Chapter 4: The Banquet

All the nobles within the magnificent and glorious palace gathered to celebrate the arrival of the crown prince, Prince Friederick, who happened to finish his ceremonial rites in the Cathedral of Divine Luminescence. It was a surprise for many, as the invitation contained the word ‘celebration’ but did not specify what it is to begin with. Although they had a clue on what was to be held today, when their assumptions became wrong, they were perplexed for a moment.

Those who belonged to the upper nobility knew the details of the purpose today and they started to talk with each other.

A stout man who has a long mustache which is now a trend within the nobility spoke. “It seems the arrangements are quite different this time.” He paused for a while and then picked up a glass that contained wine then he took a sip before he continued. “I remember in my youth, that it is more grand and posh. Hah, or my memory is wrong due to my old age? Hm?”

“Lord Bertram, you are still young and full of vigor, how could it be that your memory is wrong?” The slender man who wears a green tunic replied with a smile plastered on his gaunt face. He also picked up wine on the table where Lord Bertram took his, as well as took a sip from his wine glass. “It is expected as it was supposed to be a surprise, that is why there is a big difference from the past.”

The stout man, whose name is Lord Bertram, laughed heartily as he downed his wine glass in one go. “You amuse me, Lord Stuart, with your praises of me.” He suddenly saw a graceful and beautiful woman from afar, as she was surrounded by noblewomen.

“The beauty of Her Royal Highness, Princess Fiona, eclipses everyone within the palace. Such a refined young lady, I wish Her Royal Highness a happy and long marriage also to witness it with my own eyes before my health diminishes.” Lord Bertram sighed as if in dismay.

“My dear Lord Bertram, do not humble yourself that much. You still have a long life, it will happen but not now.” Lord Stuart said as he comforted his friend. “Hearing what you have said about your health, made me concerned. I know a reputable and skilled doctor in the capital; have you perhaps heard about Mr. Wimsey?”

“Mr. Wimsey? I heard about his skills. The rumor has it said that he is now curing His Grace, Duke Galadhor’s daughter, Princess Harriet?” Lord Bertram asked as his curiosity was piqued.

“Yes, you have heard it right. As you know—”

Neilson, who heard about their conversation, turned his back away from the two lords. They were respectively both marquesses, who held considerable power and resources within the capital. It is not surprising in the slightest that they know quite a bit of inside information and the changes that happened today in the palace.

Their words are full of hidden meanings and daggers, whether they simply want to reveal something or targeting someone with their words, made Neilson frustrated. He knows that nobles have a penchant for talking in euphemistic ways. He was oftentimes, in the past, became victims due to their underplaying words that held no politeness but disguise hostility.

The words ‘not now’ made Neilson scoffed with scorn, he undoubtedly became a laughingstock to the upper nobility due to the failure of their plans. The sudden arrival of the crown prince made them caught off-guard, thus they need to change their plans from now on.

When he caught the sight of Princess Fiona, those golden wavy hair that were decorated by various expensive jewels along with her clothes, her radiance overshadowed those around her, made him tempted to walk towards her. Before he could take any actions, a man who possesses a blond hair that was neatly combed, arrived beside Princess Fiona. It was none other than His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Friederick, who ruined his engagement party today.

He timely stopped his tracks as he remembered his father’s warning regarding the crown prince.

We need to be careful around the prince.

That was his father’s word when they were still inside the carriage before they arrived in the palace. Although he has the habit of not listening to others, other than himself, he still obeyed his father’s commands. Hence, he left from his spot and walked near the table where the drinks were placed. He was savoring the taste of the fine wine he was drinking when a man with bronze colored hair and eyes approached him.

“Greetings to Earl Bentham.” Neilson tersely greeted him. He remembers this young man, his name is Earl Richmond Evan Bentham.

He received his formal title in his young age and entered the House of Lords due to his father’s connections. Although that is the case, he is skilled in politics and now working in the Imperial Palace. He occasionally meets him on his way in the palace, more importantly, he is known for his inquisitiveness that made the nobles who have secrets avoid him.

The man in front of him smiled widely as he amiably greeted him back. “Likewise.” He raised his wine glass. “Care for a toast?”

Neilson watched his actions without saying a word but he still raised his wine glass for a toast. Their glasses met in mid air and produced a clinking sound that only both of them could hear. Then the two of them simultaneously drank their wine.

“Sir Neilson seems annoyed for some reason. Although, most of the time, you have not much expression when you are talking with others and me as well, but today is quite special.” He paused and his eyes briefly peered at those two marquesses earlier before he scrutinized the man in front of him wearing his usual affable smile.

Neilson raised his sleek dark eyebrows, which showed his faint irritation due to Richmond’s direct words. “It seems Earl Bentham is not as noble as I thought you would be.”

Richmond let out a chuckle. “I thought Sir Neilson does not fancy such a way of talking that is why I changed my wording to suit your tastes. Did I perhaps offend you, sir knight?”

Neilson’s anger flared up but he still managed to mask his feelings by emptying his wine glass in one go then he put down the wine glass he was holding. He tried to force a smile as he could not afford to offend this lord of higher standing.

“Of course not, milord. Earl Bentham flatters me and even gave me such a huge favor and humble yourself for the likes of me. I have no way of paying for such kindness.” Neilson smiled as he gracefully bowed towards Richmond with great familiarity and precision with no way to find a fault from his actions.

“If you can excuse me, milord.” Then he left without hesitation after he said his farewell.

Richmond watched, as Neilson left, in silence even though his action of departing is uncouth without waiting for the superior’s words.

A manservant, who is assigned on serving beverages, appeared and offered to change his wine glass which Richmond acquiesced. As his hands were ready to pick the glass, he noticed the manservant's sudden hidden gesture that both of them could see, he skilfully smiled as usual then he walked towards the balcony within the hall.

The man is wearing resplendent clothing standing solemnly in the inconspicuous corner of the balcony. His golden hair glowed with radiance despite the darkness enveloped the place. Consequently, his distinct aurous eyes gleamed, brimming with intelligence and shrewdness.

Richmond bowed and saluted to the only prince of the empire. “Greetings to Your Royal Highness, the esteemed one; Crown Prince Friederick.” He then heard a light chortle from the man in front of him.

“Raise your head and expel the formalities, my honorable Earl.” Hearing the prince’s permission only then he raised his head and wore his usual amiable smile.

“I have already done what you have asked, Your Royal Highness.” Richmond paused as he observed the prince’s expression despite them being in the dark place. “I am not able to comprehend Your Royal Highness’ intentions and I dare not to ask further. I trust His Royal Highness’ skills, so I am confident that I will see the results in the near future.”

“Lord Bentham’s choice of words puts me in delight.” Friederick smiled as they continued to exchange phrases. “Your confidence is to be praised.”

“You flatter me, Your Royal Highness.” Richmond politely responded.

“You did well.” Friederick smiled cunningly as he twirled his wine glass that contained expensive red wine that is popular in the capital. He then looked at Richmond who wore his usual affable smile, but he knew that underneath were full of guile.

“Your Royal Highness’ admiration towards me is too much, I only did a little. If not for those nobles who already know the truth talking with each other, I may not be able to do such a fit.” Richmond smiled as kept his act of modesty towards the prince without any signs of faltering.

“You are too keen.” Friederick acknowledged Richmond’s skills of observation and discernment.

He now understands why his Imperial Mother prompted him to recruit Earl Bentham to his side. Although it was obvious for the high ranking nobles, that starts from a few distinguished marquesses, including the dukes, into the royal family, of what really happened today. Thus, gossip among them is to be expected. But with few instructions he somewhat understood that those lords, who were purposely mocking the Fuhrer family, were planted by him in the first place.

They exchanged a few words before they bid each other farewell along with promises that Friederick made for Richmond. Kane watched as Richmond left only then he entered the secluded balcony where the prince is still standing alone in the corner.

“Is the plan proceeding well?” Friederick asked.

“Yes, Your Royal Highness.” Kane answered curtly without leaving any clues from the prying ears of others.

“That is good as well as what we have anticipated.” Friederick drank his wine in a good mood, which is rare to be seen. He put down his wine glass on the handrail of the balcony as he walked to enter the hall, where the banquet is taking place. “I must accompany my dear sister, I am afraid she will be left alone later.”

“As you wish.” Kane said as he watched his lord sauntered his way in the busting hall full of noblemen and noblewomen of different classes. He then took out his luxurious pocket watch and opened it to look at the time.

It has already begun.

…

A/N: Clarification! There are changes about the address of each rank of the nobles here. To distinguish who is who, I changed the address of direct royal family members here by using Your Royal Highness, it is to be used by the children of the emperor. On the other hand, Your Highness is to be used by the children of the dukes, for the reason that they also possessed the title of princes and princesses.

I failed to explain the differences between Courtesy Title and Formal Title. To simplify, Courtesy Title is used mostly by the children of nobles; it is not hereditary, only to distinguish the parent’s rank from their children. For instance, the son of the emperor will be called a ‘Prince’.

Formal Title is also known as hereditary title. Such as ‘Marquess of Tecy’, it is a title that could be inherited by his heir.

I hope the confusion could be cleared. Thank you for reading!

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