Chapter 10: Banquet Blues and Magical Moves
The royal banquet was nothing short of a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Long tables lined the grand hall, piled high with dishes from various realms: dragonfruit salads, unicorn milk cheeses, and of course, the centerpiece – Riku's five-layer moss pudding.
Guests from all corners of the realm chatted animatedly, many curious about the strange trio, especially the goblin that looked vaguely royal.
Hiroto, trying to fit in, practiced what he hoped were regal gestures. Luna, always keen on gathering information, conversed with a centaur historian about realm boundaries and magical fluctuations.
Riku, meanwhile, was encircled by a group of intrigued creatures, all wanting a taste of his legendary dessert. "One at a time! There's plenty to go around!"
The evening took a serious turn when the Queen stood up, raising her glass for silence. She began detailing the threat posed by the dark sorcerer, and the murmurs of worry echoed throughout the hall.
"However," she continued, eyes glinting with hope, "we have new allies amongst us who have faced such evils before." She gestured to Hiroto, Luna, and Riku.
Luna cleared her throat, stepping forward. "While we may not belong to this realm, its fate is intertwined with ours. To protect one is to safeguard all."
Hiroto added, "With our combined strength and strategy, we can counter this menace."
Riku, not one to be left out, chimed in, holding up a spoon, "And with pudding! Lots of it!"
The hall erupted in laughter, easing the tense atmosphere.
But the levity was short-lived. A gust of cold wind blew out the candles, and shadows danced menacingly on the walls. The sorcerer's chilling voice echoed, "Your efforts are futile. This realm will be mine!"
A magical barrier formed around the hall, trapping everyone inside. Luna's eyes narrowed, "Looks like we're facing this threat sooner than expected."
Hiroto cracked his knuckles, "Then let's give him a taste of teamwork."
Riku grinned, wielding a pudding-laden spoon like a weapon, "And dessert!"
As the battle of magic and wits began, the fate of the realm hung in the balance.