Chapter 52: The Banquet in Progress

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Chapter 52: The Banquet Unfolds

“No, no! Get out! Get out!” Ye Tian was crouched in the pool, refusing to come out.
“Come on, Ge’er, don’t make a fuss—we still have to pick out your clothes,” Laura said, standing at the edge of the pool with a bath mitt in hand. Beside her stood Liji, also armed with bathing tools.
“No!” At that moment, Ye Tian was like a cornered girl about to be violated, eyes squeezed shut as he shrank into the water. He had made them promise not to help him bathe, but after he’d soaked for only a few minutes, the two had walked in, and the shock had nearly made his nose bleed.
“Be good, now, listen to your sisters and we’ll tuck you in tonight,” Laura coaxed, her maternal side on full display. But this was too much for Ye Tian; he dared not glance their way. The two women wore only semi-transparent gauzy robes that, in the steam-filled room, clung tightly to their bodies, revealing rather than concealing their curves—more tantalizing, in fact, than being unclothed.
“Please, just leave. I’ll wash myself,” Ye Tian pleaded from the pool.
“Oh, come on. You look like an adult, but you’re a child at heart!” Laura laughed, stepping into the water and striding over to Ye Tian. She pulled him over and pressed him against her.
Ye Tian immediately felt his face buried in softness.
“You little rascal, where’s that boldness you have when teasing girls?” Laura teased him, her eyes sparkling.
“Don’t mess with me, or I might actually take you up on it!” Ye Tian mumbled, his speech muffled.
“You deny it, but you’re a little scoundrel. Just think of me as your older sister, all right? I’ve always wanted a brother like you,” Laura said softly, leaning back against the edge of the pool and hugging him.
“You can treat me as your brother, but could you let me go first?” Ye Tian suggested.
“No way. But if you agree to attend the banquet, maybe I’ll reconsider,” Laura said, tightening her grip slightly, making it even harder for Ye Tian to breathe.
In the end, under their playful threats and tempting promises, Ye Tian had no choice but to don the formal attire prepared for the banquet—a suit trimmed with gold.
“You look so handsome!” Laura stepped back to admire him, while Liji helped smooth his collar.
“Thanks,” Ye Tian muttered, pouting a little.
“But do you really have to wear those chunks of iron?” Laura asked, pointing at the guards strapped around Ye Tian’s legs. They looked like something a horse would wear—odd and out of place.
“It’s fine, they’re not heavy,” Ye Tian replied with a smile.
“They look terrible,” Laura sniffed.
“Alright, alright, don’t be upset. Maybe your sister should reward you for being so obedient?” She cradled Ye Tian’s face in her hands.
“No, no, that’s not necessary!” Ye Tian quickly wriggled free.
“Heh, you coward. Off you go, then—your sisters need to get dressed. Unless, of course, you want to stay and watch?” Laura said mischievously.

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“I’m going!” Ye Tian darted from the room like a gust of wind. This woman was too much for him!
Before long, the two women emerged.
“Well? Don’t you think your sisters are beautiful?” Laura nudged Liji forward, and Ye Tian was momentarily stunned.
Liji wore a pale blue floral gown, exuding a cool, ethereal beauty. Her slender, exposed shoulders inspired both admiration and a desire to wrap her in an embrace. Laura, by contrast, was resplendent in a bright red dress, her figure tightly enveloped, though her ample bust was impossible to hide, the plunging neckline drawing the eye—Ye Tian’s included.
“Ahem, what are you looking at?” Laura deliberately shrugged her shoulders, sending her chest quivering in a way that left Ye Tian parched.
“Hmph!” Liji turned her head away.
“Ice and fire,” Ye Tian praised with genuine admiration. “Proud and cold, fiery and passionate. You’re both stunning!”
“Thank you!” Laura replied with a cheerful curtsy.
“Later, Liji will be your dance partner. Remember to take her hand as you enter.”
“Alright.” Ye Tian had no idea how these balls worked, but he was content to follow Laura’s instructions.
“By the way, how long do these affairs usually last?” Ye Tian asked.
“About four hours, usually. Don’t worry, you won’t be bored—and afterwards, plenty of noble ladies will come to chat with you. Tonight, you’re the star!” Laura whispered, blowing gently into Ye Tian’s ear.
“Good grief…” Ye Tian groaned.
Beside him, Liji quietly straightened his shirt sleeves. As she bent over, he caught an unintentional glimpse beneath her dress.
“Uh…” Ye Tian quickly averted his eyes to the ceiling.
Laura giggled, waggling her eyebrows as Ye Tian flushed red. Liji finished her adjustments, circled him for a final inspection, and nodded approvingly.
“Let’s go in, then,” Laura said.
“So early?” There was still plenty of time before the banquet began.
“It’s not early. Who dares arrive late to His Majesty’s banquet? Early is the only option,” Laura replied, looping her arm through Ye Tian’s and nestling in close, pressing her softness against him in a way that felt almost sinful.
“Liji?” Laura prompted with a smile. Liji hesitated, then took Ye Tian’s other arm.
“Come on, there’s probably quite a crowd waiting to see you,” Laura teased.
They walked down a long corridor and arrived at a grand hall. At the entrance, a beautiful maid greeted them with a nod and swung open the doors. Instantly, a wave of opulence washed over them.
“Inside you go,” Laura said, releasing Ye Tian’s arm.
Sighing in resignation, Ye Tian stepped into the lavish banquet hall amidst Laura’s laughter.
The lights blazed as brightly as day, each globe casting a gentle radiance that illuminated every corner of the hall with crystal clarity.

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“What advanced magic!” Ye Tian exclaimed.
“Yes,” Liji replied lightly. “These are magical artifacts crafted by the royal court’s mages. There are many such wonders— the Mage’s Guild has them too.”
“It’s truly remarkable,” Ye Tian said in admiration. This, he thought, was the true use of magic—destruction was hardly its only purpose.
“Well, well, you must be the physician who cured the Princess?” A young man in sumptuous attire, holding a wine glass, intercepted Ye Tian with a friendly smile.
“You flatter me. Her Highness was blessed with good fortune—I merely assisted her recovery a little,” Ye Tian replied with a smile.
“Interesting. I’m Harzakal. A pleasure to meet you,” the young man said, extending his hand.
“Ge’er. A pleasure to meet you,” Ye Tian replied, shaking his hand.
Just then, Ye Tian noticed someone in the corner. “Excuse me, I see an old acquaintance I should greet,” he said politely.
“Of course, please go ahead,” Harzakal replied with a courteous gesture.
Nodding, Ye Tian led Liji toward the corner.
“Hey there, drinking alone? Need some company?” Ye Tian said with a grin to a young man sullenly nursing his wine.
“Oh, it’s you,” the man said, looking up with a smile.
“Who else would it be, Captain Miki?” Ye Tian laughed.
“Alright, enough already!” Miki said with a helpless sigh. “Miss Liji, you look lovely tonight.”
Liji nodded politely, standing silently by Ye Tian’s side.
“You two are quite the affectionate pair!” Miki teased, glancing between them.
“What? Oh, Laura said it was necessary. I’ve been duped again!” Ye Tian tried to withdraw his hand, but Liji’s grip tightened, refusing to let go. He could only acquiesce.
“Where’s your dance partner?” Ye Tian asked.
“I don’t need one. Getting you a partner was just to make sure you didn’t embarrass yourself your first time at a banquet like this. I’m used to it, so it doesn’t matter to me,” Miki replied.
“You’re something else,” Ye Tian said, laying on the flattery.
“That I am,” Miki grinned, sipping his wine.
“Oh, Kana!” Ye Tian called out, peering to the side.
Miki promptly spit out his wine in surprise, grateful no one was nearby to see. He glanced around in panic—no one was there.
“My mistake,” Ye Tian said blandly.
“Get lost!” Miki snapped.