Ceres

89

Dwight and Elisea sat in front of everyone else. Glenn was standing beside them.

The music quieted down as the royal emperor was about to make his opening speech.

"Greetings to the royal emperor and royal empress!"

Everyone respectfully bowed aside from those with high position and status such as headmasters of schools.

"Thank you, everyone, for coming to this opening banquet of Winsterein kingdom's schools' competition. Some of you have come from far places and have endured the journey to grace us with your presence. Words are not enough to express my sincerest gratitude to all of you.

As everyone knows, this year is a special event not because the competition only happens every three years but because... this will also enable the participants to represent their school, sect, academy, or kingdom in the Great Magi Conference!"

Almost everyone gasped and talked among themselves. Only those from the different schools have firm gazes and intense aura.

"We wanted to allow these students to have fun at least before the pressure comes down to them. This banquet is something for the students and future delegates to the Great Magi Conference! May your future look bright and may you bring glory towards to greatest platform of all aspiring magicians in the continent!"

Dwight raised a glass of wine.

"Let the banquet start!"

He then, drank the wine. Right after, the people applauded and the lively music began.

Everyone is now free to mingle and talk to each other. This is the time before the dinner starts where those who wants to gain favor from other people could actually do their act.

For example, Orion began greeting some of the ancient families' heads. Dotrald also started to walk towards the Holy Child.

The students of different schools also started seizing their opponents; like Beatrice looking intensely at Leona.

Lennard started speaking to different people but beside him is Leona who remained quiet. She couldn't mingle with other girls from other families because she doesn't know anyone.

However, her eyes were inspecting everyone as she was looking for someone.

"Orion Winsterein greets one of the greatest generals of Winsterein kingdom, General Arcyl Ellion."

Arcyl was talking to someone from another family and beside him is Ceres who was fidgety as she wasn't use to this kind of event.

Arcyl looked at Orion and lightly laughed. He gestured to the one he was talking to that he will be chatting with the second prince.

"How is your grandfather? I bet he's still alive and kicking."

"Many thanks for your concern. Grandfather is somehow sick but he will surely pass this hurdle."

Arcyl didn't immediately respond. He knew Liuis all too well. Both of them are the backbone of their family. Of course, Arcyl only knows that Liuis is still suffering from a disease.

Orion made sure that aside from him, Guy, and his first brother, no one knew that Liuis has been cured of his illness already. This is all for their plans.

"Don't think too much. We are already at this age and it's time for the younger generation to step up. Tell your grandfather that if I have time, I would surely visit him."

With this, Orion and Arcyl started speaking about many things. Although they did not speak about any political topic at all, everyone knew that something must be going on.

In the midst of their chit-chat, Orion brought up introducing Arcyl to the Fay kingdom's royal siblings. The latter did not object and gladly took the offer. They then, proceeded towards Lennard and Leona.

Guy, on the other hand, headed to where Ceres and Leonard are. He first talked to Leonard.

"This place only looks safe but please be warned that something may happen."

After saying those words, Guy turned his head to Ceres and was about to say more things but...

"Yes?"

Ceres did not even look at Guy but she knew that the latter already guessed who she was. Well, the faces Ceres and Gil used in front of the Fay kingdom's royal siblings were the faces they used during Liuis incident.

"I..."

"We will, of course, take note of everything that happens here. Thank you for your concern. Please go back and watch your master instead."

Ceres tone wasn't one of gratitude. It was a tone of being disrespectful but at the same time, being acquainted.

Guy got Ceres' point and immediately headed towards Orion.

At this point, it is not unusual for Leonard and Ceres to talk since this is a banquet and they were made to notice every detail and every happening.

"Oi."

Leonard's curiosity was piqued.

"You know that person? He was the second prince's retainer. Are you somehow acquainted to---"

"You have a brain, be smart enough to use it."

"What do you---!"

Ceres coldly stared at Leonard for some seconds and then, turned her head towards Lennard and Leona. She was dutifully doing her job as a royal guard.

Leonard could only cough and also, stand like a guard.

"If you may excuse me, crown prince Lennard Reynolds and princess Leona Reynolds."

Orion was all smiles when he interrupted Lennard who was talking to some officials. Such action made everyone knew that Orion wanted to talk to the royal guests. Also, seeing Arcyl and Ceres behind Orion made everyone knew that Orion was about to introduce the general to the royal guests.

Lennard respectfully bid farewell to the officials and of course, respectfully greeted Arcyl.

"It is my pleasure to meet in person one of the greatest generals of Winsterein kingdom. Also, the one who raised the person worthy to shake the continent with his prowess. I am Lennard Reynolds, crown prince of Fay kingdom."

Arcyl's eyes twitched at Lennard's greeting. He knew that the latter wanted to meet his dead son instead. Arcyl was never that well-known unlike Ceraph.

"This humble general does not deserve such praise from the crown prince."

Leona followed her brother in greeting Arcyl. Of course, she saw Ceres and knew about her situation from her brother. This was of course a good opportunity for her to get to know Ceres and also, have someone to talk to.

"Greetings to general Arcyl Ellion, this one is princess Leona Reynolds of Fay kingdom. I have heard a lot about you and I'm sure you deserve such admiration for your dedication and hard work."

"Many thanks princess Leona Reynolds. Such kind words are not suited to be said to a retired general such as myself."

Arcyl did not neglect Leona. Truth be told, the reason he did not reject Orion's offer to be introduced to the Fay kingdom's royal siblings was because of Leona. He wanted to make sure that Ceres wouldn't interfere with the kingdom's affairs such as Lucas and Leona's engagement. By introducing Ceres to Leona, it would somehow make an impression that Ceres doesn't take it to the heart that Lucas is engaged to Leona and that she really doesn't want to be in between the two. Thus, this meeting of the two young women would surely help ease the pressure placed on the Ellion's household by the royal palace.

Arcylwanted to introduce Ceres toLeona to help both his family and Ceres.More so if Ceres can becomefriends with Leona then, it would only bring more benefits to her ruined status and position. -tbc