Sorting out my feelings took a long time, but it also helped me understand that Dustin might still exist within me. Although I have the mind of an adult, I still have the heart of a child.
After a short while, the disturbance outside had long since subsided, signaling the start of the banquet and the emperor's entrance.
And as I waited, the previous butler-like figure approached me and said.
"Your highness his majesty the empress has called for you at the main venue."
"Thank you, I'll be there."
I started to walk to my destination, thinking that now I would finally be confronting the royal family.
~~~~~~~~~~
I walked to the venue with proper posture while examining my surroundings, and with a few glances, I saw them.
The royal family, and just as expected, they all have great looks. I mean, not to brag, but Dustin does look good too. So I also expected them to be good looking, but seeing them up close was just an understatement. They look stunningly gorgeous.
It was like looking at an ageless beautiful piece of art, but instead of it being digital or 2D, they were breathing and real.
But I didn't let this deter me as I continued to walk in their direction. I guess looking in the mirror these past few weeks helped in getting me immune, but still, this was just wow.
But although they look like this, I shouldn't let my guard down.
Because in a family like this, talent dictates all.
I learned it first-hand from all my former teachers. They would tell me stories of how powerful the royal family is.
These stories include branch families and events from the past as well as the present. During those times, they talk about my siblings quite a bit. I'm not sure why, but perhaps it was merely to ignite Dustin's competitive spirit with his siblings.
Although there are just three of them, my older siblings have accomplished a lot. They are also at least 15 years older than I am.
Why 15, you ask? Because during my great grandfather's era, he once stepped up to be the emperor. He waged war with the demons and created the continental alliance.
This all started when the residents from the other continent tried to invade ours. So, in retaliation, my grandfather fought back.
And one thing leads to another, and a war breaks out between the two continents.
I don't know the details because, like every other kid, Dustin likes to do cool things instead, so he just doesn't like to listen to details.
Anyway, during and before his coronation, he had children, but was not able to have more because of the workload he had to do, including the war. Only after at least fifteen years of ruling was he able to stabilize his position and was able to have some free time with his family.
Bringing me and an upcoming child among my the fathers' wives' belly. At any rate, that's what I was told by both the residents of the castle and my teachers.
Reaching the seat of the royal family, I greeted my family.
"Greetings, your Majesty the Emperor and Empress, as well as Lady Leticia and to you, Brother Logan; I have arrived."
I tried hard to remember all the gestures and greeted them as respectfully as I could. Well, my time was limited. I don't know if I even did it right or not.
"Come and sit, Dustin."
When I heard the empress, I did as she said and moved to the end of the seat to respond.
"Yes."
We had a way of sitting, and this farther side is mine. My second elder brother, though he has a tough name, is a researcher and a magician with a lot of achievements under his belt.
And as for my other siblings, apparently they're not here, either, as is the third wife of my father. And if I remember correctly, they are battle-oriented, so I guess they stayed behind the front lines to stabilize the place.
And time passed by when a butler arrived and whispered to my father. And as if to start the event, the father stood up and spoke in a loud but clear voice that instead sounded pleasant.
"Today we celebrate this year's banquet with great news that will be marked as the greatest success of the continental alliance.
This led me to think that it might be some kind of technique that controlled sound. And now that I think about it, this is quite possible since the empire has a rich and long history.
"We have reclaimed all the lands of our continent, and this includes the two islands of the southern seas. Though there are still more occupied by those invaders, we now have the upper hand."
I don't know much about war, but controlling the seas is a great pivot for any country. So it is not an exaggeration to control two islands and make them a base for interception.
"But we wouldn't be able to retrieve this land without the help of Commander Shield."
Clap! clap!
Huh Shield? Isn't that Kiara's family name? That means he might be related to her. I was thinking, so I looked at a tall man who stood at the height of a mountain. I mean, at least 2 and a half meters.
Yeah, I doubt Kiara is related to him. She doesn't look at all like him from every angle possible. He had spiky red hair and brown skin, and his looks were stern.
"He stood his ground and fought valiantly against the invaders and defended the harbor against three ranks of five demon assassins. Although they were at the same rank, he pushed through and became a rank six warrior, resulting in their defeat."
That's a huge deal now that I think about it. One of my teachers says that the ranks of warriors and mages is completely opposite. A warrior ranks up under great pressure, while magicians rank up in a calm manner. Though there are instances, not all of this applies to most of them.
So it isn't a surprise to rank up in the midst of battle, but it is still a feat worth recognition. I mean, rank six is considered a power house in any country.
"As a reward, I will give him the south harbor as his territory, naming it Shield Harbor and raising his rank to Earl."
"Thank you, your majesty! May your flames of ember be everlasting and bright! "
"""May your flames of ember be everlasting and bright!"""
As the new Earl Commander Shield exclaimed, so did the people in the venue. It was so loud and clear, like what my father did. confirming my thought that this is some kind of technique.
And for the sentence they all said, it has a long history starting from the founding of the kingdom. It is already ingrained in all the people in the empire. It is like those "long live the king" cheers.
"And I would also like to award those who fought valiantly."
He continued to congratulate those who are here and those who are still left at the harbor. There appear to be numerous casualties, and those families, particularly those who made significant sacrifices, will be compensated.
"I would also like to extend my gratitude all of the countries who joined the alliance. Although you have your country to protect, you still gave us your support. "
As my father thanked the allied nations of the continent, he also stated some shares that were to be given to them as per their agreement.
"We couldn't have done it without you. Here are the proposals that I have for the distribution of benefits. I would like to do it later after the banquet, but I think it is better to do it now to have a proper discussion during your current stay."
According to what I understand of what they discussed, even though Earl Shield becomes the head of the new Shield Harbor, it will still be run by any country. He is just running it because it is close to the Saga empire.
The event continued as the nobles and delegates of each country came to greet His Majesty the emperor.
And so did the chatter and exchange of knowledge of the people around us. The only thing I did was observe. If it was the old Dustin, he would probably run outside.
Bang!
A thunderous sound echoed as the door opened forcefully.
Unknowingly, as the banquet continued, it was suddenly intruded upon. And that intruder was the head researcher of the magic tower. Yes, the same magic tower that Titan raided.
"What seems to be the problem? "Professor Philips?"
The emperor asked the professor.
My apologies, Your majesty, but there is an invention me and my team made and we would like to present it to you now.
"Now?"
"Yes, now."
"Okay, if it will help you stop wrecking things in this palace, then go on ahead."
Like my father said, he slammed the door down and it is now broken.
But what I am curious about is how come he is not punished for what he did? I don't know, but something tells me this is weird.
But when I look around, there are only a few people who find this strange. And they are mostly nobles and delegates from other countries.
This only means that this happened more than once or twice. What is the background behind this explosion expert?