Chapter 138: 138 Banquet (Sixth update, seeking subscriptions!)_l
Chapter 138: 138 Banquet (Sixth update, seeking subscriptions!)_l
Translator: 549690339
“Colin, I guess I can’t attend the banquet tonight, can I?”
Vera asked as she straightened the collar of the man’s clothes.
By now, Colin had already changed into a standard black nobleman’s tailcoat. He hugged Vera and gave a light kiss on her soft red lips.
“Yes, right now you are a ‘severely injured’ person, so you obviously can’t attend the banquet.”
“Fine.” Vera pouted, seemingly a little aggrieved, but she soon asked in confusion, “But I’ve shown up in front of the Half-Elf nobles many times before, they must know that I’m not severely injured, right?” “Silly girl, sometimes lying isn’t about making others believe.”
“Then what is it for?”
“It’s to give each other an unspoken way out.”
The confusion in Vera’s eyes didn’t lessen.
Colin smiled and ruffled the young girl’s hair: “The Eastern Province knows we’re lying, and we know they know we’re lying, but as long as Silver Moon City is still in our hands, they have to treat our lie as truth.”
Vera understood, and then she became somewhat worried: “What if the Eastern Province Army takes Silver Moon City?”
“In that case, whatever lies they tell will become reality.” Colin said lightly, and his tone then became firm, “But as long as I’m here, they’d better not think about taking Silver Moon City!”
“Yeah, I trust you.”
When night fell, the Half-Elf Palace became lively again.
Although they had just experienced a fierce military coup, the enthusiasm of the Half-Elf nobles for the banquet hadn’t receded at all.
Tonight, Queen Isa was wearing a purple rose-patterned evening dress that revealed her smooth, fair back. She was very tall, and a pair of silver high heels made her look like a lonely, proud swan. The presence made all the men present feel ashamed and dared not stand beside her.
After carefully dressing up, the radiant Queen Isa raised her cup and said loudly: “Ladies and Gentlemen, please allow me to introduce a distinguished guest from the Eastern Province of the Glorious Empire—Viscount Auston!”
Loud applause ensued.
Viscount Auston looked around, bowed gracefully and saluted.
Next, the Viscount from the Eastern Province also raised a glass of champagne, and said loudly:
“On this occasion, I am here on behalf of Marquis Vincent, for the peace of
Silver Moon City, for the friendship between the Eastern Province and the Half-Elf Kingdom, and of course, to admire Her Majesty Queen Isa! Let’s toast to lasting peace and friendship, and to the everlasting youth of Her Majesty the
Queen!”
“Here’s to lasting friendship!”
“Long live the Queen’s everlasting youth!”
The atmosphere of the banquet gradually warmed up.
Queen Isa, leading Colin, came before Viscount Auston, introducing with a radiant smile, “Viscount Auston, allow me to introduce, this is Viscount Angler from the North Territory.
Both of you are Viscounts of the Empire, I believe you must have a lot in common.”
Viscount Auston extended his hand to Colin with a laugh, “Of course, to be honest, I’ve been hearing a lot about Viscount Angler for a long time.”
Colin also shook hands with him with a smile, saying, “Oh? I wonder what kind of reputation you’ve heard about me?”
“Of course a good one. I heard that you once fought alongside Marquis Garcia on the Sky Ice Plain, defeating a Troll Army of three hundred thousand!” “Haha, that was all Marquis Garcia’s credit, I just happened to be there to join in the fun.
“You are too modest.” Viscount Auston’s smile suddenly became somewhat ambiguous, “Besides, I have also heard something about your close relationship with Miss Vera!”
“It is indeed true that I have a deep admiration for Miss Vera.” Colin nodded and admitted. After all, having proposed to her once, it didn’t make sense to deny it anymore.
“I wonder how severe is the injury Miss Vera sustained this time?”
“It is indeed quite severe. Although there is no immediate threat to her life, she will need to recuperate for a considerable period of time.”
“Ah! I heard that Miss Vera was attacked in an assassination attempt. Who could be so brazen?” Viscount Auston’s face showed unmistakable outrage.
“It was Prince Topaz.”
“Prince Topaz?” Viscount Auston exclaimed in surprise, “Isn’t he Miss Vera’s fiancé?” “Yes.”
“But why…”
“Because he discovered that I was Vera’s first man.
“…” Faced with Colin’s candidness, Viscount Auston found himself at a loss for words.
Before coming here, he had of course heard from Count Evan about the events that had transpired in Silver Moon City.
He also knew that everything had started from the virginity test that unfolded within the Queen’s bedchamber.
However, just like everyone else, Viscount Auston found Prince Topaz’s sudden violent reaction to be rather outlandish.
Now, after hearing Colin admit to his secret love affair with Vera, he found a growing sense of confusion within him.
“Viscount Angler, forgive my frankness, but I find it hard to believe that Prince Topaz would attempt to murder someone because he discovered your secret relationship with Vera. This reason…it seems far-fetched.”
Colin merely smiled, then suddenly lowered his voice: “Then would you like to know the true reason why Topaz committed murder?”
“What is it?” Viscount Auston instinctively leaned forward, asking softly.
“That’s because…” Colin whispered into Viscount Auston’s ear, “Topaz was acting under the instruction of Duke St. Hilde. He wanted Vera to die within the Half-Elf Palace! ”
“That…that’s impossible…” Viscount Auston sat there, wide-eyed, struggling to believe Colin.
However, seeing the serious look on Colin’s face, as well as the approving gaze of Queen Isa at his side, Viscount Auston sobered up, pondering carefully over every word.
Suddenly, he realized that perhaps it was indeed the truth.
“So Duke St. Hilde…done this to justify his invasion of the Half-Elf Kingdom?”
“Yes,” replied Colin solemnly, “I loathed the idea of Vera meeting her untimely death, so I risked my life to save her.”
“I see…” It was only then that Viscount Auston felt everything made sense.
But then another doubt surfaced – why would Colin tell him all this?
Seeing the confusion written across Viscount Auston’s face, Colin spoke again, “Sir, why I’m telling you all this is because I want you to understand that I have gone against the wishes of Duke St. Hilde in order to save Miss Vera.
An unfortunate consequence of this is the fall of the Dark Cavalry in Shadow Gorge.
So, it is safe to say that Duke St. Hilde’s plans to usurp the Half-Elf Kingdom have essentially failed.
My worry now is…”
“You fear that Duke St. Hilde will turn his anger onto you?” Viscount Auston thought he finally understood Colin’s actions.
“Yes,” Colin nodded repeatedly.
After a moment of hesitation, he lowered his voice, “Would you be able to deliver a message to Marquis Vincent for me?”
“Please go ahead.”
Colin clenched his teeth, as if making a resolute decision: “I wish to pledge my allegiance to the St.. Prowse family!”