Chapter 102: The Trap
Within the old European hall, where a long table stood at the center, three guests were seated.
Two of them wore black tuxedos, resembling old British nobles. At the same time, the third was a silver-haired woman dressed in a Victorian-style gown.
The last one was none other than Atherna, seated at the head of the table, awaiting her meal.
Maximilian, now dressed in a black tuxedo, wore a solemn expression as he carried a tray of food in his hands.
He walked briskly toward the guests and began serving the food, starting at the head of the table, the seat reserved for the most influential person.
Maximilian gently placed the tray down and removed the cover with elegance.
"Why are you here?" he whispered.
"I’m one of the three judges!" Atherna replied with a wide grin. She couldn’t outright say that she was there to help him.
Maximilian sighed but said nothing more. He moved on to the other two guests and served the food he had prepared, then stepped to the side to await his competitor.
Next, a middle-aged man with a slight mustache entered, dressed in a butler’s tuxedo. He walked with perfect posture, exuding the air of a true professional.
The man served the guests with subtle interactions, eye contact, and measured gestures, making each guest feel valued and respected while maintaining the proper distance.