Faced with Harris's enthusiastic invitation, Alan hesitated briefly before nodding in agreement.
He had been relentlessly training in hell these past days and hadn't had a chance to take his sister out. This banquet was an excellent opportunity to do so.
Moreover, the banquet was of high caliber. The second prince, a renowned figure of the Plantagenet Kingdom, was hosting it personally.
The event was teeming with prodigies, most of whom would be future students of Lioncrest Academy.
If Alan could make some connections, it would greatly benefit his future cultivation.
With that in mind, Alan returned to his room, where Isabella had just woken up. When she learned they would attend a banquet that evening, she smiled with anticipation.
Soon after, Alan took Isabella's hand and, along with Harris and Carter, headed to a luxurious estate on the outskirts of the imperial capital.
Half an hour later, the sight of a brightly lit, ancient estate instantly drew their attention.
The estate spanned an impressive area, and under the dim night sky, it shone like a luminous gem, dispelling the darkness and chill.
Outside the main gate, numerous nobles dressed in elegant attire were coming and going. Dressed in tailored suits, their faces bore varying degrees of arrogance.
With the assistance of their attendants, they descended from steam-powered automobiles and entered the estate.
As they passed, faint fragrances from their light perfumes lingered in the air.
"Harrishead, it's been a long time since you've been here. A rare guest indeed. The usual tonight?"
Not long after entering the estate, a charming woman in a fitted waistcoat approached Harris with a warm smile.
Harris smiled faintly. "I'm here for official business tonight. I'll pass this time."
The woman didn't press further, though her gaze lingered on Alan and Isabella.
She asked probing questions with a smile:
"Are these your guests?"
Harris nodded. "They're my friends."
The woman narrowed her eyes and studied Alan and Isabella for a moment before stepping aside and gesturing toward the entrance.
"Please, go right ahead. The prince has already arrived in the banquet hall."
Harris nodded and led Carter, Alan, and Isabella across the red-carpeted pathway in the central lawn and into the brightly lit, opulent banquet hall.
...
The banquet hall was already bustling with guests.
Most were around Alan's age, exuding the noble elegance that came with aristocracy. Their strong auras suggested they were anything but ordinary.
Clearly, the guests were primarily noble students preparing for the Lioncrest Academy entrance exams.
With glasses of red wine in hand, they roamed the hall, chatting with familiar faces or offering business cards to ingratiate themselves with the core members of various cliques.
"These are some of the capital's most renowned scions and prodigies. Feel free to look around. I need to pay my respects to the second prince," Harris said apologetically before heading toward the center of the bustling hall.
Alan nodded and was about to explore with his sister when a well-dressed young man with an arrogant demeanor stopped and looked at Alan, asking:
"I am Eugene, the eldest son of House Blackwood and its future heir. What's your name? Which family do you hail from?"
Though Alan had never heard of Eugene or his family, the young man carried an air of confidence. Smiling politely, Alan replied:
"My name is Alan. I am currently just an ordinary citizen of the Plantagenet Kingdom."
Hearing this, Eugene frowned slightly, then turned and walked away without a word, as though Alan had never existed.
Carter, standing by Alan's side, glared at Eugene's retreating figure, rolling up his sleeves. "Such a snob! Doesn't he know Alan is my big brother?"
Alan held Carter back and shook his head. "He didn't do anything wrong.
Everyone here is presenting their identity to seek connections with those of similar status. There's nothing to get upset about."
As Alan finished speaking, he noticed Eugene approaching someone of higher status.
The arrogance in Eugene's demeanor vanished, replaced by a humble bow as he handed over a business card.
However, the individual deemed Eugene too insignificant and ignored him entirely, passing by as though Eugene were invisible.
Straightening his posture, Eugene muttered angrily, "Who do they think they are? Just because they have ties to the second prince, they look down on me!"
After venting his frustration, Eugene adjusted his attire and regained his composure, continuing his efforts to introduce himself and build connections at the banquet.
Alan, Carter, and Isabella watched in stunned silence, not just at Eugene's quick shifts in demeanor but also at his tenacious spirit.
Carter shook his head and then led Alan and Isabella to familiarize themselves with the banquet's layout.
The central hall bustled with activity, while the banquet's periphery housed a self-serve dining area.
Tables laden with delicacies filled the space, and the tantalizing aromas alone made their mouths water.
Just as they were about to indulge, Harris returned, accompanied by a noble-looking young man. With a smile, Harris introduced him:
"Your Highness, this is Alan, my friend. He is destined to secure a place at Lioncrest Academy."
Alan glanced at the second prince, noting his noble bearing.
"This is Alan," Harris introduced, turning to Alan. "Alan, this is His Highness, the prince."
Alan met the second prince's gaze and greeted him with poise, "Your Highness."
The second prince studied Alan briefly and remarked, "Harris speaks highly of you. You indeed have a solid foundation, better than most."
Alan nodded calmly. He had long known of Harris's close relationship with the second prince.
Still, judging by the prince's indifferent demeanor, it seemed Harris hadn't shared certain details about him.
The prince's attitude caused Harris to frown slightly.
He had specifically praised Alan's potential, hoping to garner the prince's attention. Yet, the prince seemed to judge Alan by appearances.
Before Harris could say anything, a commotion broke out among the guests. Gasps and exclamations filled the hall.
"Lady Audrey!"
"It's Lady Audrey!"
All eyes turned toward the second-floor balcony.
Alan followed their gaze and saw a tall, graceful woman standing serenely on the balcony.
Dressed in a rose-colored gown that radiated fiery passion, her lightly made-up, stunning face was even more captivating.
Her mere presence seemed to outshine the entire hall, dimming everything else in comparison.
Even Alan, with his steady disposition, couldn't help but glance at her a few more times. She exuded an innate allure that made one feel compelled to kneel at her feet.
Seeing Audrey on the balcony, the second prince smiled faintly and began walking toward her without hesitation.
Harris's gaze shifted from Audrey to the prince's retreating figure, and he couldn't help but feel that introducing Alan had been a futile effort.
"Alan, please excuse the prince. He has long admired Audrey," Harris said apologetically, worried that this incident might affect his relationship with Alan.
Alan understood Harris's good intentions.
Seeing the prince's abrupt departure, he actually felt relieved. Getting entangled in royal rivalries was the last thing he wanted.
"It's natural for the prince to disregard me. A woman capable of captivating the prince must be extraordinary," Alan remarked curiously.
"She certainly is," Harris replied, his expression tinged with nostalgia. "Audrey's family is immensely powerful. Gaining her support would be invaluable to any prince.
"Moreover, she is considered the most beautiful woman in the Plantagenet Kingdom. Many suitors admire her, but she's exceedingly proud and dismissive of most men, believing none in the kingdom are worthy of her. Among noblewomen, she's a legend."
Alan couldn't help but think of Alice's face and asked, "What about Duchess Alice? Isn't she just as beautiful as Lady Audrey?"