Demacia may not cover even a third of the area that Noxus does, but this kingdom is incredibly rich in resources. Even in a remote town like Wrenwall, the food prepared for esteemed guests is just as sumptuous as the banquets held by the upper families of Piltover.
Li Lin's main task this time was to help the soldiers restore their vision. Although he intended to politely decline such lavish hospitality, he found it difficult to refuse Jarvan IV's earnest invitation. So, he sat beside the prince, accepting his graciousness.
This banquet was clearly held in honor of Li Lin, with Jarvan IV seeming eager to discuss some important matters with him. Other than a few musicians tucked away in a corner of the hall, there were no guards in sight. The gentle melodies of Demacian music filled the air, a serene tune played by a band from a local tavern called "Shimmering Waters."
The band employed a traditional classical style of music, one that Piltover would consider almost old-fashioned. The lead singer was a young girl, strikingly beautiful, her voice both clear and powerful yet flowing like a gentle stream. Her singing carried a hint of Ionia's unique charm. Though she couldn't match Seraphine's ethereal voice, the girl lacked the magical abilities to enhance her own.
Li Lin instantly recognized her as an Ionian. Jarvan IV noticed the look on Li Lin's face and smiled as he introduced her, "Her name is Aetra. She's quite popular at the Shimmering Waters Tavern."
"Aetra?" Li Lin raised an eyebrow, the name sparking a vague memory as if it was connected to someone he once knew. But the memory was too distant, the details too subtle for him to recall clearly.
"I'm quite fond of her voice. She's more than qualified to join the Royal Ensemble," Jarvan IV said, his gaze filled with admiration as he looked at the Ionian girl. "But when I asked her a few days ago if she'd like to return to the capital with me, she refused."
"Is that so?" Li Lin was puzzled. "Joining the Royal Ensemble would be the highest honor for her, wouldn't it?"
Jarvan IV laughed heartily. "I asked her the same thing at the time. Can you guess her answer?" He shook his head with a wry smile. "She said that she came to this remote area to escape the pretense and hypocrisy of noble society, despite all the wealth and privilege the Buvelle family could offer."
The Buvelle family...
If the Crownguard family, to which Garen and Lux belong, is the left hand of the Lightshield royal family, then the Buvelle family is the right hand of King Jarvan III. Particularly, the head of the Buvelle family, Barrett Buvelle, has been a close friend of Jarvan III since childhood. Their bond is as strong as that between Jarvan IV and Garen.
Although Barrett retired from the public eye years ago, he remains a trusted advisor to Jarvan III, often seen discussing state matters with the king in the Hall of Valor.
Suddenly, a thought crossed Li Lin's mind. Sona's image flashed before his eyes, and he quickly connected Aetra's Ionian identity with her. He recalled that when Noxus invaded Ionia, Sona and other orphans, who had been taken in by the Hirana Monastery, were evacuated to Demacia. The Buvelle family was responsible for their safe passage.
There were nine children traveling with Sona, but only eight chose not to stay. Aetra, who also possessed musical talent, was Sona's closest friend. Even though they hadn't seen each other for years, their friendship remained unbroken.
"A straightforward girl," Li Lin remarked with a smile, taking a sip of his wine.
"The Buvelle family is a key supporter of the Demacian Illuminators, and Lord Barrett is as close to my father as a brother," Jarvan IV said with a chuckle before downing his drink. "For her to refuse such an offer, to decline becoming the Buvelles' adopted daughter and give up a life of luxury, is something most people could never do."
"Perhaps her heart still belongs to her homeland," Li Lin mused.
"Just like you?" Jarvan IV asked, glancing at Li Lin. "My instincts tell me you're a man with stories... After Noxus was defeated, why didn't you return to Ionia?"
"There's nothing left for me in Ionia," Li Lin responded, a shadow passing over his face as memories of two familiar yet distant faces—his "parents"—flooded his mind. They were supposed to accompany him to Piltover, but the Noxians breached the port city gates, preventing them from boarding the ship. They were struck down by arrows and perished in the ensuing fire.
Though the current "Li Lin" had no real connection to them, these memories still haunted him. Whenever he thought of them, his eyes would well up.
Jarvan IV seemed to notice Li Lin's change in mood. After a brief pause, he apologized, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up such painful memories. That was my mistake. I'll drink to that."
He filled his glass with strong wine and downed it in one swift motion.
"It's alright," Li Lin said with a broad smile, raising his own glass. "It's been many years now."
"I chose to stay in Piltover partly because I discovered my talents, and... well, I met her."
"Oh? Finding your soulmate isn't easy," Jarvan IV sighed, his voice tinged with longing. "I wonder when I'll find my own queen..."
"It should be soon."
Li Lin thought of Shyvana.
If all went according to plan, with his intervention, the king of Demacia would not be assassinated.
Given Jarvan IV's stance, there was no way he would marry Lux. Perhaps he would truly take Shyvana as his queen.
If that happened, the Demacian royal family would possess the bloodline of a dragon and could rightfully be called the "Dragon Kingdom"...
For the next while, Jarvan IV and Li Lin shared stories of the peculiar events that had occurred in Demacia and Piltover, laughing heartily together.
It was as if they were old friends who had not seen each other in years, reminiscing about their past experiences.
After several rounds of drinks, and once the band at the Silverwing Tavern had finished playing, Etra and the others took their leave.
Feeling the effects of the alcohol, Jarvan IV took a deep breath and said to Li Lin, "It has been the greatest honor of my life to meet Garen of the Crownguard family and you, a man of Piltover!
"If I get the chance, I must introduce you to Garen! That fool is still working hard to join the Dauntless Vanguard!"
"You flatter me, Your Highness..." Li Lin looked into Jarvan IV's eyes, sensing his hesitation. "You seem to have something on your mind?"
"Sigh, it's just..." Jarvan IV let out a heavy sigh, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I received news that my bodyguard Ted, who protected me during our retreat—my lieutenant, and also my mentor—has been captured alive by Noxus."
He paused for a moment. "Noxus sent an envoy, trying to use him to exchange for their prisoners held by Demacia..."
"Is there even a question? The soldiers' lives should come first, of course," Li Lin said without hesitation.
"Of course... Of course, that's what I think as well." Jarvan IV clenched his fist and slammed it against the arm of his chair. "But they're demanding that I personally attend the prisoner exchange meeting."
The Black Rose hasn't given up on their scheme...
Li Lin frowned. "This is a trap."
"My new lieutenant, Alberk, and the newly appointed Blade Captain of the Dauntless Vanguard, Paldric, think so too."
Jarvan IV shook his head, his expression calm, but the cold glint in his eyes revealed his true feelings.
"They advised me against negotiating with Noxus and said Lord Barrett would arrive within a week to take me back...
"It was my recklessness and mistakes that led so many soldiers to their deaths beyond Demacia's borders, unable to even return home.
"Now that I've heard Ted is still alive, I just can't convince myself to abandon him...
"If you were in my place, Li Lin, I can tell you're a wise man—what would you do?"
Jarvan IV looked up, his blue eyes slightly red and swollen, finally fixing his gaze on Li Lin's face.
So that's what's been bothering you all evening, making you so restless...
"This isn't even a difficult decision, Your Highness," Li Lin replied calmly. "If I were you, I'd attend the negotiation meeting and bring Ted back... because I have enough cards up my sleeve."
Jarvan IV's eyes widened in surprise.
"I'll help you," Li Lin smiled. "After all, we are friends... aren't we?"
(End of Chapter)
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