Chapter 61: Preparations Before the Banquet
Chapter 61: Preparations Before the Banquet
Evelyne spent the remainder of the day showing Andras around the Imperial Capital.
From bustling marketplaces filled with merchants from every corner of the Empire to elegant noble districts lined with magnificent estates, they visited countless places throughout Valtharis.
Every street seemed alive.
Crystal lamps decorated the avenues, enchanted fountains shimmered beneath the afternoon sun, and countless carriages carrying nobles and wealthy merchants traveled through the broad stone roads.
Although Andras maintained his usual calm expression, he quietly observed everything around him.
The Capital truly deserved its reputation as the heart of the Empire.
By the time the sun reached its highest point...
It was already lunchtime.
Mother and son enjoyed a leisurely meal at one of the Capital’s finest restaurants before continuing their tour.
Eventually...
Their carriage came to a stop before a magnificent building situated in the city’s cultural district.
Above its grand entrance hung an elegant golden plaque engraved with the words—
Moonlight Arts Production Company.
This was the company responsible for producing Portrait of the Forgotten Moon.
The building itself was unlike any ordinary business.
Artists carrying paintings moved between rooms.
Writers discussed scripts over stacks of parchment.
Actors practiced dialogue upon small rehearsal stages, while craftsmen carefully prepared elaborate costumes and stage props.
The entire company was filled with energy and creativity.
As soon as Evelyne entered, several employees immediately recognized her.
They bowed respectfully.
"Welcome, Your Grace."
Evelyne acknowledged them with a graceful nod.
"I’ve come to meet Director Aldren."
"Of course."
"This way, Your Grace."
The receptionist personally escorted them through several spacious corridors before stopping outside a large office.
A gentle knock sounded.
"Director."
"Her Grace, Duchess Darkmoor, has arrived."
"Please, show them in."
The door opened.
Inside sat a middle-aged man dressed in refined black robes. Numerous books, scripts, and sketches covered his desk, while shelves overflowing with theatrical manuscripts lined the walls.
The moment he saw Evelyne, he immediately stood.
"Your Grace."
"It is an honor to welcome you."
Evelyne smiled politely.
"Director Aldren."
"I apologize for keeping you waiting."
"Not at all."
"I’ve been eagerly awaiting your visit."
He turned toward Andras with curious eyes before offering another respectful bow.
"This must be Young Master Andras."
"It’s a pleasure to meet you."
Andras returned the greeting with a slight nod.
"The pleasure is mine."
After everyone had taken their seats, Evelyne opened her storage ring.
A neatly bound manuscript appeared in her hands.
"This is the script I mentioned in my letter."
"I promised to deliver it personally when I arrived in the Capital."
Director Aldren carefully accepted the manuscript.
His expression immediately became serious.
He slowly turned the first page.
Silence filled the office.
Minutes passed.
One page became ten.
Ten became thirty.
His eyes moved across every line with increasing concentration.
Occasionally, his expression shifted between surprise, admiration, and disbelief.
Eventually...
He gently closed the manuscript.
For several moments, he simply remained silent.
Then he looked toward Andras.
His voice carried unmistakable excitement.
"...Magnificent."
"This..."
"This is one of the finest scripts I have ever read."
He placed a hand upon the manuscript almost reverently.
"The dialogue."
"The pacing."
"The emotional progression."
"Everything flows naturally."
His eyes practically sparkled.
"I can already imagine the audience weeping before the final act."
He took a deep breath.
"You have my word."
"We will begin production immediately."
"I will personally oversee every stage of its creation."
"I intend to make this the greatest production of my entire career."
His gaze returned to Andras.
"You possess extraordinary imagination, Young Master."
"Your talent for storytelling is nothing short of remarkable."
Andras smiled faintly.
"I’m pleased you think so."
The three continued discussing the production for some time.
They exchanged ideas regarding casting, stage design, costumes, and the projected schedule.
Once every important matter had been settled, Evelyne rose gracefully to her feet.
"I’ll leave everything in your capable hands."
Director Aldren bowed deeply.
"You will not be disappointed."
Soon afterward, Andras and Evelyne departed from Moonlight Arts Production Company.
As the carriage rolled through the streets of Valtharis once more, the afternoon gradually faded into evening.
Golden sunlight bathed the Capital in warm amber hues before slowly giving way to dusk.
By the time they returned to the Darkmoor Mansion...
Dinner was already prepared.
The dining hall was brightly illuminated by crystal chandeliers.
Servants quietly arranged the evening meal before withdrawing once everyone had taken their seats.
Not long afterward...
Seris entered.
She greeted Evelyne and Andras politely before sitting beside them.
The atmosphere was noticeably more relaxed.
Although traces of awkwardness still remained, the tension between the siblings had eased considerably.
As they enjoyed dinner together, Andras suddenly spoke.
"Sister."
Seris looked up.
"Yes?"
"You recently returned from the Academy."
"Have you already prepared a birthday gift for Her Highness?"
Seris nodded.
"I have."
She smiled faintly before asking,
"What about you, Brother?"
"Have you prepared one as well?"
"I have."
Outwardly, Andras answered calmly.
Inwardly...
He spoke to the system.
System.
Show me Seris Darkmoor’s status.
A familiar notification appeared before his eyes.
[Ding!]
Name: Seris Darkmoor
Race: Human
Age: 19
Class: Warrior
Talent: Sword Saint’s Instinct (A+ Rank)
Realm: Peak Fourth Star Warrior
Andras quietly examined the status window.
Everything matched the information recorded in Rise of the Sword Hero.
Nothing had changed.
Satisfied, he dismissed the screen.
The family continued their meal while discussing the upcoming banquet.
Once dinner had concluded...
They each returned to their respective rooms to rest.
---
Two days passed peacefully.
Soon...
The long-awaited morning finally arrived.
Today...
Was the birthday of the Imperial Princess.
The day of the grand banquet.
As dawn’s first light filtered through the curtains, Andras slowly opened his eyes.
He rose from bed and made his way toward the bath.
Warm water washed away the last traces of sleep before he changed into fresh clothes.
When he returned to his room, Lyra was already waiting.
Upon the bed rested a set of formal attire specially prepared for the evening’s celebration.
Without a word, she carefully helped him put on each layer, ensuring every crease was perfectly straight.
Once she finished, she stepped back and smiled with satisfaction.
"You look wonderful, Young Master."
Andras glanced briefly at his reflection in the mirror before giving a small nod.
"It’ll do."
Without another word...
He left his room.
Today...
The Imperial Palace awaited.