Chapter 52: The Banquet

Chapter 52: The Banquet

“Just moments ago, I encountered an assassin. Fortunately, someone helped me from the shadows, or I would have suffered a great loss,” Mickey said.

“Oh, then you’d better be careful when you go out in the future.” Ye Tian took a sip of his black tea, frowned, and set the cup down.

“How can you guard against something like that?” Mickey gave a bitter smile. “By the way, did you catch the assassin?”

“No, he got away, and a few of my people were injured,” Mickey replied, still bitter.

“Really?” Ye Tian was startled. It seemed that this assassin was no ordinary threat.

“At present, it's believed the assassin is a high-level operative from the Ten Circles. Beyond that, I know nothing,” Mickey said.

“The Ten Circles? That’s about the same level as you, isn’t it?” Ye Tian was surprised; that would mean the assassin was quite formidable.

“No, theoretically, he should be even higher than me,” Mickey said seriously.

“Then you truly need to be cautious,” Ye Tian muttered.

“We’ll talk about it later,” Mickey said gloomily. “So, what did you want to see me about?”

“Oh!” Ye Tian quickly swallowed his pastry, took a sip of tea to relax, and said, “I wanted to ask if you’ve seen my four companions?”

“Actually, I was going to tell you about that,” Mickey said earnestly. “Right after you tore down the imperial proclamation, someone took all your companions away.”

“Who?” Ye Tian jumped to his feet.

“No idea. No clues so far. The boss said a carriage arrived and took all four of them,” Mickey replied.

“I see.” Ye Tian sat down and pondered for a moment.

“Well? Any clues?” Mickey asked.

“No, none at all,” Ye Tian admitted.

“Damn!” Mickey grabbed another pastry and took a bite.

“How is the princess’s condition?” Mickey asked as he ate.

“Much better. She’ll be able to get out of bed in a day or two,” Ye Tian replied.

“Incredible, truly incredible,” Mickey praised.

“Want to learn? I can teach you. After ten years or so, you’ll have mastered the basics,” Ye Tian said as he munched on a fruit. The red fruit was delicious, though its skin tasted awful.

“Gale, you’re not supposed to eat the skin,” Mickey said.

“Oh.” Ye Tian responded, spitting out the skin. “You did that on purpose.”

“Nonsense! Who told you to eat so fast?” Mickey retorted.

“What about this one?” Ye Tian picked up a fruit resembling a banana.

“That one’s edible whole, very hard and crunchy. By the way, is there any more ice fruit?” Mickey called out.

“Yes, young master,” replied an elderly man who looked like a butler, approaching them.

“Pixus, you’re back!” Mickey exclaimed excitedly.

“How many times must I tell you, young master? When there are guests, just call me Pixus,” the butler said respectfully.

“I won’t!” Mickey said cheerfully. “Gale, this is our family’s butler, Pixus.”

Pixus bowed respectfully to Ye Tian, who hurried to his feet to reciprocate.

“Young master Gale has been in the limelight recently. That can easily arouse jealousy. Please be careful,” Pixus advised.

Mickey said awkwardly, “Sorry, Gale. That’s just how he is. Don’t take offense.”

“Not at all. Pixus is absolutely right. Someone like me, without power or status, who has offended those I shouldn’t, really needs to consider how to handle things,” Ye Tian replied with a smile.

Pixus said, “There are so few young people like you nowadays. If the capital were filled with talents such as yourself, Layton would never lack prosperity.”

Page 2/3

“You flatter me!” Ye Tian said.

“Oh dear, we’ve been talking too much. I’ll go prepare some ice fruit for you to try,” Pixus said respectfully and withdrew.

Mickey watched Pixus leave with a grin. “Mickey, you really like Pixus, don’t you?”

“Of course,” Mickey replied. “He raised me single-handedly.”

“By the way, you said Pixus just got back. Does he still go out often?”

“My family has a trade caravan. Pixus leads it to purchase goods,” Mickey explained.

“That must be exhausting,” Ye Tian remarked.

Just then, Pixus returned with a plate of icy purple fruit. “Young master Gale, this is the latest ice fruit. Please try it.”

“Thank you, Pixus.” Ye Tian picked one up. It looked like a grape but emitted a thin mist and felt very cool.

Placing it in his mouth, a burst of icy freshness spread through him, followed by a sweet and sour taste that was hard to describe.

“Delicious,” Ye Tian praised.

“Don’t rush, there’s more to it,” Mickey said with a smile.

As Ye Tian swallowed the fruit, it gradually became warm in his stomach, filling him with a comfortable sensation.

“How is it?” Mickey asked.

“Delicious! Absolutely delicious!” Ye Tian exclaimed.

“See? I’ll pack some for you to take home,” Mickey said.

Ye Tian pushed the plate toward Lige, who had been quiet. “You try some too.”

“No,” Lige turned her head away.

“Go on, really, it’s delicious. Here!” Ye Tian picked up a fruit and offered it to her.

“No, really, I don’t want it!” Lige’s face flushed while Mickey grinned mischievously.

“Try it,” Ye Tian said, and slipped the fruit into Lige’s mouth as she tried to protest. “It really is delicious.”

“Ahem!” Mickey pretended to cough. “Gale, don’t flaunt your affection in front of me.”

He grinned again.

“If you’re jealous, go find someone yourself,” Ye Tian said nonchalantly, leaving both Mickey and Lige stunned.

Lige, annoyed, snapped, “Gale, what nonsense are you spouting?”

Mickey sighed, “Gale is quite a charmer. Just a few days and he’s already won another heart.”

Bang! Ye Tian’s foot was stomped so hard that the floor seemed to tremble.

“What happened?” Mickey asked, distracted as he reached for more food.

“N-nothing!” Ye Tian gritted his teeth. Damn, she even used battle energy to stomp me—it hurts like hell!

“Haha, let’s eat!” Mickey said, watching Ye Tian’s twitching mouth and glancing at Lige.

Just then, a servant approached and whispered something to Mickey.

“What?” Mickey immediately stood up.

“What’s wrong?” Ye Tian asked.

“His Majesty is holding a banquet tonight to celebrate the princess’s recovery,” Mickey said.

“Oh, for heaven’s sake!” Ye Tian pressed his hand to his forehead. What on earth is Charles V thinking?

“Is the princess able to walk now?” Mickey asked anxiously.

“With support, yes, but a noisy banquet isn’t ideal for her recovery,” Ye Tian said, frowning.

“Gale, let’s hurry back,” Lige suggested.

“Do we have a choice?” Ye Tian sighed. “By the way, do you have a handkerchief?”

“I do. What for?” Lige asked, taking out a small handkerchief.

“No, it’s too small. Mickey, pack it up, or I’ll use my clothes to carry it!” Ye Tian declared.

Page 3/3

“You’re unbelievable!” Mickey said through gritted teeth. “Someone, bring Gale the finest fruit to take home.”

“Now that’s what friends are for!” Ye Tian patted Mickey’s shoulder.

“Nonsense, I’m just afraid you’ll be mistaken for a thief and hauled off,” Mickey muttered.

“Haha, see you tonight.”

“See you tonight.” Mickey personally escorted Ye Tian to the door.

“No need to see me off. We’ll meet tonight anyway. Oh, Kana has been looking especially lovely these days,” Ye Tian said slyly.

“Get lost! I know without you telling me!” Mickey blushed.

“See you tonight.”

“Bye!” Lige and Ye Tian headed back to the palace. Just then, Laura came over.

“Where have you two been? His Majesty is holding the princess’s banquet tonight.”

“Hey, beautiful, you’re back. What kept you so busy? Did you get hurt?” Ye Tian hurried over to inspect Laura, even trying to lift her skirt for a closer look.

Bang! Ye Tian’s face met the floor in an intimate greeting. “Get lost, you pervert!”

“Ara, ara!” Laura grinned at them, then crouched beside Ye Tian and whispered, “Honestly, if you want to look, I’ll let you tonight.”

“No way!” Lige shouted, her face bright red.

“Why? Do you want him to look?” Laura teased, moving closer to Lige and wrapping her arm around her neck.

“No, that’s not it!” Lige’s face was crimson.

“What’s that then?” Laura lightly nibbled Lige’s ear.

“Ah, it tickles! Stop it, Laura!” Lige protested, blushing and dodging.

“So, you said there’s a banquet. Let’s hurry up and get to work,” Lige grabbed Laura’s hand.

“Don’t worry. We won’t need to help this time. We just need to get him ready,” Laura gestured toward Ye Tian.

“Let me be clear: I’m not going!” Ye Tian dusted himself off as he stood.

“Are you sure?” Laura let go of Lige and grabbed Ye Tian’s arm.

Gulp. Ye Tian swallowed hard. “Not going.”

“Really not going?” Laura pressed closer, gently tugging at his collar.

“Not going. Seduction won’t work,” Ye Tian said with difficulty.

“Then how about Lige attending to you tonight?” Laura continued.

Ye Tian glanced at Lige, whose expression immediately turned cold.

“No. If anyone, it should be you,” Ye Tian muttered.

“Not a chance!” Lige kicked him again.