As the sound of trumpets sounded everywhere the rulers of the empire graced the massive ballroom with their presence.
"Salute!
Hail the ruler of the continent!
His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Augustus, and Her Gracious Highness, Empress Valeria are entering!
Hail the ruler of the empire!"
A voice pierces right through the glorious sound of trumpets leaving the sound of the serene tune of the violin. The low mellow sound created the ambience for the entrance of the imperial couple. No ambitious tune or a triumphant sound was given only a melodious and mellow sound paved the way for the two figures to sit on their throne.
As soon as the emperor and empress settle on their throne a loud sound made up of applause fills the entire ballroom.
A smirk suddenly painted on the emperor's face as he felt the welcome of his subjects.
However the powerful cheer stops when he raises his hand and immediately all the kings and aristocrats all across the continent bow down towards the ruler of the continent, the emperor.
With the main character's arrival, the banquet finally began.
Unlike any other banquet hosted by the imperial family the emperor and empress didn't bother giving any opening speech instead they went straight to the greeting and gifts of each kingdom's leaders.
The seats and tables of guests are decided based on their ranks and position inside the empire.
The ducal families of the empire are located right in front so they immediately reached the front of the platform's stairs.
Behind the position of the ducal families is the table of the kings and aristocrats of other nations. Next to them are seats for powerful organizations such as the Mages Association and Tower Mages. Behind them are the elite families of the empire accompanied by marquis and below noble ranks. After the seats of the baron, elite soldiers and retired generals can be seen seated behind them.
As the event started each representative gave their utmost respect and gifts to please the emperor. After some dukes, Princes and princesses of different Kingdoms, the nobles of the empire soon came giving their ruler their utmost respect and loyalty.
"Hail the ruler of the continent, I salute you, your majesty, the emperor"
Bending on one knee the leader of the mage association showed his respect while his subordinates did the same thing.
"This young man beside me is Johan Aaren, my son"
"Hmm?...your child has grown up, the last time I saw him was when he was seven years old" the emperor said looking at the child in front of him.
"Hail the ruler of the continent I salute and pay respect to you" With a resolute voice the boy said as he paid his greeting to the emperor.
"Thank you, young man, I will be expecting more from you especially since you are at the age of entering the academy right?"
"Yes your majesty I shall do my best to bring honor to the empire"
"With those words, I shall be expecting more then"
The leader of the mage association Jonathan Aaren gave a one last bow before leaving.
"It seems like your head still floats here and there Gil"
Gilgamesh just remained kneeling not daring to look at Augustus,he embarrassed with his childish act however the emperor just sighed knowing full well what kind of a person Gilgamesh is.
Then after Arcanebane, Obsidianvale duchy came for a greeting and unlike Gilgamesh, Duke Harald Obsidianvale did his greeting spendedly.
"I suppose it is our turn now"
Eros said as he stood in his seat however as soon as he did so something caught his attention. A hair similar to his but strikingly more prominent, there sitting amongst the lane of mages Apollo had his eyes closed as if he was sleeping.
Eros stared at him, his eyes filled with unrecognizable glint however with his staring he soon gained the attention of the tower mages. All eyes set on Eros as if telling him to shut the fuck off.
"What the hell is up with that glare" he could only think as he followed his father and mother.
"Are checking on our foolish younger brother?"
"Athena, were you able to see how their greeting went?"
He asked instead of paying attention to her words.
"No, I wasn't able to since I was talking to Freya about our return to the academy"
Eros pursed his lips thinking something was off however something was blocking him from pinpointing what he was thinking of.
As the Lionheart duchy bends on one knee to show their respect the emperor looks at Helios as if he wants to ask something.
"Hail the ruler of the empire I salute you" Helios calmly said his face was clear without any emotions.
However, the emperor just nodded his head seemingly contemplating something.
"Your boy why is he with the mages of the tower instead of joining you?" He questioned, immediately Helios answered.
"Your majesty the boy was chosen from many candidates to be one of the representatives of the tower. This was a great achievement considering his frail body so we let him join them"
With those words from Helios Isabella couldn't help but twitch which the empress immediately noticed.
"It seems like your son is doing well despite having a frail body, I believe he is ready to enter the academy" As she said this her eyes remained on the Lionheart family waiting for their reaction.
"Since the new school year is starting I will be expecting a lot once he enrols"
The words from the empress were like poison to Eros, he never liked when his brother was the center of attention. Be it good or bad he never like anyone paying attention to his younger brother.
He gritted his teeth but tried to seal his lips after all he wasn't allowed to speak unless the emperor or empress addressed him.
"Your majesty about the boy's schooling my wife and I will talk about it"
"I see then I will be looking forward to it"
Their turn soon ended making the Duke of Silvercrest and his family enter.