Vincent prepared his team for the banquet that was to be held in the estate of Claes. First, he ordered them to stow their rifles in the cabinet as bringing them was obviously not proper.
"We're here to make a good impression, not to intimidate," Vincent reminded them. "Leave the heavy gear behind. We'll take only our sidearms, and even those should remain concealed."
Alpha 5 nodded in agreement. "Understood, sir. We'll go in light."
Once the rifles were secured, the team smoothened their attire, Vincent then inspected each member, ensuring they looked presentable and respectable for the evening ahead.
"Remember, we're here as guests of honor. Let's conduct ourselves accordingly," Vincent said, adjusting his own clothes.
"Very good, gentlemen. If you're ready, the carriages are prepared to take you to the estate," Cedric said, leading them outside.
The ride to the Claes estate was smooth, the carriage wheels gliding over the cobblestone streets. The streets weren't dark as thanks to the lamppost lighting up the streets. And what's fascinating is that the lights were different in color, and they were not powered by electricity or gas, it was something more of a magic.
And speaking of magic, his thoughts drifted to the ones he received earlier. The new feature is called the Wheel of Fortune. Curious, he opened his system and there the glowing tab awaited his attention.
[System Notification: New Feature Unlocked – Wheel of Fortune!]
[Description: The Wheel of Fortune allows you to spin for a chance to win various rewards, including gold coins, chests, and experience points!]
[Requirements: 1 ticket for the Wheel of Fortune]
[Current ticket: 1 ticket]
[Rewards: 200,000 gold coins, 100,000 gold coins, 50,000 gold coins, 20,000 gold coins, 15,000 experience points, 12,000 experience points, 5,000 experience points, small chest, medium chest, large chest.]
Vincent decided to give it a try, eager to see what fortune had in store for him. He selected the Wheel of Fortune tab and used his ticket to spin the wheel. The wheel spun rapidly, colors blurring together until it began to slow down. Vincent watched intently as the pointer settled on a section labeled "20,000 gold coins."
[Congratulations! You have won 20,000 gold coins!]
Vincent sighed, slightly disappointed. While 20,000 gold coins were not insignificant, it was the lowest reward possible on the wheel. He had hoped for something more substantial. Nonetheless, he accepted the reward with a wry smile.
[Gold: 141,800 gold coins.]
But how to get the ticket for the Wheel of Fortune?
He checked the "i" icon for more information.
[System Notification: Wheel of Fortune Tickets]
[To obtain tickets for the Wheel of Fortune, you can complete missions that include ticket rewards or purchase tickets with gold coins. Each ticket costs 10,000 gold coins.]
Vincent considered this information. While it was somewhat frustrating to have landed on the lowest reward, the prospect of earning more tickets through missions was encouraging. It added another layer of motivation to complete his tasks efficiently.
With this knowledge tucked away, Vincent refocused on the evening ahead. The carriages arrived at the Claes estate, and it was wonderful! It was like those gilded mansions that existed in New York during the Gilded Age, with ornate architecture, sprawling gardens, and steel gates.
As they stepped out of the carriages, Vincent and his team were greeted by a line of servants who guided them into the grand hall with practiced grace. The soft glow of magical lights illuminated the space, casting a warm and inviting ambiance over the proceedings.
The grand hall was filled with the soft murmur of conversation and the clinking of glasses. The long dining table was set with the finest linens, crystal glasses, and silverware, adorned with an array of sumptuous dishes.
Duke Viktor Claes and Duchess Elaine Claes stood at the head of the table, along with familiar figures, Luminova and Elinalese.
"Welcome, Vincent, and all of you," Viktor said, extending his hand in greeting. "We cannot thank you enough for what you have done for our family."
Elaine stepped forward, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Please, make yourselves at home. Tonight, we celebrate not just the return of our daughter but also the bravery and kindness of those who brought her back to us."
"Sir Vincent and the men who served under him, thank you for bringing me back home," Elinalese bowed her head respectfully. "You saved my life, and I am forever in your debt."
Vincent nodded respectfully. "It was our duty and honor to ensure your safety, Lady Elinalese."
Elinalese smiled warmly. "Please, enjoy the feast. My parents and I wanted to make sure you know how much we appreciate what you've done."
Vincent and his team took their seats, and the feast began. They were treated to a variety of delectable dishes, each one more delicious than the last.
As they were eating their meals, Viktor spoke. "So…Sir Vincent, where do you live?"
"Uhm…we can't say exactly where we came from…is it okay if I don't answer that?" Vincent replied cautiously, not wanting to reveal too much about their origins.
Duke Viktor Claes frowned slightly, but then his expression softened as he realized he hadn't properly introduced himself. "Ah, where are my manners? I apologize for pressing the issue without properly introducing myself. I am Duke Viktor Claes, the Finance Minister of the Kingdom of Eldoria. And this beautiful lady beside me is my wife, Duchess Elaine Claes."
"Pleasure to meet you both."
Viktor took a sip of his wine before continuing. "So, Sir Vincent, are you and your team adventurers?"
Vincent considered his response carefully. "Something like that, yes. We travel to different places, taking on tasks and missions that require our skills."
Viktor nodded, satisfied with the answer. "I see. It's a noble profession, one that brings great risks and rewards. Your skills and bravery are evident, given how you rescued our daughter."
Vincent smiled modestly.
Fifteen minutes later. The meal concluded, Viktor stood up, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to once again express my deepest gratitude to Sir Vincent and his team for their bravery and selflessness in rescuing our daughter."
A round of applause filled the hall, and Viktor motioned for silence as he continued. "As a token of our appreciation, we have a small reward for you."
Jenkins, the trusted butler, stepped forward with a silver tray bearing a sealed envelope. Viktor took the envelope and handed it to Vincent. "Inside, you will find five small gold coins, totaling 50,000,000 Elde. We hope this will aid you in your future endeavors."
Vincent accepted the envelope with a grateful nod. "Thank you, Duke Claes. This is very generous of you."
Elinalese stepped forward, her eyes filled with gratitude. "This reward is just a small token compared to the life you have saved. We are forever in your debt, Sir Vincent."
Vincent bowed slightly. "Your words and your safety are reward enough, Lady Elinalese. But we appreciate your generosity."