The grand dining hall of the palace was a beautiful sight. The high ceilings had fancy chandeliers that gave off a warm, golden light. Long tables were filled with delicious food—roasted meats, fresh fruits, and tasty pastries, all arranged nicely. The smell of spices and freshly baked bread filled the air, mixing with the sound of lively music played by musicians in the corner.
Eli, now dressed in fine clothes given by Ramil, took a deep breath as he prepared to enter the hall. The new clothes felt different against his skin, much nicer than what he was used to. He turned to Ramil, feeling grateful.
"Thank you for all your help, Ramil," Eli said sincerely.
Ramil smiled and shook his head. "It's nothing, sir."
Eli placed a hand on Ramil's shoulder. "Please, call me Eli. No need for formalities."
Ramil nodded, appreciating the gesture. "Alright, Eli. But I'm afraid I can't join you inside. Servants aren't allowed in the dining hall during the feast."
Eli frowned, feeling a bit disappointed. "Are you sure? I'd like you to join me."
Ramil shook his head again, this time with a hint of sadness. "I know my place, Eli. But thank you for the invitation. It means a lot."
Eli sighed, understanding the rules. "Alright, Ramil. Thank you again for everything."
With a final nod, Eli turned and walked towards the grand doors of the dining hall. As he stepped inside, the lively atmosphere surrounded him, and he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. The hall was filled with nobles, warriors, and guests, all dressed in their finest attire.
King Philip, seated at the head of the long table, noticed Eli's entrance. With a welcoming smile, he stood up and raised his goblet.
"Welcome, Eli!" the king's voice boomed across the hall, filled with warmth and authority. "We are honored to have you join us tonight."
The guests followed the king's lead, raising their goblets in a toast to Eli. Eli, feeling a mix of pride and humility, bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty. It is an honor to be here."
King Philip gestured to the seat beside him on his left. "Please, take your seat next to me."
Eli made his way to the table, feeling the weight of the king's words. Just then, the doors to the dining hall opened once more, and Princess Denise entered.
The room seemed to brighten with her presence. She wore a flowing gown of deep blue silk that shimmered in the candlelight, adorned with delicate silver embroidery. Her long, blonde hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, and a simple yet elegant tiara rested on her head. Her eyes, a striking shade of blue, met Eli's, and she smiled warmly.
Eli's heart began to beat faster as he watched her gracefully make her way to the table. The sight of her took his breath away, and he felt a strange, powerful connection.
Princess Denise approached the table and curtsied to her father. "Good evening, Father," she said softly.
King Philip smiled proudly at his daughter. "Good evening, my dear. Please, join us."
Princess Denise took her seat beside the king on his right side, directly across from Eli. As she settled in, Eli couldn't help but steal glances at her, his heart racing with every look.
'Come on, Eli, you're here to find a demon, not a wife,' he scolded himself inwardly, trying to steady his racing heart. But her beauty… It's like the first light of dawn, captivating and impossible to ignore.
Eli struggled to focus. Princess Denise's beauty was overwhelming, almost otherworldly. Her presence was like a beacon, drawing him in despite his best efforts to remain detached. Her grace, her smile, and the way her eyes sparkled with kindness—it was everything a man could dream of in a wife.
As everyone enjoyed their meal accompanied by beautiful music, General James, who seemed to have a grudge against Eli, who was also seated at the same table, suddenly asked a question, sparking a conversation at the table.
"So, Eli, you say you're from Camelot? What's life like there, and why has no one heard of it?" General James inquired, his tone sharp.
Eli paused, caught off guard, and stopped eating. He took a sip of water, buying himself a moment to think of a plausible answer. After setting his glass down, he replied, "Life in Camelot is simple. We mostly farm, and we often sing and worship God. It's a peaceful place, and its secrecy keeps it safe."
Eli resumed eating, but the curiosity around the table only grew. Another noble asked, "Who rules Camelot?"
Eli paused for a moment, sighing inwardly. 'So many questions,' he thought. "King Arthur," he finally answered. "And we have a wizard named Merlin."
"A wizard? You mean someone who can do magic?" an official asked, intrigued.
"Yes," Eli confirmed, still eating.
King Philip then leaned in, his eyes narrowing slightly. "So, do you know any magic?"
Eli quickly shook his head, raising his hands in a dismissive gesture. "No, not at all. I'm just a traveler. I love exploring new places, which is how I ended up here." Inside, Eli chuckled at the stories he was spinning, knowing he had no choice. 'Maybe I should consider starting a travel vlog titled "The Strange Worlds." He joked inwardly.
King Philip pondered Eli's words, then smiled. "It sounds like your kingdom is quite remarkable. I hope you stay with us longer, so we can learn more from you and perhaps apply some of your ways here in Veloria."
Eli nodded, looking at Princess Denise. "Yes, definitely," he said, his eyes lingering on her. 'She's becoming the apple of my eye; it feels like I want her to stay in my sight.' His agreement to stay seemed more for her than anything else.
While everyone enjoyed their wine and lively conversations, the atmosphere was suddenly interrupted by a guard bursting into the dining hall, panting heavily. He quickly approached the king and bowed deeply.
King Philip, noticing the guard's urgency, asked, "What is it? What could be so important that you interrupt our celebration in such a manner?"
The guard, still catching his breath, replied, "Your Majesty, it's Belga, the King of the Night Walkers. He is at the door and requests an audience with you immediately."
A wave of murmurs and concern swept through the dining hall, the joyous atmosphere replaced by a sense of unease and curiosity. All eyes turned to King Philip, waiting for his response.