Chapter 190: The Last Banquet In The Empire (1)

Chapter 190: The Last Banquet In The Empire (1)

Rays life didnt change much during his additional week at the imperial court.

After meals, he buried himself in the library, reading books.

Since the library was exclusive to the empire, he decided it was best to take advantage of it and read as much as possible.

As he quietly read, someone approached him.

Are you here again today?

Turning his head, he saw Princess Celia.

She brought her book to the seat next to him and said, somewhat surprised,

You really like books, dont you?

Theres nothing else to do.

Why not go outside, as the Emperor suggested?

Eh, whats there to do outside? Lounging inside is the best.

Despite calling it lounging, he diligently read.

Princess Celia murmured in response to his words,

Thats true. Reading does provide comfort.

Sensing something unsettled in her words, Ray asked,

Do you need some comfort?

Considering the state of the imperial court, yes.

She smiled awkwardly, as if embarrassed by her admission.

After all, she was also a member of the imperial family.

Is there another issue?

An issue? The nobles are gathering, somewhat strangely

Ray tilted his head at Celias words.

It wasnt unusual for nobles to gather, especially during a time of intensified power struggles. Even under house arrest, there would be those wanting to align with the royals.

But it seemed she was worried about more than just their gathering.

They must be up to something.

Yes, but I dont know what yet. I just hope its not another big problem

Even under house arrest, theyre still plotting.

Thats true.

But Celia knew that, yet she couldnt easily dismiss the anxiety she felt.

Facing unknown threats is also a role of the imperial court, even though the cause may lie within the court itself

Do you have any good ideas?

Not really But we need to know what theyre planning to prepare, dont we?

Staying here reading wont change anything.

Ray spoke seriously, unlike his usual demeanor.

Get a grip. Its good to find solace in books, but now is the time to act. Youre an imperial princess, arent you? You must protect your own country.

Celia hesitated for a moment.

Can I really do well?

I dont know. But staying here reading wont make things better.

I see.

Realizing something from his words, Celia began to muster her resolve, little by little.

Someone couldnt always protect the empire for her.

Hoping for a savior or a miracle wouldnt bring growth.

Thinking about it, she had always comforted herself by reading, but how often had she actually taken action?

Celia clenched her fist.

I cant run away!



Tomorrow, the saint will be leaving the empire! I hope that everyone here will not forget the grace the saint has bestowed upon us!

As he raised his glass, the nobles did the same.

After the emperor sipped, everyone toasted.

Only then did the banquet fully commence.

Ray approached the emperor and casually said,

Didnt you spend more on this banquet than on the martial arts festival?

The banquet was exceptionally lavish.

Renowned musicians played, and even the imperial garden served as part of the venue, a scale unimaginable for most kingdoms.

The emperor laughed heartily.

The saint is departing. Shouldnt we at least show this much respect to the Holy Kingdom?

It was more about persuading the determined saint to stay than saving face.

Aware of the emperors intent, Ray chuckled softly.

Thanks for the banquet. Its nice to enjoy one after so long. Oh, and

He searched his pocket.

He withdrew a piece of fine parchment with burn marks and meticulous script.

As the emperor looked on curiously, Ray continued,

This is a contract written in mana by the Wyvern Lord. As long as the empire doesnt provoke the wyverns first, there wont be any sudden attacks.

Handing over the parchment, the emperor took it with trembling hands.

This What is this Wyvern Lord? What does that mean

Dealing with the wyverns had been a long-standing issue for the empire.

The conflict between the two species had been ongoing for hundreds of years and was not easily resolved.

Was it really the saint, not even a member of the empire, who had solved this?

Faced with this unbelievable reality, the emperor looked at the parchment several times.

If what Ray said was true, and wyvern attacks ceased, trade routes under the Wyvern Mountains could be used, drastically reducing costs and ensuring safety.

Moreover, with many traders using the Wyvern Mountains route, the capital would become even more lively.

What the saint had done was not only eliminate the wyverns irregular attacks, saving unnecessary military expenditure but also safely open up an unused trade route.

In some ways, this was an even greater feat than curing the emperor.

The emperor looked at Ray with a mix of astonishment and awe.

Please keep this a secret. When I return to the Holy Kingdom, Ill get scolded for meddling in other countries affairs.

As if already hearing the scolding, he idly fiddled with his ear.

Whose words would I dare defy! Yes, it must be kept secret! Utterly confidential!

The emperor had already become his devoted follower.

He suddenly stood up.

I shouldnt be idling here! Thank you, saint. I will never forget this debt, not even if a lifetime passes!

He wished the emperor would just forget it.

With those words, the emperor, accompanied by a few nobles, headed out, probably to deal with the newly opened Wyvern Mountains.

As the emperor left, the nobles began to move more actively.

Young nobles conversed in groups, while the older ones gathered with familiar faces to forge connections.

Princess Celia, too, made an effort, mingling and chatting with them.

There were no longer any concerns.

Now, it was up to the emperor and Celia to lead well.

Maybe its time to head in.

With that thought, he set down his glass.

But the nobles wouldnt just let the saint be.

As he quietly turned to leave, several figures approached him.