter on the walls due to the candelabras were scattered about, while on the ceiling there were elegant chandeliers to ensure good lighting.
Even the music, instead of the fast-paced and lively rhythm of the tavern, was calmer, with an elegant tone.
Just like the scene at the tavern, where everyone kneeled before the king of Poutis, in the noble area it was no different.
However, this time the music didn't stop. The musician was none other than Lin, who continued to play her harp while remaining indifferent to the presence of the rulers.
Elves are known for their ability with musical instruments, so Illianna assigned this role to her.
Just like the tavern, the place was crowded with a considerable amount of people and many of them came due to invitations written by Illianna.
Wanting to attract as many nobles as possible, Illianna also wrote letters to influential people in Poutis under Charlotte's recommendation. They would have a free stay period with access to all the hotel's benefits.
This was for the sake of publicity, as according to her, they would definitely come back for more. Normally, as a noble and the owner of the place, Sian would be the person to meet and greet them for accepting the invitation, but Illianna does it in his place since he was not suitable for it.
It's not like everyone present was a noble. Most were just wealthy people and/or influential positions.
After the king of Poutis' short period of showing off, Edwin continued to lead him to the second floor. Even though the place they were in is designated as the noble area, anyone with enough wealth can go there, but the second floor was different. Only those with a noble rank can go there.
Going in order of arrival, the king of Poutis was the first to take the elevator. Although there was still plenty of space for the others, only the king and his guards went up with Edwin.
Acting pompously, Franklin, the king of Hosnein, turned to Joan, the queen of Gauss, with his hands behind his back and said amiably, "I didn't expect you to be on good terms with my son."
Smiling, the queen replied, "He is my benefactor and we can also be considered good friends. But I'm curious, why does your majesty call him son?"
"I adopted him some time ago," he affirmed. "But only a few know about it."
"Ignore what he says," Sian intervened. "He's just a senile old man."
Sian barely finished speaking and felt Illianna poking his waist.
"Ahem," clearing his throat, Sian said, "It's just that your Majesty is getting up in age and starting to imagine things."
"I'm not that old, I'm only in my mid-forties." Taking off his crown, the king ran his hand over his short hair and continued, "See this? I still have all my hair on my head." Directing his gaze to Sian and Illianna, he said, "And you two don't have to be so formal with me, after all, we're family."
"As I said, he's a senile old man," Sian reaffirmed.
"It seems like your relationship is even better than I heard," Joan said as they conversed.
Meanwhile, a ding sounded, signaling that the elevator was back.
"I will guide His Majesty, to his room," Illianna said to Sian. "You will be in charge of guiding Her Majesty."
"My dear niece, I've already said, you don't have to be so courteous. Just call me Uncle Frank, like you did when you were a child," the king said.
Nodding, Illianna got into the elevator and said, "Let's move on."
"I'm not as petty as Fredrick," the king said. "If the queen doesn't mind my company, we can all go up together."
"I would be honored," Joan replied.
Then they all got into the elevator and went up to the second floor. When they arrived there, they found Edwin, who should have been with the king of Poutis.
"His Majesty, the king of Poutis requests that everyone gather, he said it would be good to talk to other rulers and share ideas," Edwin said. "His Majesty also invited Lord Sian and Lady Illianna."
Not declining the invitation, everyone followed Edwin to the private room, where the king was waiting for them.
Opening the door, Edwin bowed courteously and stretched his arm, indicating for them to enter.
Although the place was called a private room, it was actually a considerably large hall. There was a long wooden table that occupied the center of the space. It was covered with a white tablecloth and impeccably arranged with dishes, glasses, cutlery, and various delicacies.
Two solid wooden chairs that looked more like thrones were at the ends of the table. Since the king of Poutis already occupied one, with his guards standing behind him, the other obviously belonged to the king of Hosnein. As for the queen of Gauss, since she ruled only a small kingdom, her seat, although elegant, was not comparable to that of the kings.
Although her seat was next to the king of Poutis, it was on the side of the table, making it clear that she was in a lower rank.
As for Sian and Illianna, they also sat side by side on the side of the table near the king of Hosnein.
When everyone took their seats, the king of Poutis was the first to open his mouth, "I'm tired from the journey. Let's eat first and talk later."
"I couldn't agree more," the king of Hosnein said.
At the end of the kings' words, the waiting servants began to serve the drinks. Without parallel conversations, they just enjoyed the hearty breakfast. The food served was roast meat, eggs, exotic fruits from the demonic continent, bread with butter and honey, as well as a huge variety of food.
Prevented so that only the sound of people chewing filled the hall, the trio of musicians did their job well. The melody of the flute, drum, and lute kept the atmosphere lively.
Everyone seemed to be enjoying each other's company, as well as the delicious meal and the noble and majestic environment, but everything comes to an end.
When they finished, the King of Hosnein said, "This meal was excellent."
"It was considerably better than I expected," the King of Poutis said, and after a brief pause, he continued, "As I don't like beating around the bush, I'll get straight to the point. I came here to discuss some matters with the Sage's disciple, and as the Queen of Gauss is also here, I'll take the opportunity to discuss some matters with her."
Taking his gaze off Sian, he turned to Illianna and looked her up and down before opening his mouth again, "However, I didn't expect to find such beauty during this trip. My young lady, allow me to say that you are one of the most beautiful ladies I have ever had the pleasure of meeting."
With a smile on her face, Illianna thanked him, "Thank you very much, your majesty. I am honored to receive your compliment."
Upon hearing Illianna's response, the king audibly laughed with an air of superiority and confidence.
"Tell me, what do you think of the honor of becoming my fourth wife?"
The king's marriage proposal took everyone in the room by surprise, but Illianna remained calm.
"I'm sorry, your majesty, but I cannot accept," she replied. "I am just a simple peasant, and I am not worthy of your majesty."
From the king's surprised reaction to Illianna's response, he did not expect a refusal. Moments later, his surprise vanished as he appeared dissatisfied.
"As a magnanimous person, I am willing to overlook your social inferiority." Staring at Illianna, he continued, "I can assure you that if you become my fourth wife, your social position will change, and you will not lack jewelry and elegant clothes."
Upon hearing the king's arrogant tone, Sian felt like jumping at him and slapping him in the face, but since Illianna knew how to handle the situation, he let her take care of it.
As for the person in question, despite appearing surprised by the out-of-the-blue proposal, she quickly composed herself.
"I'm sorry, your majesty, but I cannot accept. I am not seeking wealth or power, only peace and happiness in my life," she said as she humbly bowed.
"Do you realize the decision you're making?" the king asked with a grave voice.
"Hey geezer!" As he uttered these words, Sian immediately remembered that Illianna told him he should be polite. Seeing that everyone's attention was on him, he cleared his throat and continued, "I mean, your majesty, she already refused, are you deaf?"
"Do you dare to confront me? Bastard!" the king slammed his hand on the table. "Do you think I am afraid of your mistress?"
With a teasing smile, Sian replied, "I don't need her to kick your royal ass."
At Sian's words, the guards behind the king immediately drew their swords. Seeing the mood in the hall change so quickly, even the musicians stopped playing as they seemed apprehensive about the situation.