Free Web NovelChapter 302: Chapter 290: Attending the Banquet
After hearing Sean’s account, Roland frowned slightly.
He had heard news of King Morne personally leading the army against the Northern Beastmen invasion before he arrived in the Golden Valley Kingdom, but he hadn’t paid it much mind.
Although he had never personally seen the King in action, Roland could well imagine the old monarch’s power from the descriptions and tones of others.
Among all the people he had met so far, he doubted any could be a match for King Morne.
Even the Witch Demon he had encountered in the Land of Mist, who possessed a nearly infinite supply of Magic Elements through its control of the Magic City Jiles, would likely be no match for the King.
’But how could such a powerful Extraordinary Professional get bogged down in the mire of war, and even end up in dire straits because of a "traitor"?’
Roland shook his head slightly, no longer dwelling on it, and quickly made a decision.
He was currently a student of the River Domain Knight Academy and had no ties to the Golden Valley Kingdom.
Therefore, whatever happened here had nothing to do with him.
The most important thing now was to successfully complete his study tour and leave this troubled land as soon as possible.
With King Morne personally overseeing the front, the Northern Front probably wouldn’t collapse, but the knock-on effects of a prolonged war...
Recalling the malicious accusation from the middle-aged noble earlier, Roland sighed resignedly, his gaze falling back on his old friend.
He hadn’t gotten a good look earlier in the rush, but as he studied him now, he was inwardly astonished.
When they had last parted, Sean had been well-built but still within the bounds of a normal person. Now, however...
He made a silent comparison.
The Sean before him was a full size larger than even the most burly man he had ever seen, Graham, and moved like a small, walking mountain.
Disregarding the increased muscle density Roland himself had gained from his various Attribute Bonuses and Professional Traits, based on appearance alone, the Sean before him was clearly more intimidating.
’Is this what talent looks like...?’
He marveled inwardly.
But then Roland recalled how Sean had told him everything without a moment’s hesitation, and a warmth spread through his chest.
Whatever had happened to change his friend so drastically, at least his trust and friendship for Roland hadn’t changed in the slightest.
Roland raised a hand and clapped Sean on the shoulder, asking directly.
"Sean, what are you still doing here? Shouldn’t you get this intelligence to Prince Lucius as soon as possible?"
"Sigh..."
Sean sighed at the question.
"I already went. But even when I stressed that it was an urgent military dispatch directly from His Majesty Morne, the attendant there said..."
A complex expression, a mixture of bewilderment and disbelief, crossed his face.
"Prince Lucius has not yet awoken and is not receiving visitors."
"This..."
Roland was at a loss for words.
He knew Sean never lied, so for a moment, he had no idea how to react.
After a moment of silence, he decisively changed the subject and asked about other matters.
As Sean recounted his story, Roland was amazed by the opportunities and experiences his friend had encountered.
The ordinary young man from Black Water Territory had used that crude Secret Silver Body Tempering Technique to train himself while serving in the Border Legion. He repeatedly earned merits in battle, winning the appreciation of his superiors, and was later recommended, eventually coming to the attention of Gandar.
Thanks to his bravery in battle and his shrewdness, in less than half a year, he was placed under Gandar’s command and became a captain leading over a hundred soldiers.
Roland wasn’t familiar with the Golden Valley Kingdom’s military structure, but to command a hundred-man unit...
He looked at the mountain of a man before him, who still wore the same honest, good-natured smile he remembered, and his expression grew complicated.
Roland shook his head slightly.
He had considered inviting Sean to leave the Golden Valley Kingdom with him and start a new life in the River Domain.
Given Sean’s current strength, and with Roland’s connection to Graham, it wouldn’t be difficult to get him into the Knight Academy for further training.
Moreover, with Sean’s outstanding potential, he would surely have no problem graduating and acquiring a Knight’s Breathing Technique.
This path was undoubtedly much safer than fighting for merits and a title in the border war.
Then, not only would Roland gain a powerful and reliable companion, but Sean could also lead a better life.
However, the words died on his lips as Roland remembered the Wizards who had been greedily eyeing the Demon Wells before he left the River Domain, and the various measures its de facto leader, Derek, had taken concerning them...
He hesitated.
’What if I convince Sean to return with me, only for the River Domain to descend into civil war...?’
At this thought, Roland shook his head slightly, dismissing the idea.
Instead, he simply urged Sean to be careful, telling him that if he ever faced danger, he could seek refuge in the River Domain at any time. They also agreed to meet one more time before Roland left the Royal Capital.
With that, the two parted ways in a hurry.
Back at his lodging, Roland immediately found Reggie and told him everything: what had just happened, his plan to withdraw from the Golden Valley Kingdom as soon as possible, and the intelligence he had gathered.
Of course, he omitted the detail that Sean was his source.
He also specifically instructed Reggie to keep the matter secret to avoid implicating his good friend.
Having fought alongside Roland before, the Knight Academy Master already trusted him without reservation.
After only a brief moment of contemplation, Reggie agreed to Roland’s proposal to leave as soon as possible. The two discussed the subsequent arrangements in detail before going their separate ways.
Upon returning to his room, Roland briefly relayed the content of his conversation to Galvis and Teresa.
Like Reggie, these two companions, who had faced life and death with him, had no objections to Roland’s decision.
Seeing that they had no questions, he quickly washed up, changed his clothes, and quietly joined the procession heading to the Royal Palace.
The setting sun draped the megalithic architecture of Golden Ears City in a thin veil of warm gold.
Roland and his party rode in a royal carriage through the quieting streets, heading toward the Royal Palace at the city’s center.
The wheels made a rhythmic RUMBLE as they rolled over the stone-paved road.
Through the carriage window, Roland could see a growing number of Royal Guards lining the route. Their armor was immaculate and their expressions solemn, a stark contrast to the border soldiers he had seen during the day.
The closer they got to the Royal Palace, the more solemn and hushed the atmosphere became, the air thick with an almost tangible pressure.
Teresa smoothed the hem of her skirt, while Galvis shifted uncomfortably, adjusting his collar.
Though they had all changed into formal attire for the banquet, they couldn’t help but be affected by the austere royal presence.
The Royal Palace gates were made of solid white stone, both grand and ancient.
After their identities were verified, a heavy iron portcullis slowly rose, and the carriage drove into a spacious courtyard.
Then, led by a court chamberlain in a black formal suit whose every movement was meticulous, they walked through a series of archways and halls.
The palace interior was brightly lit. Massive tapestries depicting the achievements of past kings hung on the walls, and thick carpets covered the cold stone floors, muffling their footsteps.
They occasionally passed other invited nobles, and these lavishly dressed men and women cast appraising and curious glances their way. Their hushed conversations became a muffled echo under the high, vaulted ceiling.
Master Reggie quietly reminded the students to mind their etiquette and maintain their composure.
Finally, they were led to a pair of massive double doors.
Guards on either side silently pushed open the heavy doors.
An immensely spacious and magnificent banquet hall appeared before them.
The hall was abuzz with activity. Soft light emanated from countless floating crystal lamps, and long tables were laden with sumptuous dishes and fine wines.
An orchestra played soothing melodies, and the air was a mixture of aromas from food, spices, and candles.
The arrival of Roland and his party caused a slight stir, and many eyes turned to focus on them.
The court chamberlain announced in a loud voice.
"Presenting the delegation from the River Domain Knight Academy: Master Reggie, Sir Roland, and the esteemed students!"
The host of the banquet, who was expected to come forward and greet them, was of course the Crown Prince of the Golden Valley Kingdom, His Highness Lucius.
Roland’s gaze swept across the hall, and by following the direction of the crowd’s attention and their deferential postures, he quickly located the figure at the center, surrounded by several nobles and officials.
However, when he got a clear look at the Prince, his pupils contracted slightly.
This was by no means the vigorous young heir in his twenties or thirties that he had imagined, nor was he even a composed, middle-aged man.
Standing there was an old man with a head of snow-white hair.
His hair was as white as silver snow, combed with meticulous care.
His face was etched with the ravines of time, his skin slack, displaying every sign of old age.
Based on his appearance, this Crown Prince named Lucius was clearly an old man approaching his seventies, with one foot already in the grave.
