Chapter 23: Duet.
"Being a simple sailor I can't compete with the exquisiteness of the minister of justice, who last year surprised everyone with the party of the century. And most likely no one can nor will, at least not for a decade or two."
During the lengthy speech Newman had complimented basically everyone at the main table, and it was time to say something nice about Clair Ironfist.
Obviously he couldn't praise her looks, but she was still satisfied and happily blushed, and waved towards the maritime minister, acknowledging the compliment. Last year's New Year celebration was a great success, and she spent a fortune to make sure it went that way.
After spouting a bunch of nonsense, Newman was finally about to end his speech. He said, "We all have our own strengths and tonight I'll allow my humble self to show off mine, letting you sample the best sea delicacies there are in the world! But before that, let us raise our glasses and wish our beloved Emperor all the best! Thank you, Your Majesty, for taking care of us!"
Lee was surprised to see the emperor standing up and gulping down the wine, but his guess was that the current informal event was some kind of tradition. And even though everyone still sucked up to the Imperial Majesty, the man felt more approachable than ever.
The next part came as another surprise. Newman wasn't bragging for nothing, and turned out to be a true gourmet. While the soup and afterwards the cutlets the servants rushed to serve, looked rather plain, they were delicious to the point no one said a word during the meal.
Only the host quickly clarified the soup being made from some rare turtle, and the main dish from the liver of the same waletaur whose bones were used to decorate the place.
Lee easily wolfed down his portions and began to eye Drevin's, who for some reason was the only one present to not even sample any of the dishes. He continued to drink though, but luckily did it in silence. The argument with his brother also was over, since Lance pretended to ignore him, and similar to Lee, focused on the meal.
Just when Lee started to wonder what kind of exotic dessert he was about to experience, servants cleaned the tables, brought large amount of alcohol and snacks, and the actual party could finally begin. According to Tess this was the moment the members of the younger generation would perform, and two of them, Cecil Ironfist and Helen Newman, already rushed towards the stage without an invitation.