85: Chapter 85: Princess Alice Enters! 93 Points! The Senate Observation Team!

Inside the banquet hall.

As the representatives from the Royal Family and The Senate arrived,

everyone's gaze was drawn once again, burning even more intensely than before.

Walking at the very front was Princess Alice.

She looked to be about twenty years old.

She had a tall, slender figure.

She wore a magnificent yet dignified royal gown, its primary color being the purple that symbolized the Tudor Royal Family, with the hem intricately embroidered with irises in gold and silver thread.

Most eye-catching of all was her long golden hair, which was as dazzling and pure as flowing sunlight, draped softly over her shoulders and shimmering under the lights.

Her face was exquisite, her skin fair, and her beautiful moon-like eyes tilted slightly at the corners, naturally carrying a hint of a sweet smile.

As her gaze shifted, she exuded an innate air of nobility and honor.

She stepped into the hall with elegant poise, nodding slightly to both sides as if taking a stroll in her own palace gardens.

Rowan looked over silently.

The faint glow of the system panel surfaced in his mind.

[93 Points]

93 points!

A royal princess is indeed extraordinary!

His gaze narrowed slightly; this Princess Highness not only possessed a noble status but her appearance and temperament were also top-tier.

Her score was even one point higher than Aria's current score.

However, although he had no small amount of interest in this royal princess, he still had some self-awareness.

Currently, he was just a minor Baron.

Thinking of getting with a princess?

He was still a long way off...

His attention fell more on the members of The Senate observation team behind the princess.

The five individuals had distinct temperaments, but all carried the steady and capable air of those who had long held high positions.

Most people present already knew their identities and backgrounds.

There were four male members.

Theodore Witton.

A member of the Duke Witton family, in his thirties, with brown hair and brown eyes, and a steady temperament.

Lucius Winter.

From the Duke Winter Family of the Southern Border, with a cold and stern face.

Eli Holmes.

From the Marquis Holmes Family of Weixino City in the Eastern Border, with a smile on his lips and shrewd eyes.

Kevin Brennan.

Representative of the Court Marquis Brennan Family, slightly older, with a serious expression and an extraordinary bearing.

But Rowan's gaze ultimately landed on the only female member among the five.

Vanessa Bryce.

From the Marquis Bryce Family of the Western Border.

She looked about twenty-three or twenty-four, with a voluptuous figure, wearing a boldly tailored moon-white backless evening gown that fully revealed her curvaceous silhouette.

Her long deep-chestnut hair was permed into charming large waves, lazily draped over her shoulders with a few stray strands hanging by her cheeks.

Her appearance was of that highly aggressive beauty.

Deep-set eyes, a high bridge of the nose, and full red lips.

Her entire being radiated a peculiar Charm that mixed maturity, sexiness, and wildness.

Especially those light brown eyes; with every glance, they seemed to carry hooks that could easily stir one's heart.

Quite the charming, high-glamour beauty.

[86 Points]

This score and her identity as a Senate observer made Rowan's heart stir slightly.

If there was an opportunity, perhaps he could get some intelligence from her.

A mere 86 points.

To his Level 3 Charm skill, it was not worth mentioning.

Every qualified incubus should be a master of intelligence.

...

All the big figures had finished their entrance.

The banquet officially began.

Melodious court music played, and waiters shuttled back and forth, serving fine wine and delicacies.

It was a harmonious scene of clinking glasses and social interaction.

However, beneath the magnificent crystal chandeliers, undercurrents did not stop surging.

The area where the Church people were located seemed to be in a world of its own, radiating a sense of aloofness that warned others not to approach.

Only a few local noble families who cooperated frequently in daily life went forward to offer toasts, and the topics mostly revolved around Church-related matters.

Aria almost never took the initiative to speak, only giving brief responses occasionally, her gaze cold and making her difficult to approach.

In contrast, as soon as Princess Alice entered, she was surrounded by enthusiastic nobles.

This naturally included Rowan and Mira.

As a vassal family directly under the Royal Family, approaching royal family members on such public occasions was both a matter of etiquette and a necessary gesture to show one's stance.

Princess Alice maintained impeccable royal etiquette toward the vassal nobles surrounding her.

She appeared calm and composed when responding to every noble who came forward to greet her, neither appearing overly warm nor making anyone feel neglected.

She seemed quite interested in the local customs and practices of Gino County, occasionally asking questions of the local nobles beside her.

When listening or answering, her expression was serious, and she would occasionally nod, appearing extremely well-bred.

When Rowan, accompanied by the radiant Mira, stepped forward to bow and greet the princess according to noble etiquette,

Princess Alice's gaze lingered a fraction longer on Rowan's impeccably handsome face, a flash of genuine amazement crossing her eyes, though it was quickly masked by a perfect ceremonial smile.

“You must be that Baron Flynn who is rumored to have slain Count Farrell?”

Princess Alice's voice was crisp and pleasant, carrying the unique elegant tone of the royalty. She raised her glass slightly in a gesture, her smile deepening a bit:

“Well done.”

“To be able to achieve such a feat at such a young age shows that the loyalty and bravery of the Flynn Family are indeed inherited through the bloodline.”

“I like it very much.”

Rowan maintained his slightly bowed posture, looking up to meet the princess's appreciative gaze, and said in a humble tone:

“Your Highness overpraises me.”

“Punishing evil and protecting the peace of the Empire is the duty of every Imperial noble.”

“Rowan was merely in the right place at the right time and got lucky; the ones who truly secured the victory were the divine might of the lords from the Church.”

“The Flynn Family has received royal grace for generations; we only know to be loyal to the Royal Family and the Empire.”

While answering, he habitually activated his Level 3 [Charm] skill, attempting to leave a slightly better initial impression in the princess's heart.

However, the feedback from his special incubus perception indicated

that the effect... was limited.

Princess Alice's entire body seemed to be shrouded in an invisible, resilient mental barrier, seemingly some kind of special protection.

“Baron Flynn is too modest.” Princess Alice chuckled, her gaze turning to Mira beside Rowan, her eyes appropriately showing a hint of sympathy and encouragement:

“This must be Miss Mesa? I am deeply sorry for what happened to the Mesa Family.”

“But please rest assured, the Empire and the Royal Family will never sit idly by while loyal vassals suffer calamity without doing anything.”

Mira hurriedly performed a salute, her voice trembling slightly with emotion:

“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness!”

“The Mesa Family will forever be grateful for the royal grace!”

After a brief conversation, Princess Alice turned her attention to the next noble waiting for an audience.

Rowan and Mira tactfully stepped back and blended into the crowd.

On the other side,

the five members of The Senate observation team were not idle either; they quietly dispersed, skillfully blending into different circles of the banquet.

Theodore Witton was chatting happily with several old-money nobles of Gino County, their topics vaguely involving territory and trade.

Lucius Winter was communicating in low tones with several nobles with military backgrounds.

Eli Holmes and Kevin Brennan were also extremely familiar with such scenes, handling them with ease.

And Vanessa Bryce, this beautiful lady observer from The Senate, became the focus of many male nobles at the banquet.

She navigated between different circles with ease, displaying a charming smile.

She seemed interested in everyone, yet also seemed to not truly care about anyone.

Only her gaze had seemingly unintentionally swept across the direction where the Church people were several times.

...