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After hearing this, Suzu replaced the previous glass with a larger goblet, allowing the guest to enjoy the sensation of drinking a large sip of wine at once.
After pouring the wine, Suzu stepped back respectfully.
"Mr. Fujitora, please, have a taste," Anos said calmly as he sat opposite the blind man.
So far, Anos hadn't touched his chopsticks. Instead, he observed the guest seated before him.
The man across from him seemed far more captivating than the exquisite feast on the table.
Indeed, such meals could be recreated at any time, but the opportunity to engage with someone as powerful as this might never come again.
Without any unnecessary pleasantries, Fujitora picked up the goblet and took a sip.
"This is indeed a rare treasure," Fujitora remarked, his tone appreciative.
In less than twenty minutes, all the dishes on the table had been devoured, leaving behind empty plates.
Yet Anos, the ruler of the Tru Kingdom, had not touched his chopsticks throughout the meal.
Despite this, Anos was deeply satisfied. A sense of accomplishment filled his heart.
The royal staff, however, were puzzled as to why their king was entertaining such a dishevelled-looking middle-aged man.
By appearance and etiquette, Fujitora hardly fit the profile of a distinguished guest.
Now, with the food gone and the bottle of fine wine emptied, Fujitora leaned back in his chair, savouring the aftertaste of the meal.
"Thank you for your hospitality. This was the best meal I've ever had and the finest wine I've ever tasted," Fujitora said.
Listening to this, Anos smiled slightly. "If you enjoyed it, I can arrange for you to have two bottles of this wine. However, the food may take a few years to become a regular luxury. Our kingdom is still struggling to provide for its people. As their ruler, I cannot indulge in feasts while my citizens go hungry."
Fujitora nodded approvingly. "Having such awareness speaks volumes about your character, Your Majesty. I will watch with great interest to see if the Tru Kingdom can achieve your vision for it."
"I hope so," Anos replied. "But who can truly predict what the future holds?"
Fujitora set down his glass and smiled. "Now that I've eaten my fill, might I trouble Your Majesty to show me what lies beyond? I confess I'm quite curious."
"Of course. If you are so interested, let us head there immediately," Anos said, rising from his seat. He turned to Suzu and asked, "Has Abona arrived?"
"Your Majesty, Abona has been waiting for twenty minutes," Suzu responded.
"Excellent." Anos turned to Fujitora. "Are you ready to depart?"
"Heh, I travel light. Let us go," Fujitora replied, leaning on his cane as he stood. Despite the heavy meal, he seemed unaffected, his composure unchanged.
The two departed the dining hall, leaving the maids and Suzu behind in bewilderment.
One of the maids hesitated before asking Suzu, "Sister Suzu, what's going on?"
Five or six maids stood there, their faces filled with confusion. They had refrained from questioning earlier out of respect for the king's presence, but now that he had left, their curiosity spilt over.
Suzu looked at them with a stern expression. "Don't question His Majesty's decisions. Every action of the king has a reason, and it's not our place to speculate."
Although the palace was the safest place in the kingdom, it was also fraught with danger for those who disregarded its unspoken rules. Every word and action carried weight.
Anos and Fujitora made their way to the rear mountain. As they exited the palace grounds, they encountered Abona waiting at the base of the path.
Upon seeing Anos, Abona immediately bowed. "Your Majesty."
Fujitora raised his head slightly, sensing Abona's presence. "What immense strength!" he muttered.
"This is Mr. Fujitora," Anos introduced. "He wishes to see the mountain's secrets, so I've asked you to accompany us."
Fujitora turned to Abona. "You seem familiar. Have we met before?"
"Perhaps," Abona replied thoughtfully. "I feel the same about you use. Maybe our paths crossed somewhere in the past."
Fujitora chuckled. "I've been to many places over the years. Faces blur together after a while."
"Abona is the kingdom's swordsman and its most trusted guardian," Anos said. "He is the strongest warrior we have."
Fujitora smiled faintly. "Strength is subjective, Your Majesty."
"Indeed," Anos agreed. "Let us discuss such matters as we walk."
With that, the trio began their ascent up the long staircase leading to the rear mountain.
At the mountain's peak lay the kingdom's most guarded secret: a space portal pivotal to the Tru Kingdom's ambitions.
As they climbed, the conversation flowed naturally, and before they knew it, they had reached the summit.
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