Regaleon: The Forgotten Knight

Chapter 135: Banquet

The banquet commenced during the early hours of the night.

By then, the blazing sun had long since surrendered its dominion to the evening sky, allowing a tranquil darkness to descend upon the capital. Above Castle Valehart, countless stars shimmered like scattered diamonds across an endless expanse of midnight blue, while a silver crescent moon bathed the sprawling estate in gentle radiance.

Throughout the castle grounds, hundreds of enchanted lanterns suspended from marble archways and ornate pillars illuminated every pathway with a warm golden glow. Their soft light danced across crystal fountains and polished white stone, lending the entire estate an almost ethereal magnificence.

Within the heart of the castle stood the Grand Banquet Hall.

The enormous chamber was nothing short of an architectural masterpiece.

Its soaring vaulted ceiling vanished nearly thirty meters overhead, upheld by colossal marble columns intricately engraved with ancient runes depicting the glorious history of House Valehart.

Between every pair of pillars hung magnificent crimson banners embroidered with golden thread, each proudly bearing the rampant lion crest that had symbolized the House’s authority for centuries.

Suspended beneath the ceiling floated towering crystal chandeliers, each housing hundreds of radiant Aether Crystals whose brilliance rivalled daylight itself.

Their dazzling illumination cascaded across polished marble floors so immaculate that they reflected every noble present as though the ground had transformed into a flawless mirror.

A long crimson carpet stretched from the entrance all the way toward the elevated High Table upon a broad marble dais at the far end of the hall.

Dozens of exquisitely crafted banquet tables occupied either side of the carpet in impeccable symmetry. Every table had been fashioned from rare white oak imported from the eastern provinces, while each chair was upholstered in deep crimson velvet embroidered with delicate golden motifs.

Upon the tables rested an extravagant assortment of delicacies gathered from every corner of Valoria.

Roasted Moonhorn Venison glazed with aromatic herbs, golden River Trout seasoned with fragrant spices, crystal Pheasants roasted alongside rare mountain peppers... And freshly baked loaves of buttered bread, their warmth still rising into the air.

Countless varieties of exotic fruits, pastries, cheeses, and desserts surrounded glittering silver platters, while crystal goblets overflowed with aged wines and freshly pressed fruit nectars.

The intoxicating fragrance alone was enough to awaken anyone’s appetite.

Tonight was no ordinary feast.

It was a banquet held in honour of Goldric Valehart’s return after nearly a decade away from the capital.

Naturally, nearly every influential member of House Valehart had gathered.

The seating arrangement itself reflected the rigid hierarchy maintained within the House.

At the centre of the elevated High Table sat Patriarch Valdric Valehart, occupying the seat of supreme authority. To his immediate right sat Lady Seraphina, while Cedric occupied the seat beside his mother. Goldric, as both Valdric’s younger brother and the guest of honour, sat directly to the Patriarch’s left, with Maverick beside him.

Behind the High Table stood several trusted attendants awaiting commands at a moment’s notice.

Below them sat the elders of House Valehart at the foremost tables nearest the dais. Beyond them were the branch family heads, distinguished commanders, senior officials, honoured scholars, accomplished cultivators, and numerous other influential figures whose achievements had earned them seats within the hall.

No position had been assigned carelessly; every chair represented status, and every table reflected influence.

Tonight, hierarchy itself had become visible.

Having returned to the capital, both Goldric and Maverick had naturally exchanged their travelling attire for garments befitting the occasion.

Goldric wore a stately midnight-black noble robe woven with intricate golden embroidery depicting countless intertwined lions and ancient runic motifs.

Draped across his shoulders rested a magnificent crimson mantle fastened by an exquisitely crafted lion-shaped clasp of pure gold, while an ornate ceremonial sword adorned with polished sapphires hung elegantly at his waist.

Though the years had left subtle traces upon his features, they had only deepened the natural dignity and quiet authority he carried as one of House Valehart’s foremost figures.

Beside him sat Maverick.

Gone were the travel-worn clothes he had worn throughout the journey.

Instead, he was dressed in an immaculate white noble robe tailored perfectly to his lean frame. Delicate golden embroidery traced elegant patterns along the sleeves, collar, and hem, while a fitted black inner garment accentuated the refined simplicity of the outer robe. Around his waist rested a broad crimson sash from which hung an exquisitely crafted ceremonial sword bearing the crest of House Valehart.

His shoulder-length golden hair had been neatly tied behind him with a simple golden ribbon, allowing his striking features to stand out even more beneath the brilliance of the crystal chandeliers.

Combined with his calm golden eyes and naturally composed bearing, the young man possessed an understated nobility that quietly drew more than a few lingering gazes throughout the hall.

In fact, since entering the banquet hall alongside Goldric, Maverick had unknowingly become one of the evening’s principal centrepieces.

Although conversations continued uninterrupted, countless pairs of eyes discreetly drifted toward him from every corner of the hall.

Some gazes carried curiosity, others reflected admiration while a few concealed unmistakable scepticism.

But above all, the hall remained charged with an atmosphere of palpable expectancy and restrained intrigue.

Suddenly, a sharp crystalline chime echoed gently throughout the banquet hall.

CLINK! CLINK!! CLINK!!!

The sound came from Valdric lightly tapping the rim of his crystal goblet with a slender silver utensil.

Though the chime itself was far from loud, it somehow carried effortlessly to every corner of the immense chamber, gradually drawing conversations to a halt.

Within moments, silence settled over the gathering...

Satisfied that he had everyone’s attention, Valdric slowly rose from his seat.

His gaze swept across the assembled elders, commanders, branch family heads, and honoured guests before finally settling upon the man seated to his left.

A warm smile spread across his face.

"My friends and family, tonight is a joyous occasion."

He paused briefly, allowing the significance of his words to settle upon the audience.

"For nearly ten years, my younger brother has stood watch over the Frozen North, not merely in service to House Valehart, but in defence of the northern frontier of our Great Kingdom. As many of you know, the Frozen North is a land where comfort is a luxury few can afford. Endless blizzards, ruthless beasts, and constant vigilance define everyday life there. To shoulder such a responsibility for nearly a decade is no ordinary accomplishment. So tonight, as Patriarch of House Valehart and more importantly... As his elder brother, I welcome him home."

A wave of approving nods spread throughout the hall...

Throughout the speech, Goldric remained quietly seated with his expression scarcely changed.

His posture remained impeccably straight, while his composed eyes revealed neither pride nor embarrassment.

Only when Valdric spoke the words welcome him home did the corner of his lips lift into the faintest of restrained smiles before disappearing once more.

It was a smile born more of courtesy than sentiment...

Valdric’s smile broadened as he continued calmly.

"Much has changed during these past ten years. Our House has grown stronger, our younger generation has flourished, and now, my brother has finally returned to us."

He slowly raised the crystal goblet in his hand. "To my brother... And to his safe return from the Frozen North."

The hall erupted almost immediately.

"To Lord Goldric!"

"Welcome home!"

"Cheers!"

Hundreds of crystal goblets rose into the air before colliding together, producing a magnificent chorus of crystalline chimes that reverberated beneath the vaulted ceiling.

Goldric likewise lifted his goblet.

"Thank you."

His reply was concise and simple, entirely characteristic of the man himself.

Beside him, Maverick quietly followed suit.

However, truthfully, he found himself rather puzzled.

Had he not known better, he would have assumed this banquet had been arranged to celebrate their survival of some world-shattering calamity rather than a simple return from the Frozen North.

The grandeur of the occasion felt almost excessive. Not that he disliked it; he merely found it... Unnecessary.

Nevertheless, seeing everyone else raising their glasses, he silently followed his father’s lead before taking a measured sip.

Moments later, the lively atmosphere gradually returned.

Conversations once again filled the magnificent hall.

Laughter echoed beneath the crystal chandeliers as servants moved gracefully between the banquet tables, replenishing goblets, replacing empty platters with fresh delicacies, and attending to every guest with impeccable precision, while the musicians upon the elevated platform resumed their elegant performance, allowing soft melodies to drift effortlessly through the hall once more...