Chapter 282 - Celebratory Dinner in Bore Palace

"I've already asked Zelsh in advance about this, and he was adamant in offering his famous hospitality at no cost. Let's all thank him properly before we get going," added Treeda, now humbly bowing to Zelsh along with Uutrai.

Playing off the act with a smile, Zelsh bowed in response. "Of course… Please, give me a moment in advance to initiate preparations for the banquet and accommodations. Thank you!"

Zelsh then zipped over to the teleportation formation and rushed away in a pulse of purple energy. 

Uutrai took the opportunity to smile and speak for himself, "In the meantime, we can all relax. Representatives, you've earned the meal of a lifetime, so you'd best be relaxed and ready to experience this while you can."

Immediately, the lines broke and the representatives began to mingle. The remaining kings joined Lord Treeda and Uutrai on the raised platform while their people chatted and greeted their rival representatives.

"You're Oliver, right? It's a pleasure to meet you." Korvik was quick with an introduction as he sped over to the weakest representative.

Oli bowed his head. "The feeling is mutual."

Korvik then surprised Oli by slapping him on the back, acting like friends from years past. "So you're an expert in soul arts? Does that mean you have an aggressive technique, by any chance?"

"Um--"

"I've experienced them first hand," chimed in Kraz, "so I can confidently say they were more than just aggressive."

"Really?! An adept with aggressive soul arts? Incredible!" Praising Oli with both his words and gaze, a smile stretched across Korvik's face, "We have to do battle! I need to see these soul arts in action!"

Putting up his hands, Oli laughed, "I'm sure we'll face off at some point."

Kraz then pulled Oli back a little, giving Oli some space from the crowding Korvik. "Calm down, Korvik. We've got a meal to enjoy, so we can save the sparring for later. Give him some space, okay?"

"Fine, fine… But you have a colosseum at your place, so why not spar after the meal?" asked Korvik. "It would be perfect to cool down after a long day and a great meal."

Another pulse of purple energy emerged from the formation, snatching everyone's attention. Zelsh now stood at the formation's center, already bowing to those on the platform. "Lord Treeda, Master Uutrai, my fellow kings, you're all welcome to join me in Bore Palace for the night. And a grand feast is already in the making, so there's no need to waste time. Tilgron, Vant, Kraz, Oliver, hurry up so we can pay respects as the others arrive!"

"Thank you, Zelsh!" Lord Treeda shouted, showing a glimmer of a grin for the first time in a long while.

Oli felt a bit better to push off the conversation and rush back to his new home. But he was already trying to think of how to handle Korvik's insistence once the meal had begun.

Zelsh left first with his representatives while Treeda and Uutrai neared the formation.

On the other side, Zelsh led them off the palace's formation and hastily said, "Be courteous of the others, but the rule stands. Kraz, you're not to let anyone learn about Oliver's origins or his abilities, and you two can help as well. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Master Zelsh!" 

"Yes, Father!"

The three young men shouted together, accepting the responsibility without hesitation or question. And just in time as they stepped off the formation to see another spatial pulse carry familiar faces to Bore City.

"Lord Treeda, Master Uutrai." Zelsh bowed again, letting them stand at his side. 

More and more people came through the formation, gradually standing with Zelsh or with Oli's group. 

Once everyone had arrived, a few servants came out of the connecting hallway. The lead servant formally bowed, stating, "Dinner is nearly ready and service will be available throughout the night, so please eat to your hearts' content. Please, allow us to lead to the banquet hall."

Following protocol, Zelsh came forward first with Treeda and Uutrai at his side. The kings followed them in a group and the representatives no longer cared about formal ranks while walking together. There wasn't much talking but some representatives made sure to find their friends from other regions, such as Korvik joining Oli's group without missing a beat.

When the servants opened the grand doors of the dining hall, Zelsh led Treeda and Uutrai to the highest table in the room. They were joined by the other kings as well who were eager to taste Bore City cuisine yet again. 

At the same time, the representatives flooded into the dining hall. A silenced barrier appeared around the high table while the representatives eagerly found seats and started up conversations galore.

"Oliver! Can I call you--"

"No, Oliver is my name, so please just say that."

"So, Oliver, when can we spar?" Korvik began his questioning immediately, only sparing a single breath to take a long sip of wine already in the glass before him.

"There will be time for that later," laughed Tilgron, using his tail to lift a wine glass to his lips. "Ahh… For now, let's enjoy ourselves!"

"Here, here!" Vant raised his glass with fervor. "To Tilgron, the surefire loser of today's finals!"

"To Tilgron!"

"To me!"

Both Kraz and Tilgron joined the toast with a shout of their own. Oli also lifted his glass but didn't shout along. He wasn't jet accustomed to being with the close-knit bunch as the resident new kid in the palace.

"Fine, to Tilgron!" Korvik quickly sent his remaining wine down his gullet. "But still, we should try and schedule something… I'm rarely here, so now's the time!"

"Why'd you do that?!" shouted Vant. "A lightweight like you should be more responsible!"

Korvik scoffed, "I'll drink as I please."

"You want to ruin your sense of taste before the meal?"

"No!" Korvik yelled, staring back at Tilgron.

"Then shut up and keep your glass empty. Any more and you'll try and fight the whole room, like last time," Kraz jeered, getting laughs from around the table.