Finding their own homes ablaze, the mob bosses could hardly care about any banquet and urgently rushed back, but their departure marked a complete break with Gotham's high society.
Let's not even mention who the organizers of the banquet were, although it looked like the towering tree had shaken Rodrix Manor's foundation and left the garden in utter disarray, postponing the banquet to the next day. Yet after all this commotion, shouldn't there be an orderly exit and an expression of regret and consolation to the host?
High society operates in such a manner: losing face is worse than losing a battle, being shamed is worse than losing money, the last one standing with affectation wins.
Although the battle was interrupted by extraordinary circumstances, a fight had taken place, and everyone was covered with dust; it was hard to tell if anyone was injured.
People who hadn't helped should now promptly check on the heroes' injuries and provide whatever assistance they could, not out of kindness, but as a matter of moral code; after all, the mob should prioritize honor above all.
The manor's owner invited you, accidents happened, houses collapsed, and people got injured. To not offer help, not even a word of concern, and to frantically rush back home the moment one's own house faced trouble would be understandable for the average person, who is just responsible for his own doorstep.
But the mob has always prided itself as the creators and managers of Gotham's order, considering themselves the true decision-makers of Gotham. How can they inspire trust if they only look after themselves after a disaster?
Consequently, with the North District engaged in a fierce battle, almost no one bothered to help. Several superheroes who initially planned to go there also changed their minds after learning the estates were mostly empty, with no residential areas involved.
They saw wealth and antiquities as extraneous; only estates and goods were damaged. Shouldn't the mob leaders be thankful? It was, after all, the Rodrix Manor's banquet that spared them from the thunder's wrath; otherwise, they would have perished with the building.
Therefore, such behavior appeared particularly indecent, and most preferred not to discuss it. To everyone's surprise, the young Godfather didn't leave and walked out alongside Shiller.
"I must announce some joyous news here," Shiller said with a smile. "A year ago, as the officiant, I witnessed the marriage ceremony of the Falcon Couple. Just now, I learned of another piece of good news: Mrs. Falcone is pregnant."
Cheers erupted immediately in the hall. Whenever people heard such delightful news, the human race always rejoiced at the addition of a new member.
Alberto simply showed a faint smile; he had known the news for two weeks already. The expectant mother was at her most stable, so moving around was not a problem, but he had to justify not returning home.
"The recent accident was truly unforeseen, and I must extend my most sincere apologies to everyone. Currently, there is damage to the southeast corner of the house's foundation, and we cannot guarantee the building's integrity, continuing the banquet here would not be safe for all."
"Although my manor requires repairs, we just celebrated a victorious battle, and I cannot interrupt my godson's graduation ceremony. Hence, I ask everyone to proceed to Wayne Hotel, where we will continue our celebration."
Bruce nodded at everyone from another direction, and soon a few Wayne Hotel's cars arrived at the front gate of Rodrix Manor. Guests began boarding one after another, and the convoy headed for Wayne Hotel.
None questioned why Wayne Hotel could organize another banquet so quickly—after all, it was a Wayne Enterprises hotel. Their buffet was always set up for world-class banquets, and the top-floor swimming pool served as the perfect party spot to flaunt one's status, easily containing hundreds of people.
Shiller also took the last car to Wayne Hotel, but by doing so, the hotel became packed, filled with tourists from around the world who were there for the Gotham Music Festival.
These weren't the backpacking types from Europe and America. Even the cheapest standard room at Wayne Hotel was beyond the average person's budget. And during the travel season, even single rooms with a view could go for 30,000 US dollars a night. Bear in mind this was before the turn of the millennium.
In the buffet restaurant, dining guests quickly noticed a group of intruders. They soon realized these peculiar people were not ordinary, especially since the group had an unusually high proportion of attractive men and women.
Some thought they were a model group from a pool party, but soon Clark Kent, Bruce Wayne, and Diana Prince were recognized among them. The three were indeed the most famous individuals in the cosmos.
Clark Kent made a name for himself in Metropolis as a reporter because of his ongoing coverage of Batman; more notoriously, he was also rumored for his stories with Batman, as speculated by the gossip tabloids.
Batman needs no introduction—already the most famous mascot of Gotham, his fame was expected to increase tenfold within the next 24 hours to a week.
Diana Prince was a veteran star, attending world-class events. The title of Amazon Princess was both mysterious and noble, and she came and went without a trace, with most people never having the chance to encounter her.
The three of them arrived in the same car, discussing matters regarding All Things Green and Barbados, with Diana explaining some hidden histories to them.
But the tourists were unaware of the connections between these superheroes. Batman and Clark would have sufficed for tabloid fodder—a rich tycoon and a young reporter—but throw in a princess, and the gossip concerning the trio became all the more exciting.
Tourists gathered around for autographs, and many resting in their rooms were called down by their companions. In no time, the crowd in Wayne Enterprises' buffet restaurant was bustling.
"Hey, boy, can you take a picture of us two? Thanks... Oh, you're pretty good at this, are you a journalist? My goodness, a researcher, and you're this skilled?"
"Hello, sir, uh, can we take a photo together? By the way, the shield you're holding... Ah, no, it's not blocking me, it's just that I think, um, it's really cool!"
"Hello, madam, are you Russian? Yes, I am too. I live in St. Petersburg, and I'm here for the music festival. I own a music company. Oh, have you been there? Are you from Moscow?"
"...Yes, it has nothing to do with it. When I was 42, they found a uterine fibroid in me, about the size of a peanut. No, no, no, it's not as scary as it sounds. It's treatable with surgery, to be simple, the anesthesia injection is the most painful part, and then everything just falls into place..."
The more people gathered, the livelier the scene became, and Shiller gave his speech again.
"I'm delighted that we could all gather here in this city, in this increasingly cool autumn, to witness a student take the most significant step of his life through years marked by hardship, disappointment, and renewed hope."
"My godson, Alexander Luther, possesses exceptional intelligence and lofty ambitions, and I may have to talk about his graduation project, which aims to rebuild the sunlight of this city."
"He comes from the sunny city of Metropolis, and I believe some of you here are from there too. Most of the tales you hear about Gotham there are usually filled with dark clouds and reborn darkness."
"In the past few years, this city has indeed been as described, but when one man heard such tales, he didn't choose to mock or laugh. Instead, he chose to come here and save this place."
"I don't want to say that Gotham's progress in all respects is entirely due to him. Many outstanding individuals here have continuously guided him, leading him forward. Today's banquet is to express our gratitude to all of you."
"What we should rejoice over today is that the young man's bold fantasies and frivolous grandiosity did not plunge from the land of light into utter darkness but were lifted by others with great aspirations like his. It shall transform into a pure white bird and fly before God, telling Him of the countless blessings He has bestowed upon the world—steadfast devotion surely being one to raise a toast to."
Seeing the gleam in the eyes of several Batmans in the crowd after these words, Shiller knew it was time for a toast.
Shiller raised his glass, and everyone in the room did the same. As they drank and celebrated together, a chilly autumn rain in Gotham finally carried away the warmth from the sun that was once eagerly sought after and now feared.
The party went on till three in the morning, with many people drinking themselves into oblivion, even Shiller felt somewhat intoxicated.
Most people staggered to the elevators and back to their rooms in the Wayne Hotel, but Shiller didn't stay. He rested with his eyes closed in the car.
He didn't return to his manor because it had effectively become a dilapidated structure in need of extensive rebuilding and renovation, so he headed to Lex's new Half-Mountain Manor with Lex, Clark, Bruce, and others.
The journey home after the banquet is always tipsy, the evening breeze coolly moist, creeping up along the collar, the blurry lights in the distance alternating between chilly and warm in the hazy view.
After setting foot on solid ground again, the short walk to the room felt exceedingly long, but it gave one a sense of reality that could not be experienced when sober, as if the air drawn into the lungs could be distinguished in the bloodstream from the vulgarity and banality of other days.
Lex led Shiller to his bedroom, the main bedroom in the residential area of the manor that had already been prepared. Shiller unfastened his tie and sat down on the chair.
Lex, however, did not leave but took a seat opposite Shiller.
"Do you have to pick this time to talk to me?" Shiller asked, shaking his head wearily. "All you'll get is a bunch of muddled nonsense. I'm drunk."
"This is the perfect time, Professor. I'm afraid you're not drunk enough since you're far too sharp when sober. I had to choose this moment."
"I really overpraised you." Shiller shook his head and said with a smile, "Don't you know a drunkard becomes even more fixated on his field of expertise? ... Stop peering around, come on in."
The door opened, and Clark, Diana, Bruce, and Pamela walked in one after the other.
Indeed, Pamela walked in, not carried in, as All Things Green remembered its agent before leaving and healed her injuries.
But she said with annoyance, "I knew this banquet wasn't so simple, Professor!"
Her tone, by the last word, was nearly grinding her teeth, clearly furious like a fish that had just been hooked, frenziedly flapping its tail on the water surface, eager to know how it got reeled in. The others obviously came for the same purpose.