Back to the royal palace.
Wherever the eye landed, it was opulence of gold and jade.
The banquet to entertain the guests from afar was already fully prepared in the grand auditorium.
A feast of flowing wine and music, gloriously illuminated and filled with dance, was all set.
Presenting Arthur Lindsey and Ella Lacey as the honored guests at his side, in seats equal to his own, he addressed the assemblage, "I'm grateful to all of you for traveling great distances to attend the grand reward ceremony of our kingdom. I hope you will all gain something worthwhile and your journey will not be in vain."
"Thank you, Prince."
Everyone stood up in unison, holding their cups, and bowed to him respectfully.
Arthur Lindsey and Ella Lacey were no exceptions; this represented a mutual respect among them.
However, what Ella Lacey consumed wasn't wine, but juice, which Arthur Lindsey had thoughtfully substituted for her.
"Please have a seat."
