Dongfang Jiang stood before the mirror in the room of the Badan family mansion, looking at the dark blue formal suit on his body.
Something felt off, but he couldn’t quite place it.
“Stop moving, or you’ll mess up your bow tie again.”
Yisela stood behind him, reaching out to straighten his bow tie.
She wore a light gold gown today, the hem embroidered with rose patterns and a dark brown ribbon tied around her waist.
Her blonde hair was styled into an elegant bun, with a few loose curls hanging by her ears, framing her fair profile.
Pandana sat on the sofa nearby, swinging her legs idly.
She had also changed into a fitted dress today, one Yisela had ordered the tailor to make overnight, yet the stitching showed no signs of haste.
“I’m just saying, it’s only meeting the king. Is it really necessary to be this formal?”
“Yes.”
Yisela and Pandana said in unison.
Dongfang Jiang raised his hands in surrender, letting Yisela make the final adjustments to his attire.
The butler knocked on the door and poked his head in.
“Mister Dongfang, Young Lady, Miss Douglas, the carriage is ready. The Lord said he’ll wait for you at the palace gate.”
“Understood.”
Yisela took one last look at Dongfang Jiang’s outfit and nodded in satisfaction.
“Let’s go.”
The carriage drove through the streets of Gray Tower City, heading south from the Noble District, crossing the stone bridge, and entering the area where the Royal Palace was located.
The sky had darkened, but the magical streetlamps around the palace were all lit, illuminating the entire area as if it were daytime.
The lamp posts were made of black cast iron, with pale blue magic crystals embedded at the top, emitting a soft, non-glaring light.
The main gate of the palace was wide open, with all kinds of carriages parked in front.
From the decorations and crests on the carriages, it was clear that the attendees were all influential figures of the Kingdom of Aiselin.
Duke Ignatius stood on the steps at the entrance.
When he saw Dongfang Jiang and the other two alighting from the carriage, he came over to greet them.
“His Majesty will attend the banquet tonight, but he won’t summon you publicly. When the time is right, someone will bring you to see him.”
“Understood.”
Dongfang Jiang nodded.
Duke Ignatius looked at him, hesitated, and finally just patted him on the shoulder.
“Let’s go.”
The Banquet Hall was located in the Main Hall of the Royal Palace, considerably larger than the Council Chamber.
The ceiling seemed so high it was almost impossible to see the top, covered with a massive mural depicting the great achievements of successive kings of the Kingdom of Aiselin.
A huge crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, hundreds of magic crystals twinkling within it, casting a golden glow over the entire hall.
Many guests had already gathered inside, clustered in small groups, holding glasses and conversing in low voices.
Dongfang Jiang swept his gaze across the room and spotted many familiar faces.
Grand General Vard stood by the window, surrounded by a circle of officers, raising his glass and speaking loudly, occasionally bursting into laughter.
Grand General Vard’s eyes swept over Dongfang Jiang, and he nodded slightly in greeting.
Prime Minister Odrich sat in a high-backed chair in the corner, holding a cup of black tea, his eyes closed as if dozing.
But the two attendants standing beside him were quietly reporting something to him, clearly indicating that the old fox hadn’t truly relaxed.
Among the Six Dukes, Dongfang Jiang only found Duke Eldridge.
He stood not far from Vard, quietly conversing with a middle-aged woman in ornate clothing.
When he saw Dongfang Jiang enter, his gaze lingered on him for a moment before casually shifting away.
“That is Duchess Winster.”
Yisela whispered in Dongfang Jiang’s ear.
“Duke Winster himself didn’t attend today, reportedly due to illness.”
“Illness?”
Dongfang Jiang raised an eyebrow.
“It’s rather convenient to be ‘ill’ on such an occasion.”
“Indeed it is.”
The corner of Yisela’s mouth turned up slightly, and she said no more.
Pandana stood on Dongfang Jiang’s other side, curiously looking around.
Her eyes scanned the crowd and suddenly stopped.
“Mister Dongfang, look over there.”
Dongfang Jiang followed her gaze and saw an unexpected figure.
Xi Fritz.
She was wearing a well-tailored dark gray suit today, her blue hair tied in a neat ponytail, her press credentials still hanging around her neck, and a leather notebook in her hand.
She stood in a corner of the Banquet Hall, quietly conversing with a young man in military uniform.
“How did she get here?”
Dongfang Jiang was a bit surprised.
“Miss Fritz was previously a reporter for the Gray Tower Daily. Even though she was fired, she still has some connections in the capital’s news circles. Getting an invitation to an event like this shouldn’t be too difficult.”
Yisela’s tone carried a hint of appreciation, clearly recognizing Xi’s professional abilities.
As if sensing Dongfang Jiang’s gaze, Xi looked up and glanced their way.
Seeing the three of them, her eyes brightened.
She said something to the soldier beside her and quickly walked over.
“Mister Dongfang, Miss Yisela, Miss Pandana.”
Xi stopped in front of the trio and gave a slight bow as a greeting.
“Glad you could make it.”
Dongfang Jiang shook hands with her.
“It would be a loss to miss an occasion like this.”
Xi’s lips held a professional smile, but her eyes sparkled with excitement.
“This banquet isn’t just about eating and drinking. His Majesty suddenly summoned so many nobles and officers—he must have something important to announce.”
“You’re quite well-informed.”
Yisela remarked flatly.
“Professional habit.”
Xi didn’t mind the slight wariness in Yisela’s tone.
She pulled a small card from her notebook and handed it to Dongfang Jiang.
“This is a list of the key attendees I compiled today. You might find it useful.”
Dongfang Jiang took the card and quickly scanned it.
Dozens of names were densely written on it, each followed by notes on identity, background, and relationships with other individuals.
“This must have taken a lot of work.”
“I barely slept for three days.”
Xi said it lightly, but the dark circles under her eyes gave her away.
“Well, thank you very much.”
Dongfang Jiang pocketed the card and offered Xi a sincere thanks.
“You’re welcome. If you really want to thank me, let me record nearby if the opportunity arises.”
“That’s not something I can decide.”
Dongfang Jiang scratched his head awkwardly.
As for Xi’s request, he truly had no say in the matter.
“Then I’ll wait and see.”
Xi didn’t press further.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, she returned to her corner.
The Banquet Hall grew more crowded, the clamor of conversation surging like a tide.
Dongfang Jiang followed Duke Ignatius around the hall, greeting various nobles one by one.
He couldn’t remember all their names and faces, but at least he got a rough idea of the main members of the Six Ducal Families.
After the rounds, Dongfang Jiang’s face felt frozen from smiling.
“So exhausting…”
“Almost done. His Majesty should be arriving soon.”
Yisela handed him a glass of water.
Dongfang Jiang downed it in one gulp, and then Yisela spoke in a low voice.
Just as she finished, the doors of the Banquet Hall were pushed open by attendants, and a booming voice rang out.
“His Majesty has arrived!!!”