Chapter 353: A Threat from Imperial Empire
- In the grand King's Hall of the Imperial Empire, a realm bustling with activity, a stark contrast unfolded amidst the chaos. While the North Kingdom battled relentless hordes of beasts and the South Kingdom fought against ferocious demons, the nobles of the Imperial Empire indulged in a lavish party.
The hall itself was a marvel to behold, adorned with magnificent chandeliers suspended from the lofty ceiling. Its vast expanse could easily accommodate over a hundred guests, with ample space for them to mingle. The floor, crafted from pristine white marble, possessed an enchanting quality, emitting a mesmerizing flicker whenever someone stepped upon it.
Above, an exquisite painting adorned the ceiling, depicting the legendary first human king, Sieg, valiantly slaying his enemies and conquering vast lands.
Along the walls, numerous artworks chronicled the history of races, such as a vivid portrayal of the Beast race dominating the world a century ago, and another showcasing the elves creating a protective barrier to shield their sacred land from King Sieg's conquest.
The hall not only served as a venue for celebration but also acted as a poignant reminder of the empire's past mistakes, resembling a museum of remorse.
As the opulent banquet unfolded, tables laden with an array of dishes beckoned the attendees. From enormous cuts of meat, seemingly sourced from the formidable beasts, to an assortment of vibrant, fresh vegetables, the feast offered a sensory delight. Servants and maids bustled about, their hands laden with plates as they attended to the noble guests' every need.
Amidst the commotion, some alluring maids were seen engaging in flirtatious exchanges with select nobles, unabashedly employing their charms and seductive prowess right under the noses of their oblivious wives. Their hips swayed enticingly, and their mere touch seemed to bewitch the nobles, ensnaring them in their web of allure.
As envious gazes fell upon these captivating maids, many yearned to take their place, but their own perceived shortcomings prevented such audacity. The Imperial Empire, unlike other kingdoms that had risen against the nobility system, relied on its aristocracy for the welfare and future of its citizens.
"Ha-ha! Long live the king!" resounded throughout the hall as elegantly dressed individuals engaged in spirited conversations, all the while flaunting their ostentatious jewelry, engaged in an unspoken competition of wealth and opulence.
Among the crowd, young men and women radiated an undeniable magnetism, their flawless faces adorned with tasteful makeup. The lips of the young girls boasted a captivating shade of red, while the boys purposely displayed their sculpted chests, embodying confidence and allure.
"Your cake, my lady," a striking servant materialized, presenting a plate adorned with a golden pancake drizzled in honey, his smile rivalling the brilliance of the stars above. His gaze lingered gently upon the young lady before him, her noble status surpassing that of her peers.
In this realm, even servants were not exempt from the possibilities of becoming playthings or clandestine lovers of noblewomen. Many tales whispered of secret liaisons between these women and their handsome attendants, fueled by dissatisfaction with their husbands' unattractive visages or indifference, preferring the company of maids within their own homes.
"Be gone," the young lady retorted dismissively, her response causing the servant's countenance to darken. He glared at her, his eyes inadvertently drawn to her ample assets, only to be met with a fierce gaze from her magenta eyes. Evidently in her teenage years, she possessed an exquisite beauty befitting a potential marriage candidate.
Her lustrous, ebony hair cascaded down to her waist, with the sides elegantly tied while the rest flowed freely behind her.
Dressed in a black gown that elegantly accentuated her figure, the young lady exuded an air of effortless perfection, further enhanced by the exquisite jewelry gracing her fairy-like neck. Her allure surpassed that of her peers, making her a captivating sight in the hall.
The handsome servant, his aspirations of rising above his station crumbling before him, stuttered in apology. His fear was palpable as he recoiled from her words. The rumors of her tempestuous temperament had spread far and wide, warning him of her formidable nature.
Meanwhile, a group of adult men observed the scene with amusement from a distance. One of them, dressed in a nobleman's vest, addressed Sir Luke, the elderly figure standing amidst the commotion, with a hint of jest. "Look at your granddaughter, Sir Luke. With such a fiery disposition, how will she ever find a suitable husband?"
Sir Luke, his gaze fixed upon his granddaughter, sighed with a tinge of disappointment. "I don't know what has come over her. She became like this after her journey to the North Kingdom," he lamented.
Though Sir Luke's outward appearance might have led one to perceive him as frail, none of the adult nobles in the hall dared to mock or belittle him. His reputation and power had garnered him unwavering respect from all. Another nobleman chimed in with forced laughter, attempting to lighten the mood. "Hahaha, you must be joking, Sir Luke.
With your esteemed reputation and influence, no kingdom dares to offend you. It seems your daughter has set high standards for her future husband."
The others nodded in agreement, their expressions polite and careful not to utter a single word out of place. They even discreetly signaled their children to keep their distance from Sir Luke's granddaughter.
However, their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a soldier clad in white armor, sans helmet, who knelt before the group and relayed an urgent message. "Respected gentlemen, the king summons you to the throne room. His Majesty wishes to discuss the future plans regarding the North Kingdom."
"It appears this discussion concerns Lady Leona and her family."
"Have you also heard the news? Unbelievable that the traitor has now become a prominent figure in the North Kingdom."
"Now she must face the same challenges as in the past, hahaha, as the North Kingdom's peasants hunt them down for some unknown reason."
"You all may proceed. I need to have a word with my granddaughter," Sir Luke declared to the adult nobles before he swiftly made his way toward his granddaughter, paying no heed to their response.
"Tch! What an arrogant old man! His granddaughter is no different! If it weren't for the king and his power, I could have been a duke with control over two cities, and my son could have played with his granddaughter!" One of the nobleman sneered, disdain dripping from his words as he watched Sir Luke's retreating figure.
"Hush! Lower your voice or he might overhear you. Remember, he is still a Grandmaster," another nobleman cautioned, prompting the speaker to immediately clamp his mouth shut.
As Sir Luke approached his granddaughter, many nobles offered their respect. Some saluted, while others bowed with utmost reverence. This was no ordinary gesture; it was a testament to the old man's might and the respect he commanded—a respect that far surpassed even that of the reigning king.
His past accomplishments towered above the meager achievements of Weston, and his power resonated throughout the realm. His reputation had become legendary, serving as a deterrent to both neighboring kingdoms. As long as this indomitable figure remained, the Imperial Empire would continue to stand tall, exuding an arrogant pressure that kept the two kingdoms at bay.
NOVEL NEXT