Chapter 11: The Banquet and the Young Lady

Chapter 11: Chapter 11: The Banquet and the Young Lady

Chapter 11: The Banquet and the Young Lady

116 Fis Street

At the entrance to the Carl family estate.

Dressed in a black noble attire, William alighted from the carriage, and a nearby servant quickly came to greet him, leading William towards the banquet hall. Bend and the carriage were arranged to rest elsewhere.

William relaxed his tight collar, still somewhat unaccustomed to such elaborate attire.

Following the servant into the banquet hall, the luxurious setup of the several hundred square meters area was striking, with numerous polished, translucent crystal chandeliers hanging above, casting a soft glow. The tables were laden with aromatic delicacies and fine wines for guests to enjoy, with some already mingling with glasses in hand. CHeCk for new stories on no/v/el/bin(.)c0m

The Carl family, as one of the top five controllers of the Goldvine Commerce Guild in the Fis Kingdom and possessing enough influence to "purchase" a baronial title from the kingdom, showcased their substantial wealth and taste through their luxurious estate in the noble district.

William, curious, surveyed the guests dressed in splendid attire around the dance floor. Since his predecessor seldom attended such parties, even though these should all be gentlemen and ladies from Fis's high society, he found no familiar faces.

Just then, Mora Carl, having just finished speaking with a count alongside his father, spotted William standing out not far away. His eyes lit up, and after excusing himself to his father, he approached William.

"You there, how come you didn't come find me after arriving? Are you really our esteemed viscount? Just standing there alone, not mingling with anyone else."

William shrugged, "You know, I hardly ever attend these kinds of gatherings. I don't know these people, how could I possibly mingle? I saw you were busy talking to that old man, so I didn't bother you."

"That 'old man' is the Kingdom's Minister of Finance, Count Dion Duval!"

Mora, incredulous that William didn't recognize even him, began introducing William to the distinguished guests around.

"This is Arsen Had, the youngest son of the Duke of Had, recently favored by His Majesty the King."

"That man speaking with my father is Mont Ollaya, president of the Ollaya Commerce Guild, which rivals our own in prestige, though he and my father are on good terms."

"And that's Lady Pasha Koiv, the famous socialite from Brightlight City. Be careful not to be enchanted by her!"

Dressed in a fiery red off-shoulder evening gown, her black hair simply cascading down to her waist, the dress's tailored design highlighted the girl's perfect silhouette, with layers of hollow patterns and delicate fringes accentuating her fairness. The girl's appearance might be considered average, but her gray-purple eyes sparkled with vivacity.

The girl glanced curiously at William, seemingly surprised to find someone as "unique" as herself at the banquet. She smiled gently at William before turning her attention back to her delicious spread.

William felt a strange sense of familiarity but didn't dwell on it, considering he might have encountered her in his past life in the game.

The two then launched an assault on their respective "mountains" of food. Despite their continuous eating, their table manners remained impeccable, and the food on the table visibly decreased at a noticeable rate.

William had started eating first, but they finished almost simultaneously.

As they both rose to refill their plates, the girl's laughter, reminiscent of silver bells, caught William's attention. She looked at him curiously, laughing.

"You're quite the odd one. Don't most people come to these events to network with officials and nobles? Why hide here and just eat?"

William glanced at the girl's plate and retorted, "Aren't you doing the same? I can't be bothered to flatter those people."

"I'm different!" the girl exclaimed, waving her hand. "I came with a friend to broaden my horizons and enjoy the food on the side. I heard the Goldvine Commerce Guild arranged a special caravan to Bertidge in the east to procure many rare ingredients for this banquet. I didn't want to miss out."

Her initial reason sounded reasonable, but her subsequent excitement revealed her true foodie nature.

"That's true. The Bertidge sweet shrimp salad is good. I'm planning to get some more," William said.

The mention of food made the girl's eyes light up. "Right? It's amazing, something you can't normally buy even if you have the money!"

William, now engaged in the conversation, added, "But I think Bertidge sweet shrimp would taste even better as Golden Thread Shrimp Balls."

The girl looked surprised, "Golden Thread Shrimp Balls? What's that? Are you a cook or something?"

"Of course!" William, who had grown up in an orphanage in his previous life, had indeed developed excellent culinary skills.

(End of Chapter)