Winter Lord: Starting with Daily Intelligence

Chapter 155 Clash at the Banquet
Louis's inauguration banquet finally began amidst a cold wind.

Nobles from all over the North arrived one after another, looking at the peculiar castle before them and whispering among themselves.

This "castle," built just a few months ago, is not exactly beautiful; in fact, it's... a bit ugly.

It's just a simple cylindrical shape, decorated with only some small carvings, making it look more like a military fortress casually built in the snow.

But when they stepped into the banquet hall, all impressions changed dramatically.

It was a spacious domed hall with a floor paved with polished red gold slate, and the flames in the fireplaces around the room flickered with warm light, keeping the chill of the snowy night out.

More than ten strings of handmade wrought iron chandeliers hang from the ceiling. The lamp oil is mixed with magic powder, so the light is warm and not dazzling when it burns, just like sunlight falling on snow.

A thick red and gold carpet stretched along the main aisle, and the walls were adorned with the red flags of the Red Tide Territory and the family crest of the Calvin family, their colors both dignified and exuding nobility.

What is most surprising is the warmth inside the hall; outside, the wind is biting cold, but inside the castle, it is as warm as spring.

As the nobles removed their cloaks, they wondered to themselves, "How did they manage to make this place like this?"

Joseph stood in the crowd, tilting his head slightly upward to look at the ceiling, secretly examining the design of the ventilation vents, then glancing at the edge of the carpet, trying to figure out the layout of the heat source. But no matter how he looked at it, it didn't seem like something that could be done with an ordinary stove.

"Interesting. It seems this young lord is really willing to go to great lengths." A thought struck him, and a cryptic smile unconsciously crept onto his lips. "When I build my castle in the future, I'll do the same."

In the banquet hall, dishes were served one by one by the waiters.

The gold plates and silver bowls gleamed, and the food on them was dazzling, including all kinds of fine wines and meats, and even some monster meat.

It's not some rare monster meat, but it still shows a lot of sincerity.

"Monster meat... how did you get this?" a nobleman asked in a low voice, surprised.

"...How much will this cost?" They praised the food, but they were becoming increasingly uncertain about its price.

This banquet was clearly a ostentatious display of wealth, resources, and tactics.

However, the master, Louis, has yet to appear.

“This lad… is far too ignorant of etiquette.” Several older nobles’ expressions changed slightly.

"Are we just going to be left here to fend for ourselves?"

"Ha, perhaps he really thinks that just because he's won a few battles, he can become the true ruler of the North?"

This was precisely Joseph Carradi's opportunity.

He moved through the crowd with ease, exchanging pleasantries and glances, and those nobles who were initially hesitant gradually moved closer to him.

"At least he knows manners."

"Yes, Mr. Joseph is more like a nobleman than that county magistrate."

Just as the atmosphere began to shift and everyone's thoughts began to wander.

Joseph was secretly pleased: "This young man is still too young after all."

He raised his glass, ready to celebrate the first victory in this political power struggle.

As the conversation grew quieter and everyone's gazes increasingly turned toward the person in the main seat...

The double doors at the end of the banquet hall opened slowly and silently.

A gust of cold wind was kept out of the door, while a figure slowly walked in, illuminated by the warm light.

He was a tall, upright young man with a steady gait.

Her black hair hung down gently, her eyes were as calm as the night, and she wore a dark dress that was well-tailored but not ostentatious. The metallic shoulder ornaments and buckles gleamed under the light.

He had no extra expression; his face was calm and indifferent, as if the banquet was not for him.

The banquet hall, warm as early summer, carried a hint of nighttime chill that was hard to ignore.

This is Louis Calvin, the new Sheriff of Snowpeak County.

Two armored knights followed closely behind him, one on his left and one on his right.

Silent and solemn like a gargoyle guarding a throne, with a strong body and sharp eyes, it was clearly not just for show.

This scene silenced the entire banquet hall for a few seconds.

"So young?"

"That's... Louis?"

"He actually has a kind of... aura that makes people not dare to underestimate him."

"He looks exactly like an officer I've seen on the battlefield... not the kind of rich kid."

Some nobles whispered among themselves, their words tinged with surprise and a hint of confusion.

Some people initially thought he was just a young upstart who rose through the ranks based on military merit, but they never expected that his calm and composed demeanor, which commanded respect from everyone, would make them subconsciously straighten their backs and stop whispering among themselves.

Joseph looked at him too.

His wine glass hovered in mid-air, his gaze slightly narrowed, the smile on his lips lingering, yet a warning bell rang in his heart.

"Not good."

A sense of crisis suddenly welled up in his heart, an indescribable unease.

This young man was too calm; without much preamble, he directly took his place in the main seat.

"This kid... isn't that simple."

But Joseph forced himself to suppress his wavering and secretly gripped his wine glass tighter.

"Youth is youth after all; no matter how steady you are, it's just an empty shell," he told himself.

But a bead of cold sweat still quietly slid down his temple, feeling particularly chilling in the warm banquet hall.

Louis walked slowly up the high platform in the center of the banquet hall. The two knights behind him stopped at the bottom of the steps, silently guarding him, their figures as straight as spears.

He didn't bring a script, nor did he prepare any grand speech. He simply stood still, nodded slightly, and surveyed the entire room.

His gaze fell on each nobleman's face, neither provocative nor obsequious, but a calm and steady connection, as if confirming their identities one by one.

It's as if to say that I remember your faces and know what you're thinking right now.

The hall fell silent for a moment.

He spoke, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone's ears:

"Thank you all for taking the time to be here despite your busy schedules. I apologize for keeping you waiting."

I just had to deal with some urgent government affairs, which took a little longer.

His calm tone and lack of self-explanation made him appear more tactful and even earned him nods of approval from several nobles who had initially expressed some reservations.

He even joked, "I know that the castles in Red Tide Territory are not very refined, and in some places you could even say they are... rough."

Some nobles in the audience chuckled awkwardly upon hearing this, exchanging embarrassed glances.

"But I hope that everyone will enjoy the food and drinks tonight."

He spread his hands, his posture calm and generous: "Monster meat, spice soup, snow eagle wine... these are all prepared three months in advance on my orders. For today, for everyone's sake, please forgive any shortcomings."

After Louis took his seat, the banquet resumed, with melodious piano music playing and candlelight shining brightly. The nobles raised their glasses, and the atmosphere seemed to ease considerably.

Most people accepted his explanation for being late.

The busy political affairs situation is indeed understandable in the current northern border region.

Moreover, the banquet was absolutely impeccable in its grandeur: the aroma of spices filled the air, the monster meat was roasted to a crisp, and even the wine was a rare vintage specially brought from the far south.

Many nobles gradually relaxed amidst the fine wine and food, and some even developed a certain appreciation for the young prefect.

Despite his young age, he is sensible, has a good demeanor, and is generous in treating others to meals.

This made them somewhat waver.

But there are always people who aren't there to eat and drink.

Joseph held his wine glass, a smile on his face, but his eyes turned cold. He gave a subtle look, without saying a word.

Suddenly, the nobles who had been eating and drinking with their heads down became lively.

"Tsk tsk tsk, government affairs are delayed... How tiring! Are we just servants waiting to be fed?"

"You can't blame the prefect, he's a young man, it's good that he can handle things... I just wonder whose daughter's affairs he's busy with?"

A few sarcastic remarks immediately shattered the superficial harmony of the banquet.

An elderly nobleman near the high platform slowly put down his wine cup, his tone amused but his voice deliberately raised: "The prefect is so busy, why don't you let us share some of the work?"

“That’s right,” another middle-aged nobleman in a gray-blue suit chimed in. “The Red Tide Territory is becoming increasingly complicated. Shouldn’t we consider… establishing a noble council? With each of you taking turns presiding over it, it would be much better to help the governor share the burden.”

These words were spoken with great tact, seemingly for Louis's benefit, but in reality, every word was a veiled attack.

The scene fell silent, and many people subconsciously looked towards the high platform.

Joseph lowered his eyes, a barely perceptible smile playing at the corners of his lips.

This was precisely the "killer move" he had been preparing for many days.

He had arranged for these people to propose this seemingly fair "noble council" proposal long before the banquet.

He had even prepared the details, just waiting for this moment to bring them up in public.

This was entirely directed at the young, newly appointed prefect. If he remained silent and yielded, it would signify weakness, while his rebuttal and refusal would be seen as arrogance.

In any case, after tonight, the situation where "Louis holds absolute power" will no longer exist. And Joseph will become the de facto leader of the "Council".

He picked up his wine glass, smiled faintly, and waited to see the young man find himself in a difficult situation, looking utterly humiliated.

Louis ignored the aggressive questions.

With a smile, he raised his glass and said to everyone, "Gentlemen, we can discuss political matters tomorrow. Today, I only wish to share a drink with you all to celebrate my official appointment as the governor of New Snowpeak County. Eat and drink well, and let's not talk about business."

His seemingly calm demeanor was interpreted by many as weakness and evasion.

The nobles exchanged glances, their faces bearing undisguised sneers: "Delaying time? He's just stalling for time, isn't he?"

Although the words were not explicitly stated, they became increasingly sharp, even carrying a hint of sarcasm.

The atmosphere in the room grew increasingly tense. Joseph finally couldn't help but speak, his voice not loud, but like a sharp blade piercing the heart: "It seems that our new prefect's understanding of prefectural affairs is as shallow as his enthusiasm for banquets."

As soon as he finished speaking, the room fell silent.

His statement was not only a challenge to Lewis's authority, but also a blatant questioning of his abilities.

Joseph's lips curled up slightly, and a hint of undisguised smugness flashed in his eyes.

He had planned this all along.

From the start of the banquet, he deliberately showed weakness, giving others the opportunity to question him.

He let those restless nobles test the waters, put pressure on them, and stir up the situation.

He waited patiently by the side, like a seasoned hunter, waiting for his prey to make a mistake.

Now the prey has revealed a weakness.

Louis's choice to avoid the issue, to smile and raise a glass instead of confronting it head-on, is tantamount to admitting weakness and incompetence.

This sentence, though not harsh, is extremely accurate.

He deliberately lowered his voice and put on a rational but disappointed look, which actually resonated more with those around him.

After all, it was obvious to everyone that he "could have kept quiet," but "couldn't help but speak out for the sake of the bigger picture."

Tonight he will make everyone understand that the new prefect is not trustworthy and does not even deserve this power.

The people who should truly hold power are right here at the table—those who understand county administration, dare to speak out, and are not afraid to offend others.

For example, Baron Joseph Carradi.

Louis sighed softly upon hearing this, finally putting down his glass and saying in a helpless tone, "I didn't originally intend to do this. I wanted to leave it until tomorrow and let everyone have a good drink first."

Then he laughed inexplicably and looked at Joseph: "But since you're in such a hurry... let's do it now."

Joseph was secretly delighted, and the mockery on his face was almost impossible to hide.

He's definitely a young man; he's impatient and easily provoked.

Just as he was about to reply, he saw Louis suddenly raise his hand and pat it lightly twice.

"Crack! Crack!"

A burst of applause echoed through the hall. Everyone was taken aback for a moment, and then the doors on both sides of the banquet hall slowly opened.

Squads of armored knights with swords filed in, their steps precise and their presence imposing.

More than twenty knights stood silently in the hall, blocking all entrances and exits.

An uproar erupted in the hall, and everyone looked at each other, wondering what Louis was up to.

For a moment, no one dared to speak.

Joseph was stunned.

He wanted to stand up and reprimand them, but found that his chair seemed to be stuck in the ground, and all eyes were on him.

He glanced around instinctively, and a sudden chill ran through him.

Before he knew it, he was surrounded by layers of coldly armored knights.

“Louis… what do you want to do?” His voice began to tremble.

He tried to squeeze out a trace of accusatory authority, but the firmness in his tone was already hollow and trembling.

Louis looked at him slowly, his expression calm and almost indifferent, rather than angry.

But his gaze was no longer as gentle as before, and his composed smile had vanished without a trace.

“You can take him away now,” Louis said calmly.

Before Joseph could react, two knights strode forward from the left and right, swiftly pressing down on his shoulders, one hand gripping his arm behind his back, and the other hand pinning him down behind his back.

"You dare touch me?! I am a nobleman! I am..."

His voice suddenly rose as he struggled desperately to break free of his restraints; he was, after all, a genuine elite knight.

However, he was firmly restrained by an extraordinary knight, like a trapped beast struggling helplessly.

His face began to flush red, veins bulged on his forehead, and his eyes screamed in panic: "You have no right to do this! You are abusing your power! This is trampling on the imperial noble code... This is...!"

He roared angrily, spitting as he spoke, his face contorted, looking somewhat like a terrified pig screaming.

His carefully maintained composure, attire, and aristocratic demeanor collapsed at this moment, leaving only naked panic and shame.

"I am... I am a pioneering noble appointed by the Emperor! You dare to touch me..."

"Shut up," the knight commander snapped coldly.

He raised his hand and struck Joseph's carotid artery with precise force and control.

"Ugh!"

Joseph let out a strange, low growl that sounded like both a sob and a wail. His eyes rolled back, his tongue lolled out slightly, his throat tightened, and he instantly went limp.

Like an empty, tattered sack of flour, it slumped to the ground with an embarrassing thud.

"take away."

The lead knight waved his hand expressionlessly, and the two knights silently dragged Joseph out of the banquet hall.

His coat trailed on the ground, and his boots knocked over a wine glass, spilling wine all over the floor and leaving a messy trail.

His once aggressive and smug demeanor has now been reduced to a ridiculous sight: a face covered in tangled hair, clothes splattered with saliva, and limbs limp and lifeless.

The whole place was dead silent.

Even the crackling sound of the burning torches seemed exceptionally clear and jarring in the silence.

No one raised their glass in the banquet hall, no one spoke, and even the sound of swallowing seemed abrupt.

Then the shock spread quickly, and the nobles realized that this was not a coincidence, nor was it a spur-of-the-moment decision.

This was clearly a scheme that Louis had planned long ago.

He didn't act impulsively; rather, he successfully fished and then smoothly hauled in his net.

"He...knew all along?"

"Then what we were talking about earlier..."

"It's over..."

Fear and regret surged into their hearts like a tide, especially for the nobles who had just echoed Joseph's sharp words; their faces turned ashen, and even their breathing became labored.

They didn't even remember what they had just said.
Some people were sweating and quietly hid themselves in the crowd.

Some people even secretly tucked their butts back an inch from the edge of the chair, like a schoolchild who had made a mistake, afraid that they would be the next one to be called out.

The worst off was a young baron who had intended to take the opportunity to "show his loyalty" to Joseph and make a few sarcastic remarks to gain attention, but now his legs were weak and he couldn't even control his urge to urinate. He secretly glanced down, his face flushed red and his breathing disordered.

"Did we... choose the wrong side?"

That one sentence, muttered by someone in a low voice, was like a knife, silently slicing through everyone's disguise.

No one dared to move, and no one dared to look Louis in the eye.

The seemingly gentle young man sat in the main seat with an indifferent expression, as if this "cleaning" was just an after-dinner stroll and a casual weeding.

They finally realized that this young prefect, dressed in a black robe and with a smile on his face, was not some "young and easily bullied empty shell".

He knew better than anyone else what he was doing.

Louis, however, seemed completely indifferent to the pale-faced, heartbroken nobles.

He didn't even glance at it twice, but simply raised his wine glass gently, his expression so gentle it was almost indifferent.

His tone was unhurried, as if the scene just now was merely a minor interlude during the meal: "Let the music continue, let the dancing continue."

As a result, a strange sense of disconnect permeated the air.

On one side, there was music and dance, and clinking glasses;

On one side was the awkward atmosphere of the nobles who had just been taken away still wailing.

The absurd and oppressive atmosphere was almost suffocating.

But Louis seemed completely oblivious, simply smiling as he downed his drink in one gulp, gracefully setting the glass down as if nothing had happened.

(End of this chapter)