Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 541 A Piece of Cake

Thales didn't know what the usual banquet etiquette of the Star Nobles was like, but judging from this royal banquet nominally hosted by him, the Star People's table manners were far superior to those of the Northern People:
The banquet was still in the seating stage, and people were exchanging pleasantries in an orderly manner. Men and women sat alternately and interacted with each other in a proper and natural way. Servants and waiters came and went in an orderly manner, and guards kept a low profile and were almost invisible. Even the clowns and minstrels who were entertaining the guests played music appropriately and performed in a measured way, never crossing the key areas and disturbing the guests.

Thales couldn't help but recall the banquet King Nunn held in Valhalla, and felt a pang of regret for the little rascal for a second—but then he remembered that the latter's fate was currently unknown, so his teasing silence turned into utter desolation.

"Your Majesty is here!"

"Long live the king!"

"Long live the Queen!"

As the king's procession entered the hall, the once quiet Mindis Hall erupted in a cacophony of greetings and whispers.

Wishing you good health!

"May the stars be blessed..."

"Congratulations on your reunion with His Excellency the Duke and his son..."

It was as if a huge vortex centered on King Kessel had appeared in the banquet hall, powerful and irresistible. It drew all the guests, from honorary earls to dukes, from invited officials to honorary soldiers, up from their seats and swarmed towards him. Only when they reached a safe distance and bumped into the indifferent royal guards did they awaken as if from a dream.

Many guests in the front row respectfully curtsied and knelt to pay their respects, but their proper etiquette could not hide their impatient attitude.

"The Lakemury family of the Donner sends their greetings..."

"Your Majesty, on behalf of all members of the East City Guard Bureau..."

"Move forward a little, try to make sure His Majesty sees us, but don't be too obvious, lest we offend His Majesty..."

"Your Majesty, do you still remember Hazard from the Battle of the Altar?"

Thales watched all this, watching the guests surrounding King Kessel vying to pay their respects, bowing from front to back like rows of harvested straw.

Wherever the sickle strikes, the straw falls.

Thales suddenly remembered the play about the Temple of the Underworld that he had watched when he was a child. In the scene about the disaster, the actors playing the "good people" on stage were also like that. In the scene of the disaster destroying the world, to the tense and heavy backstage accompaniment, they cried out and collapsed in front of the strangely dressed "disaster".

The only difference is that after these "straws" fell, they slowly rose again, seemingly imperceptibly tilting towards Thales's position, bringing a restrained yet complex gaze.

King Kessel remained composed and walked with a steady gait, while Queen Koya beside him nodded gently and smiled repeatedly. Thus, one silent and dignified, the other kind and approachable, they walked hand in hand forward, step by step, up two steps to the banquet hall, to the highest seat reserved exclusively for the royal family.

Of course, not everyone was drawn into the "vortex" created by the king:
Duke of the East Sea and Prime Minister Bob Cullen sat with a beaming smile at the long table on the second tier, surrounded by the friendly nobles of the East Sea Territory. Central officials and important nobles came in an endless stream to greet the Prime Minister. They exchanged pleasantries and toasted each other warmly, patiently waiting for the arrival of the King and Prince. Every now and then, they would offer a few words of praise, marveling that with an heir, the kingdom would flourish.

Duke Jann Kevindale sat opposite Prime Minister Cullen. Many lower-ranking officials and newly wealthy merchants who had come to the long table with anticipation but lacked the courage to meet the Prime Minister chose to express their respect to this young nobleman who owned the South Bank Territory. Encouraged by the Duke, they gradually relaxed, chatting and laughing, and as they left, they repeatedly praised the owner of the Iris for his approachability and noble sincerity.

In stark contrast to this table was another long table on the same level but in a much more secluded spot: Val Arend, the Duke of the North, wearing shackles and with his hair and beard reaching his shoulders, sat silently at one end. Ignoring the strange, probing gazes of those around him, he poured himself a drink, with several royal guards standing behind him, never leaving his side. Apart from old acquaintances, only a few upright Northern nobles and honorary soldiers who had fought alongside him dared to step forward and greet him.

At the other end of the long table sat the casually poised Duke of Cliffland, Köst Nanthurst. The owner of the giant stag had a cold, one-eyed gaze as he surveyed the commotion caused by the king. He would occasionally raise a glass to Duke Val across from him. Many nobles from prominent families with close ties to the North and Cliffland came to pay their respects, but compared to the Prime Minister and Duke Iris, this table was rather deserted.

In contrast, the third tier of seats, right next to the Duke's table, was much more harmonious. The people sitting here may not be as noble as the Guardian Dukes and the conferred earls, but they are even more important, such as the central political figures of the Imperial Council, the bureaucrats of various departments in Yongxing City, and the important business leaders of industry and commerce.

And the hereditary landlords of the central territory, including the "Seven Brilliant Stars".

"There are so many people, aren't there?" Baron Stolt looked at the king expressionlessly.

"There are four dukes alone..."

Baron Stoddart paused for a moment.

He saw the boy who had arrived with Princess Iris and chuckled softly:
"Sorry, five people."

“Indeed, the irises and the sun sword and shield are out of the question, as for the giant stag and the white eagle, and many others…” At the same table, Viscount Adrian of Swanshire agreed, sighing to Lady Barney across the long table, his gaze fixed on her son and the “toy” in his hand:

"I thought I'd never see him again in this lifetime."

"With the young master's return, the kingdom is secure, and naturally, the prosperity is unprecedented. Congratulations!" Lady Barney responded with a flawless smile, while subtly urging her son, who was engrossed in playing with the nine-pointed star badge, to return.

“Luther, listen to your mother, put away the Duke’s gift first. Look, there are lots of fun things on the table.”

Meanwhile, DD's father, Baron Doyle, turned around and enthusiastically introduced the situation to a market bureaucrat at the next table:
"So, this year my territory has had a bumper harvest, and the granaries are overflowing... But you know, low grain prices hurt farmers. If you could follow the law and regulations, and set the local agricultural market price higher when outsiders come to buy grain... I mean, perhaps set it more reasonably... Oh, I see. I understand, after all, you have to follow the rules too..."

"By the way, did you see those two guards behind Duke Starlake? Notice the more handsome one... Hey, that's my son, Daniel Doyle. He's a loyal protector of the royal family and enjoys Duke Thales's deep trust... So, with him here, every time I come to Mindis Hall, it feels like coming home..."

"That big, serious-looking guy next to me, that's Garen Golover, a close friend and brother of the Duke, who serves alongside my son! He's also Viscount Golover's half-brother... Which Golover? Oh, you know, it's Viscount Lozano Golover of Lake Mountain County, one of the Seven Star Attendants, a pillar of the Kingdom's Tax Bureau..."

"Oh? What? You've changed your mind? You also think that low grain prices hurt farmers? You want to go back and re-examine the relevant laws and adjust the prices? Oh my, sir, I knew I hadn't misjudged you! To be honest, I consider myself a man of high moral character and generally look down on those mediocre and vulgar people. It's only with a good person like you, who is concerned about the country and its people and acts according to the law, that we can truly hit it off... Come, come, let's drink..."

As the king's entourage drew near, the adults at the noble long tables ceased their conversations. Unlike many of the guests who rushed forward in excitement, they too rose from the long tables to pay their respects.

“No need for formalities, gentlemen,” Thales said, watching the king walk through the center of the hall, up the gentle steps, and past the dukes’ long table from the most ordinary seats, as he slowly began to speak:
"If we wait until you all kiss my ring one by one, we won't be able to start until dawn."

The king spoke in a nonchalant tone, yet his words carried a weighty weight that filled the hall.

But this made Thales' heart skip a beat, and he subconsciously touched the back of his hand.

There are no rings there.

“Watch your behavior,” Aunt Iris, noticing his unusual behavior, said, her smile unchanged but her tone unusually stern: “Perhaps Ginny doesn’t care, but you…”

Thales felt a sudden tightening in his arm.

“You are a prince, facing the entire kingdom. Your demeanor, expression, gaze, tone of voice... every move will be magnified and over-interpreted.”

His aunt, holding his arm, spoke with such strength that Thales straightened up and adjusted his posture.
"Put on your armor, or as Ginny would say: Raise your shield."

Thales took a deep breath and tried his best to make his smile look natural.

Guided by Baron Quentin, the chief steward of the palace, and Adrian, the captain of the royal guard, the king, arm in arm with the queen, ascended the highest tier of seats with practiced ease and sat down.

Facing the guests, overlooking the hall.

At the suggestion of Marius and Gilbert, Thales took his seat at a long table of lower rank than the king, with Aunt Iris and Ginny sitting to his left, both casting concerned glances at him.

A few meters away, Jann Kevin Deer at the next table gave Thales a meaningful smile.

Countless eyes looked upwards, focusing on the few tables of people.

The guests had different expressions and reactions, which he could see clearly from his perspective.

Of course, from the King's perspective, Thales' actions must have been the same.

Thales listened to his own heartbeat, but rather unprofessionally drifted off for a second. He suddenly recalled a memory from his past life: the moment he stood on the podium, all the wishful thinking and fantasies he had during his student days would be shattered.

It turns out that for thousands of days, your teachers saw everything clearly and without missing a single detail of your little actions, whether you were on the podium or under your desk, which you thought were hidden and unnoticed.

But they pretended nothing had happened and continued lecturing patiently and with smiles on their faces.

It seems like the students in the audience are all good kids who are listening attentively, isn't it?

At that moment, Thales maintained his smile and quietly watched the "good students" in the hall, suddenly gaining a clear understanding of the importance of the king's seat.

“Damn it, zombie, move over a bit, or the pretty maids… I mean the servants won’t be able to get through to bring the food…” Doyle’s voice, filled with gritted teeth, came from behind him:

"This place is way too cramped. Is it really meant for a prince? Even the banquets at the Barney family's manor are more spacious..."

"Or are you saying that the attendants have no human rights..."

Next door, Marius, who was sitting at the same table as Gilbert, glared at him.

DD's low grumbling immediately disappeared from Thales' ears.

The banquet hall gradually quieted down from its noisy state.

The Duke of Cullen, the master and prime minister of the Eastern Sea Territory, rose from the table with a smile. He first stopped the music with his hand, then bowed to the king, his enormous belly almost pushing the heavy long table back several inches.

"Your Majesty, Yongxing City has not had such a grand royal banquet in a long time. This is a momentous occasion for the nation..."

But King Catherine V simply waved his hand dismissively, silencing the Prime Minister's words.

“I know why you have come.”

“You all know why I am here.”

The king's cold voice echoed in the hall, just like his countless royal meetings, seemingly lowering the temperature instantly.

"There's no need to waste time."

Prime Minister Cullen, who had prepared a long speech, was clearly taken aback.

King Kessel leaned back in his chair and said calmly:

"Let's eat."

In the hall, the guests who had come to attend this rare royal banquet, expecting a joyous and enthusiastic welcome, were all taken aback. Huh?
At that moment, whether it was the composed and dignified lords, the elegantly dressed ladies, the performers eager to make a name for themselves, or the guards and servants working tirelessly to maintain order...

Everyone felt as if they had been doused with a bucket of cold water.

The hall was completely silent, and the atmosphere was incredibly awkward.

Princess Iris sighed beside him, while Gilbert next to her frowned deeply.

After a few seconds of silence, the hall was filled with endless whispers as the guests murmured to each other, almost like the buzzing of bees.

Duke Cullen stood there dumbfounded, somewhat at a loss.

Thales sensed the atmosphere around him, his eyes darting around, and he subconsciously lowered his head.

Damn it.

Old Man Kessel.

I underestimated you.

You're the kingdom's ultimate mood killer!

However, speaking of mood killers...

If Duke Falkenhausen were here, he would surely know how to respond, given his boredom.

Amidst the cacophony of buzzing, the guests offered their own differing opinions.

“You know, Kessel wasn’t like this before…” Aunt Iris leaned close to his ear and explained awkwardly in a low voice:

"Perhaps it's because the royal family hasn't held a banquet in a long time..."

At the seat of the Seven Stars, the elderly Viscount Paterson, completely disregarding the terrified looks on the faces of his two nephews, scoffed disdainfully in a low voice:
"No matter how many years have passed... even if he wears a crown, that kid's speech is still terrible."

"I guess he said this when he wanted to have sex with a woman: Let's get started."

These words made the guests at the same table feel a little awkward, and they all smiled without saying a word.

Until Viscount Adrian responded politely:

"Simple, efficient, and straightforward."

"His Majesty is indeed our role model."

Viscount Paterson gave a soft hum, his tone sarcastic and indistinct:
"us?"

On the other side, Baron Stoddard turned around and nodded expressionlessly:
"us."

Among the foreign guests seated further away, Jorge, the clerk from the northern city of Elk, caught their eye.

"This king has guts..."

The bearded man chuckled, ignoring the stares of those around him:

"Damn, I'm starting to like him."

The scene remained silent for several seconds until Duke Cullen sighed, coughed a few times, and quelled the rising discussion before resuming his earnest persuasion:
"Your Majesty, however, according to custom, you are required to give an opening toast at the start of the banquet..."

King Kessel slowly raised his head, as if just awakening from deep thought:

"Really? I almost forgot."

Duke Cullen nodded and smiled:
"That's right, think about all the banquets you attended when you were young, right? Many of them were held here..."

The king narrowed his eyes, his voice as deep and resonant as ever, causing everyone to take a serious look:

"But it wouldn't have been my turn to give a speech then, would it?"

The Duke of Donghai trembled instantly.

"Your Majesty, this..."

His face was pale, and though his lips parted, he couldn't utter a word.

Seeing the Duke of Cullen's predicament of being unable to speak due to his need to be mindful of public influence while also saving face for the King, Thales couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

Just thinking about how this poor, fat old man is actually the prime minister, and how he probably has to deal with King Kessel's antics at the royal court every day...

"Ok."

King Kessel snorted, sparing the poor prime minister, and looked towards the seats one rank lower:

"Child, come here."

Thales met the king's gaze and, instinctively following his etiquette training, nodded in response to His Majesty.

Her manners were impeccable, and her smile was appropriate.

To demonstrate unwavering loyalty.

but……

what?
A fraction of a second later, the young Duke of Star Lake came to his senses, his smile faltering.

Wait a minute.

what did he say?
What brings you here?
The next instant, all eyes in the hall turned to him!

It was like countless gleaming swords, completely blocking Thales' entire body.

Duke Cullen let out a breath and sat down shakily.

The king lowered his head again, toying with the glass in his hand, as if everything that had just happened had nothing to do with him.

Thales realized the situation.

He turned around blankly and saw Queen Koya's expectant eyes, Ginny's surprised and worried gaze, Gilbert's anxious expression, Marius's thoughtful look, and countless others...

"Thales".

Princess Iris's smile remained unchanged, her composure unwavering, but she nudged his arm under the table, her lips barely moving as she uttered a few barely audible syllables:

"Quickly, don't hesitate, give your speech."

"Anything is fine."

After several months of training, Prince Thales stood up instinctively without needing anyone to remind him.

Thanks to Ginny's etiquette class, he was graceful and calm.

Only Thales himself knew that it was all fake.

At this moment, the River of Sin was desperately trying to stabilize his body's reactions, from his joints and muscles to his blood vessels and heartbeat...

It's just like a poor paperhanger who's panting and running around, tearing down one wall to patch another, but still can't stop the house from leaking.

Thales took a deep breath, desperately trying to maintain a calm smile while frantically racking his brains.

No, a speech? What kind of speech?

Is this item on the program list?

It wasn't mentioned during the banquet rehearsal!

Thales stiffly, but to outsiders he appeared calm, twisted his neck and raised the glass beside him filled with a wine of unknown and unidentifiable type.

He looked at the pairs of eyes in the hall, each filled with a different emotion: doubt, curiosity, anticipation, fervor, schadenfreude...

The River of Sin seemed somewhat bewildered, constantly shifting its form, yet still unable to discern what its master desired: explosive power? Speed? Endurance? Agility? Senses? Balance?

Or is it the bloodthirstiness to fight to the death, to kill everyone in front of you, and only stop when you've killed them all?
Thales struggled to suppress the sins of the River of Hell, which were growing increasingly ferocious due to his inability to find a target.

After all, this wasn't a life-or-death battle.

Thales chuckled wistfully, raised his glass, nodded slightly, and cleared his throat to stall for time.

No, this is much harder than fighting.

A battle? To deal with opponents like the Meteorite, the Deathraven, the Legendary Wings, and the Punishing Knight?
That's a piece of cake!
The next chapter is almost finished, but it still needs revision. I'm too tired now, so I'm going to sleep. I'll probably update around noon tomorrow.

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(End of this chapter)