Chapter 244 The Banquet [Part 1]



"Your Highness, are you feeling nervous?" Carter asks.

"Haha, that would be the last thing on my mind," I reply with a smile, although I find myself growing increasingly excited instead.

Currently, we are walking on a plain tiled road that leads to the Ceremonial Hall. The Ceremonial Hall is quite distant from the royal residences, considering the vast expanse of this castle.

"I should have arranged a car to pick you up, and for that, I apologize for my impudence," Carter suddenly says, bowing slightly without meeting my gaze.

"Oh... It's fine. I won't break a sweat before reaching the hall. I just hope to avoid encountering people I can't tolerate," I sigh.

Upon hearing my words, Carter freezes momentarily.

"Regarding that... There are indeed some bothersome people attending the event," Carter wearily responds, accompanied by a smile.

"Sigh..."

"One last question, Carter... Will I be assigned an aide?" I inquire, adopting a serious expression.

A smile unexpectedly appears on Carter's face.

"Fufu, just as I was considering, Your Highness. Would you prefer a skilled young girl, considering your affinity for girls?" Carter suggests sheepishly in a hushed tone, a repulsive grin forming on his face.

"Ah, your mind is as perverted and empty as your bald head. While a combat maid sounds amusing, I already have one—she is the girl you sparred with a few days ago. What I desire is a proficient boy younger than myself, rather than someone thick-skinned or well-endowed," I state, expressing my preference.

[Hmm, it's not like you would reject a well-endowed woman.]

....

"Ah... That would have been quite challenging to find. However, I will certainly search for one after the coronation.

Furthermore, since the king has chosen you, his grandson, as his successor, most people have already recognized you as the crown prince. Nevertheless, this coronation will bring wider awareness of your presence, allowing people to become familiar with your appearance and acknowledge you as their future king. I wonder what kind of ruler you will become," Carter remarks with a bright smile, evoking reminiscence.

"Carter, something troubles me... Normally, I wouldn't have the right to ascend to the throne since I am not a direct offspring. The rightful heir should have been Sid, who is no longer with us. Yet, even when Sid was alive, the king chose me over him," I say with a small sigh...

Uncle Sid's passing still deeply distresses me.

Upon hearing my words, Carter appears to hesitate, contemplating something.

"Your Highness, if I were to disclose everything I know, we would not arrive at the banquet on time, which would be gravely disrespectful to the guests. You see, first impressions and initial encounters hold great significance. However, I can provide a brief explanation as we walk.

"You see, the position of the king is not solely a title; it is a duty and a role bestowed upon the strongest individual capable of leading the vampire race. As you are well aware, we vampires are a species that venerates strength above all else. The reason the king did not choose Sid as his heir is rather simple: Sid lacked talent and possessed none of the special blood powers. Although he tried to prove the king wrong, as we know, in vampire culture, it is crucial for a king to possess one of the special blood powers or inherit it.

"The king would have had high expectations for Sid if he had managed to advance to the vampire lord stage during that period. However, despite Sid consuming copious amounts of blood moon fruits to expedite his evolution, he was unable to surpass the noble stage. Thus, the king chose you instead, as he had great hopes that you would eventually awaken. Moreover, you were artificially conceived by blending the blood and essence of his daughter with that of the mightiest vampire at the time. That's all I know, and I consider myself fortunate to possess such knowledge as Her Highness's butler," Carter explains before exhaling audibly.

"There is another matter I want to bring to your attention... Princess Zamira seems to have a significant aversion toward you. Don't misunderstand me, based on what I knew before your arrival, she never had high expectations for you as the future king. It seems she has her own grand scheme," Carter expresses his concern.

As I listen to Carter's words, a sense of amusement and satisfaction slowly fills me. If only he knew... Revealing the truth wouldn't cost me anything either way.

"Fufufu, perhaps I haven't informed you yet. Zamira and I are getting married after the coronation," I declare, a sinister smile gradually forming on my face.

"H-How did you manage that? N-No way... That woman despises men, there is no possibility she would agree to marry you!" Carter exclaims in disbelief, his voice audible.

"Hehe, believe it or not, just wait and see..." I reply, my grin widening.

"N-No way... Did something happen between you two during the demon-rank beast Saga?" Carter asks, unable to contain his excitement and curiosity.

"Fufufu, what do you think..."

"Damn... My admiration for you has multiplied a thousandfold. But why did you reveal such a secretive matter to me?" Carter inquires, now regarding me in a different light...

I let out a series of small coughs...

"Soon, everyone will know when Zamira becomes my wife. Therefore, there's no harm in divulging this information. Besides, I have no hair to lose," I respond, a wicked grin spreading across my face.

"This..." Carter mutters while stroking his bald head.

[Fufu, that dealt quite the emotional blow...]

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"Why are we taking this route?" I squint my eyes as we approach a small metal door barely large enough for me to fit through.

"I apologize for the inconvenience, Your Highness, but I believe it is preferable for you to enter from here and proceed directly to your seat, rather than walking through the midst of the crowd," Carter explains with a stern expression.

Ah... He is still displeased with me.

[I imagine him as a handsome man, assuming he had hair.]

Indeed, Mother mentioned that he was incredibly handsome before losing his hair. Nonetheless, he doesn't look bad even with his baldness.

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"Hooway! Hooway! Hooway! Let us make some noise for the crown prince as he gracefully steps into the hall, emanating an aura of royalty. Truly, he is the descendant of the great Sir Derek and a worthy contender for the throne!" A tall, lanky host wearing sunglasses lavishly praises me as I make my entrance into the hall through the backdoor.

Now that I am here, I am genuinely grateful to Carter for steering me away from the main entrance. Within this hall, there are approximately two hundred, if not more, individuals—although not exceeding three hundred for sure.

Advancing toward the largest seat atop a towering platform, I take my place as guided by Carter. Additionally, apart from the one I am seated on, there are four other chairs on this platform—two to my right and two to my left. Surprisingly, Mother and Zamira are occupying the seats on the left side, while an unknown man and woman occupy the seats on my right side. What stands out about these two vampires is their advanced age and the aura surrounding them, indicating that they have reached the vampire lord stage.

Finally, as I shift my gaze downward, the full view of the hall unfolds before me. Just like the platform I am currently seated on, there are around twenty chairs and tables arranged in a distinct pattern, separate from the rest of the crowd. Judging by their auras, all those occupying these seats are at the vampire lord stage. Behind them stand several formidable-looking vampires emanating wild and concealed auras that even surpass those of vampire lords. Among them, some auras resonate with mine.

"Fufu, now things are becoming interesting," I mutter under my breath as I spot a particular individual whose presence here is completely unexpected.

However, before I can delve further into my thoughts, the ceremony commences, diverting my attention to the proceedings.

The sound of a resounding trumpet fills the air, signaling the start of the ceremony. I shift my focus to the front of the hall, where a grand stage is adorned with lavish decorations and intricate tapestries. A group of musicians begins to play a melodic tune, setting a majestic ambiance for the occasion.

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