Chereads / Villain: I Must NTR All The Hidden Bosses! / Chapter 16 - Hidden Boss Suspect!

Chapter 16 - Hidden Boss Suspect!

≈Beneath the Herald's hand, the fields do bloom,≈

≈The seeds of hope rise from winter's gloom.≈

≈Golden harvests sweep the land, wide and free,≈

≈Life renewed, a gift from his decree.≈

A gorgeous young woman wearing a blue dress slowly sang out in a sonorous voice, her voice reaching every inch of the courtyard.

The courtyard was enormous, stretching far and wide, like an endless canvas painted with the colours of celebration.

The air was alive with a golden glow, thanks to countless floating lanterns that bobbed gently in the night.

These weren't ordinary lanterns—no, each one seemed alive, enchanted to glow with a soft, magical light that shifted from warm gold to emerald green, casting shimmering reflections on the cobblestone ground.

Strings of enchanted thread, sparkling like woven sunlight, crisscrossed above, forming intricate patterns that danced with every breeze.

At every corner, magical artefacts hummed faintly, casting soft arcs of light or delicate chimes that added an air of wonder to the festive atmosphere.

At the centre of the courtyard stood a massive fountain, its water glowing an otherworldly blue.

In its depths floated a glowing sigil—the unmistakable mark of the Forgemaster himself.

The sound of water splashing against the fountain's base was like soft applause, adding to the banquet's lively, magical atmosphere.

Around the fountain, dozens of tables were arranged in neat rows, each one fit for royalty but carefully designed to match the status of the guests.

On the outermost edges were larger tables, where the children of the powerful figures sat giggling and chattering, their plates piled high with treats like golden pastries shaped like mythical beasts and tiny pies filled with sweet berries.

Closer to the fountain were larger tables meant for the adults, the men and women in power—the merchants, top Forgers, and traders who made the city thrive.

These tables were simpler in design but no less lavish in their offerings. The air around them was filled with hearty laughter and the clinking of goblets filled with sparkling cider.

Platters of roasted meats, steaming bread, and colourful vegetables lined their tables, filling the air with a mouthwatering aroma.

But the grandest table of all stood right in the heart of the courtyard, draped in silken cloth embroidered with threads of gold.

This table was a masterpiece, its surface carved with scenes of legendary battles and heroic deeds.

It held a feast that was nothing short of majestic—golden roasted boars, shimmering seafood platters, and desserts so delicate they looked like they belonged in a gallery rather than on a plate.

At the head of this luxurious table stood the star of the evening, the Forgemaster. He was a short man, his small frame wrapped in plain grey robes that bore a single black stripe on the sleeve—a subtle yet undeniable mark of his authority.

His thick goatee framed a face that was equal parts stern and warm, a man who carried both power and humility in equal measure.

Despite his plain attire, his presence seemed larger than life, drawing all eyes to him.

Farther out from the centre, among one of the rows meant for the younger generation, a group of teenagers sat together, their voices filled with excitement and pride.

Among these youths sat James, his posture relaxed but his expression distant.

While the other teenagers at his table laughed and debated loudly, their voices rising in playful competition, James remained quiet.

He leaned back slightly, his arms crossed over his chest, and his gaze unfocused. To anyone watching, he might've seemed aloof or even arrogant, but the truth was far simpler—his mind was somewhere else.

His mind was preoccupied with something far more pressing: his soul weapon.

For most people, activating their soul weapon was straightforward. One simply needed to say 'activate!' inwardly and it would be done.

It was that simple.

But James's weapon wasn't ordinary. Special-grade soul weapons, like his, didn't follow the rules.

Their activation codes were unique, mysterious, and often maddeningly elusive. He'd tried every code he could think of, but the weapon refused to respond.

"Kaelan," a voice broke through his thoughts. It was Rina, one of the more popular girls at their table.

Her hair was a cascade of golden curls, and her smile could charm even the most stoic.

"A lot of us are dying to know. What happened when you met the Forgemaster?"

James blinked, dragging his mind out of its spiral, and met her gaze. "Not much," he said casually, his voice calm and even. "He helped me open my soul."

He replied nonchalantly, his tone so casual it sounded like he was describing a trip to the market.

Rina tilted her head, her curiosity clearly piqued. "The Forgemaster himself? Why did he have to do it? Wouldn't one of the lower-ranked Forgers be enough?"

James shrugged, offering no explanation. He simply leaned back further, his gaze drifting toward the floating lanterns as if the conversation no longer interested him.

His lack of response sent a ripple of whispers through the group, their voices dipping into a mix of disbelief and annoyance.

"So full of himself," someone muttered, loud enough for James to hear. He didn't react. His mind was already drifting back to his puzzle, ignoring the jab like a bird brushing off raindrops.

If not for his attendance at this Aegis Resonance Banquet being mandatory, he would rather be at home training with his soul weapon.

Before anyone could continue their whispered complaints, the atmosphere of the courtyard changed. It was as if the air itself held its breath.

Slowly, the soft hum of music and conversation faded, replaced by the sharp, rhythmic clinking of armoured boots against stone.

Golden-armoured guards marched into the courtyard in perfect formation, their polished plates catching and reflecting the glow of the lanterns.

Their presence was like a living wall of authority, their expressions stoic and unyielding.

Behind them strode a man whose very presence seemed to command the space. He was tall, with broad shoulders and a gait that was both relaxed and purposeful.

His dark hair was streaked with silver at the temples, and his sharp features were framed by a well-groomed beard.

His piercing gaze swept over the crowd with a detached aloofness, as though he were looking past them rather than at them.

James straightened in his seat, his curiosity piqued. There was something about this man—an aura that screamed hidden boss!

'This guy's not here for the food,' James thought, his lips curling into a faint smirk.

Whispers broke out among the youths at his table, and James caught a few snippets of their hushed conversation.

"That's Van Wade," one of them murmured. "The Forgemaster's son. And the head of the Blades."

James's interest sharpened instantly. 'The head of the Blades?' he thought, his lips twitching into the faintest hint of a smirk.

He had spent just a day in this new world and he had already found a Hidden Boss suspect!

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Power stone Goal!

20 PS - 1 Bonus chapter

50 PS - 2 Bonus chapter

100 PS (Quite an achievement as of now) - 3 Bonus chapters.