Chapter 319: Volume 5 Lord’s Path - 8 Trap
Even with Duke Zellin’s special introduction, the group could still sense the cold indifference and contempt behind the façade. Almost no one was willing to engage in conversation with them, and even polite greetings were sparse and hurried, leaving the representatives feeling utterly humiliated and embarrassed. It seemed that Komer was accustomed to such treatment; fortunately, he still held the title of Baron and the status of a Lord, and occasionally some nobles showed curiosity about the infamous land of Caucasus, asking a few questions. As for the other representatives, they were like rotten cabbages discarded at a market, ignored and even looked upon with disgust.
The appearance of the silver-haired girl in a snow-white silk dress created a climax at the banquet. The young men surrounding her each had an air of nobility and were clearly born to aristocratic families with hereditary titles. Knight Sart naturally took his place among them, and another tall and slender young man also caught Komer’s attention.
Spotting Komer’s gaze circling around the silver-haired girl, a knight who had been keeping an eye on Komer’s movements was plotting how to exact revenge for the humiliation suffered at noon. Their plans had already failed, these people were of no value in the eyes of the Duke, and Komer was just a minor low-ranking noble. However, it was said that he possessed some magic skills, so the knight did not dare to underestimate him. A sinister smile appeared on Knight Sart’s lips.
"Your baron, gentlemen, you’re here to attend the birthday banquet as well?" he chuckled. "Princess Vero must be pleased to see you all. Come, this way, please. Princess Vero is over here. We Galleians always welcome guests from afar." Knight Sart, adorned in a snow-white knight’s attire with gold trim and a decorative knight’s stiletto angled across his broad black leather belt, beamed with joy, his blue eyes twinkling with mirth, seemingly thrilled about something.
As the man approached, Komer had a bad feeling, especially since his seemingly cheerful and open smile hid something tricky, which made Komer extra cautious. His own sharp words from the morning had caused Sart to lose face, and, if Sart looked for an opportunity to retaliate, it could well happen now. Fortunately, this was a public event, and he doubted Sart would stoop to dirty tricks. The honor and manners of a knight at least demanded outward respect, and as a noble by birth, Komer knew these men all too well.
Birthday? Princess Vero’s birthday? Including Komer, everyone was stunned; no wonder there were so many nobles at tonight’s event—it was Duke Zellin’s youngest daughter Princess Vero’s birthday, the silver-haired angel they had encountered that morning. Komer was surprised and worried, while those behind him mixed feelings of helplessness, shame, and humiliation. As the Lord had anticipated, Duke Zellin’s invitation had been nothing more than an offhand remark, and these Galle nobles had never really taken notice of them. Being at the birthday party for his youngest daughter uninvited and unprepared... what if...?
While everyone was lost in their thoughts, events unfolded according to the young knight’s plan. "Come, this way," he said, "you’ve already met Princess Vero this morning. Her mood isn’t so bright today; hopefully, the gifts from you gentlemen can bring her some joy. Look, Princess Vero has already noticed you."
As soon as he finished speaking, the others stiffened noticeably. Although Komer managed to stay composed, the faces of the few behind him turned pale, betraying their innermost fears and anxieties.
"Princess Vero’s birthday? Today is Princess Vero’s birthday?" Melbourne, timid and prone to panic, blanched. Even though he had purchased an inconsequential title of nobility with money, he was well aware that occasions like this high-society banquet—and especially a girl’s birthday party—required presenting the host with gifts as a means of blessing. Especially for someone as important as Duke Zellin’s most cherished daughter, every guest’s gift had to be of great value, and any lack of originality would be scorned by the other nobles.