It was the responsibility of a consort to advise the emperor. King Alexander frowned but couldn't punish Lance directly.
He could only said, "It's just a banquet. The First Consort enjoys it. The cost is inconsequential. I won't criticize extravagance."
Afterward, he crossed the road and walked into the garden. Standing there, Lance's lean frame appeared fragile in the cool autumn breeze.
A bulter serving King Alexander passed by him and sighed. "Why bother?"
Quantum 007 was chattering away in his mind: ["Lancelot would be chastised every time he offered advice. Why hasn't the host learned a lesson?"]
Lance responded, ["Didn't he stop from reprimanding me this time?"] The previous conversation with King Alexander had some effect.
Quantum 007 lamented, ["But the favorability was deducted!"]
As he turned and strolled near the lakeside, Lance muttered to Quantum 007, ["Let's find a way to make up for it."]
Lance possessed some knowledge. King Alexander likely shared common emperorial traits.
He was naturally suspicious, doubting the loyalty of his ministers and suspecting that the consorts in the harem aimed solely for wealth and glory by pleasing him.
Lance suspected that First Consort Jace had leveraged their childhood friendship, gaining King Alexander's trust long before him ascending the throne.
To conquer King Alexander, Lance needed to secure his trust.
Lance decided not to return to the banquet, instead wandering through the lakeside He eventually halted at a pavilion overlooking the lake.
The autumn wind carried fallen leaves through the pavilion, imparting a refreshing late autumn feeling.
Alferdo offered a soft persuasion, "The King dislikes hearing about the First Consort's mistakes. Why must my lord persist in bringing them to his attention?"
Gently grasping the falling leaves, Lance watched leaves drift along the lake, his almond-shaped eyes concealing profound sadness and devotion.
"He is a king. Even if he doesn't favor me, I hope he can become a wise ruler, admired by future generations. The south is being seized by the Prussians, and the palace's extravagance and waste tarnish his reputation."
"I hold deep admiration for him. I desire nothing more than for him to be a virtuous and wise ruler above all."
The original Lancelot indeed harbored these sentiments, though it was regrettable that King Alexander remained oblivious.
Alferdo couldn't fathom his thoughts. He simply couldn't bear to witness his lord's sincere affections wasted on the wrong person.
A man donned in royal king clothes stood outside few feet away from the pavilion, surprise flickering in his dark eyes.
First Consort Jace stood beside him, his smile slightly stiff. Lancelot! This Lancelot really indeed irked him.
He tugged on King Alexander's sleeve, wearing a smile as he said, "It's time to return, it's our banquet after all."
King Alexander hummed and clasped Jace's hand with his. "Let's go back."
As warmth spread through his palm, First Consort Jace's smile appeared somewhat more genuine. He spoke softly to King Alexander.
[King Alexander's favorability is +20, and his current favorability is -10.]
Lance smiled faintly, then turned to say, "Let's return."
Alferdo couldn't comprehend the reason behind his sudden smile, but witnessing his lord's good mood lightened his own spirits.
Upon returning to the banquet, Lance could see King Alexander and First Consort Jace were seated together, conversing and sharing laughter.
First Consort Jace spotted Lance's return and addressed King Alexander, "Your Majesty, can we host such banquets for winter as well? The palace can be rather boring."
King Alexander paused while holding his wine glass, then replied, "You and Lancelot should discuss matters related to the harem."
First Consort Jace turned his gaze toward Lance and inquired with a smile, "What's your opinion, Lancelot?"
Lance had just taken his seat, and upon hearing this, he had to rise again. The consorts fixed their gaze on him, some pitying, others reveling in schadenfreude.
Lance raised his head and enunciated each word deliberately, "Given the Prussian attacks of the south and the depleted treasury, we should not indulge in excessive extravagance. I believe such banquets should not occur again for this year."
Quantum 007 was disheartened: [Host!]
Ignoring the system's distress, Lance continued to stand his ground.
First Consort Jace's eyes gradually lost his cheer, and his beautiful face grew somber. He didn't contest Lance's opinion, but rather turned to King Alexander and stated, "But I find the castle terribly dull."
He was confident in this approach. King Alexander had always felt indebted to him for allowing him entry into the palace. As long as he expressed discontent with castle life, he would accede to his desires.
King Alexander's gaze flickered to Lance, who stood with head bowed. His light blue outfit accentuated the delicate white neck, making him appear more fragile than before.
Despite Lance's outward appearance of frailty, he possessed a formidable stubbornness.
King Alexander shifted his attention away and addressed First Consort Jace, "Now isn't the appropriate time for such grand banquets in the palace. If you wish, you may arrange them after the new year."
First Consort Jace continued gazing at him in despair. He momentarily couldn't comprehend his response. "It's... not possible?"
His astonishment mirrored that of the consorts around him. When had the King ever publicly refuted First Consort Jace's wishes?
King Alexander tenderly stroked Jace's forehead. "What toys do you want to play with, tell me that."
As an King, King Alexander didn't have much time to spend in the harem. However, since he'd made this promise, First Consort Jace couldn't press him further.
He could only speak in a coquettish tone, "Then it's settled. I want a new royal library in my castle!"
The King and the First Consort exchanged tender smiles.
[King Alexander's favorability is +10, and his current favorability is 20.]
Quantum 007 couldn't fathom this sudden surge in favorability. Favorability had been deducted earlier, yet it now increased.
Lance seated himself amidst the complex gazes of those around him and commented to 007,
["When I tried to advise King Alexander earlier, he despised me and believed my actions were mere pretense. Consequently, his aversion deepened. Now that he sees that 'I' genuinely admire him, my earlier advice is viewed as sincere."]
Quantum 007 remarked, ["Human psychology is indeed intricate. '○' ]
Lance smiled and added meaningfully, ["Actually, it's not that complex."]
-------------
Following the Marigold Royal Banquet, Liamswroth visited the palace and warned him to be cautious in his actions and words within the castle.
Lance noted his brother's odd expression and inquired, "Has something occurred at home?"
His brother hesitated, unsure whether he should divulge the matter. Liamsworth had always regarded his brother as sheltered from such concerns and didn't want him to worry about family affairs.
Yet, in the depths of the royal castle, he feared his brother might unknowingly fall into a trap.
Lance said, "Although I am married, I still carry the De Vere family name. If you withhold information from me, it will only leave ne worried."
His brother signaled for him to draw nearer, then whispered, "There are rumors circulating in the court regarding father's close association with Duke Arthur. The emperor may be growing suspicious. Be more cautious within the palace to avoid unfounded accusations."
Lance nodded thoughtfully. He had been cut off from the outside world since entering the case, and the incident didn't register in his memory.