Chapter 44: Banquet

  Nitaan took a deep breath and followed Colonel Lalanta into a long corridor adorned with dazzlingly expensive decorations.

  The walls, ceiling, floor, trees, and grass all exuded a beauty imbued with the fiery intensity of colors, mostly in the crimson shade, the color of the Firegan Kingdom.

  After passing the luxurious corridor, a magnificent crimson red palace unfolded before his eyes. Thousands upon thousands of high-quality bricks and stones formed its strong walls.

  The sheer size and luxury left Nitaan speechless with astonishment.

  The palace was constructed from fine marble, adorned with numerous high-end decorations and carvings. Many of the carvings emphasized the concept of fire. A powerful crimson energy enveloped the palace, as if it were engulfed in flames.

  Protected by fire should be more accurate.

  Nitaan took a closer look and realized that the palace's red color was due to the abundance of rare, light brown stones radiating heat, giving it a fiery appearance. Even the luxurious marble had hints of light brown.

  Just looking at it, one could feel the scorching heat, making Nitaan feel that the heat of the capital city was far more comfortable.

  The palace was surrounded by numerous formations and barriers. Hundreds and thousands of Engraved artifacts were stationed at various points, their power extending in layers, reinforcing the already strong walls into an impenetrable fortress.

  Nitaan and Colonel Lalanta didn't enter the crimson palace itself, but rather a smaller building at the front, yet also adorned with a level of luxury Nitaan couldn't have imagined.

  Behind it lay an even larger and more luxurious structure. Nitaan guessed it was the main palace, the residence of the royal family and the home of the direct heirs.

  The building Nitaan and the Colonel were entering was merely a banquet hall for guests.

  Upon reaching the building, two handsome servants respectfully clasped their hands together and opened the large doors for them. Nitaan suddenly understood the true meaning of "A whole new world."

  The sight before him as the doors opened felt like stepping into a whole new world.

  Colonel, in full military uniform, and Nitaan, dressed in a dark blue Raja Pattern suit, entered the event. He could hear his heart pounding with every step he took.

  The moment he stepped inside, Nitaan felt immense pressure and countless eyes fixed on them. Numerous energies enveloped him in an instant.

  All the energy surged into Nitaan's body. In a flash, it dissipated as Colonel Lalanta lightly flicked her hand.

  Nitaan maintained a composed expression, suppressing his panic. A slight, polite smile played on his lips as he followed Colonel Lalanta calmly.

  The gathering included people of various ages, from elderly individuals with wrinkled faces to those younger than Nitaan, likely in their teens.

  These were all leading figures in the high society of the Firegan Kingdom.

  An older man approached Colonel Lalanta. This elderly man was dressed in a sea-blue outfit. His face was wrinkled, and tiny scales surrounded his eyes.

  The old man laughed heartily as he greeted them:

  "Enlightened Sun Avatar Lalanta, it's been a long time. You haven't aged at all," the old man chuckled.

  "Enlightened Deep Nil, it's been a long time. I hope you are well." Colonel Lalanta smiled and clasped her hands together in a respectful greeting.

  "Of course, of course. I am still young and strong. I will live for many more hundreds of years," the old man named Nil laughed loudly.

  Nitaan secretly observed this old man. He was thin and slightly hunched over, and his face looked seasoned, more like a scholar than a warrior. Nitaan sensed no power from this old man. If he were walking past him in the city, he would think he is a Newborn.

  But judging from the honorable name Colonel Lalanta mentioned, this seemingly powerless old man was actually an Enlightened!

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  The moment Nitaan turned to look at the old man, the old man turned to look at Nitaan. A terrifying pressure weighed down on Nitaan and Kiita, making them dizzy. They felt as if they had been thrown into the ocean during a raging storm.

  Nitaan quickly regained his composure, Kiita shook his head slightly and returned to his normal self.

  "Lalanta, your boy is quite something," Nil said, raising an eyebrow in admiration.

  "Of course, otherwise I wouldn't have dragged him into this," Colonel Lalanta laughed.

  "It is a great honor to meet the esteemed Enlightened Deep. I am Nitaan Wongjantra, a member of Unit 3 in the City Guard Unit under Colonel Lalanta. My animal companion is Kiita Wongjantra," Nitaan respectfully bowed, maintaining his composure.

  "Ho, a 21-year-old Learner, but your spiritual energy is far from your peer. At least 3 words? Promising." With one glance, Nil is able to estimate Nitaan’s power.

  "You don't need to be so polite, young man. As a child, just go wild and have fun. Leave the frustrating task of socializing to old men like me," Nil laughed.

  "Nitaan, get to know him. This is Nil Tamilmatsha, one of the elders of the Tamilmatsha Great Family. His honorable name is Enlightened Deep," Colonel Lalanta introduced.

  Nitaan secretly took a deep breath. He'd felt uneasy when he heard the surname.

  "Well, since you said there was no need for formality, old man, what's the situation?" Colonel Lalanta suddenly spoke softly, but her face still wore a smile.

  "It's not good. The second prince finally becomes Enlightened. The comparisons to the fourth princess are increasing. Many generals have already switched sides," Nil said with a cheerful smile, as if the topic of conversation was perfectly normal.

  "What about the first prince?"

  "He hasn't sent anyone. It's like a subtle insult," Nil sighed.

  Nitaan broke out in a sweat. He felt he shouldn't be listening to this conversation at all.

  "Oh, I thought my eyes wronged me. It's Enlightened Sun Avatar Lalanta. Showing up at a social event? I thought all you thought about was killing and bloodshed." A mocking voice rang out from the crowd.

  An old woman walked towards them. She was dressed in a long black dress, slightly hunched over, her face showing the wrinkles of age. A mocking smile adorned her face.

  "You're still as old as ever, Salika. I told you back when we were in school to take care of your skin." Colonel Lalanta didn't back down, only returning a sarcastic smile.

  "Hmph. Just a bunch of muscle-brained idiots," Salika sneered.

  "Then you should exercise a bit, Salika. Your back is hunched over, and you have no manners befitting your position. Even I, a soldier, am disappointed," Colonel Lalanta laughed.

  The argument between the two strong individuals drew the attention of those around them. Nitaan suddenly flinched.

  This is a banquet, isn't it? Why is the atmosphere like this?

  Nitaan had been observing for a while. Although everyone's faces were smiling, the divisions were evident even from where they stood. Especially when the two factions talked, their faces were full of smiles, but their words were attacking each other.

  Everyone spoke disparagingly and directly, lacking any refinement. Only their outward appearance maintained some politeness.

  Nil, noticing Nitaan's expression, laughed and spoke telepathically.

  ‘Hey kid, this is your first time at an event like this, isn't it?’

  He can send telepathic messages? Don't tell me he heard me muttering all this time. Nitaan instinctively covers his mouth while Nil laughs.

  ‘My power is quite special. But I can't read minds. You don't need to worry about your thoughts leaking out. But there are those who can, so it's better to be cautious.’

  Nitaan nodded.

  ‘You must be wondering about this strange atmosphere, because the internal politics are a mini-war. Each side is attacking the other without mercy.

  ‘There are countless assassinations. Even the royal family has been dragged into it—no, they're actually the ringleaders. The royal family supports this internal war, as long as the queen allows it.’

  Nitaan tried to focus, sending a telepathic message through the channel he sensed the sound had come from.

  ‘And the queen allowed it?’

  ’Ho! You're quick-witted. You sensed the channel and responded,’ Nil chuckled softly.

  ‘The queen allowed it, you ask?’

  ‘Of course she did. She herself said that a ruler who hasn't experienced internal conflict can't be a good ruler.’ Nil laughed loudly.

  ‘As long as they don't do anything too cruel, don't affect the quality of life of the majority of the people, and don't plot rebellion, she won't stand in their way. She's even allowed numerous assassination attempts.’ The cheerful laughter continued.

  Nitaan's face contorted in a grimace. A sudden realization struck him.

  His appearance with Colonel was tantamount to declaring his entry into this war. Nitaan broke out in a cold sweat at the thought of the many complications that would follow.

  Colonel Lalanta, having just finished arguing, turned around and gave Nitaan a cunning smile.

  "There's no escaping it. If you intend to script your fate, you can't escape these kinds of troubles, unless you go into hiding in the forest." Colonel Lalanta grinned.

  "So, all this talk about me meeting the young lady, broadening my horizons, building connections…" Nitaan's face contorted.

  "It is for broadening your horizons. Have you ever participated in national-level politics? As for building connections, here it is! Get to know lots of people, just not in the way you're thinking." Colonel Lalanta laughed.

  Nitaan sighed. He understood that if he wanted to walk down this path, such things were unavoidable. Since he was close to Colonel Lalanta, indebted to her in many ways, and didn't have connections in high society, he had no choice but to side with her.

  Not that he minds about being in the same faction as Colonel Lalanta.

  Nitaan took a deep breath. Since he couldn't change anything, he could only go with the flow. At least he was still a Learner, a worthless pawn not even worthy of being on the chessboard. He wouldn’t become a target.

  "So, which side are we on?” Nitaan asked softly.

  Nil chuckled at Nitaan's quick adaptation, nodding slightly and turning towards the grand staircase of the palace.

  The tense atmosphere suddenly became quiet as the beautifully arranged torches along the grand stair blazed brightly.

  The sounds of the ranat ek and various other instruments began to play beautifully. Dozens of guards gathered at the bottom of the stairs and bowed respectfully.

  The large curtain above the stairs suddenly parted, and the figure of a woman slowly emerged.

  "There she is, our leader," Colonel Lalanta said.

  The resounding voices of the servants and guards echoed throughout the palace. Hundreds of servants knelt in unison, their heads bowed to the ground. The attendees all knelt respectfully, showing reverence to the Heir of Fire.

  This bloodline was the same as that of the ruler of the Crimson Throne, the bloodline inherited from the Lady of Fire, the bloodline of those who founded the Firegan Kingdom with her own two hands.

  Nitaan and Kiita hastily knelt as well.

  “O’Flame, who lightens up the world, O’Flame, who cleanses the Evernight!”

  “O’Flame, who lightens up the world, O’Flame, who cleanses the Evernight!”

  “O’Flame, who lightens up the world, O’Flame, who cleanses the Evernight!”

  A resounding voice brought everyone back to sense. The atmosphere filled with deception and lies instantly melted away, as if purified by the fire.

  “Princess Pailin Akni Firegan has arrived!!”