"Alright... Surya and the others have co out, I must excuse myself now, Abel, rember that the banquet starts at four in the Duke’s courtyard. Just give my na."
"I understand."
That evening, Duke Bodric hosted a lavish dinner for Laine and Surya (the maid was not qualified to sit at the table). He "generously" inquired if Laine needed him to "arrange" so "extracurricular activities," but Laine bluntly refused: "No, my Duke, tonight I need to pray to the Lady."
Laine is the Divine Chosen Champion of the Lake Fairy, and invoking the Lake Fairy is a powerful excuse with no equal in this land, leaving Bodric hastily saying: "That’s fine, Laine, after your prayers you may wander around the castle freely. I have instructed the servants, most areas can be explored at your leisure."
"Thank you!" Laine replied politely, having finished his al. As he stood up, Surya imdiately took his arm. The couple walked away together, and watching them leave, Bodric gave a bitter smile to his steward and the companion Ismail: "Francois really doesn’t give any chance."
"There aren’t many suitors for Marchioness Surya. It’s said that Duke Francois deeply cherishes his daughter. Lord Laine Macado is incredibly powerful, with countless victories, having completed the Holy Grail Trial early, and is quite young — an ideal match." Ismail didn’t continue, and Bodric didn’t add to the conversation.
Duke of Boldro’s eyes were full of envy; becoming a Mission Knight, walking the Path of the Holy Grail, and gaining the Lady’s approval in endless expeditions to beco the supre Holy Grail Knight has been Bodric’s lifelong dream.
As the Divine Chosen Champion of Sea God Manannan, Bodric’s strength is naturally superior to ordinary Holy Grail Knights, making it not overly difficult to complete the Holy Grail Trial. However, the Boldro Duchy is constantly under threat, and cannot function without his command even for a mont. The Path of the Holy Grail can be as short as two or three years, or as long as several decades, and he cannot take the risk.
The pressure from his duchy family and from Sea God Manannan are sacrifices the Duke has made greatly.
Surya clasped Laine’s arm, the female knight looking up at him with a charming smile: "You lied, Laine, you never pray at night."
"That’s because I can pray to the Lady anyti, so it’s not a lie. I just decided to pray tonight and then stated it truthfully." Laine’s handso face showed a cryptic expression: "Now, I’ve changed my mind."
The female knight gave him a reproachful glance, aning he was clearly abusing his status, but thought of his firm refusal towards Bodric, Surya felt joyful and with her lips moving slightly said, "His Grace the Duke wants an alliance through marriage with you."
Laine glanced at Surya, but did not answer. His only response to the female knight was the sound of their footsteps and Surya’s high heels, and under the cold moonlight, their figures were long and drawn together.
The number of servants within Boldro Castle was not many, certainly not as nurous as in Duke Winford Castle. The two walked over a hundred ters without encountering another servant.
It wasn’t until they approached their room that Laine spoke with so hesitation and uncertainty: "If I’m not mistaken, yes. But I’ve already invited you."
Upon hearing this, the female knight received the answer she desired and smiled radiantly, then released Laine’s arm: "Well then, I’ll retire first. Goodnight, Laine."
"Goodnight, Surya."
......
The next day, a grand banquet comnced at Boldro Castle.
Over two hundred people attended Duke Boldro’s grand banquet, including great nobles of the Knight Kingdom, renowned businessn, societal celebrities, and famous artists, minstrels, and playwrights.
The banquet was held in the castle’s massive open-air courtyard, complete with pools, pavilions, and towers. Everyone was dressed in noble attire, while the minstrels sang loudly, playwrights showcased their stories, bright magic lamps illuminated the dark night sky, knights sat around tables eating heartily, critiquing the performances of minstrels and playwrights. Artists seized the opportunity to sell their cherished works, hoping to find a noble willing to spend a hefty sum for art.
The majority of artists ca from the Borelion Duchy, a connection attributed to Duke Theodoric of Borelion. The renowned Duke Theodoric is known for charging into battle wielding a massive War Axe, brutally cutting down incapacitated foes and hurling their bodies to the ground. He predominantly attacks head-on and rarely returns injured, with his knights proclaiming a war-like force seems to possess the Duke, who appears to relish in violence.
Outside of combat, the Duke is a poetry guardian and music connoisseur, being the largest patron and protector for all Brittania singers. He listens intently to love stories, his own poetry reaching minstrel-level quality.
(In fact, all artists and minstrels are always willing to sacrifice so integrity for higher status and wealth.)
Today, the Duke’s daughter wore a flowy white lily gown, adorned with a blue sapphire ring and a diamond necklace around her swan-like neck; crescent-shaped agate earrings added a brighter touch. Waist-length golden curls were held by a blue headband, and her slender hands glead like jade, her fair skin as snow, sea-blue eyes bright like stars, her prominent beautiful nose stunningly captivating.
Laine, clad in a deep red baron’s banquet suit, was montarily taken aback by Surya’s beauty, until the Duke’s daughter extended her hand and Laine quickly gestured an invitation: "Oh! Surya, I can’t express your beauty in words."
"Your eyes have already told the answer, Laine," the female knight chuckled and took his arm: "Tonight, you are my knight."
"Alright, my princess, let’s begin!"
Thus, the Holy Grail Knight and the Duke’s daughter entered the banquet arm-in-arm.
"Oh! Welco, Lord Laine Macado, and Lady Surya Kumari Antley de Winford, your presence graces this banquet with greater brilliance!" As they entered the courtyard, they were promptly greeted: "I’m Bonova, His Grace the Duke’s courtier."
"Hello, Mr. Bonova, could you tell us what programs are planned for tonight?"
"Certainly, my Baron." Bonova raised a hand to introduce the evening’s program: "First, the Duke will lead everyone in prayers to Manannan and the Lady, asking for blessings for the coming year."
"Then we have the renowned southern Brittania songstress, Lady Audette, performing. She’ll sing two moving epics, one of which is none other than Lord Laine’s story!"
"I’m very interested, I’d love to know how Laine’s story is adapted into the song," Surya glanced at Laine, her face full of enthusiasm: "That should be very intriguing."
"Of course, indeed, my Marchioness, you can even have Lord Laine point out any mistakes in the song, hahaha!" Seeing the Duke’s daughter interested, Bonova seized the opportunity: "The song isn’t all there is. The palace chefs have prepared the finest ats and fish for the feast, including boar’s head, venison, peacock, swan, suckling pig, crane, and lark, along with various fish. We even have rare seafood like sturgeon, whale, and dolphin, as you know. Enjoy the grand banquet!"
"Besides this, the Boldro court wizard will perform a spectacular magic show for the guests, and an acrobat troupe will also showcase their skills. Many corners of the banquet have interactive gas for participation. Allow to keep a small secret, letting Lord Laine and Lady Surya discover them on their own." Bonova concluded and cleared the way: "Please!"
"This sounds very fun. It’s my first ti attending such an event alone." Surya whispered in Laine’s ear, the Marchioness visibly pink with excitent: "Without father and brother around, it’s a first."
"Then, my duty is to ensure your enjoynt, my Marchioness."
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