Chapter 4: Royal Banquet
Around one month later, I decided to go to the Royal Banquet. Attending the Royal Banquet wasn't just a social event. It was a platform for forming alliances, sharing secrets, and executing political maneuvers. I don't want to go there just to enjoy the festivities but to strategically explore the complex web of power dynamics within the kingdom. I thought as I looked in the mirror.
Okay, at this banquet, I will meet Count Mapisto's daughter.
As I continued to look in the mirror, I was shocked by my beauty.
Damn. I look handsome. This outfit looks good.
The outfit consisted of a dark blue doublet with embroidered cuffs and a collar displaying the emblem of House Thaddeus. A white shirt matched with well-tailored blue trousers was worn underneath. An elegant silk cravat was secured with a family brooch, while polished leather shoes featuring subtle Thaddeus insignias completed the look. The style blended traditional and contemporary elements.
After admiring myself for a long time, I finally went outside and saw my parents near the carriage. My dad and mom looked stunning. My parents were dressed in royal attire as they stood by the carriage. My father, Lord Thaddeus, wore a deep crimson velvet coat with gold embroidery that symbolized our family's standing. His presence commanded respect, and the emblem of House Thaddeus shone proudly on his chest.
Beside him, my mother, Lady Thaddeus, looked graceful in a royal blue silk gown with lace patterns that added sophistication to her noble bearing. A delicate tiara adorned her auburn hair, enhancing her natural beauty.
As I approached them, they looked proud and happy. My father smiled warmly, and my mother's eyes sparkled with maternal warmth.
My mom said as her eyes sparkled, "Honey, you look so handsome today."
I replied proudly, "I know, Mom."
My dad looked at me seriously. He spoke, "Magnus, it is not the time to joke. Tonight is not just a celebration. It's an opportunity for you to observe, learn, and represent the Thaddeus name with honor."
I nodded in acknowledgment of the responsibility that came with being part of a prestigious house. My mother, who always stood on top of her social circle, added, "Yes, dear. Pay attention to the interactions, familiarize yourself with the other noble families, and make us proud."
The carriage awaited us, its ornate design befitting our status. My dad helped my mom onto the carriage; it was a symbol of love. Finally, we all settled into the carriage, making our way towards the Royal Palace.
After a long journey, we finally reached the Royal Palace. The view that greeted us was truly awe-inspiring. The palace was a magnificent work of an architectural genius, decorated with complex carvings and embellishments. The sunlight shone on the palace walls making them sparkle like a million diamonds, enhancing their grandeur. It was a sight that I will always remember. I had never seen anything like that apart from the Thaddeus Mansion.
As we entered the banquet hall, I heard our names called "Duke Thaddeus! Duchess Thaddeus! Master Magnus!"
The noble families present turned their attention toward us; their gazes were going through my soul. My parents maintained their composed demeanor, acknowledging the greetings with nods and polite smiles.
A high-ranking official approached, his attire adorned with intricate embroidery denoting his status. "Welcome, House Thaddeus. We are honored by your presence. The royal family awaits."
Guided by palace attendants, we made our way through the bustling banquet hall. The whispers of nobles created a tense atmosphere.
As we reached the middle of the hall, we saw the noble sight of the royal family seated on an elevated platform. King Edmund, a figure of regal authority, greeted the assembled nobility with a benevolent smile. Queen Seraphina, elegant and poised, sat beside him.
We approached the royal dais, and I executed a respectful bow and followed my parents' lead. "Your Majesties," my father addressed the royal couple, "House Thaddeus is honored to be in your presence."
King Edmund acknowledged with a nod, "The honor is ours, Duke Thaddeus. Enjoy the festivities and revel in the unity of our kingdom."
It was the female lead's father. I thought as I looked at the king.
The banquet hall was filled with music, laughter, and glasses clung together. The wealthy guests had lively conversations, appearing friendly while subtly forming alliances.
There were a lot of nobles around me who started greeting me. The day before, I had to memorize the names of all the families present. It was tiring work; I had never studied like this for my college entrance exams. If I studied like this, I would have reached IIT or maybe even Harvard.
I was just ten years old. My mom, seeing how bored I was, asked me to go play with other kids present at the banquet.
The kids were gathered in one corner of the hall. As I went, there was a commotion happening. The kids were divided into two factions.
Great! Even kids are behaving all high and mighty. I thought as I headed to the food section.
As I returned to the scene with a plate of cupcakes, they were still embroiled in their quarrel.
Unable to resist injecting a bit of mischief, I decided to join the troupe. I casually strolled over to the disputing kids, cupcakes in hand, and raised an eyebrow.
I arched an eyebrow and spoke sarcastically, "Ah, the great factional divide among the young elites. Do tell, what grand dispute has led to this momentous occasion?"
Defiantly, Kid 1 responded, "We've decided that only those with the best taste in desserts shall belong to the Cupcake Connoisseurs!"
Mockingly, Kid 2 retorted, "As if! The Gourmet Gelato Guild has more refined palates. Cupcakes are for commoners."
I smirked. "A battle of delicacies, then? I suppose I must pick a side."
Taking a bite of a cupcake, he savored the sweetness before pretending to ponder. "A dilemma indeed. However, I find the Cupcake Connoisseurs' passion for their chosen treat rather inspiring."
Kid 1 smiled. "See, even he understands!"
Magnus nodded. "But let us not forget the importance of unity. Perhaps we should merge the two factions. The Cupcake Gelato Coalition, if you will."
The kids exchanged puzzled glances before bursting into laughter. The two kids came to me and asked in unison, "What's your name?"
Puzzled by the similarity between each other's questions, they glared at each other. I pulled them back and said, "My name is Magnus Thaddeus from House Thaddeus. You are?"
Kid 1 replied, "I am Rowan Wilson from House Wilson," and he was followed by Kid 2, "I am Zander Calibur from House Calibur."
Rowan Wilson had flaming crimson hair and hazel eyes, portraying him from The Wilson House. Zander Calibur had deep blue hair symbolizing the ocean and intense black eyes, indicative of his lineage.
Oh, they hail from the Dukedom of Wilson and Calibur, much like my own family.
I extended my hands with cupcakes on them and gave them to Rowan and Zander. They eagerly accepted the sweet treats, their initial rivalry forgotten in the face of cupcakes.
I grinned. "It seems that the Cupcake Gelato Coalition has already created diplomatic ties. May this alliance bring forth an era of delicious unity!"
Rowan and Zander exchanged amused glances before nodding in agreement. The trio, representing their respective noble houses, continued to savor the banquet, cultivating a delightful bond in the royal hall.
Some time had passed, and I was still roaming around the banquet aimlessly. I wanted to go home. Suddenly, I saw a familiar figure; she had wavy white hair and dark red eyes. It was Alina.
Alina! What is she doing here? I thought as I looked at her.
She was conversing with a group of individuals. Despite the lively atmosphere of the banquet, she seemed to carry a mysterious aura, standing out amid the crowd. Even though she was young, she could converse with nobles.
As my curiosity piqued, I approached Alina, weaving through the crowd. As I drew closer, she noticed me and offered a subtle smile. I finally reached her and dragged her away from the crowd.
She initiated a conversation with me, saying, "So, Magnus, what brings you here?"
I replied, with curiosity lingering in my mind, "Wait. I am supposed to ask that."
She looked at me skeptically and said, "I was invited here."
I smirked at her response, a playful glint in my eyes. "Invited? A mysterious girl like you must have a standing invitation to all the grand events."
She laughed at my response, "Wait and see. I am not that mysterious."
We walked across the whole banquet. I introduced her to my new friends, Rowan and Zander. When I went towards my parents, I saw them talking to a particular noble. He had similar features as Alina.
As I approached my parents, who were engaged in conversation with a particular noble who shared similar features with Alina, I felt a sense of curiosity. Alina's father, it seemed.
With a beaming smile, I interjected, "Mom, Dad, meet my new friend, Alina."
The man beside my parents turned his attention to us and said, "Oh, I see you have met my daughter. I presume."
My mom pointed toward the man and continued, "Meet Count Mapisto."
What Count Mapisto? The person who will kill my family. And he is Alina's father.
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