Chapter 236: 236. Night of the Banquet - 1
When the sun started to go down, spreading a warm golden light in the sky, the Emperor Heaven Palace turned into a stunning sight. The large dome, previously impressive, now glistened in the gentle twilight, decorated with numerous lights and flowers.
Colourful lanterns hang from the palace's tallest peaks, forming a radiant display that looked like a cascading river of stars descending. Every lantern was carefully made, featuring detailed designs that projected elegant patterns of light and shadow onto the walls of the palace.
As the moon rose in the distance, many people could be seen making their way towards the entrance of the royal palace. All these people were the guests who had been invited for the banquet.
Many of them wore colourful and beautiful clothes, while some appeared in completely black suits and there wasn't a lack of those who wore casual clothing.
What really mattered was the aura these people were emitting.
Each of them appeared to have a wild aura surrounding them, making these guests one-of-a-kind.
Erick and Princess Luma stood at the entrance of the royal palace, welcoming every guest. They also wore outfits appropriate for the crown prince and the Magus Kingdom's only princess.
Sometimes later, Orion and his family walked into the scene.
Orion wore a black suit with a necktie. His hair was neatly combed and well groomed.
Beside him walked Emily; she wore a long red gown and appeared much more beautiful than usual.
In the middle walked Ella; she wore a long blue frock and a crown-like hairband on her head.
Behind them were Barion and Olivia. They were in their official suits, not much fancy and not too casual either.
Aside from them, there were also some high-level family elders and some direct descendants who followed in their footsteps.
There were indeed some faces missing, and they were Famir, Ryfin, and Ron.
Unrelated to the Darkwood Family, they couldn't attend the banquet.
It wasn't that Orion's family didn't want to bring them; it was just that only blood-related family members could go on occasions such as this big. If they were to bring Orion's friends, then the royal family might feel insulted that they had brought some other people into the banquet, which was clearly meant for the VIPs.
There had been many occasions like that and everyone from big families and organisations followed this rule in one way or another.
Therefore, even if there wasn't a rule about not bringing other people aside from family members to these types of occasions, all the big organisations and super families silently follow this tradition.
"Magi, King of Blitz Haven, has arrived!"
As Orion's family came near the entrance of the royal palace, an announcement was made, causing the attraction of many to draw towards them.
But it only drew everyone's attention for a moment before everyone stopped looking at them.
Every major family and organisation was announced once they arrived near the entrance of the royal palace so it was common for the guests coming to hear such announcements and hence their calm reactions.
But Erick and Princess immediately reacted once they heard the announcement.
"Welcome, Uncle Barion, Aunt Olivia, Emily, Orion, and sweet little Ella."
As soon as Erick saw them, he welcomed them.
"Don't call me little; I am big now," Ella quickly pouted when Erick called her little.
Erick smiled wilyly. "Forgive me, Ella. How about I call you sweet Ella, then?"
"Hmm, that sounds nice," Ella nodded.
Orion laughed when he saw that.
"It seems you have been busy," he said to Erick.
Erick laughed lightly. "It's just my job. So many important people from all three domains are coming and this is the least I can do. At least when they would leave, they would think that they were not welcomed by mere guards but the Crown Prince of the Magus Kingdom."
Orion nodded. He believed Erick was right about that. The first impression was always an important thing and in this level of banquet, it was even more important.
"Alright, we will be going in then and I will hope to see you again after sometime," Orion said.
Erick gave him a thumbs up. "Don't worry, I will be there as soon as possible as soon as this matter is handled perfectly."
Orion nodded and was about to say something to him when a loud voice reached their ears.
"Magi, King of the Blackmist Haven, has arrived!"
Both of them turned to see that the Ravenclaw family led by Estor could be seen coming towards the entrance.
"Well, I have to go. See you later." Erick left with those before he and Princess Luma arrived before the Ravenclaw family and gave them a warm welcome.
"Let's wait for Estor's family," Barion said at that moment.
The Darkwood family stood at the side of the entrance so as not to block the path for other guests, and they waited for the Ravenclaw family.
After Erick and Princess Luma were done welcoming them, they immediately set towards Orion's family.
Estor had already noticed Barion's family waiting at the side, and he appreciated the small gesture.
"Barion, how have you been?" Estor immediately hugged Barion when they came close to each other.
"I am fine; how about you?" Barion replied.
Estor laughed. "I will live long enough, hahaha."
Barion nodded and said, "Let's head in then."
"Sure," Estor said.
After a little bit of talk with each other they began walking the entrance leading to the royal palace.
Emily and Olivia also spoke with Elyn, complimenting her beauty and outfit.
Elyn wore a long frock like Ella, but it was pitch black in contrast to her silver hair. However, that didn't diminish her beauty even a little bit; on the contrary, it made her look even more charming and beautiful compared to before.
The dark fabric accentuated her pale complexion and brought out the striking color of her eyes, which seemed to shimmer with a mysterious allure. As she moved gracefully across the entrance, her dress flowed elegantly behind her, capturing the attention and admiration of everyone present.
As the trio of Emily, Elyn and Olivia talked and laughed among themselves, they finally entered the royal palace.
***
Further down the entrance was an extended hallway, embellished with luxurious decor and illuminated by the gentle radiance of crystal chandeliers suspended from the lofty, rounded roof.
The walls were adorned with golden sconces, each one holding a flickering candle that contributed to the cozy atmosphere of the room.
As Orion and Elyn's family entered the scene, they were mesmerized by the beauty of the place. Their eyes widened in awe at the grandeur before them, especially Orion and Ella. The shimmering chandeliers cast a magical light across the room, reflecting off the crystal glasses and silverware, creating a mesmerizing dance of sparkles.
The hall was already filled with guests from all over the world, each adding to the vibrant designs of cultures and styles present at the banquet. Elegant gowns and finely tailored suits of various designs and fabrics highlighted the diverse origins of the guests present here.
Orion really felt like his house was like a beggar's place when compared to this beauty. But sadly, his excitement was short-lived as no sooner did they arrive in the hall, a shout full of malice targeted them.
"Well, well, look who decided to grace us with their presence," sneered a tall figure from across the room. The voice was dripping with disdain, causing the room to fall silent and all eyes to turn towards the source of the commotion.
A man, dressed in opulent attire that screamed of arrogance, stood with a smug expression, his eyes locked on Orion's family or one might argue at Orion specifically.
"The boy who murdered thousands of those commoners have just arrived," the man said with a playful tone. "Everyone, I feel very disgusted that royal family even invited a murderer like him to the banquet."
He added clicking his tongue. "Tsk, tsk, if not because I was force to come here, I wouldn't dare to come to a banquet where even a murderer was invited. Sigh, how low the royal family of the Magus Kingdom has fallen."
A complete silence fell over the hall as soon as the man uttered his venomous words and only the gasping sounds of the guests present here could be heard in that pin drop silent hall.
They were surprised and shocked at the same time that someone could say such bad things about Darkwood Family and more specifically the royal family. The man not only mocked Orion but also shamed the royal family in his mocking.
They couldn't imagine there exist such people like that. All the people present in the hall themselves had very high level identities but they wouldn't say such words to the royal family of the Magus Kingdom—they couldn't afford to do so.
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