Chapter 889

Chapter 889: Banquet in the Castle

In the small town in the southern region of the Empire.

Since she was preparing to leave, Lolan Hill went to the market in the city to buy some things she would need on her journey. Just before returning, Miss Sharine approached her.

“Mesia, I received an invitation today. It’s for you.” She handed over a thick dark red paper, with the invitation written in black calligraphy, and stamped with the Moroz family’s fire seal, looking very exquisite.

“Tonight, Baron Moroz will host a banquet at the castle, and he has invited quite a few people. Besides you, there are several other高手 in the city. Apparently, a few officers will also attend.”

“I’m not quite sure what Baron Moroz’s intentions are, why he’s hosting a banquet at this time and inviting so many unfamiliar people.”

After receiving the invitation, Lolan Hill flipped it open to take a look.

[To celebrate the abundant harvest and peace within the territory this year, a banquet will be held at the castle on the evening of November 24th,

Sincerely invite the valiant adventurer, Miss Mesia, to attend my banquet.

]

It seemed like a routine celebration of the harvest, but given the current circumstances and all that has happened recently in the territory, it was hard to imagine the true purpose behind Baron Moroz’s banquet.

Lolan Hill hesitated slightly but nodded nonetheless.

“Hmm, I understand. I’ll go then.” With her strength, she wasn’t afraid of any unexpected incidents. In the current empire, apart from witches or some special beings, few could pose a threat to her.

Rather than leaving directly, it would be better to see what this baron had in mind. Additionally, she wanted to meet some of the new troops in the empire.

After the war with Clancia ended, the imperial court reorganized the army based on the lessons learned from the war. The previous numbering system from the 54th Legion onwards was canceled, and new legions from the 54th to the 75th were established, totaling 22 legions.

These legions differed from their predecessors; they began equipping themselves with muskets and cannons, moving away from full-coverage armor to lighter, more protective gear. This made them less encumbered, more agile, and cost-effective.

Among these 22 legions, the 56th, 71st, and 75th were particularly special. They were composed entirely of elites, with soldiers having a minimum Sequence 2, making them the core force of the imperial court. The commanders of these three legions were rare Sequence 7 existences, known as the empire’s ‘Three Swords,’ replacing the highly esteemed ‘Three Marshals’ of the old nobility era.

(These data don’t need to be memorized; they will be explained when relevant.)

Now, to further enhance the reputation of these three legions, the court is considering giving them new titles instead of simple numbers.

The day before, Lolan Hill saw those red-clothed soldiers in the square; they were from the 71st Legion. Although it was just a small detachment, they still demonstrated considerable strength.

She decided to check it out. She was curious about what Baron Moroz might have lost and why the military would send a crack team to this small town.

“Is Mesia going?” Miss Sharine looked at the girl with some surprise. Initially, she thought this girl wouldn’t be interested in such banquets. After all, Mesia had always seemed indifferent, not someone who would change her stance due to external factors.

“I’m curious. If I don’t go, I might miss something,” the young lady said with a smile, winking.

Just like encountering side quests in a game, although seemingly unrelated to the main storyline, who knows what might be gained.

“Alright, do you need me to prepare a dress for you? It would be nice to look beautiful,” Miss Sharine said with renewed interest.

“Oh, no need. Thank you, Miss Sharine,” Little Lolan quickly waved her hand. Miss Sharine’s words brought back many unpleasant memories.

She remembered how they used to say they were finding suitable clothes for her, only to treat her like a doll, trying everything on and spending long hours in the changing room.

She had endured this many times.

“Alright.” Miss Sharine said without regret, but added at the end, “If you need anything, come find me.”

“Okay, I know,” Lolan nodded.

Back in her room, Lolan found that Lotte was not there. Though somewhat puzzled, she didn’t dwell on it and started searching for appropriate clothes.

Indeed, she had quite a collection of clothes. Some were made in the forest, with a simple woodland style; others were custom-made luxurious gowns from the Chamber of Commerce during her time in Hope Lane; some were youthful and girlish styles bought during her time at the academy with her roommates; and some were Eastern-style dresses purchased during her time in the House of Plantagenet, including a royal gift of a Plantagenet witch’s ceremonial robe, which was simply luxurious. The base material was precious soft moon white, embroidered with extraordinary gold thread, inscribed with flawless patterns for protection and enhancement.

Looking at the dazzling array of clothes, Lolan hesitated for a while and then took out a red and black dress. This dress was purchased from a shop owned by the gem witch Servis when she first arrived in Emanas. Its style perfectly matched the Crimson Empire.

She combed her golden hair, tying it up into a swirling braid at the back and letting some strands hang down by her ears. This hairstyle revealed the delicate lines of her neck, complemented by this red and black off-the-shoulder dress adorned with intricate lace at the hem and cuffs, and black rose crepe flowers on the bodice. It had a dark gothic feel, but the vibrant red added a striking and flourishing charm.

She felt quite different from her usual self.

Looking at the girl in the mirror, Lolan Hill felt as if she were seeing another version of herself, with an aura that combined purity and allure.

Indeed, it’s too eye-catching. I should find something more ordinary, she thought, preparing to look for another outfit.

“I’m back.” The door opened, and Lotte pushed it open with a slightly happy expression, only to be stunned by the sight of Lolan Hill inside.

“Is this… Mesia sister?” she hesitated, saying.

Lolan Hill’s current attire was so different from her usual warrior maiden look that it made her hard to believe.

“It should be,” Lolan Hill replied, lightly pressing her chin with her finger, contemplating.

“What do you mean ‘should be’? Mesia sister, you’ve made me suffer so much,” Lotte said, indulging in pettiness after becoming familiar with Lolan Hill over these days.

She took small steps closer to the girl, inspecting her carefully and circling around her.

“How beautiful! She looks even prettier than Evithena sister,” she said unintentionally, mentioning a name before gently adjusting Lolan Hill’s hair.

“If you wore pearl earrings, it would be even better,” Lotte observed the girl’s empty earlobes and wished to adorn them with something.

“No need for that. I don’t want to get my ears pierced,” Lolan Hill shook her head, declining.

“In that case, it looks very much like some classical noble tradition,” Lotte stood behind the girl, speculating about Mesia’s identity.

“Mesia sister really grew up alone in the forest village? It doesn’t seem like it,” Lotte thought that as the daughter of a duke, she couldn’t match Lolan Hill’s flawlessness in many areas, whether it was etiquette, knowledge, swordsmanship, or perspective.

Perhaps it was because she was still underage; many aspects were not yet mature enough. If her brothers were still around, she would definitely introduce Miss Mesia to them.

Unfortunately, now there was only her left, even the sister she once admired, Evithena, was gone.

Shaking her head, she put aside those thoughts and asked Lolan Hill about the purpose of her evening attire.

“So, you’re attending a banquet?” Lotte thought about how she had never been interested in such events before, being the youngest among her siblings and rarely attending banquets, which led to many people outside the family not knowing about her existence. That was why she managed to escape during the chaos later.

“Mesia sister seldom came to the empire, right? Should I tell you some imperial court etiquette?” Lotte considered her own limited utility.

“Yes, thank you, Lotte,” the girl nodded. She had learned some elf etiquette from Aitexi before but knew little about the imperial court.

“Let me explain properly. Many of these are also what the housekeeper taught me, and my sisters helped correct some of them later,” Lotte said, then demonstrated each step in front of the girl.

This included steps, gestures, ways of greeting, responding, refusing, and details related to dining. Initially, Lolan Hill thought it wouldn’t take long, but Lotte ended up explaining for over an hour.

“I wonder how much Mesia sister remembers. Actually, some of the finer points don’t need to be overly concerned about; many nobles don’t do well either,” Lotte realized after finishing that she had said too much.

“Yeah, I understand roughly,” for Lolan Hill, just one demonstration was enough to grasp the basics.

“Really?”

“Should be,” Lolan Hill stood up and demonstrated again.

Seeing the perfect young lady in the red and black dress, Lotte momentarily lost herself, remembering the familiar figure.

Evithena sister.

“How is it? Is there anything you’re unsure about?” Lolan Hill asked after they finished talking, and the sky had gradually turned dark.

“No, Mesia sister is very capable,” Lotte nodded.

They continued their conversation for a while longer until night fell.

“I’m here, is Mesia ready?” Miss Sharin changed into a jade-green dress and gently knocked on the door.

“Ready,” the door opened, and Miss Sharin showed the same expression as Lotte.

“I finally understand why you didn’t need me to prepare your clothes,” Miss Sharin said after a long moment, coming out of her shock.

“Looks like tonight’s banquet won’t be dull. I wonder how many young men will be captivated by Mesia,” she said, taking Mesia’s hand and leading her downstairs. Under the astonished and frozen gazes of the others, they boarded the carriage and slowly drove toward the castle under the night sky.

Compared to the cold gray rock walls of the castle during the day, the castle was much softer with the addition of orange-yellow lights at night.

The carriages of various sizes stopped in the courtyard within the castle. Guests were announced by servants and entered the hall, merging into the banquet where music was playing.

Baron Moroz was not considered part of the High Nobility, but his household band was rare among nearby nobles, which was likely due to his personal preference for music.

“Miss Sharin and Miss Mesia have arrived~” When their carriages stopped in front of the castle, several familiar attendants loudly announced.

Miss Sharin was the first to step out of the carriage, followed by another figure emerging slowly.

Her skin, as fair as porcelain even in the night, her eyes clear like the sky, and her red-black shoulder dress made her stand out as a beautiful young lady at the castle entrance.

“This, um…” For a moment, even the usually articulate attendant felt nervous.

Fortunately, Miss Sharin had anticipated such a situation and introduced her in advance. “This is Miss Mesia. Don’t you recognize her?”

Mesia and Sharin had visited the castle before and spent quite some time on the long benches inside, leaving a deep impression on many people.

“Is this Miss Mesia?” They exclaimed in surprise, then carefully examined her before bowing deeply. Such behavior towards a noble lady was indeed quite impolite.

Upon hearing the commotion outside, the butler came out of the castle. After greeting Miss Sharin, he finally recognized Lolan Hill standing beside her.

“It seems we were negligent earlier. Please enter, Miss Mesia,” said the butler, who had served the Moroz family for decades. He could instantly tell from Mesia’s manners and demeanor that she came from a high-ranking family, not an ordinary person.

However, this meant that their previous plans would need to be revised. Recalling the instructions given by the Baron earlier, the butler felt troubled once more.

After stepping into the venue, the young lady felt a series of gazes upon her. Although unusual, she was somewhat relieved by the presence of her other identity. She was no longer Lolan Hill, so she felt more at ease and less nervous than before.

She found a seat with Miss Sharin, and soon after, other guests began to enter gradually.

“Lord Difeng has arrived~” This was a well-known merchant in the city.

“Baron Crow has arrived~” A nearby Baron, dressed in black formal attire, around forty years old, was also invited.

“Husong the Priest has arrived~” An elderly man in white robes walked slowly. He was a priest from the city church and the only one in the region to reach Angel Sequence 4, highly respected by the nobility and adventurers alike.

“Mr. Yan Liuyan has arrived~”

A person Lolan Hill did not expect walked in. He wore loose robes from the Eastern Region, with a sheathed saber at his waist, and his hair flowed like dark red flames over his shoulders. This was Yan Liuyan, whom Lolan Hill had known as a classmate at Emanas. He had previously been under Oshuna’s command but later regained his senses and joined Lolan Hill’s club.

He was skilled in special flame saber techniques, stood out uniquely among students, and was unrestrained, very different from other Eastern students.

Had he never returned to the East? Looking at his familiar face, the burning magic power emanating from him, and his rhythmic breathing and steps, Lolan Hill quickly confirmed that this was the ‘Backdraft Flame Saber’ Yan Liuyan she had known back in Emanas.

Now, compared to the past, his face had matured slightly. He casually scanned the surroundings and locked his gaze onto Lolan Hill, walking towards the black-red dress-clad girl.

“Are you Miss Mesia? I’ve heard much about you. Would you be interested in a match with me?”

A smile spread across his beard-covered chin. Though it was an outrageous request, he seemed to believe it was natural, genuine, and bold, making it hard to rebuke.

“I think it’s better not to. I’m not your match.”

Lolan Hill currently displayed only Sequence 5, so she naturally wouldn’t agree to a one-on-one with Sequence 6 Yan Liuyan.

“What a pity. With your beauty, using weapons should be quite captivating.”

Lolan Hill had heard this countless times during her time at school. After joining the club, this guy always used various excuses to challenge others to matches. Even Ling from the Winged Clan and Aratti the Forest Elf had been provoked by him. It seemed he hadn’t improved much over the years. Or perhaps he relied on one skill to dominate everything.

Seeing that the girl remained unmoved, Yan Liuyan shook his head with a disappointed look and found a seat to sit down, drinking wine heartily without caring about his image.

At this moment, there was another commotion at the door, followed by several officers entering the banquet. They still wore their military uniforms, seemingly more honorable and elegant than formal attire.

After they entered, Baron Moroz finally descended the stairs under the announcement of the servants.

“Lord Moroz has arrived.”

“Welcome everyone to my castle,” said the local nobleman, holding a small scepter and wearing a red and white striped formal attire. He greeted everyone with a smile, looking like a graceful and kind gentleman.

The hall then entered a lively phase, while in some secluded corners of the castle, the sound of armor clashing grew louder, and the main gate slowly closed.

(End of Chapter)