Chapter 62: The Imperial Banquet
Chapter 62: The Imperial Banquet
Morning sunlight poured through the crystal windows of the Darkmoor Mansion.
Today...
The Imperial Palace would host the birthday banquet of the Empire’s First Princess.
The gathering where nearly every influential noble family within the Empire would be present.
After leaving his room, Andras calmly made his way toward the main hall.
The moment he entered...
He found Evelyne and Seris already waiting.
Evelyne wore an elegant silver evening gown that shimmered beneath the morning light like flowing moonlight. Intricate sapphire embroidery traced delicate floral patterns across the fabric, while a necklace of flawless blue gemstones rested gracefully upon her slender neck. Her long silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, giving her an appearance both regal and breathtaking.
Standing beside her was Seris.
Unlike Evelyne’s graceful elegance, Seris carried a sharp, knightly beauty.
She wore a fitted midnight-black dress decorated with silver embroidery resembling intertwined swords and blooming lilies. The gown perfectly complemented her athletic figure while preserving the dignity expected of House Darkmoor.
Her silver hair had been tied into a refined half-up style, allowing several loose strands to frame her delicate face.
Although she carried herself with calm confidence...
There remained a faint trace of nervousness hidden deep within her silver eyes.
After everything that had happened between her and Andras...
Some awkwardness still lingered.
Evelyne smiled warmly as Andras approached.
"You’ve arrived."
Andras nodded politely.
"Mother."
Then he turned toward Seris.
"Sister."
Seris offered a small smile.
"Good morning."
"Good morning."
The atmosphere was peaceful.
Not warm enough to erase the distance between the siblings...
But no longer uncomfortable.
After exchanging a few words, the three left the mansion together.
Outside, an enormous black carriage bearing the silver wolf crest of House Darkmoor already waited before the entrance.
Rows of armored knights stood beside it in perfect formation.
As Evelyne stepped inside, the soldiers immediately saluted.
Andras and Seris followed shortly afterward.
The carriage began rolling through the noble district toward the Imperial Palace.
The palace soon appeared upon the horizon.
It rose proudly above the Capital like a city within a city.
Towering white walls surrounded countless magnificent buildings.
Golden banners bearing the Imperial symbol fluttered proudly from every tower.
Even from a distance...
Its majesty surpassed every estate Andras had seen since arriving in this world.
The convoy finally stopped before the enormous palace gates.
Imperial Guards wearing crimson armor immediately recognized the silver wolf crest.
The captain stepped forward before bowing respectfully.
"Welcome, Your Grace."
"The Imperial Palace welcomes House Darkmoor."
The massive gates slowly opened.
Without delay...
The carriage entered the palace grounds.
Beautiful marble pathways stretched toward the main palace, lined with blooming flowers, crystal fountains, and carefully sculpted gardens.
Dozens of noble carriages had already arrived before them.
Servants guided guests toward the grand banquet hall.
After stepping down from the carriage, Evelyne led the way.
Andras and Seris followed quietly behind.
Several palace attendants respectfully escorted them inside.
The banquet hall was magnificent.
Towering marble pillars supported an enormous crystal ceiling that reflected thousands of enchanted lights.
Golden chandeliers illuminated the hall with a warm radiance.
Long tables overflowed with delicacies gathered from every province of the Empire.
Nobles from countless great houses filled the hall.
Their conversations gradually faded...
The moment House Darkmoor entered.
Dozens of eyes turned toward them.
Whispers spread throughout the room.
"The Duchess of Darkmoor..."
"So she really came."
"That’s her son?"
"Is that Lady Seris?"
Without paying attention to the whispers...
Evelyne calmly walked toward the highest platform.
Upon the Imperial Throne sat the ruler of the Empire.
King Augustus Aurelmont.
His golden hair was neatly combed behind his head, while calm crimson eyes overlooked the hall with quiet authority.
He wore white imperial robes.
Even while seated...
His presence dominated the entire hall.
He didn’t need to display power.
His existence alone commanded respect.
Evelyne gracefully bowed.
"Your Majesty."
Seris followed immediately.
"Your Majesty."
Andras lowered his head as well.
"It is an honor to attend Her Highness’s birthday banquet."
King Augustus smiled faintly.
"House Darkmoor honors us with its presence."
"I hope your journey to the Capital was pleasant."
"It was, Your Majesty."
After exchanging several formal greetings...
House Darkmoor respectfully withdrew.
As Andras stepped away, he quietly spoke inwardly.
System.
Show me Augustus Aurelmont’s status.
A familiar mechanical voice echoed inside his mind.
[Ding!]
Name: Augustus Aurelmont
Race: Human
Age: 45
Class: Warrior
Realm: Low Ninth-Star Warrior
Talent: Heaven’s Mandate (S-Rank)
Andras silently examined the information.
A Low Ninth-Star Warrior.
One of the strongest humans within the Empire.
Yet...
His expression remained calm.
I’ll surpass him.
Not by a narrow margin...
But so completely that comparison itself becomes meaningless.
After dismissing the system window, Andras continued walking beside Evelyne and Seris.
Before long...
They noticed three familiar figures conversing nearby.
Duke Hadrian Valebright.
Duchess Elara Valebright.
And...
Seraphina Valebright.
Evelyne smiled warmly.
"Hadrian."
The Duke turned before returning the smile.
"Evelyne."
"It has been some time."
The two families greeted one another politely.
Andras stepped forward.
"It’s good to see you again, Your Grace."
Hadrian nodded approvingly.
"And you as well, Andras."
Then Andras turned toward the Duchess.
"It’s a pleasure to meet you again, Your Grace."
Elara smiled gently.
"The pleasure is ours."
Finally...
His gaze settled upon Seraphina.
She wore an elegant emerald-green gown decorated with silver embroidery that resembled blooming vines. Her long emerald hair flowed gracefully down her back, while her clear jade eyes possessed their usual calm dignity.
She looked every bit worthy of being called one of the Empire’s greatest beauties.
A faint smile appeared on Andras’s lips.
"Hello, Seraphina."
"We meet again."
Seraphina returned a graceful smile.
"Indeed."
"It hasn’t been long."
While Evelyne spoke with Duke Hadrian and Duchess Elara...
Seris naturally joined Andras and Seraphina.
The three exchanged light conversation regarding the journey to the Capital and the banquet.
The atmosphere remained pleasant.
Then...
A palace attendant suddenly raised his voice.
"Her Imperial Highness..."
"Princess Aurelia Aurelmont!"
Every conversation inside the banquet hall stopped instantly.
All eyes turned toward the grand staircase.
Slow, graceful footsteps echoed throughout the hall.
A young woman slowly descended the marble stairs, accompanied by several royal maids.
She wore a breathtaking gown woven from white and gold silk that shimmered like the morning sun. Delicate golden embroidery formed countless blooming lilies across the flowing fabric, while a magnificent imperial tiara rested upon her long golden hair.
Her sapphire-blue eyes possessed both gentleness and dignity.
Every movement radiated the elegance expected of the Empire’s Princess.
The entire banquet hall fell silent.
For a brief moment...
It seemed as though the world itself had stopped to admire her beauty.
Princess Aurelia Aurelmont...
Had arrived.