With the banquet in full swing, the people were waiting for their King to enter. The King was still in his chambers, stuck between the arms of a white-haired guard who wouldn't let him leave the room until he got changed.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but that ensemble is completely inappropriate for this event!" He said.
Ceremus looked down at himself with furrowed brows. "What about this outfit is inappropriate?!" Hael's eyes traveled across his body, his cheeks warming from embarrassment and discomfort.
The King wore a beautiful gold neckpiece with various stones—pink morganite, goldstone, and amethyst—attached to the extravagant piece of jewelry. He paired the neckpiece with matching bangles and earrings. He had on a burgundy robe with gold along the hems that also matched his bottoms, which held a similar pattern to the robes, accentuating his narrow waist.
Ceremus embodied the image of a wealthy and deadly king, making it impossible for Hael to take his eyes off him. He knew if he was stunned by the sight of him, others would be, too. There was no way he could let other people see him like this.
"Hael," Ceremus began, his voice tinged with frustration. "The banquet started twenty minutes ago. I don't have time to change into something else." He argued, his impatience palpable.
The white-haired man had to stop himself from protesting. He knew he was being ridiculous. Who was he to tell him what he could or could not wear? He was correct in saying they didn't have time as Anemone knocked on his door.
"Your Majesty, your guests are waiting." He reminded him.
Even Anemone was dressed nicely in his formal robes, the gold and purple matching perfectly with his lavender eyes.
"I think the real question is if you want to go to the banquet dressed in your casual attire?" The King as he eyed the man disapprovingly.
"What happened to the ensemble I had Anemone prepare for you?"
Hael bowed his head in guilt. "I, those clothes are too fancy for me." He said in a small voice.
The two men looked at him in surprise. This was their first time seeing the strong warrior look so timid. Even Loki, who was sitting on one of the tables in the King's room, was shocked.
"W-What would make you say that?" Anemone interjected when he saw the dangerous look flash across Ceremus' face.
"They look too nice for me. Even the King's personal guard shouldn't be allowed to wear such fine clothes." Now that he was familiar with the rules and customs of Trojas, he started to understand how well the King was treating him.
The young man felt guilty for receiving all these fine things while he himself couldn't give anything in return, at least not anything of equal value.
Anemone finally understood what was going on and sighed. "Hael, though on paper, you might have the status of a personal guard, in reality, you are still this nation's ultimate warrior. And that counts for something. I don't think you realize the importance you hold here. Of course, someone with such a revered title should dress and look accordingly, " he explained.
"…Really?" He asked with uncertainty.
Anemone nodded. "You should head back to your room and have the maids dress you. The King's outfit was perfectly tailored to you and will suit you just fine." He said.
Hael nodded, and after casting the King one last glance, he returned with Loki following suit.
Exactly twenty minutes later, the King and his guard stood outside the door dressed to the nines.
The royal greeter didn't waste a second, greeting the two honorary men to the public.
"Presenting his royal Majesty, King Ceremus Rohelus Marcrinos of Trojas and his royal guard as well as the ultimate warrior, Hael… of Aphthonia."
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as the two men entered the banquet hall.
The sheer sight of their beauty took their breaths away. Their outfits coordinated perfectly as if it had always been intended that way.
Had it been anyone else wearing such exquisite clothing, the ladies attending the banquet would most certainly jump at the opportunity to be by the King's side. Still, because it was Ceremus, they held themselves back out of fear of losing their lives. Despite the slow changes they had seen in their ruler, it didn't mean the women were insane enough to get under his good graces, especially not with the way the King's guard was eyeing them with sharp eagle eyes, almost daring anyone to approach.
The personal guard scanned the banquet hall and was in awe at how opulent and extravagant the room was. It was even more outstanding than the celebratory banquet for his win over his bout with the King.
The hall was vast and magnificently decorated. The high ceiling was painted with intricate designs of swirling patterns, giving the room a sense of height and grandeur. Large marble columns lined the edges of the room, supporting a series of broad, arched windows that flooded the lively space with natural light, illuminating the polished stone floors. At the center of the room, a massive rectangular dining table draped with the finest linen cloth was adorned with an array of bronze and silver plates, chalices, and bowls. Most of the guests were standing, while a few were seated on the reclining cushioned couches arranged in groups of three that were positioned along the sides of the table.
The servants, dressed in simple but neatly fitted tunics, moved around the room with practiced grace as they served the guests exotic fruits and other accouterments. Soft music played in the background, further enhancing the regal and opulent energy in the room.
A magnificent wine tower was displayed on the side, allowing the common guests to serve themselves as they saw fit.
Ceremus had instructed the head servant to ensure everything was in order, accommodating each guest regardless of wealth or status. He wanted the banquet to go according to plan, not just as a celebration for the villagers but also as a way to celebrate his newfound feelings. He had every intention of being on his best behavior tonight. And yet, it seemed the gods weren't too keen on having the demigod have things going his way.
As Anemone, his face etched with panic, sprinted towards Ceremus, he sensed that his evening was about to take a turbulent turn.
"Y-Your Majesty, I'm afraid we have some… unexpected guests in our midst," The advisor stammered, his eyes darting toward a group of knights escorting a young woman.
Ceremus frowned, and before he could ask what the advisor meant, that same young woman and her knights entered the banquet hall, immediately causing a stir among the guests.
"Presenting Princess Nastasya Proserpina Illdico of the Cleves Kingdom."