CG Chapter 68: An Additional Guest
Seeing that Tom wasn't going to be swayed so easily, Alexander chose to pull a classic trick from the art of manipulation.
"How about we order first? Even for me, getting this room wasn't easy. Every dish delivered to this room is specially made by the head chef himself. And believe me when I say, he doesn't like to work."
Of course, such tricks weren't going to fly over Tom's head.
People's caution would quickly disappear once they start to eat, and let's not even talk about if they start having a drink or two.
What is even worse is if women accompany the alcohol. Then most men would get lost in the pleasure, forgetting that the person they are sitting with might not be as friendly as they appear.
Sure enough, not long after the food arrived, Alexander offered, "What do you want to drink? They have aged coral nectar delivered specially from Aeolantis. And if you don't like anything from here, I can have the servants bring some of my father's star wine. One sip, and you will feel like you are in heaven."
Alexander tried his best to get Tom to drop his guard. However, he didn't know that Tom's gentle smile was more of a mocking laugh at him.
Even though he doesn't drink, Tom decides to use Alexander's own tricks against him. He needed to know what he was about to face if he wanted to make any preparations.
"Sure, it would be rude of me to refuse after you showed such generosity, I will have whatever you are having. Meanwhile, can you tell me more about the different royal families, I am sure you had more contact with them than me." Tom asked Alexander.
"I will tell you as much as you want, but don't forget to tell me about the church, I am ashamed to say that I haven't visited in a very long time."
The duo exchanged words as if they were old friends. However, if someone could see through all of that and into the muddled waters that lay underneath, they would see two figures: one of a small scorpion trying to bite a giant dragon.
…
Tick-Tock
The minutes passed quickly, as the two talked about everything and anything.
After Tom sensed that the time was right, he asked, "Alexander, don't you think it's about time you tell me the reason behind the invite?"
The crown prince, intoxicated at that moment, didn't seem to notice or be bothered by Tom dropping all formalities when addressing him--or at least he didn't show it.
This might not look like much, but it could be a chasm that would last years between a superior and his subordinate.
Dropping the 'sir' before talking to your superior could go one of two ways: one, he might become annoyed at your disrespect; or two, if timed correctly, it could bridge any difference in status, bringing you much closer.
"You asked me about the royal families and large families." Alexander said, as he moved the blue liquid in his hand around, "There is a big event that is about to occur a month from now where people from all around the seven kingdoms are going to gather, and since it's traditional for a member of the royal family to bring someone from his own church my first thought was you."
"What do you think?" Alexander asked anticipant for Tom's agreement.
Tom became even more suspicious; however he had this sense of extreme excitement surge within him, he felt that things were about to get interesting really soon.
"I am sorry, but you still didn't explain what this gathering is about?"
Alexander became more serious as he answered, "The kingdom of Danloor is about to hold its succession ceremony. I think you understand that the change in kings isn't a trivial process. So, when such ceremonies are held, the seven crown princes and their companions would visit the kingdom where the succession is taken."
"This is a rare chance for the seven kingdoms to have a friendly interaction. Of course, the after-party would also have people from many noble families who want to grow their political circle, or simply train their younglings in the way of the world."
The words of Alexander would have caused great commotion if it was heard by anyone outside of this room, the rise of a new monarch would mean that a new grand knight was born.
The number of grand knights could be counted on two hands and the birth and death of any of them would have many consequences, and if such information was spread at the wrong time, people with ill intentions could use them for the wrong reasons.
This important information was just delivered to the doorsteps of such a person.
Tom was happy to get a chance to enter the palace of Danloor, but for some reason, he felt that things were too sudden.
"Fine, I will agree to go with you if you agree to one thing."
"What is it?" Alexander asked puzzled, while feeling worried about the request.
"I have a butler who has been serving me since I was young. When I came to the city, he stayed behind alone within our castle grounds. So, I thought that I would reward him for his loyalty by bringing him with me since I know that he has always enjoyed big events." Tom looked disappointed in himself for not doing enough for his loyal servant.
The crown prince chuckled, he feared that Tom was going to shoot for the stars, but what could go wrong with inviting an additional butler?