The palace towered into the clouds, exuding an aura of majesty and opulence even from afar. The walls were inlaid with an endless array of precious jewels, their dazzling brilliance catching the sunlight. Every surface, whether walls, pillars, or the grand doors, was adorned with intricate gold and silver embellishments, blatantly showcasing the unparalleled wealth and power of Changlong Kingdom to all who approached.
Upon entering the palace, we passed through a labyrinth of grand halls, each more intricate than the last. Behind every door lay a new world, with corridors and rooms filled with rare art pieces from across the globe. As we ventured deeper into the palace, a sprawling Chinese-style garden came into view. Verdant bamboo groves swayed gently in the breeze, streams murmured softly, and pavilions and towers were scattered in harmonious disarray. Beyond the palace walls, five colossal bamboo-stalk towers rose into the heavens, their jade-like translucent surfaces glowing faintly, as if whispering the ancient history and splendor of this old kingdom.
We followed the procession through the garden until a floating treasure hall appeared ahead.
Surrounded by mist, the hall seemed detached from earthly constraints, hovering in the sky with an ethereal air. Its exterior staircase, formed from condensed clouds, felt soft yet sturdy beneath our feet as representatives and envoys ascended the seemingly illusory pathway toward the golden glow of the palace.
The grand doors of the palace opened slowly, revealing an opulent hall within. The entire space gleamed with splendor, its walls encrusted with gold and gemstones, making it feel like stepping into a vast treasure trove. At the center of the hall stood a unique dragon-shaped long table, intricately carved with dragon motifs and mythical beasts, vividly bringing ancient legends to life.
On either side of the table were rows of golden chairs, already occupied by representatives of various nations and influential factions. The guests were a mix of diverse civilizations and species. Some were towering and muscular, their bodies marked by scars of countless battles, while others were petite and delicate, as light as feathers swaying in the wind. I noticed that some seats were occupied by non-human creatures—perhaps beastmen or other unidentifiable beings. Their presence added a touch of unease to the grand banquet.
The hall buzzed with activity as conversations in a medley of languages filled the air. Some voices were deep and gravelly, like whispers from the ocean depths, while others were sharp and high-pitched, carrying peculiar intonations.
Despite the seemingly casual exchanges, an undercurrent of tension was palpable, as if everyone were waiting for a pivotal moment.
Suddenly, the grand doors opened once more, and all eyes turned toward the entrance. The focal figures of the banquet had arrived. Two individuals clad in extraordinarily lavish robes entered the hall, their every step exuding composure and authority. Even the mist beneath their feet seemed to part in deference. Their garments, embedded with dazzling gemstones, amplified their imposing presence.
Accompanying the two sovereigns was an equally resplendently dressed high official. His appearance was strikingly handsome, his posture upright, radiating an innate nobility. His expression conveyed an unshakable air of authority and calm, suggesting he might be the true orchestrator behind the scenes.
One of the sovereigns struck me as particularly familiar. I recalled seeing his face in portraits back in the Empire—an image tied to a memory of fierce battle in the imperial bedchamber. The figure I had found lying lifeless in a pool of blood had worn a robe identical to this one.
"That is our reigning Emperor, Gabriel Silva," came a hushed voice beside me.
It was Savoie, leaning closer to discreetly inform me.
The Emperor was alive?!
I pushed the question aside for now and continued scrutinizing the three figures. Though the other sovereign exuded comparable nobility, Gabriel's presence was undeniably more commanding, as if the entire hall revolved around him.
This banquet, I speculated, might not be merely a diplomatic affair but a prelude to a deeper political game of power and intrigue.
The three dignitaries advanced toward the most prominent seats at the far end of the hall, the most opulent spot in the grand chamber.
At that moment, the strikingly handsome official stepped forward, facing the assembly of guests.
"Let the banquet begin—"
His voice reverberated through the hall like a tolling bell, silencing all conversations in an instant. As the chamber grew still, every gaze naturally turned toward the forefront.
From this moment on, the atmosphere grew increasingly uncanny.