Harris glanced around nervously, ensuring everyone's attention was fixed on Audrey. Seeing no one had noticed Alan's words, he sighed in relief and explained:
"Alan, Duke Alice is different from other women. Her fame across kingdoms isn't due to beauty but absolute strength. To this day, she remains undefeated among her peers."
"Her existence transcends gender; she's in pursuit of the pinnacle of magic. In the eyes of many, Duke Alice is an untouchable figure."
Harris's expression grew solemn as he spoke.
While others admired Audrey for her beauty, their respect for Alice came from the heart. She was an idol to many—and to Harris as well.
Alan realized his earlier comment was rather thoughtless. Comparing Alice to Audrey was inappropriate.
Harris, lightening the mood, chuckled and said, "Audrey's standards are incredibly high.
She wouldn't even consider the second prince. But I think if you put in some effort, Alan, you might have a chance!"
Harris knew Alan's strength well and was also aware of the mysterious black-robed woman backing him. Alan's talent and background were second to none.
Isabella nodded earnestly, convinced her brother deserved any woman in the world. If anything, the women of the world might not be worthy of her brother.
Carter nudged Alan with his elbow, brimming with confidence. "Big bro, if you're interested, I can spread the word for you. Don't worry, I may not be great at fighting, but I'm a master when it comes to influencing public opinion!"
Hearing this, Alan suddenly remembered the rumors about him and Annie circulating after their time on the Charlie No. 1 train.
Could this guy have been behind it?
Caught under Alan's deep and probing gaze, Carter grew nervous. "Big bro Alan, why are you looking at me like that? Don't worry. The rumors I spread are untraceable!"
Before Alan could respond, Harris smacked the back of Carter's head lightly.
"If you go stirring things up like that, you'll just put Alan in a tough spot. Too many eyes are already on Audrey," Harris admonished.
Realizing the logic, Carter sheepishly nodded. "Got it, Dad. I was just joking around."
With Harris growing sterner, Carter lost interest, pouting as he led Alan and Isabella to the buffet.
Faced with the dazzling array of dishes, Carter excitedly introduced the options to Alan and Isabella while piling food onto his plate, fearing it might disappear if he moved too slowly.
Caught up in Carter's enthusiasm, Isabella ate much more than usual.
Watching the two of them, Alan also found his appetite increasing.
Since most of the younger nobles didn't seem interested in him, he figured he might as well enjoy the food. After all, many of these dishes were new to him, and they tasted fantastic.
The three of them stood in a corner of the grand hall, eating heartily.
Other guests glanced their way and sneered.
"Hillbillies," they muttered under their breath, losing any interest in interacting with Alan or Carter.
...
As the banquet grew livelier, Audrey, standing on the second-floor balcony, had just declined the second prince's invitation to dance for the umpteenth time.
Bored, she scanned the crowd below.
After a while, she found the guests stiff and dull, just as she was about to turn away when her eyes landed on Annie.
Dressed in a butterfly-like gown, Annie stood still, her gaze fixed on the banquet's corner.
Curious, Audrey followed her friend's gaze.
Audrey knew Annie wasn't typically a quiet person. Yet tonight, she was unusually subdued.
"Annie, don't tell me you've taken a liking to that chubby guy?" Audrey teased with a mischievous glint in her eye.
In the corner, the trio of Alan, Carter, and Isabella were thoroughly enjoying their food.
Audrey's playful question startled Annie, who quickly shook her head. "What are you talking about? That's the son of the Head of the Light Guild. He's not my type!"
"Oh, so it's not him? Then it must be that handsome young man," Audrey continued teasing.
"I haven't taken a liking to anyone," Annie retorted, glaring at Audrey. Her friend had a knack for stirring up trouble.
Audrey adopted a detective-like expression and pressed on. "Then why were you staring at him so intently? You can't fool me; there's clearly something between you two. Come on, spill it!"
Annie sighed. "His name is Alan. From what I know, he shouldn't even have been invited here. I'm just curious."
Audrey smirked. "Just curious? That's all?"
Before Annie could reply, Audrey's eyes sparkled with a mischievous idea.
Annie's heart sank. "Audrey, I'm warning you, don't mess with him. He's not as simple as he looks."
"Oh?" Audrey's interest deepened. "To make you, of all people, this uneasy… Alan must be fascinating."
To Audrey, men were mere playthings, and Alan had piqued her curiosity. Ignoring Annie's protests, she whispered something to a nearby maid, then watched with amusement as the maid walked away.
...
Moments later, the maid stood on the stage in the banquet hall and spoke, her voice carrying through the crowd:
"Honored guests, Lady Audrey believes that tonight's gathering of talents would be incomplete without a special event. She has decided to invite one gentleman to join her for a private dinner."
The announcement caused an uproar.
Dinner with Lady Audrey!
What an honor!
Tension filled the room as the male guests looked around, hearts racing with anticipation.
The maid, sensing the charged atmosphere, didn't keep them waiting. She announced calmly:
"Alan, please step forward."
Alan?!
The name left the crowd stunned.
Most of them had never heard of this Alan.
Eugene, however, immediately realized who it was and turned toward the corner where Alan stood. His envy turned his face red.
That was Audrey, the kingdom's most beautiful woman! A socialite renowned across the Plantagenet Kingdom!
A connection with her could mean overnight fame, even political and social advancement.
The second prince's expression, which had been hopeful moments ago, stiffened.
Everyone knew he was pursuing Audrey, yet she had chosen to invite another man.
The prodigies who had been fawning over the prince fell silent, scanning the room to find this mysterious Alan.
The second prince's gaze settled on the corner of the hall, where Harris had earlier introduced Alan.
Now, under the attention of the second prince, Eugene, and the crowd, all eyes turned to Alan, who was still busy serving Isabella fresh food.
Alan froze as he felt the collective gaze. Why would Audrey single him out?
Though dining with her seemed like an honor, it felt more like bait thrown into a pool of hungry sharks.
A single misstep, and he'd be torn apart.
Feeling the hostile stares from the crowd, Alan realized the trouble brewing.
At that moment, a burly man stepped out from the crowd and approached Alan, his expression full of provocation.
"Alan, why don't I take your place at dinner? I'm worried you won't be able to handle it!"