Chapter 79: The Banquet p1
“Is it reattached?” Lodis asked anxiously.
“Yes, but the poison is too deep. I can’t heal it. It’s a poison I’ve never encountered before,” Harry replied, his brow furrowed.
“That damned Kailun! I’ll tear him limb from limb the next time I see him!”
“With only a few thousand followers left, how can we possibly challenge his army of tens of thousands?” Harry sighed, glancing at the bloodstained bandages covering Paul’s groin.
“Didn’t you say the Saint and Saintess were on their way?” Lodis asked, his voice weary.
They had relocated to a small town twenty miles from the Royal City, their entourage reduced to a mere five hundred men.
Harry’s remaining followers were stationed in a small city a hundred miles away, having been relocated during the negotiations with Hilna.
“They encountered some unforeseen circumstances. They’ll be delayed. But they’ll send an envoy to handle the current situation.” Harry had already reported their predicament to his superiors.
Lodis ran a hand through his green hair, his frustration evident. “Kailun has consolidated his power. He can install anyone he wants on the throne. And I’ve received reports from the border. The Grand Duke has captured the Eternal Fortress with minimal casualties. A complete victory. With the border secured, he can send more troops to reinforce Kailun. We have no chance of winning.”
He believed Kailun’s offer to make Vivian queen was merely a facade. He wanted a puppet ruler.
Harry, however, wasn’t convinced. Something felt off.
“The vote is in three days. We should try to sway the remaining nobles. Even if we can’t turn the tide, we can at least make things difficult for Kailun.”
“With Kailun in control, no noble in their right mind would oppose him.” Lodis dismissed his suggestion.
If not for his current predicament, he wouldn’t even consider challenging Kailun.
He shuddered, recalling Kailun’s masterful manipulation. “Can I really outsmart him?”
He had brought his five thousand guards to the valley, intending to solidify Hilna and Kailun’s image as traitors. But the battle had never materialized. The rumors remained just that: rumors.
To secure reinforcements from the neighboring kingdoms, they needed a stronger justification.
Slander wouldn’t work. Kailun didn’t care about his reputation.
“Don’t worry. I’ll accompany the Saint’s envoy to persuade the nobles. Even if we fail, we can damage Kailun’s credibility. He can’t just slaughter them all.” Harry’s expression was grim. “But that’s secondary. Paul’s condition is more pressing. I don’t know if he can survive until the Saint arrives.”
“He’s a strong boy. Perhaps a miracle will occur.” Lodis glanced at Paul, who was sleeping peacefully.
He needed an outlet for his frustration, but this impoverished town offered no such opportunities.
And Kailun had seized all his funds. Without financial support, his men would starve.
“Harry, do you have any spare gold? I’ll repay you double once I’m king.” He looked at Harry pleadingly.
“I’ve already donated all my funds to the Saint. Ask me again when I’m richer. But my followers still have some savings. I’ll ask them to… donate to the cause. We’ll manage.”
To the Divine Church, followers were merely tools. The more tools you possessed, the faster you climbed the ranks.
Despite years of establishing his presence in the Xiya Kingdom, Harry only had a few thousand followers.
He was fortunate that this plan involved the support of several neighboring bishops. Otherwise, he wouldn’t stand a chance.
“Let’s rest for half a day before moving on. I have a feeling Kailun will send his cavalry to wipe us out.” Lodis, traumatized by recent events, peeked out the window. Seeing no signs of danger, he relaxed slightly.
“Half a day is too long. One hour is enough.” Harry, ever cautious, disagreed.
They exchanged glances, fear reflected in their eyes. Kailun had broken them.
…
Eternal Fortress, Border Region
The battle was nearing its end. The Grand Duke had achieved a decisive victory with minimal casualties.
He surveyed the fortress, its strategic location and formidable defenses a source of satisfaction. With this thorn removed, their rear was secure.
It was a shame they had lost half their magic cannons. Otherwise, the fortress would have been even more formidable.
“I heard Kailun held a grand wedding today. It’s a pity we couldn’t attend.” The Duchess arrived at the command center as the battle drew to a close.
“That boy works fast! He married Afra without a word to us! He truly takes after his father.”
“Don’t flatter yourself. Could you have captured an army of fifty thousand without firing a single shot?”
“Well… perhaps not. But I can send him a congratulatory gift! He mentioned his future plans were quite expensive. I’ll send him ten thousand gold coins to celebrate his marriage with Afra!” Even for him, ten thousand gold coins was a significant sum.
“That’s excessive. I’ll send some fine silks and jewelry. I’m sure the girls will appreciate it.”
The distance between the Royal City and the border was vast. Their gifts wouldn’t arrive for another three days.
And Kailun’s future plans required their cooperation. They couldn’t leave their territory just yet.
He had told them that the next time they met, the Kate family name would be known throughout the world.
…
Kailun’s Manor, Royal City
“Meow! Meow! Meow!”
Winnie, lost in a world of flavor, licked Kailun’s fingers, her tongue tracing every crevice. She wanted to devour his entire hand, but a shred of sanity held her back.
“Oh, I almost forgot. I’ve sent invitations to your parents for the upcoming vote. You’d better pray they make the right decision. I’m not known for my mercy.” He smiled, his gaze fixed on her lips as she lapped at his fingers.
“You’re lying, right?” She froze, her voice trembling.
“Why would I lie to a little kitty? Think carefully. Why would I summon all the nobles?” He wiped his fingers on her cheek.
“Please don’t harm them! I’ll do anything!” She knelt before him, her eyes pleading for mercy.
Her heart, on the verge of dying, flickered back to life. He seemed to see through her, to know her every secret.
He wouldn’t let her die before he had extracted every last drop of favorability.
“I’ll consider it. Behave yourself, and I might give you a chance.”
“Thank you! You’re so kind!” Her voice cracked with emotion.
“Don’t thank me yet. I’m simply offering you a chance to see them one last time. I have a soft spot for sentimental fools.” He stood, taking the empty plate with him.
[You’ve crushed Winnie’s hopes once again. She hates your cruelty. Favorability decreased. Current favorability: -98.]
“Now, where were we? Let’s continue.” He returned to his seat, his tone casual, as if nothing had happened.
Vivian and Isabella exchanged glances. “See? He’s a monster,” Vivian mouthed.
“We were discussing how to handle the ministers at tomorrow’s morning assembly,” Vivian said, picking up the conversation.
“Right. We need to address their loyalties. I’ll be taking you with me. Isabella, would you like to join us?”
“I’m curious to see what you’re capable of.” She hesitated for a moment before answering.
“A wise choice. But it’s best you keep your face hidden.”
They continued discussing their plans for tomorrow, finishing their meal.
As they left, Kailun paused outside Hilna’s cell, his gaze lingering on her, a sinister smile playing on his lips.
[Hilna is terrified by your wickedness. Favorability decreased to -80.]
…
By 4:00 pm, Kailun’s men had fully integrated the captured armies. He then ordered a citywide lockdown.
No one was allowed to leave. The Royal City was under his control.
He compiled a list of ministers, their homes to be visited tonight. Some of them wouldn’t be attending tomorrow’s assembly.
Most of the “monkeys” would be dealt with quietly tonight. He would keep a few “chickens” alive to make an example of.
Before dealing with the nobles, he had to address these influential figures.
Shirley, having completed the initial transfer of command, approached him, requesting to see Hilna. He refused.
As the sun began to set, an eerie calm settled over the manor.
At 8:00 pm, activity buzzed in Kailun’s courtyard. Maids scurried about, preparing for the evening’s festivities.
Despite its name, the courtyard was spacious, featuring a small lake, a rock garden, a bridge, a pavilion… a serene and peaceful setting.
The surrounding walls and magic barriers provided a sense of security.
The dinner was a small affair. Even Roden excused himself, claiming he had work to do.
Kailun sat at the head of a large round table, Carol and Afra flanking him. Phils, Anna, Ella, and Isabella occupied the remaining seats.
Vivian, given her special status, had been retrieved from the dungeon.
Ella, thanks to his “generosity,” was also present. If she proved her worth, he might consider improving her treatment.
The newly acquired dancers, clad in vibrant costumes, performed on a makeshift stage, their presence filling the courtyard with music and laughter.
“Tonight, we set aside business and personal grievances. Let us simply enjoy each other’s company.” He raised his glass, his gaze fixed on Afra. “Marrying you is the greatest honor of my life. We’ve overcome countless hardships, even death itself, to reach this day. I once believed this would be the culmination of all my dreams. But now, I realize it’s just the beginning. We have a long and beautiful future ahead of us.”
He gazed at her, his love evident. “To our reunion. Cheers!”
“Clink!”
He drained his glass after their toast.
As the maids refilled their glasses, Afra caressed his cheek, her eyes filled with affection. “I might not know how to be a perfect wife, but I’ll do everything in my power to fulfill your desires. Whenever you need me, I’ll be by your side, just like when we were children.”
She had always been there for him.
“Cheers.”
He had so much he wanted to say, but the words caught in his throat.
Looking into her eyes, he realized words were unnecessary.
She understood him. She accepted his flaws, shared his pain, and celebrated his triumphs.
She asked for nothing in return, content to stand by his side.
She was his light, unwavering.
His emotions, overwhelming him, were reduced to a single word: “Cheers.”
She didn’t need words to understand his heart. They shared three more drinks, their contentment evident.
Leave a Reply