"Your Majesty Ailorus."
After holding the Wind Law Queen’s stunning cyan gaze for a few seconds, Duke Qinghui gave a slight nod in return.
The Elf Maiden standing before Westheid exuded a dignity and gentleness that transcended her apparent age, an air of absolute purity and clarity.
Her stunningly beautiful features were so exquisite they were maddening, like a character stepping out of a fairy tale, and utterly breathtaking.
Westheid had intended to give the Elf Royal Family of the Central Royal Court a little ’Qinghui’ shock, but instead, he found himself stunned by her.
’My tastes are really quite traditional and normal. I like beautiful won with large chests and long legs; everything else is just a bonus. But now... am I actually starting to develop a taste for a more youthful look?’
This was rather unbelievable, and Westheid grew secretly wary. His Charm Attribute was truly a double-edged sword. It wasn’t an issue at other tis, since neither Mivana, Reiya, nor anyone else possessed a Charm Talent that could match his own. But here in the Thousand Laws Royal Court, for the first ti, Westheid sensed the downside of having high Charm.
"Hmm..."
Ailorus tilted her head, looking up at Westheid.
"What is it?"
The young queen humd softly, clasping her hands behind her back as she smiled.
"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking that you look nothing like you do in the projections, Duke Qinghui. You’re much more handso in person."
"Also, there’s no need to be so formal with . We’re allies, after all. That makes us equals, you know."
As soon as she finished speaking, a tall Elf from behind her stepped forward to correct her.
"Your Majesty, please be mindful. Even in an alliance of equals, there is still a distinction between host and guest. You are the master of the Royal Court and should carry the majesty befitting a ruler."
"Very well, very well. You’re absolutely right, Lord Eilvette."
Ailorus seed to take the correction in stride. Without a hint of anger at being contradicted, she simply winked at Westheid and then voluntarily stepped aside for the Grand Law Officer.
’The thing is, the man actually stepped forward. Wait, what? The Wind Law Queen steps aside and you actually take her place?!’
The action made Westheid raise an eyebrow. ’Is the Grand Law Officer really that arrogant?’
Westheid wasn’t the only one who found the situation awkward. A sideways glance revealed that the other mbers of the Elf Royal Family were also quite displeased with this behavior.
’Hoh, so they’re angry but don’t dare to speak up.’
Westheid t the Grand Law Officer’s gaze with great interest. No emotion could be read from Eilvette’s cold, stern face; or rather, his expression was perpetually and incomparably serious. He slightly raised an arm and said:
"Duke Qinghui, first, I welco you to the Royal Court. We are grateful that you have co to fight alongside us. The Thousand Laws Royal Court will not forget your friendship."
"The situation is urgent, so we must be pragmatic. I wish to first inspect the legions you’ve brought to ensure they match the roster in our treaty. Afterward, we can discuss battle strategy."
’Wait, does this guy have no social skills? He’s going to inspect my troops right off the bat?’
Westheid laughed silently, montarily at a loss for words. Duke Qinghui considered himself a fairly direct person, but this Grand Law Officer of the Royal Court was on another level entirely, coming in hot right from the start.
"Lord Eilvette, you can’t do that. It’s too impolite to Duke Qinghui. We are allies, you know."
Ailorus raised a hand to her mouth and corrected him:
"What we should be doing is welcoming Duke Qinghui and his retinue. They have traveled a great distance to reach the Royal Court. As their hosts, we should extend them the proper courtesy."
Eilvette paused at her words, then nodded and said:
"...Then we shall postpone it for now. Please keep your troops confined to the outskirts of the Royal Court, Duke Qinghui; we have prepared a camp for them there. I especially hope you will keep the Yonglan Knights under control and that they do not beco too active within the Royal Court."
"The banquet will have to wait for . I must go and inspect the nodes again."
Having said his piece, the long, silver-haired Grand Law Officer turned and left, his actions swift and decisive. It was as if he had co over specifically to put Westheid on notice.
’How inexplicably irritating.’
After the Grand Law Officer left, the Wind Law Queen returned to her central position. She smiled at Westheid and also beckoned to Luyetan.
"Alright then, Duke Qinghui, and our guest from Yuanxi Palace, please follow ."
"Many thanks."
Westheid and his retinue followed the Wind Law Queen and her Elf Attendants.
On the way to the banquet in the Central Royal Court, phit drew close to Westheid and snorted coldly.
"Who does he think he is?! How dare he order my lord around like that?!"
He was, of course, referring to the discourteous Eilvette. Ever since Westheid ascended the throne as the Knight King, he had been t with joyous cheers and warm welcos wherever he went. It had even changed the Yonglan Knights’ reputation from frenzied warmongers to chivalrous heroes under the Knight King’s command.
This was a complete and pleasant surprise for the Yonglan Knights. They had been drawn to Westheid entirely by his promise of glory and war, only to turn around and find...
’Hahaha, we even get a good reputation out of this? That’s insane!’
And honestly, it felt pretty damn good. The Yonglan Knights valued their honor imnsely, so being recognized by the people of other kingdoms was a fine thing indeed.
Westheid shook his head. "You can talk like that, but I’m not so sure you could actually beat him."
phit scoffed. "Hah, ridiculous. Power that relies on the Divine Ancestor’s blessing is borrowed strength, no matter how great it seems. Just let receive the Blood of the Riding God, and then we’ll see who the real victor is when we fight!"
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