noveltune Chapter 40: Imperial Banquet
Chapter 40: Imperial Banquet
Chapter 40: Imperial Banquet
Gentle spring rain that had been lingering throughout the entire day had gradually abated.
The setting Sun, previously obscured by the dispersing gray clouds, was finally reminding the world of its dazzling existence from just above the distant horizon. Birds chirped joyfully as they flew out from the shelter of the trees into the clearing sky as deep orange rays of light fell towards the grandest city within the Western Empyrean Continent.
The Imperial Capital of the Augustus Empire characterized abundance. The growing city was relatively new, having begun construction just over one-hundred years prior. Home to tens of millions, the Imperial Capital was a gathering place, attracting the wealthiest, proudest, and most ambitious characters amidst the entire Empire.
Shopping districts, arenas, bath houses, and theaters were only a few examples of the innumerable recreational establishments generously distributed among the endless stretch of buildings.
The branching streets extending like veins throughout the city were bustling with residents, visitors, servants, and slaves, all traveling like schools of fish across the winding, marble-tiled rivers. Streams of figures steadily entered and exited the Capital, passing through the heavily guarded and secure gates that lined the humongous white stone walls that encircled the expansive city in a terrifying paradigm of defensive engineering.
The most magnificent district of the Capital was the Inner City. Divided from the rest of the city by layers of thick stone barriers, compact arrangements of large edifices sat upon elevated terrain, allowing them to be easily visible from anywhere within the Capital. And upon this higher ground, a palace of immense proportions towered above the rest imposingly.
Underneath the shadowy covering of fragrant Apricot trees, several large, horse-led carriages were coming to a halt. Inside one of the rather spacious carriages, Aiden breathed deep and low, trying to distract himself from his nervousness by gazing outside through the right window.
The awe-inspiring Imperial Palace entrance was positioned not too far away. Ornamental columns extending into an arcade of pointed, quatrefoil arches spanned the tall, covered corridor, which seemed to wrap around the entire ground floor. On the upper floors, delicate railings enclosed beautiful balconies, framing the pointed, crystal windows gorgeously. Crimson flags fluttered high above, the golden image of a two-legged serpentine dragon coiled around a phoenix imprinted upon each, the emblem of the Augustus Imperial Family.
Just as Aidens blue eyes raised upwards to continue their detailed observation, a soft knock sounded against his carriage door.
Aiden looked calmly at the young manservant that opened the wooden door, and with a silent nod of appreciation, Aiden stood, sighing as he adjusted his golden circlet. He took one last deep breath, thinking through the extensive number of instructions and warnings his father had given him before their arrival.
With measured steps, he finally walked through the open door, the heels of his black boots lightly clacking against the wooden steps.
Meeting him on the marble path were six Bright Forest Guards that bowed respectfully at his descent. Their silver armor was polished to a mirror-like shine.
While the young manservant circled around Aiden in efforts to adjust his dark green, golden trimmed formal robes, the sound of footsteps attracted Aidens attention.
Cedrick, dressed identically with a golden crown upon his head, was walking towards Aiden from the carriage up front. But not far away, a slender man unfamiliar to Aiden could be seen exiting Cedricks carriage as well.
His presence caused confusion to well up in Aidens heart. He didnt remember ever seeing this man before, nor his joining their entourage at any point during their journey from the Bright Forest Capital. But something about him caused Aiden to feel somewhat uncertain.
His pupils contracted as his Soul Force unintentionally extended outwards, examining the approaching handsome man as subtly as he could manage.
Long and straight pink hair glided against his shining silver armor, which was partially covered with a thin, black robe. Brown irises ornamented his soft featured, almost androgynous face, which was affixed with a delicate smiling expression.
However, with only his freshly advanced Foundation Establishment realm strength, Aiden failed to ascertain the mans cultivation realm.
Your scrutiny is too obvious, Aiden. Restrain your Soul Force.
A deep voice transmission shocked Aiden into removing his gaze from the pink-haired man. After quickly coercing his unwieldy Soul Force back inside of the confines of his body, Aiden curbed his embarrassment and looked back to Cedricks expressionless face, who continued to silently communicate with him.
You have to control yourself. It's both discourteous and potentially dangerous to casually examine cultivators with your soul.
Aiden bowed his head to show his understanding. But what he really wanted to ask was how his Soul Force was detectable in the first place. Unfortunately, he had yet to learn the voice transmission technique, and this wasnt the time for public discussion.
However, Cedrick seemed to have read Aiden's mind.
Although cultivators belonging to any major realm cannot directly detect your Soul Force or its inherent strength, cultivators with a comparatively more powerful soul can still perceive its presence indirectly.
"When your Soul Force extends outside of your body, the Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi Field will resonate with it on a minute scale, creating micro undulations within the Qi Field that indicate the existence of your observation.
Once Cedrick stopped next to Aiden, he abruptly ceased his miniature lesson and gestured towards the man next to him. He introduced aloud, This is Duke Metsavana, the leader of the Royal Palace Guards.
Not minding Aidens previous clumsy scrutiny, Metsavanas smile widened. Pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Aiden. His voice was smooth and pleasant as he spoke.
'Something's off. Surely we haven't met, but...'
Aiden repeatedly tried to place the slight familiarity that pricked his subconscious as he returned the gesture, lips lifting into a faint smile.
The pleasures mine.
At this moment, a small procession of servants arrived, and the young man leading the orderly group stepped forward and bowed politely.
You should withdraw your gaze. Ive known several who've gone blind due to their insistence on staring at my Father.
Aiden blinked repeatedly before averting his slightly teary eyes from the man he recognized to be the Silver Scale King, Orion Xinos.
Brows rising moderately, Aiden turned to his left to see a handsome, blue-eyed youngster, who looked to be 18 or 19, smiling amicably towards him. His long silver hair was identical to the King the young man previously called his father. The strands glinted against the light, draped loosely on layered black robes, which was inscribed with dense, subtle patterns and glyphs.
That robe... Aiden paused before the faint image of a sword stitched on the young mans chest, near the location of his heart, caught his attention.
'An Inner Sect Disciple of the Five Profound Elements Sect?' Aiden thought suddenly, remembering the signature garments from one of the Inner Sect Mountains.
After Auslen had left to join the Five Profound Elements Sect last year, Aiden made sure to learn as much as he possibly could about the Sect, hoping to calm the recurring anxiety that occasionally manifested in his stomach at the thought of his little brother left to his own devices so far away from home.
Excuse my rudeness. Allow me to introduce myself." Aiden immediately realized he was staring and apologized, his tone restrained and gentlemanly. "My name is Aiden Lawrence, First Prince of the Bright Forest Kingdom. Its a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
The young man chuckled, his eyes shining like sapphire. The names Artorius Xinos, Prince of the Silver Scale Kingdom. Its my pleasure as well.
Of course, Aiden knew of Artorius before he revealed his identity.
If I may ask, are you a disciple of the Five Profound Elements Sect? Aiden asked as if he didn't know, vigilance hidden under his smiling expression.
"Yes, I am."
Aiden's head tilted slightly. I thought I read somewhere that disciples werent allowed to leave the boundaries of the Sect?
That may be the case for Outer Sect Disciples, but Inner Sect Disciples are granted a two week leave every year, Artorius answered before looking at Aiden curiously.
Artorius smiled, his handsome face bright with friendliness. You seem to have some interest in the Sect. Are you planning on joining like your younger brother? His name was Auslen, correct?
No, thats not it," Aiden replied without pause, not at all willing to discuss his brother with the young man across from him. "I just did a bit of research...
The two teenagers continued to chat, outwardly cordial. But they didn't get to continue for too much longer before they were interrupted by the announcement of new arrivals.
Empress Anastasia and Prince Imperial Janus have arrived!
Suddenly, the Banquet Hall steeply fell into an uncomfortable bout of silence. Aiden stood with the rest while turning his gaze to meet the slow moving figures of a woman and a child being heavily escorted by Imperial Guards into the Banquet Hall.
The magisterial womans frame was tall and lithe, heavy looking vermillion palatial robes hanging off of her slim body as it dragged half a meter behind her. On top of her robes was a coat composed entirely of long, crimson-gold feathers. The sight of the feather coat alone summoned domineering waves of warmth to assault Aidens young body.
Her deep black hair was half-coiled into a beautiful, gravity-defying bun, scored with pins and jewels that each emitted a soft, ethereal glow. The other half of her long, straight hair dragged on the ground behind her, conveniently riding atop the silk cloths of her over-extended robes. Pendants hung from her neck and brooches shined from her waist, her soul-snatching curves visible even when covered by an abundance of clothing.
But her facial features were impossible to describe. Obscuring her face was a mask of rippling heat waves, space fluctuating just enough to block the observation of everyone in the hall, including the Kings up front, who were standing with the rest of the attendees to bow in silence. Each of there expressions emotionless.
Aiden and the other attendees didnt sit back down until a soft, crystal clear voice spread throughout the Banquet Hall.
Please sit.
Aiden sat, only briefly wondering why the Emperor didn't make an appearance before subtly observing the mysterious Prince Imperial, who was discussed frequently within the Bright Forest Kingdom.
Sitting beside his mother on a plain golden throne, the black haired boy was silent and his expression passionless. Golden embroidered black robes fit his six-year-old body perfectly, and his hair was coiled into a knot, held together with one long hair pin.
So thats the Prince Imperial? Aiden thought, somewhat disappointed, although he was unsure why. All he knew was that he still found his own younger brother much more agreeable.
The Empress's clear voice was released once again, pulling his attention away from the child.
Im endlessly thankful that each of you could be here today to celebrate my precious sons Coming-of-Age Banquet.
Nothing but silence followed the Empresss announcement.
She allowed the silence to continue as she gently ran her fingers over the golden arm support, designed to resemble overlapping wings. The abrupt lack of cheer didn't seem to bother her in the slightest.
With a light tap of her finger against the arm rest, servants began to immediately serve the guests as she continued.
Alright everyone, let us begin the festivities.