The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 319: Volume 5 Lord’s Path - 8 Trap

Chapter 319: Volume 5 Lord’s Path Chapter 8 Trap

Even with Duke Zellin’s special introduction, the group could still sense the cold indifference and contempt behind the façade. Almost no one was willing to engage in conversation with them, and even polite greetings were sparse and hurried, leaving the representatives feeling utterly humiliated and embarrassed. It seemed that Komer was accustomed to such treatment; fortunately, he still held the title of Baron and the status of a Lord, and occasionally some nobles showed curiosity about the infamous land of Caucasus, asking a few questions. As for the other representatives, they were like rotten cabbages discarded at a market, ignored and even looked upon with disgust.

The appearance of the silver-haired girl in a snow-white silk dress created a climax at the banquet. The young men surrounding her each had an air of nobility and were clearly born to aristocratic families with hereditary titles. Knight Sart naturally took his place among them, and another tall and slender young man also caught Komer’s attention.

Spotting Komer’s gaze circling around the silver-haired girl, a knight who had been keeping an eye on Komer’s movements was plotting how to exact revenge for the humiliation suffered at noon. Their plans had already failed, these people were of no value in the eyes of the Duke, and Komer was just a minor low-ranking noble. However, it was said that he possessed some magic skills, so the knight did not dare to underestimate him. A sinister smile appeared on Knight Sart’s lips.

"Your baron, gentlemen, you’re here to attend the birthday banquet as well?" he chuckled. "Princess Vero must be pleased to see you all. Come, this way, please. Princess Vero is over here. We Galleians always welcome guests from afar." Knight Sart, adorned in a snow-white knight’s attire with gold trim and a decorative knight’s stiletto angled across his broad black leather belt, beamed with joy, his blue eyes twinkling with mirth, seemingly thrilled about something.

As the man approached, Komer had a bad feeling, especially since his seemingly cheerful and open smile hid something tricky, which made Komer extra cautious. His own sharp words from the morning had caused Sart to lose face, and, if Sart looked for an opportunity to retaliate, it could well happen now. Fortunately, this was a public event, and he doubted Sart would stoop to dirty tricks. The honor and manners of a knight at least demanded outward respect, and as a noble by birth, Komer knew these men all too well.

Birthday? Princess Vero’s birthday? Including Komer, everyone was stunned; no wonder there were so many nobles at tonight’s event—it was Duke Zellin’s youngest daughter Princess Vero’s birthday, the silver-haired angel they had encountered that morning. Komer was surprised and worried, while those behind him mixed feelings of helplessness, shame, and humiliation. As the Lord had anticipated, Duke Zellin’s invitation had been nothing more than an offhand remark, and these Galle nobles had never really taken notice of them. Being at the birthday party for his youngest daughter uninvited and unprepared... what if...?

While everyone was lost in their thoughts, events unfolded according to the young knight’s plan. "Come, this way," he said, "you’ve already met Princess Vero this morning. Her mood isn’t so bright today; hopefully, the gifts from you gentlemen can bring her some joy. Look, Princess Vero has already noticed you."

As soon as he finished speaking, the others stiffened noticeably. Although Komer managed to stay composed, the faces of the few behind him turned pale, betraying their innermost fears and anxieties.

"Princess Vero’s birthday? Today is Princess Vero’s birthday?" Melbourne, timid and prone to panic, blanched. Even though he had purchased an inconsequential title of nobility with money, he was well aware that occasions like this high-society banquet—and especially a girl’s birthday party—required presenting the host with gifts as a means of blessing. Especially for someone as important as Duke Zellin’s most cherished daughter, every guest’s gift had to be of great value, and any lack of originality would be scorned by the other nobles.

"Indeed, did you gentlemen really come to the banquet today without knowing that it’s Princess Vero’s birthday party?" Knight Sart showed a look of utter surprise, feigning disbelief so convincingly that even an actor of Komer’s stature had to admit that Sart had set the trap perfectly, ensnaring them all. They had come in haste, thinking it was just an ordinary banquet, and who would have prepared a gift? Now, with the host right before them, where could they find an appropriate gift at such short notice?

As he watched the group nervously searching themselves, Sart struggled to contain his glee. He was going to make these bumpkins embarrass themselves before the nobles of the Grand Hall, thoroughly shaming Komer for his cleverness earlier. He intended to tarnish the face of the Homer region nobility in Galle.

Another representative from the Meine City-State, Zip, was already sweating profusely with a pale face, stuttering, "No, no, Sir knight, that’s not what we meant, it’s just..."

Before he could finish his sentence, he was rudely interrupted by the other party, "Alright, ladies and gentlemen, come on, Princess Vero is already waiting for you over there. Let’s not delay any longer; many guests are still waiting to present their gifts to Princess Vero!"

Having said that, without waiting for any reaction from Komer and his group, Sate, unable to contain his elation any longer, turned his head, suppressing a smile, and as he walked toward the group of girls standing in the middle of the Grand Hall, he cleared his throat and spoke out loud, "Ladies and gentlemen, please quiet down, please allow me to introduce a few guests from afar. Upon hearing that today is the birthday of our Galle’s most beautiful and lovely Princess Vero, they have specially prepared a gift that is both priceless and unique. Now, we welcome Lord Baron Komer from Caucasus and his several friends Hozer, Zip, Melbourne, Reese, and Mr. Lafayette."

As the man raised his voice to draw attention to their group in the Grand Hall, Komer knew that it would be difficult for them to extricate themselves. This Knight Sate was not without a shrewd mind, only playing his hand at the last moment, clearly intent on pushing them into the fire to be roasted, making them lose face in front of the Galle nobles who were known for valuing status and etiquette. It seemed his words that snowed on Princess Vero’s parade that morning had struck a painful chord with him, and he was out to ruin Komer’s image.

Just as Komer was pondering how to solve the imminent problem, a low voice came from behind him, "Sir, it seems we’ve been set up, and there’s no other way now. I have a necklace here, passed down as an heirloom in my family. While not particularly valuable, it’s at least worth a bit, and we could use it as our gift. You, representing us from Caucasus, might as well offer it; it’s better than showing up empty-handed."

Moving by this quick thinking, Komer hesitated momentarily before finally gritting his teeth. Best to get through the predicament for now, he thought. If they made a spectacle of themselves here and it got out, with some exaggeration by those with an agenda, he and his companions would become the butt of jokes wherever they went.

"Mr. Hozer, I appreciate your kindness, and since we’ve walked into this situation, it seems we’ll have to face it head-on. I happen to have a ring with me, not valuable but somewhat unique; we’ll use it as our gift," he said, without turning back, with a gesture of his hand, his tone as nonchalant as ever.

Hearing Komer speak this way, the few who were already a bit tense and worried collectively let out a sigh of relief. Although young, this nobleman was shrewd and mature in his actions and words. On their way here, they had gotten a taste of the renown of this aristocratic child of the Homer region, which surprised them beyond their expectations.

Wrapped in a chiffon gown, the silver-haired girl appeared as an otherworldly elf straight from the Mongola Forest, her silver eyes alight like the dancing flames of the heavenly realm. Her dainty, slightly upturned nose, her lips a bright cherry red—joyful spots of crimson that played upon her cheeks, and the subtlety of her soft, tender limbs could evoke a sense of tenderness in anyone. Despite his usual icy demeanor towards women, Komer found himself utterly melted by the girl’s captivating gaze. The full skirt, hoisted by whalebones, didn’t boast extravagance but stood out in sturdy perkiness, and the modest breasts wrapped in pure white clothing resembled a pair of doves ready to take flight, with the hazy overskirt adding a mysterious allure.

The silver-haired girl’s curious eyes scrutinized the row of guests whose attire starkly differed from that of the nobles in the Grand Hall. Leading the group was a young man dressed in an unadorned purple-black robe, with no symbols of identity that might indicate his status, making it hard to discern whether he was a noble. He appeared simple and unassuming, seemingly under twenty, with profound grey eyes and a well-defined nose above lips forming a slight frown. His combed-back dark hair contrasted his somewhat pale complexion, which was devoid of the arrogance typical of his peers, replaced instead by a sense of world-worn maturity. The men behind him, all dressed in commoner’s clothes that were neat but bore the marks of travel, exuded less confidence than the leader. Though they tried to look calm, all but one betrayed signs of restraint and nervousness.