Chapter 3: The Banquet (Part 3)
Episode 08
(Entering The Capital Of Loire)
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The grand front gate of the Capital buzzed with life and excitement. Hundreds of knights, their armor gleaming in the sunlight, riding in on magnificent steeds, paraded through, accompanied by carriages adorned with royal insignias of Fellmirr Empire.
The streets brimmed with eager onlookers, all craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the infamous Beastmen arriving in the Capital.
"Whoa!"
"Well, would you look at that!"
"I thought they'd look more like those hairy forest creatures!"
"Yeah, or fat and ugly like goblins!"
"But look at 'em! They're just like regular folks!"
"What do you mean 'regular'? They're like angels or something! Kyaa~"
"Did you see those knights? Handsome bunch, aren't they!"
"And their outfits? Fit like they were born in 'em!"
"Kyaa~ Did you see? That knight just waved to me!"
"Which one?"
"The one with azure hair, the handsome devil!"
"What? He waved at me, too!"
"Eeek! He just winked!"
"Did you catch the silver-haired one? Oh, my stars! He winked right at me!"
"Tch~ What's the big deal? They look normal to me."
A boy interrupted the excited chatter of the young ladies.
"Shut up, you ugly! What do YOU know?"
"Go look in the mirror before talking about others."
"Yeah, just go away. Why are you even here?"
"Yeah, are you a pervert? Why are you eavesdropping?"
"Ugh, fine! I'm going."
The boy ran off, face burning with embarrassment.
"And did you see that knight with fiery orange hair? Ahh! Why are they all so dashing! Kyaa~"
"And what of the one with jet-black hair…"
"Yes, he shows no emotion..."
"But that's what makes him cooler, right?"
"Totally! Like some brooding hero from a tale."
"Could he be the Crown Prince of Fellmirr?"
"Maybe. He leads at the head of the procession."
"Seriously, they're like something out of a dream. I'd marry any one of them!"
The entire crowd was alive with the ecstatic cheers and chatter of young women, while children gazed in awe at the splendid knights.
"Mother! Mother! Look! They are so big and strong! I want to be just like them when I grow up!"
"Yes, yes, my dear! They are really something, huh?"
The crowd couldn't contain their admiration for the grand procession.
"Their attire is crafted with such skill."
"Aye."
"The knights display remarkable discipline."
"And did you see the number of carriages?!"
"Nearly twenty!"
"I wonder what they carry!"
At the very front of the procession rode Leonus, the Crown Prince of Fellmirr Empire, looking regal and commanding. Close behind him were his loyal friends Lorenzo Iydril, Randall Erlshade, and Blaine Ainsworth. The rest of the knights and carriages followed in a majestic, awe-inspiring line.
Lorenzo hailed from the Iydril Duchy, known for the noble Water Dragon Clan. Randall belonged to the Erlshade Duchy, the realm of the Silver Werewolf Clan and also Leonus's cousin. Blaine Ainsworth, the Vice-Captain of Leonus's knights, was a formidable Swordmaster skilled in space magic, and he was human.
Leonus himself was a vision in his gold-embroidered navy blue royal suit and white trousers. A red scarf was tied stylishly at his waist, and a luxurious velvet cloak of navy blue and white, also embroidered with gold, draped over his shoulders. This attire, the royal garb of the Fellmirr Empire, marked him as a figure of immense authority and grace.
"Looks like we're quite the celebrities wherever we go!"
Randall quipped with a smirk, clearly enjoying the attention.
"Well, it's only natural. They can't resist our irresistible charm."
Lorenzo replied nonchalantly, as if stating the obvious.
"Ah, the burden of being this handsome. It's a tragedy, really. What will I do if they start proposing? Such a pity, I'll have to break their hearts!"
Randall lamented, with a hint of narcissism.
Lorenzo rolled his eyes playfully.
"Please, they're probably too intimidated to even approach us."
"Intimidated by us? Nah, by that wolf over there! He's been tailing us for weeks."
Randall grumbled, feigning annoyance.
"He must really be eager for something," Lorenzo smirked knowingly.
"I guess he can't wait anymore!"
"Pfft~ Hahahaha!"
"Hahahaha~!"
"Enough chatter. One more word and you'll both be sent to investigate Nuglobar territory."
The banter halted abruptly when Leonus spoke, his voice calm but firm.
"We were just joking, Your Highness!"
Randall hurriedly interjected, forcing a laugh.
"Yeah, just a jest among friends."
Lorenzo added, trying to lighten the mood.
"Hahaha…"
"Right… Ha Ha…"
The two grinned nervously and continued vigorously waving at the crowd.
Kyaa~ Kyaa~
And the ladies' cheers echoed through the crowd unabated.
After a time, they arrived at the gates of the Royal Palace. Albert, accompanied by the butler and a contingent of Royal Knights and servants, stood ready to receive them.
With the exception of Blaine and a few knights attending to the carriages, the rest took a separate path leading to a nearby manor prepared for their stay.
Leonus gracefully dismounted from his majestic black steed first, followed by Randall, Lorenzo, and finally Blaine. As they alighted, the knights and servants bowed respectfully before them.
"Greetings, Crown Prince Leonus Albus Carados Fellmirr. I am Albert Lynchfield, aide to His Imperial Majesty. I trust your journey was pleasant?"
Albert then turned to greet Lorenzo and Randall with equal courtesy.
"Greetings, Young Master Iydril and Young Master Erlshade. The palace chef has prepared a grand feast in your honor."
"We'd prefer to rest first. My companions and knights are weary from the long journey. We will dine later."
"As you wish, Your Highness. The servants have prepared quarters for you. The butler will guide you."
"Very Well."
"His Majesty, the Emperor awaits you in the Royal Court, Crown Prince."
"Blaine, come with me."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Blaine replied with a respectful tone.
"Lead the way, then."
"As you wish."
Lorenzo and Randall followed the butler to their prepared palace, while Leonus and Blaine accompanied Albert towards the Royal Court.
After a few minutes, they arrived at the Royal Court.
POO~
A resounding horn announced Leonus's entrance.
"Behold! The Crown Prince of Fellmirr, Leonus Albus Carados Fellmirr, approaches the Royal Court."
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"Greetings, Crown Prince Leonus Albus Carados Fellmirr."
Mathias's voice boomed, a sly smile playing on his lips as he regarded Leonus from above.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
Mathias's brow furrowed slightly at Leonus's relaxed demeanor, but he quickly masked it with a smirk. "Welcome to the Loire Empire. I trust your journey was… manageable?"
"It was indeed. Thank you for your hospitality."
"How fares your esteemed father, the Emperor of Fellmirr?"
"His health is most excellent."
"Good to hear. Now, you must surely require rest. Let us not delay your well-deserved repose."
"I intend to, but first, allow me to present something. Blaine."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Blaine responded with a respectful bow of his head. Then, with a snap of Blaine's fingers, treasure chests of varying sizes materialized throughout the Royal Court.
Blaine, with a wave of his hand, unlocked the chests using magic. They spilled forth a dazzling array of silver coins, each embossed with the Fellmirr crest, alongside bars of gleaming gold. Precious jewels, cut to perfection, sparkled in the light, nestled among intricate pieces of jewelry crafted with finesse. Fine silks and velvets, dyed in deep royal hues, cascaded from the chests, their luxurious textures catching the eye of every courtier present. The court chamber was transformed into a treasure trove, each chest radiating wealth fit for a kingdom.
Gasps echoed through the court.
Mutter* Mutter*
The entire assembly was struck with awe. Royal officials whispered among themselves, eyes wide with disbelief at the overwhelming display of wealth. But even more astonishing was Blaine's mastery of spatial magic.
"A modest token of goodwill from the Fellmirr Empire."
"Y-yes, of course. A most... generous gift." Mathias stammered, clearly flustered, hastily changing the subject.
"Regardless, a grand banquet is planned in honor of your arrival this evening."
"So it seems. We shall take our leave then."
Without waiting for Mathias's response, Leonus departed with Blaine in tow, leaving behind a room abuzz with astonishment and admiration.
"I can't believe they just sent an Aide to welcome Your Highness."
Blaine growled, his voice tinged with annoyance and simmering anger.
"..."
"Even though he is Emperor Johannes's son, he's nothing like him. Bastard."
"Well, the look on his face in the Royal Court was indeed quite… Amusing."
"He was completely caught off guard. Didn't expect such a gesture, did he?"
After a while, they reached the palace prepared for them.
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The Royal Palace
Isabella's Room.
After a while, the sound of trumpets and drums ceased. I guessed they had reached the palace.
The banquet was set for the evening, and the afternoon sun already cast long shadows. The maids bustled around, preparing me for the event.
My dress was a stunning black gown adorned with sparkling diamonds and hints of glittery gold. It was quite heavy, but its beauty made it worth the weight.
Suddenly, one of the maids started to untie the chain that my grandfather had given me.
"What are you doing?"
I asked, surprised.
"Princess, you have to remove the chain."
"Wait. I will do it myself."
I insisted, not wanting anyone else to touch the cherished gift.
< It was a precious chain that Grandfather gave me. He had been very sick before his death, and I visited him daily as he couldn't even get up from his bed. But that day, he was extremely ill, and I started crying as soon as I saw him.
"Listen, Bell. I am going to say something very important. You must always wear that chain."
"Grandpa, Sob* don't leave me."
I sobbed, my heart breaking.
"Listen to me, Isabella. This is very important, my child. Promise me. Promise me that you will wear it every day."
He pleaded, his eyes filled with a desperate intensity.
"Bu-but…"
I stammered, choking on my tears.
"Think of it as me, dear. As long as you wear it, I will always be there for you. It will protect you from harm, my child."
He whispered, his hand shaking as he reached out to touch my cheek.
"Sob*... Sob*..."
"Bell, my dear. I am not going anywhere. I will always be there for you, child. Don't cry. Promise me that you will wear it every day."
"Sob*..."
"Now you don't even want to listen to me?"
"Ahh~ I will. Sob* I promise."
"Good girl. Come here."
Grandfather said, opening his arms.
He took me in his arms and hugged me tightly, and I burst into tears, clinging to him.
Bohohoo~
"Aghh~ Grandpa~ Are you going to leave me? Don't! Sob* Please don't leave me!"
"No. My child. I am not going anywhere."
He murmured, his voice filled with a sorrowful resolve.
Sob* Sob*
After a while, I fell asleep in his arms. That day, they both slept together. That day, we both slept together, wrapped in a bittersweet embrace. And a few days later, Johannes passed away, leaving me with only the memory of his warmth and the precious chain around my neck. >
I untied the chain and held it in my hand, its familiar weight comforting.
Getting into the dress took a while, but it was worth the effort. It was gorgeous, a masterpiece of black silk and shimmering gold. The maids then set to work on my hair, leaving it untied and adorning it with a stunning headpiece made of white diamonds. They completed the look with earrings and a choker necklace, both made of lace matching the dress.
By the time I was fully dressed, evening had fallen.When I looked in the mirror, I could hardly recognize myself. I guess they really don't want to send Rubena.
Sigh~
"I want to be alone for a bit."
"As you wish, Princess."
The maids replied, bowing before leaving the room.
I looked at the chain in my hand. There was a secret to it: Grandfather had imbued it with powerful magic, allowing it to transform into any piece of jewelry. As I focused, the chain responded, its links rearranging themselves with a soft, musical chime until it became a ring that fit perfectly around my finger.
"Haa~"
I gazed out the window. The moon shone brightly, and I could hear music drifting from the Royal Ballroom.
"The Banquet has started…"