Chapter 302 Lunch In The Palace



After a moment of consideration, Audrey nods her head. "Very well, Prince Baldwin. Let's agree on the terms."

"Great!" Prince Baldwin said, a sense of satisfaction evident in his voice.

He immediately called upon a man dressed in a sleek black uniform who had been standing stoically beside him throughout the discussion. "Mark, help draft the details for us."

"As you wish, Your Highness," Mark replied, his voice filled with utmost professionalism.

Mark swiftly retrieved a paper and a quill. His nimble fingers glided across the page as he meticulously transcribed the agreed-upon terms.

Audrey observed intently as the treaty took shape before her eyes, the ink flowing in elegant strokes that captured the essence of their negotiations.

The details of the treaty were meticulously laid out, covering the cessation of hostilities, the exchange of prisoners, and the terms for future cooperation between Ryntum and Barlia. Each clause was carefully worded to ensure clarity and fairness, leaving no room for misinterpretation or dispute.

After what seemed like an eternity of careful drafting, Mark finally set down his quill. The treaty lay before them, a symbol of the agreement reached between the two nations. Audrey's gaze lingered on the paper, her mind racing with a mix of relief and anticipation for the possibilities it held.

Prince Baldwin extended his hand towards Audrey, gesturing for her to approach the table.

They stood side by side, picking up their respective quills and carefully inscribing their signatures onto the treaty, sealing the agreement with their ink.

As Audrey finished signing her name, she couldn't help but feel a wave of accomplishment wash over her. The weight of responsibility and the gravity of the moment hung in the air, marking a significant turning point in the relations between Ryntum and Barlia.

Both of them exchanged a brief nod, silently acknowledging the significance of their agreement. Prince Baldwin extended a gracious invitation, inviting Audrey and her assistant to join him for lunch.

"It would be an honour if both of you would join me for lunch," the prince said with a warm smile.

Audrey, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation, nodded graciously. "Thank you, Your Highness. We would be delighted to accept your kind invitation."

The prince led the way through the grand hall, with Audrey and her assistant following closely behind. They walked past intricately carved pillars and tapestries. 

Entering the dining room, they were greeted by a scene of opulence and grandeur. The long table was adorned with fine linens and polished silverware, sparkling under the soft glow of chandeliers hanging above.

The room exuded an aura of elegance.

At the table, Audrey's gaze fell upon two figures. Benjamin, the young boy she had met earlier, was now accompanied by a woman who exuded grace and regality. It was Princess Reina of Ryntum, Benjamin's mother.

Princess Reina possessed a natural beauty that emanated from within. Her chestnut brown hair cascaded in soft waves, framing her face with a touch of warmth. Her piercing red eyes remind Audrey of Reina's mother, Lady Josephine Csorvar, whom Audrey had encountered during her visit to the king's mansion. 

Reina's attire spoke of elegance and sophistication. She wore a flowing gown in a deep shade of emerald green, adorned with delicate lace and intricate embroidery.

The gown's regal silhouette accentuated her slender figure, while the jewelled accents shimmered with each movement. A fine necklace, adorned with a pendant of the Ryntum crest, graced her neck, symbolizing her noble lineage.

Besides the princess, Benjamin sat with youthful exuberance. His golden hair framed his cherubic face.

The young boy dressed in a miniature version of regal attire, looked adorable yet dignified. His outfit featured a finely tailored suit, the fabric matching the royal blue of his father's robes.

"Auwdrey!" Benjamin's eyes lit up with joy as he spotted Audrey. Princess Reina smiled warmly, acknowledging Audrey's presence with a nod.

Audrey returned the smile and curtsied before the princess. "Princess Reina, it is an honour to meet you. And Young Prince Benjamin, it's a pleasure to see you again."

Princess Reina's voice held a gentle yet commanding tone. "The pleasure is ours, Lady Audrey."

ραΠdαsΝοvεl.cοm "Looks like both of you have met with each other," Baldwin interjected.

"Yes, I met the young prince in the waiting room earlier," Audrey responded.

Maids graciously pulled out a chair for Audrey, gesturing for her to take her seat on the prince's left side. Her assistant found a seat beside her, ensuring they were both comfortably settled. The prince took his place at the head of the table, a position befitting his status and authority.I think you should take a look at ραΠdαsnovel.cοm

As the guests settled into their seats, the aroma of the first course filled the air.

A delicate soup made from hearty root vegetables, flavoured with fragrant herbs and spices, was served in elegant porcelain bowls. The warmth of the soup enveloped their senses, providing comfort from the chilly northern climate.

Next came a platter of roasted venison, still glistening with savoury juices. The meat was expertly cooked, tender and succulent, accompanied by a side of roasted root vegetables and a drizzle of tangy cranberry sauce. 

The presentation was impeccable, with each element arranged with precision and artistry.

As the main course was enjoyed, another server appeared with a selection of cheeses. The cheeseboard showcased a variety of textures and flavours. Each slice was a delight, perfectly paired with a selection of fruits and crackers.

Finally, a dessert cart rolled in, displaying an array of sweet treats. 

Throughout the meal, the conversations between Audrey and Prince Baldwin flowed naturally, punctuated by moments of laughter and animated gestures.

As the meal came to a close, coffee and tea were served. The lingering aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, providing a comforting conclusion to the dining experience.

While Audrey enjoyed her coffee, an unexpected knock on the door interrupted the serene atmosphere. The sound resonated through the dining room, immediately capturing the attention of everyone present.

In response, the maids hurriedly made their way to the door, their footsteps echoing against the polished marble floor. With a gentle push, they swung the door open, revealing Mark, the man dressed in a sleek black uniform, standing on the threshold.

His presence alone hinted at the importance of his message.

In a hushed tone, Mark whispered something into Prince Baldwin's ear. The prince's expression shifted subtly, a flicker of concern crossing his features. He turned to face the guests at the table, his voice tinged with regret.

"Excuse me, everyone. It seems I am required elsewhere," Prince Baldwin announced, his tone tinged with urgency. "Please continue to enjoy your drinks."

With a brief nod, the prince swiftly left the dining room. His departure leaving a sense of intrigue and curiosity for everyone.

The room fell into a momentary silence.

Audrey sipped her coffee, contemplating the sudden turn of events. There was no doubt that something significant had transpired, warranting the prince's immediate attention.

She exchanged glances with her assistant. The unexpected turn of events had left them intrigued and eager to uncover the reason behind his abrupt exit.

Once the prince's footsteps faded away, Princess Reina, who had remained silent throughout the meal, finally broke the silence. 

"So, Audrey, I suppose my brother is doing just fine," Princess Reina remarked. Her voice carried a hint of longing and fondness, yearning for news about her sibling.

Audrey's momentary surprise was quickly replaced by a composed demeanour. She nodded, her voice filled with genuine respect, "Yes, Your Highness. His Majesty King Rizieri is an excellent ruler. His leadership and strategic prowess have brought about remarkable changes in the territory."

Audrey proceeds by sharing the tales of Riz's accomplishments. She delved into the technological progress that had taken place under his reign, describing the advancements in various fields. She also highlighted the expansion of the kingdom's territories, detailing the victories during the war.

Audrey's words painted a vivid picture of a kingdom that had flourished under King Riz's leadership.

Reina listened intently, her gaze fixed on Audrey, her expression a mix of admiration and longing.

"I see," Reina responded while sipping her tea. A hint of melancholy danced in her eyes.

She couldn't help but feel a bittersweet twinge as she heard of the progress and growth that had taken place in her absence. The pride for her brother's accomplishments was tinged with a touch of sadness for the time she had missed, unable to be a part of it.

"What about Russell? Any news on him?" asked Reina. Her other brother seemingly disappears into thin air. 

"The information regarding Russell is not within my knowledge, Your Highness," Audrey replied, her tone tinged with regret. "I am not involved in intelligence matters, and my focus has been primarily on diplomatic affairs. As far as I concern, the king has diverted most of the agents toward another task, leaving only a few working on finding him."

Reina nod her head, "I see. Thanks for the information, Lady Audrey," she said, her voice tinged with gratitude.