Chapter 243: Dinner
The palace dining hall was built for intimidation as much as hospitality.
A long table dominated the center of the room, with nine high-backed chairs arranged along its length. Each chair bore carved symbols that marked the rank and specialization of the nine-tailed elders who would occupy them.
Grim arrived precisely on time, having learned that punctuality was considered essential among fox spirits. Ruxi met him at the entrance, her expression carrying more tension than he had seen since their arrival.
"Remember," she said quietly, "they’re testing you tonight. Not just your knowledge or abilities, but your character and temperament. Some of them want you to fail."
"Which ones?"
"Elder Míngzhì, certainly. He’s believed for centuries that humans are inherently inferior and dangerous. Elder might support him—she’s suspicious of all foreigners. Elder Xuěhuā could go either way."
"And the others?"
"Elder Zhìhuì has been impressed by your political knowledge. Elder Cháng believes fresh perspectives strengthen the council. Elder Míngjìng remains neutral on most issues." She paused. "The remaining three will judge based on tonight’s performance."
Guards opened the dining hall doors, revealing the nine elders already seated around the table. Each possessed the nine tails that marked the highest level of fox spirit power, and their combined presence created an atmosphere of barely contained magical energy.
Húwáng sat at the head of the table. He gestured to an empty chair positioned directly across from Elder Míngzhì.
"Lord Ambrose," the king said formally, "welcome to our council table. Tonight you dine as our guest and potential ally."