Chapter 45: The Banquet (Part 1)
Evening had fallen.
Sophia Russell attended the banquet with Jackson Carter by her side.
The Copperhead estate had set up a grand tent to serve as the venue. Though it was a temporary setup, it lacked nothing in terms of elegance.
An orchestra played on one side, while servants bustled about, carrying freshly prepared dishes.
“Jackson, say ‘ahh’.”
Sophia Russell offered a canapé to Jackson Carter, who accepted it with a smile.
“Mmm, delicious. It tastes even better when you feed me, Sophia.”
“If you think flattery will make me happy, you’re sorely mistaken.”
They both burst into laughter, drawing amused glances from passing nobles.
Jackson paused mid-bite, letting out a deep sigh.
“Jackson, what’s wrong all of a sudden?” Sophia asked, puzzled.
“Sophia… don’t you notice anything?” Jackson gestured subtly towards the other guests. Sophia tilted her head, confused.
“Not a single person here recognizes me,” he said, his voice tinged with disappointment. Sophia finally understood his frustration.
“Even if the riffraff don’t matter, I thought at least one person here would recognize me among all these nobles…”
“Don’t worry about it, Jackson. Everyone’s just busy catching up with people they know. Someone will recognize you soon enough,” Sophia reassured him, wrapping her arms around him.
“You think so?”
Her comforting words seemed to lift his spirits a little. Sophia nodded confidently.
‘If it were Damian Haxen, everyone would recognize him,’ she thought suddenly.
Damian Haxen’s face was known to all, as proven earlier that day. His portraits had spread far and wide, along with his reputation.
‘If it were Damian, people would be flocking to him.’
Sophia imagined herself standing beside Damian Haxen, and the thought alone filled her with a strange happiness.
“Sophia? Why are you smiling all of a sudden?” Jackson asked, bringing her back to reality.
“Oh, it’s nothing,” she replied hastily.
Just then, a murmur began to ripple through the crowd at the entrance of the tent.
“Is that Damian Haxen?”
“Who’s the young man with him?”
“They look alike… could he be a brother?”
At the mention of Damian Haxen’s name, both Sophia and Jackson turned their heads towards the entrance.
A crowd of nobles had already gathered there.
“My, he’s more handsome than I expected.”
“Indeed. I heard he had a harsh, irritable look, but the rumors were wrong.”
“Damian Haxen is impressive, but his brother is quite the looker too.”
Sophia felt her heart race. Damian Haxen had captivated her earlier that day, even if only for a moment.
He was already striking in his usual state; she couldn’t help but wonder how he looked when properly dressed.
Curiosity and anticipation bubbled within her.
‘No, stop it. I have Jackson,’ she reminded herself, shaking her head. But her gaze kept drifting back to the entrance.
‘Wait… what if Damian Haxen is hoping I’ll come over?’
Caught in her own thoughts, Sophia began to rationalize her feelings in a peculiar way.
‘Yes, he must be trying to make me jealous by pretending not to notice me. He probably dressed up hoping I’d see him.’
Sophia nodded to herself.
‘Maybe I should go over, just to acknowledge his effort.’
But she couldn’t just walk over. Jackson Carter was right beside her.
“Damn it… Damian Haxen…” Jackson muttered, glaring at the entrance.
He clearly wasn’t pleased with the attention Damian was receiving.
“Jackson, are you just going to stand here?” Sophia asked, her voice teasing.
Jackson looked at her, puzzled.
“You told me you’d defeat Damian Haxen in the joust. Shouldn’t you be observing him up close?”
Sophia’s words seemed to strike a chord. Jackson’s expression shifted.
“You’re right. I should be watching him closely to ensure a perfect victory.”
Sophia cheered inwardly. Things were going just as she hoped.
The two of them made their way towards the entrance.
“Make way, please,” Jackson said, parting the crowd of nobles. Thanks to him, Sophia had a clear path to the front.
And when she finally laid eyes on Damian Haxen, she was speechless.
His hair was neatly combed, and he wore a black tailcoat that fit him perfectly.
Sophia’s face flushed instantly.
‘Is Damian Haxen really this handsome?’
In truth, Damian had always been a handsome man. His unruly behavior and erratic lifestyle had overshadowed his looks.
But now, as a trained knight, his physique only enhanced his appearance.
’…Damian.’
Sophia thought, her heart full of admiration.
‘He went to all this trouble just to impress me.’
If Damian Haxen had heard her thoughts, he would have cursed under his breath.
The moment Damian Haxen entered the banquet hall, he felt one thing.
‘What a bother.’
Nobles were flocking towards him, their faces eager to strike up a conversation.
Yet none dared to approach him directly.
Damian was exuding an aura of intimidation on purpose, keeping them at bay.
“Look, brother! Desserts made from Ukle berries! I heard they’re hard to come by in the Apple Kingdom,” Abel said, enjoying the banquet’s offerings.
Damian watched his brother with a wry smile.
“Your brother is quite handsome too.”
“In terms of looks, he might even surpass Sir Damian Haxen.”
“But I prefer Sir Damian. Just look at those arms!”
Abel was also a subject of interest, especially among the female nobles.
Damian increased the intensity of his intimidating aura, wary of any women approaching.
Just then, the guards at the entrance struck the ground with their spear tips.
The loud thud drew everyone’s attention.
“The Earl of Copperhead is entering!”
The guards announced loudly, and the orchestra fell silent.
They pulled back the curtains at the entrance, revealing an elderly man.
He sported a thin mustache and had deep-set eyes.
It was the Earl of Copperhead.
Beside him walked a young woman, and the guests were captivated by her beauty, as if entranced by a ghost.
She was Olivia Copperhead, the earl’s eldest daughter.
The earl and Olivia made their way to the center of the hall.
Without any command, the crowd parted to make way for them.
The Earl of Copperhead took his seat at the head table, with Olivia beside him.
“It seems I’ve dampened the mood. Please, enjoy the banquet without minding me,” he said.
With that, the orchestra resumed playing, and the chatter of the nobles filled the air once more.
“Your Excellency, it’s an honor to meet you. I am Frentz of the Nation Barony,” one nobleman said, stepping forward and kneeling before the earl.
“The Nation Barony! Known for its delicious apples, isn’t it?”
“Thank you for recognizing us,” Frentz replied, bowing even lower.
“I’ve brought a gift to celebrate Lady Olivia’s birthday. It would be an honor if you accepted it.”
Frentz presented a small, jewel-encrusted box.
“It’s a cosmetic made by the alchemists of the Michu School, using fairy dust.”
The mention of the Michu School and fairy dust caused a stir among the female nobles.
“The Michu School is famous for their cosmetics, isn’t it?”
“Did he say fairy dust? It’s supposed to rejuvenate the skin with just a touch.”
“I heard even a tiny amount is worth a bar of gold… How expensive must that cosmetic be?”
It was a coveted item for any woman.
However, Olivia Copperhead showed little interest, and the earl seemed equally indifferent.
With the Copperhead family’s wealth, such items were easily obtainable.
“It must have been difficult to acquire. Thank you,” the earl said, his tone lukewarm.
Frentz returned to his place, visibly deflated.
No sooner had he stepped back than another nobleman stepped forward.
“Your Excellency, I am Charlie of the Zion Viscounty! I wish to present this necklace to Lady Olivia!”
Charlie Zion lifted the glass case.
Inside, a necklace adorned with jewels of every color imaginable sparkled brilliantly.
The onlookers’ faces lit up with astonishment at the sight of the dazzling gems.
“Isn’t that a Rainbow Stone?”
“It’s a rare gem that you might find after capturing a hundred golems in the rocky regions.”
The Rainbow Stone wasn’t known for any extraordinary powers.
However, its rarity and beauty made it the most sought-after jewel of the moment.
“To bring something so precious…”
Even the Earl of Copperhead seemed impressed by its value.
“Olivia, what do you think? Isn’t it truly beautiful?”
Yet Olivia Copperhead remained indifferent, her gaze resting on the necklace with disinterest.
“Make sure to accept it properly.”
“Yes! Thank you!”
Charlie Zion bowed and took his leave.
Many other nobles presented their gifts afterward.
But Olivia Copperhead showed no interest in any of them.
‘She’s a tough one to please.’
Damian thought to himself as he opened a pocket dimension and pulled out a bow.
“Hey, catch.”
He tossed the bow to Abel, who looked at him in surprise.
“Why are you so shocked? Everyone’s giving gifts, so we should too.”
“Are you really giving me this bow?”
“Hey, this was given by the Marquis. It’s incredibly valuable.”
Abel looked uncertain, and for good reason. The bow Damian had produced looked rather unimpressive.
The bowstring seemed hastily carved with a dagger, and its color was a dull, dark hue.
Compared to the lavish gifts from other nobles, it seemed pitifully plain.
“Ah, did I never tell you about this bow?”
“You only mentioned that the Marquis gave it to you.”
“Did I? Well, let’s step outside. You’ll understand once we’re out there.”
Damian walked toward the Earl, and Abel had no choice but to follow his brother.