Chapter 336

Chapter 336: Silent Banquet

Facing the sudden arrival of the black-dressed girl and her followers, the crowd present could not help but be surprised. Although some had gradually noticed the rapid expansion of this club, no one had anticipated that so many students would participate.

Emenas was different from other schools, organizations, or institutions; it was said to be the place where extraordinary beings from around the world converged. Sequence 4 and Sequence 5 members were common, and even Sequence 6 students were not rare. To put things into perspective, a Sequence 6 individual outside of Emenas would be considered a leader in any major city. In the past, Hopeland had only three to four Sequence 6 individuals.

The ‘Black Veil’ club, which gathered nearly 300 people, if it could maintain such tight-knit structure and loyalty until graduation, Osumna could rise to become the leader of a new faction, or even found a nation in an insignificant place.

This meant she was reaping the best talents from around the world, the most elite and essential ones.

Such attempts were not unheard of before, and some had even succeeded, like Roland and Alin who founded West Wind and Verdant. During their early stages, these prodigies provided significant assistance. Later, they became key figures in controlling the nation.

However, times had changed. It wasn’t the chaotic era of high personnel turnover anymore. Most students had already established relationships and affiliations before enrolling. For instance, Isaiah’s recommendation came from the Griffin Duke, effectively branding him with the label of being under the Earl of Wolfspike. Unless there was a significant change, he would inevitably join this faction after graduation.

Letis, coming from an alchemy lineage, would certainly inherit her family’s connections upon returning home. Nia, hailing from the grasslands, would undoubtedly prioritize her homeland after graduation.

This was what Edren found most incomprehensible. Growing up in the royal family, he naturally understood the intricate web of interests at play. How did Osumna manage to have so many people follow her so loyally, daring to oppose him, the prince?

“His Highness the Prince seems quite surprised by my arrival, hehe,” Osumna covered her face with her fingers, her pale purple lips emitting a clear laugh.

Edren had long stood up and was no longer seated. Watching the scene before him, he remained silent. He was a very smart person and knew that speaking at this moment would only humiliate himself further.

Words without strength behind them were just the barking of wild dogs.

Among the black-robed members standing opposite, at least twenty were Sequence 6. On their side, there were only about ten Sequence 6 members, including those from other guilds attending the banquet.

Unfortunately, this was a school, not within the borders of Verdant. Otherwise, simply charging at the royal family members would be enough to charge this person with a crime. A hint of malevolence flashed across Edren’s brow.

But he quickly changed his expression to a pleasant one, first asking the Crimson Rose members to step aside. Then he spoke.

“I welcome Miss Osumna’s arrival greatly. What I said earlier was merely a misunderstanding. I only heard of your reputation before, but today, I realize what true beauty means.” After saying this, he made a gesture inviting her to sit, displaying the etiquette and grace of royalty.

“Hehe, Your Highness flatters me,” Osumna raised her right hand, gloved in lace. Soon, several black-robed members stepped out. They positioned themselves at the lowest end of the long table, directly facing Edren, setting the utensils and adjusting the chairs, then respectfully stood on either side.

Osumna walked forward slowly, seemingly savoring everyone’s gaze, then sat down.

Seeing Osumna seated, Edren snapped his fingers. Then, one by one, maids dressed in black and white uniforms began to enter, adding various delicacies to the long table.

At the corners of the hall, violinists and a pianist started playing, and soothing music gradually filled the previously somber hall.

The banquet began.

But this meal was clearly tense. Only the sound of porcelain clinking and cutlery slicing could be heard. Almost no one spoke; they all lowered their heads and ate quietly.

The only one who seemed to enjoy herself was the feared ‘Witch’ lady. She took off her gloves, holding a glass of fragrant red wine, savoring it slowly. Occasionally, she scanned the table with her eyes, looking at others as if from above.

Under such a tense and silent atmosphere, no one dared to leave casually. They had to accompany the ‘Witch’ lady, seeing the farce through to its end.

Finally, the newly ascended ‘Black Queen’ of the academy happily concluded the dinner, and others gradually stopped eating.

“Thank you very much for Your Highness Edren’s hospitality. I, Osumna, am deeply grateful. As a token of gratitude, please attend next week’s election of the Academy’s top student.”

Osumna bowed gracefully, her gaze sweeping over everyone, then left slowly. The black-robed club members followed her, leaving the hall in orderly fashion.

—

After the ‘Black Veil’ members left, the hall erupted into loud conversations.

“Huh, that girl is terrifying,” Honey Bud’s president held onto Bumansa’s hand, patting her chest.

“She’s indeed impressive,” Bumansa recalled the scene, sitting at the edge where she was less noticeable, feeling less pressure.

“But now Edren is furious. This girl will probably be in trouble,” she continued.

“I’ve known Edren since childhood. He doesn’t usually smile like that unless he’s unhappy or forced by his parents. And he holds grudges easily. This time, he’ll definitely find a way to retaliate,” the president lady expressed concern.

“What measures will His Highness take?” Bumansa asked curiously, having limited contact with nobles.

“I don’t know. Although the Verdant Empire has liaison officers in Emenas, they aren’t many and can’t directly interfere with students. In the school, it depends on the teachers and Order Department members,” she explained.

The students of Emenas were extraordinary beings, ordinary people couldn’t control them. Strong individuals also had pride and wouldn’t take up jobs like maintaining order. It would be like hiring top-notch scholars as security guards, wasteful and unacceptable.

Thus, maintaining order and stability partly relied on teachers and partly on organized groups among the students, led by the Order Department under the leadership of the ‘Crown of Justice’.

The ‘Crown of Justice’, Melon, and his White Swallow Knights, stationed in the central school building, mostly consisted of Sequence 6 members, patrolling the outskirts of Emenas regularly. They were currently recognized as the strongest student organization in Emenas.

“I wonder what will happen this time. Sigh, when will we finally be able to settle down and plant flowers together?” Bumansa sighed.

“Maintaining peace requires strong power,” she added.

— Special thanks to the support from fellow reader Low Like Dust QQQ.

— It seems I can’t avoid adding more chapters.

— I’ll work hard in the coming days.

— End of Chapter