Chapter 29: Songstresses and Dancers, the Meaning of the Banquet

Description

Velis’s carriage had barely come to a stop when Elliot Laval, dressed in fine casual attire, walked out from the Mirror Flower Elegant Court to welcome her.

“Your Highness, you are quite late!”

He bluntly pointed out the fact that Velis was late, but Elliot Laval delivered it with such an appropriate tone that it didn’t come across as offensive.

Instead, it felt like the kind of teasing banter between friends…

The first to step out of the carriage was the Imperial Princess’s Guardian Knight—Victoria Mecrai.

Victoria then stood by the carriage, extending her hand to gracefully accept Velis’s small hand and help her down from the carriage.

Victoria alone was already striking enough—whether in figure or features, she was a beauty difficult to find fault with.

But when Velis stepped out, clad in a plain white dress with a crimson ribbon draping from her shoulder and cinched at the waist, everything around her seemed to fade into shadow.

“Your Highness is youthful and radiant—truly a peerless Goddess!”

Elliot Laval let out an admiring sigh. Victoria’s expression shifted slightly beside him, but Velis offered little reaction in return, appearing rather indifferent.

Seeing her unmoved by the praise, Elliot wondered—could it be that this Princess didn’t enjoy being complimented on her beauty?

But every woman he’d ever met, even if they claimed not to like it, secretly enjoyed such words!

There wasn’t a single woman who didn’t care about her own appearance…

“Professor Laval flatters me. Please, after you.”

Velis nodded to him and strode inside first. At that moment, it seemed as though she were the true host of this banquet.

Rebuffed, Elliot rubbed his nose. Victoria glanced at him before following behind Velis.

Seeing their mistress enter, the guards and coachmen Velis had brought spread out and discreetly surrounded the Mirror Flower Elegant Court.

Passersby who hadn’t caught sight of Velis instead noticed these solemn soldiers and began speculating about which noble dignitary was spending lavishly at the Mirror Flower Elegant Court.

As she entered the elegantly decorated hall, a manager immediately approached with maids in tow to receive her.

“Your Highness’s arrival brings great honor to our humble establishment!”

The man knelt in reverence along with the maids. Velis raised her hand, signaling them to rise.

“This isn’t a formal occasion—no need for such ceremony. Are you the owner of this establishment?”

The man before her was impeccably groomed, hair combed to perfection, face meticulously maintained, clothing tailored flawlessly, with a well-proportioned and tall stature.

The noble air he occasionally exuded sparked a hint of curiosity in Velis.

“Your Highness has keen eyes. I am indeed the owner of this establishment—Humphrey Kelly!”

The man who called himself Humphrey Kelly introduced himself with due respect.

“Kelly? Are you a noble?” Velis asked further.

But in her memory, Velis had no information about a noble family by the name of Kelly.

“My ancestors were, though the family has since declined. Even now, I still cling to the dignity of fallen nobility, but all that my forebears left behind is this single establishment in the capital, Monseer. It barely sustains us.”

Humphrey summarized his background in a few words, but our Imperial Princess looked around left and right, then said…

“This establishment occupies such a vast area, with luxurious and elegant decor both inside and out—surely it costs a fortune? Having weathered the years yet still gleaming like new—that can hardly be explained by ‘barely sustaining,’ can it?”

Humphrey quickly conceded: “Your Highness sees with piercing clarity. But my humble resources—how would I dare show off before Your Highness?”

At that moment, Elliot walked in as well and promptly interjected: “Your Highness, please—let us move along. This isn’t the place for conversation.”

Velis nodded and ceased pressing the owner about his background.

With Humphrey leading the way, Velis walked second, followed by Victoria, then Elliot and a train of maids.

Leaving the hall, the group passed through a corridor lined with priceless oil paintings before ascending a set of jade steps to the second floor.

Every step of the way, whether floor or walls, decor or ornamentation—everything was either extravagantly luxurious or exquisitely antique.

Walking along, an unusual silence hung in the air, as if this were a secluded corner within the bustling imperial capital.

Passing through a small garden arranged on the second floor, Humphrey pushed open a heavy fragrant-wood door, revealing a simple room of antique charm.

Dancers, songstresses, and musicians were already waiting inside, ready at a moment’s notice.

Humphrey invited Velis to take a seat at a wooden table. With a wave of his hand, the room immediately filled with melodious, elegant accompaniment.

This was Velis’s first time at such a place. Her predecessor had rarely ventured to these pleasure establishments beyond the Imperial City.

“Your Highness, there is a wind-type Magic Array installed here for soundproofing—though it’s one-way. Your conversation won’t be overheard by others, and these musicians and dancers cannot…”

“If you need to instruct them, simply raise your hand. They are all trained and will understand Your Highness’s wishes.”

Velis understood in her heart. This Humphrey Kelly was likely far more complicated than he appeared on the surface.

To use a wind-type magic array to precisely separate two worlds within a single room, without diminishing the enchanting music produced by those musicians and dancers…

Just that small detail alone was enough to prove the strength behind this Humphrey.

“Understood. You may withdraw.”

“Yes!”

Humphrey led the maids away, leaving only two beautiful young girls—reportedly deaf-mutes—standing at the side, awaiting orders.

“Your Highness, are you satisfied with this place?” Elliot asked with Confidence, listening to the musicians’ plucked strings.

“Acceptable.”

Velis nodded and took a sip of the tea before her.

[A famous tea produced in the northern frigid lands—See Snow Spring. It possesses a wonderfully crisp and refreshing aroma. Upon entering the mouth, a hint of bitterness returns, followed finally by a cool sweetness rising from the belly. If one wishes to purchase it, a recommendation would be 20 Silver Dragon per catty.]

The True Eye’s ability proved exceptionally useful—without expending any mental effort, Velis obtained exactly the information she needed.

Though this tea was delicious, it was also rather exorbitant.

“I had thought there would be others. You call this a banquet, but is this all it amounts to?” Velis set down her teacup and asked.

“Haha! To have invited Your Highness alone—that itself is a grand banquet!”

Elliot let out a laugh, then clapped his hands.

At once, the dancers across the room filed in, their graceful figures and beautiful garments moving to the music as they began to dance.

The two deaf-mute girls beside them exchanged glances, turned, and left—soon returning with a group of attendants.

Platter after platter of exquisite dishes were laid upon the table, arranged with care.

From steaming hot dishes and rich soups, to refreshing raw delicacies and pastries, along with numerous cold dishes and stews…

In an instant, the entire room was filled with fragrant aromas, song, and dance.

“A banquet wouldn’t be complete without the feast itself!” Elliot personally prepared the tableware for Velis.

“Not only is the Mirror Flower Elegant Court unrivaled in song and dance, but the cuisine from their kitchen is also celebrated among the nobles. Your Highness, please!”

As Elliot spoke, Velis raised her utensils and took a few light bites. In that moment, she felt a wondrous sensation burst across her lips and tongue.

“Truly a rare and exquisite delicacy!”

Before her, the dancers were a feast for the eyes, the music soothing to the soul, and the cuisine fragrant beyond compare. For a moment, Velis found herself immersed in it all.

And Elliot, rather than rushing to state his purpose, oddly used sweet fresh milk in place of wine, continuously toasting to Velis.

Thoughtful, unintrusive, even inspiring fondness and admiration for his attentiveness.

When it came to business, such an opening was always satisfying.

Velis was no exception.