Chapter 80: The Rewards from the Elves

Chapter 80: The Rewards from the Elves



Vincent and his team followed King Thandor and Princess Elara to the head table, their eyes taking in the grand hall's splendor. As they reached the head table, they noticed it was set slightly apart from the others, elevated on a small platform that allowed a clear view of the entire hall. Vincent and his team were shown to their seats, which were made of polished wood and adorned with soft cushions.

Vincent took his seat next to Princess Elara, while the rest of his team settled in around him. As they sat down, their eyes were immediately drawn to the array of dishes displayed before them. The elven cuisine was both exotic and beautifully presented, a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Vincent glanced at the nearest platter, which held an array of savory main dishes. Each dish was meticulously prepared, with an attention to detail that highlighted the elves' culinary expertise.

One dish immediately caught his eye: a roasted bird, its skin a perfect golden brown and glistening with a light glaze. Surrounding the bird were roasted root vegetables, their edges caramelized to perfection. Vincent pointed to it and turned to Princess Elara. "What do you call this?"

Princess Elara smiled warmly. "That is Aelorian pheasant, marinated in a blend of forest herbs and slow-roasted. The vegetables are Havar roots, a staple in our diet, known for their sweet and earthy flavor."

Vincent served himself a portion of the pheasant and some vegetables. The meat was tender and juicy, infused with a harmonious blend of herbs that delighted his taste buds.

Next, his eyes were drawn to a large, ornate dish filled with what appeared to be a type of casserole. Layers of thinly sliced vegetables, mushrooms, and cheese were baked to a golden perfection. He could smell the savory blend of spices and the earthy aroma of the mushrooms.

"And this?" Vincent asked, curious.

"That is Valarien pie," Princess Elara explained. "It is a layered dish made with wild mushrooms, forest vegetables, and aged elven cheese, baked together with a special blend of spices. It is a favorite comfort food among our people."

Vincent took a generous portion, savoring the rich, creamy texture and the complex flavors that melded together perfectly.

"Thank you, King Thandor, Princess Elara, and everyone here. It is an honor to be welcomed so warmly and to share this meal with you. As a mercenary company, even though we are not aligned with any particular country, we are dedicated to helping those in need. Our company, Shadow Paramilitary Operations, thrives on providing assistance where it is most needed, for a fair price."

The elves were silent and confused at the end of his statement. So his company would help so long there is a monetary

exchange," Vincent continued, noticing the confusion. "We believe in fair compensation for our efforts, but our true aim is to make a positive impact wherever we go. We've chosen to remain independent so we can offer our services to any who need them, regardless of borders or politics."

King Thandor nodded thoughtfully. "Your independence and willingness to help those in need are commendable, Vincent Stryder. We appreciate your transparency and your dedication."

The hall remained silent as the king continued. "Such valor and strength deserve recognition and reward. Therefore, in honor of your brave deeds and to mark the beginning of our alliance, I would like to present you and your team with a token of our gratitude."

With a gesture from King Thandor, a group of elves entered the hall, carrying chests adorned with intricate carvings and glowing symbols. They placed the chests in front of Vincent and his team, then stepped back respectfully.

King Thandor spoke again. "Inside these chests, you will find treasures unique to our land. These include elven armor, forged with the strongest materials and enchanted with protective spells. You will also find gems and precious metals, harvested from our deepest mines, and elixirs brewed from the rarest herbs of our forest, which will enhance your strength and vitality."

Vincent and his team exchanged amazed glances as they opened the chests. The contents glittered and shimmered in the soft light of the hall.

"We hope these gifts will aid you in your future endeavors and remind you of the friendship we have forged tonight," King Thandor concluded.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. These gifts are beyond generous, and we are honored to accept them. We look forward to working together and supporting each other in the days to come."

"Now for the discussion, I will prefer it to be held in private," the King said.