Chapter 198 - Chapter 40: A dart's throw

The grand hall of the Spiritual Academy, a place that bore witness to centuries of scholarship and wisdom, had undergone a breathtaking metamorphosis in just one night. The towering bookshelves, filled with ancient tomes and manuscripts, had been pushed to the sides to create a spacious center. Where usually students nestled in cozy nooks, engrossed in their studies, magnificent tables now stood. Each table, crafted from the finest mahogany, bore an array of sumptuous delicacies that appealed not just to the palate but also to the eyes. Fresh fruits from the southern orchards, roasted game from the royal hunts, and sweets dripping in golden honey presented a feast fit for kings.