79: Private Dinner

Chapter 79: A Private Dinner

The lodging Ailuo chose was a rather large inn located in the outer city.

Although the inn rooms couldn't accommodate the entire convoy, there was a spacious empty lot behind it, enough for the carriages and horses to set up camp and rest.

Jessica Hughes returned with Arthur, and along the way, he and Godwin couldn't fathom the intention behind her actions.

There was still some time before the dinner began, so Arthur prepared unhurriedly.

He first took a hot bath, then after a simple meal, he began selecting his entourage for the dinner.

Godwin was naturally to be brought along, and the escort duty was assigned to Philip and Flora.

Initially, he wanted to bring Drax along,

but Godwin reminded him that this was not like the Son of the Wolf's territory, and bringing a beastman might make the guests uneasy.

Arthur had no choice but to abandon that idea.

In the evening, with Vanka's help, Arthur donned the magnificent attire his mother had given him and set off for the banquet.

Rahman II's dinner was not as lavish or grand as Arthur had imagined.

As soon as Arthur and Godwin stepped into the banquet hall, they realized it was merely a private gathering.

Emile had invited only his trusted confidants, which made Arthur even more puzzled.

Fortunately, he quickly blended in.

With his outstanding appearance, dashing demeanor, and rich conversational topics, he quickly became the center of attention at the banquet—especially among the ladies.

Even Godwin couldn't help but sigh inwardly, feeling that his lord was like a changed man.

From the moment he entered the banquet, Arthur greeted everyone who passed by him politely.

If anyone was willing to chat for a few words, he would converse with them with a humble and sincere expression.

The topics of conversation were varied, from daily weather changes to the political climate,

from fashion matching to local customs, from political situations to military strategies—as long as the other party desired, there was nothing his lord couldn't discuss.

As time passed, more and more people gathered around Arthur, and his words became increasingly bold and even a little vulgar.

However, he always maintained a proper balance, managing to make everyone burst into laughter without losing his gentlemanly demeanor.

It wasn't until the banquet master-of-ceremonies loudly announced Emile's arrival that everyone's attention shifted from Arthur to the host of the banquet.

Rahman II's opening remarks were dry and uninteresting, but thankfully brief and to the point.

After the speech, the guests once again immersed themselves in food, music, and dance.

At this moment, Godwin finally noticed something amiss and wanted to inform Arthur, but he couldn't squeeze through.

Arthur noticed the Son of the Wolf's subordinates and apologized to the enthusiastic noblewomen: "Alright, ladies, please forgive me.

"I cannot bring joy only to you; the gentlemen also need my company."

"Don't mind them, Arthur," said a bejeweled noblewoman, "Men only talk about politics, money, and military matters.

"We are different; what we talk about will absolutely make your heart pound."

"I believe that, but ladies, I am parched. How about I go get a drink?"

"I have something more thirst-quenching here," another woman said with a laugh.

Her words immediately made the other ladies giggle, and some younger, more conservative women, though blushing, couldn't help but secretly glance at Arthur.

Arthur finally managed to escape from the group of enthusiastic noblewomen, and Godwin quickly pulled him aside to an inconspicuous corner.

"I know what Rahman II is up to," Godwin whispered, "He wants to conspire with his confidants about important matters.

"But I really can't figure out why he wouldn't discuss it in the palace, but rather choose a dinner party?"

Arthur chuckled, teasing: "It seems you rarely get invited to banquets, Godwin.

"Haven't you heard that many important matters are decided over drinks?

"The most crucial point is that when discussing matters in the palace, one inevitably encounters a few annoying individuals.

"This ensures that the conversation partners are all people one enjoys being with. One can't invite annoying people to a banquet, can one?"

Godwin nodded, "Indeed, that makes a lot of sense."

"Also, at a banquet, one can talk to everyone.

"This makes it very difficult for people to notice who you are actually talking to, or what you are discussing."

"So, why did he invite us here?"

Arthur patted Godwin's shoulder, comforting him: "Don't worry, relax. You look like you're attending a funeral, not a banquet.

"Go have a drink, and talk to more people. I'm sure he'll come looking for me soon."

Just as Arthur expected, after Rahman II finished speaking with his cabinet ministers, he walked directly towards him.

"Ah, Son of the Wolf, I can see you are enjoying this banquet very much."

Arthur respectfully bowed, "Thank you for your generous hospitality."

"Come, young man, will you take a walk with me in the garden?" Rahman II said, "I'll show you my proudest fountain."

"It would be an honor."

Flanked by three nobles and five guards, Arthur and Rahman II walked together towards the garden outside the banquet hall.

"You must be very curious why I invited you to the dinner, aren't you?" Rahman II spoke first.

Arthur feigned confusion.

"Your brother," Rahman II gestured, and a noble immediately presented a letter, "Henry of the Black Marsh,

"He wrote to tell me that there is an imperial fugitive hidden in your convoy."

Arthur sneered inwardly, but his expression remained unchanged: "So that's it. I think Henry was worried about my safety, so..."

"Alright, young man, stop pretending."

"Henry's letter meant the same as what you said; he was worried you were being deceived and hoped I could help.

"But I am not a fool, nor do I wish to be treated as one.

"Your brother and I have a good relationship, but he overestimates himself too much."

Rahman II stopped and pointed ahead: "Look, young man."

Arthur followed his gesture, and under the illumination of the lights, the water screens gushing from twelve bronze lion-headed fountains intertwined into a crystal-clear water curtain.

Water droplets fell into the mosaic-tiled reservoir, creating ripples.

The central sailboat, carved from malachite and agate, appeared to be cutting through waves in the ocean.

"My ancestors were once the most outstanding merchants," Rahman II said, "They once sailed across the Sea of Radiance.

"Now, their descendants are trapped in the wilderness and grasslands; how tragic!"

After his lament, Rahman II changed the subject, "Son of the Wolf, I have long heard of your deeds.

"You not only gained the approval of the Mother Earth Church and became a saint, but you also foiled a shocking conspiracy.

"I—no, I and the Bull Family—are all hoping that you can establish yourself in Qingfeng Valley."

"May I ask why?"

"The reason is simple: Qingfeng Valley has always been a threat to both our families.

"Strange things happen from time to time in the border areas between us and Qingfeng Valley.

"Lost villagers, frenzied beast-humans, scattered undead creatures—these were all commonplace.

"But half a year ago, the situation took a sharp turn for the worse; it was no longer individual villagers disappearing, but entire villages;

"Large numbers of beast-humans appeared in towns, and swarms of undead creatures roamed the border, even.

"We had no choice but to continuously build outposts along the border, and even construct small fortresses, to deal with these problems."

Rahman II paused, looking intently at Arthur: "And your arrival has given us a turning point.

"Initially, I was still somewhat skeptical, but seeing capable people like Jessica Hughes willing to serve you, my doubts vanished."

"So you arrested Jessica Hughes just to confirm her identity?" Arthur probed.

"Don't say that, Son of the Wolf; as Emile, I still have to follow the official procedures.

"Alright, Son of the Wolf, enjoy the dinner. We will discuss in detail tomorrow; Count Bull will also be present then."

Just as Rahman II was about to leave,

Arthur pulled out the engagement ring: "This ring should be your son Forni's lost one."

Rahman II took the ring, examined it carefully for a moment, and a relieved smile appeared on his face: "I thank you on behalf of my son, Baron."