EP.461 Royal Capital, Banquet, and the Queen (3)
A banquet is a gathering where people toast, share stories, and enjoy a prepared feast to commemorate a specific occasion.
While the dictionary definition may suggest purity, especially when it comes to gatherings of ‘powerful figures’, it’s a different story. Such events typically turn into a battleground for political maneuvers.
Subtle displays of power, veiled intentions revealed through snide compliments, sweet words hiding mocking laughter, and jests are the norm in these affairs.
Thus, most banquets are anything but delightful. They are not places where one can relax and enjoy, as everyone is busy watching each other’s moves. However, that’s only true for ordinary banquets.
The Hero, Rania van Trias.
From the moment she entered the banquet, those in power had tossed aside any thoughts of using this gathering for political battles. No one was foolish enough to engage in petty political discussions in front of a hero who defends humanity.
…Of course, that’s generally the case, but it doesn’t mean there aren’t any fools present.
– And so, the Wartlen family…
– Have you finished talking?
There’s always someone who can’t read the mood.
A tense argument between two nobles who normally don’t see eye to eye erupted, but it didn’t take long to quell the incident.
Clink!
Kalt, standing next to Rania, lightly tapped his sword hilt with his fingers. With that, he silently observed the escalating argument between the two nobles. Instantly, all eyes in the banquet hall were drawn to them.
“…”
No need for words or actions.
That alone was enough for the two nobles to shut up and retreat to a corner of the hall.
No one was dumb enough to think a mere swordsman could intimidate nobles. With the superhuman strength of a near-god, those who achieved such might also found power following naturally. His reputation from the battlefield assured him a noble title.
– Could he perhaps…?
– Yes. Be careful with your words. He once held the position of Captain of the Royal Guard.
Nobles who knew about Kalt’s previous status as a Hound, the royal guard that bit down on the necks of numerous nobles, felt no shame in lowering their heads even if they weren’t afraid.
“Kalt.”
“Yes, Master.”
As Rania gestured, Kalt bowed slightly. She whispered into Kalt’s ear.
“Are you really that interesting? Seems like everyone’s been talking about you.”
“…Only Master would think so.”
Rania chuckled softly and tilted her glass.
Usually, she wasn’t fond of such pretentious events, but this banquet wasn’t so bad. While there were those being fake, many were sincerely expressing their gratitude toward her.
As she sipped her wine, Rania’s eyes locked onto a certain guest enjoying the banquet. Upon making eye contact, he beamed a bright smile. It was the King of Eten, a small country near the Kingdom of Cartedia.
“How burdensome.”
“It appears he genuinely appreciates it.”
“Well, I know that. You saw it earlier too.”
It was just a moment ago.
“I sincerely thank you.”
“Thanks to you, Hero, I was able to reclaim the territory that my predecessor wished to protect until his last breath but ultimately lost.”
The King of Eten came with his retinue and kneeled before Rania in front of everyone, bowing his head and expressing his heartfelt thanks.
“Thank you.”
As she recalled his sincere words, a faint smile appeared on Rania’s lips. He wasn’t the only one expressing gratitude; many guests came to thank her in their own ways for helping them reclaim what they had lost.
It felt… quite nice.
She murmured softly while sipping her wine.
“All the effort has paid off.”
“Is that so?”
So, Rania slightly raised her head. The direction of her gaze was the terrace on the second floor of the banquet hall.
“When do you think the Queen will make her appearance?”
“…Did you notice that?”
“Isn’t it strange if I didn’t notice, given the abnormal flow of mana over there?”
Shiver! The curtain covering the terrace fluttered.
Look at that. Rania chuckled.
“Looks like she’s coming. Finally.”
Rania straightened her posture.
Not long after, the curtain was lifted, revealing the host of this banquet.
“Greetings, everyone.”
The King of Cartedia.
“Are you all enjoying the banquet?”
Ayla Clen Cartedia appeared.
All eyes of the attendees were drawn to the terrace.
Dressed in a platinum gown, Ayla, the young queen of Cartedia, graced the occasion. She ascended to the throne with the support of the first princess, Lruiel, who had represented the kingdom for a long time.
“I thank everyone gathered here.”
With a gentle smile, she began a light speech. Her address was neat and unembellished. After completing her speech, she descended gracefully to the first floor.
Tap, Tap.
As she exchanged light smiles with those who greeted her, she made her way directly to Rania van Trias.
‘Oh…’
Rania admired Ayla standing right in front of her. Although she hadn’t seen Ayla in several years, she barely recognized her. While her features remained soft, they were enhanced with a sense of maturity.
…Though the hero doesn’t have to bow to anyone.
‘But in front of my student who’s become queen, I suppose it’s appropriate to show some respect.’
Just as Rania was about to bow, Ayla spoke first.
“Hero of Humanity.”
Ayla elegantly greeted Rania, showing utmost respect.
“And also, to my former teacher, the ‘Great’ Rania van Trias.”
Gulp! Rania’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.
To outsiders, it seemed like an ordinary greeting. However, those who knew Rania and the ‘incident’ connected to her reacted to the words Ayla used.
“…Ugh.”
Kalt turned his head, covering his mouth.
Rania’s ears turned bright red. Slowly raising her gaze, Ayla wore a mischievous expression visible only to Rania.
“Welcome to the banquet, Hero.”
“…It’s, uh, an honor, Your Majesty.”
The King of Cartedia, the strongest nation of humanity, and the hero exchanged formal greetings. Those attending the banquet gasped in awe at the historic moment, but…
Beneath the surface of that historic moment lay nothing more than an awkward meeting between a peculiar mage and her mischievous disciple.
*
“Seriously, did you have to do that?”
“Why not? It’s the truth that you’re ‘Great’. You’ve truly become someone no one can question anymore.”
“It’s not that… Ugh, never mind.”
On the second floor of the banquet hall, on the terrace, Ayla found herself alone with Rania.
“Have you conversed sufficiently with the others?”
“I talked until my mouth hurt.”
“I delayed my entrance on purpose so you could have your chats. This banquet is also for you, after all.”
Ayla had chosen the end of the banquet to reveal herself for good reason; Rania and the esteemed guests who had come from afar had the right to enjoy the occasion.
“It’s been a while, truly.”
“It has indeed. Have you changed much? I almost didn’t realize you at first.”
Rania chuckled softly.
It was half-serious, half-joking. After all, Ayla’s appearance had changed quite a bit from a few years ago.
“And you, Hero… I mean, Professor, haven’t changed at all?”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, you still look young. Given your age…”
Flinch! Ayla shuddered lightly.
It’s been a while since Star rang the bell. There was no need to mention her exact age. Ayla instinctively judged it prudent to take that advice.
“…Even though our age difference is quite significant, I seem more like the older sister compared to you.”
“That’s just flattery. It’s overwhelming.”
But she certainly didn’t seem overwhelmed.
Ayla held back the words she almost let slip and forced a smile. Despite her attempts at flattery, it was nothing but the truth. The professor before her looked even younger than a few years prior.
‘Well, she is a hero and a great mage…’
Aging so slowly it might as well have stopped.
As Ayla gazed intently at Rania, the latter cleared her throat lightly and opened her mouth.
“I heard news from the battlefield, but it feels strange to face you now as a queen. I’m sorry I couldn’t attend your coronation.”
“You sent a separate congratulatory letter. It’s understandable why you couldn’t be there, given how busy you are.”
Ayla forced a smile.
“I’ve been quite busy myself over the past few years. Lruiel kept making me work hard… Oh, right. She asked me to send her regards to you.”
“The First Princess, Lruiel, you mean?”
“Please take a look at this.”
Ayla handed a letter to Rania, who unfolded it.
“Master, it’s me.”
“Ah, I guess I should now refer to you as Hero.”
A rather straightforward arrangement of phrases.
As the image of the princess, who once called herself a mad dog, surfaced in Rania’s mind, she couldn’t help but smile.
Ayla no longer had to serve as the acting ruler since she became queen, and it was nice to know that she was finally enjoying her time. The letter contained updates about various happenings, emphasizing how Ayla indeed was remarkable.
“You seem to be doing well.”
“I think so too.”
Ayla sighed deeply.
“Shall we get into the main topic, then?”
She placed her cup down thud and continued.
“I wanted to talk to you in person after such a long time, but the reason I requested an audience was… that I have something I need to tell you.”
Rania sat up straight.
She met Ayla’s gaze squarely as Ayla took a deep breath.
“Before we begin, do you know why the Kingdom of Cartedia cannot become an empire?”
“I’m not sure of the details.”
“It’s also related to our kingdom’s founding ancestor.”
Ayla stated.
“Our founding ancestor was from a royal family of an ancient kingdom, a lineage that has faded away. That bloodline is quite thin.”
Because the bloodline was weak, and the foundation of their territory lay outside the ancient kingdom, they survived the calamity.
“The founding ancestors spoke this.”
The kingdom harbors poison.
So did the ancient kingdom. The ancient kingdom, unable to fully eliminate that poison, ultimately fell. Because of that poison, the kingdom could not be called an empire. The same held true for Cartedia following the legacy.
“In order to become an empire, the most virulent poison must be eradicated.”
Despite having the stature and strength to be called an empire, this was the will of their ancestor.
“There were many speculations about that poison, but since it was linked to the reasons behind the ancient kingdom’s downfall… it’s most likely that the Demon Lord is the one in question.”
However, Ayla offered a somber smile.
“The poison lingers in the kingdom. Thus, that poison probably points to a certain existence.”
The First Prince, or the King, or the Princess, or possibly all of them.
“Someone who moved around and took control from the highest to the deepest places of the kingdom. The First Light.”
Ayla spoke.
“And the Ancient Kingdom…”
After a brief hesitation.
Realizing that the constraints of her words didn’t bind her, Ayla smiled as she muttered, “You knew all along, huh?”
“The fallen prince of the ancient kingdom, Arcadia.”
Rania’s eyes widened in astonishment.
Ayla had accessed information that was thought impossible to reach. Moreover, her words were not finished, and information beyond Rania’s reach flowed from her lips.
“The poison of the kingdom, Acrita Clen Arcadia.”
A name erased by the star.
It emerged through the mouth of a child beloved by a star.
“I have pinpointed where its essence lies.”
