novelzi Chapter 76 The Noble Banquet
Chapter 76 The Noble Banquet
[POV: Zareth El'leather]
The banners of the royal house hung high, swaying ever so slightly in the evening breeze.
It was a familiar sight, one Zareth had grown.
Zareth stood in the center of the hall, shoulders squared, expression composed.
To his right, Vynesaa stood with her usual grace, arms lightly crossed.
Ed stood to his left.
On the throne, their father, King Elora, sat in his usual posture—relaxed.
Their mother, Queen Aeloria, stood beside him.
The king exhaled, shifting his posture forward slightly.
"Zareth," he began, his voice carrying through the hall with ease. "Tommorow, you turn sixteen. A fine age, is it not?"
Zareth inclined his head. "Yes, father."
"Next year, you will be of age to enter the academy." He paused, watching his son. "You are aware of the tradition that comes before that?"
Zareth gave a firm nod. "Yes, father. A year must be spent outside the palace—to understand the kingdom firsthand."
The king chuckled, shaking his head lightly. "You say that like you're reading from a history book."
Vynesaa, who had been quiet until now, smirked. "He probably memorized every past case of royal heirs traveling the kingdom. I wouldn't be surprised if he already has an itinerary planned."
Zareth shot her a look but chose not to take the bait.
Instead, he turned his attention back to their father.
"Then you understand what comes next," the king continued. "It is time for you to go."
Zareth accepted this without hesitation.
It wasn't unexpected. In fact, he had been preparing for it.
"However," the king leaned back, a flicker of amusement in his eyes, "I imagine you weren't expecting to have company."
Zareth blinked. "Company?"
"Vynesaa and Ed will be going with you."
There was a beat of silence. Then—
"What?" Vynesaa raised an eyebrow, tilting her head slightly. "Father, I thought the custom only applied to the heir? Why ed?"
The king hummed, his gaze flickering between them. "It does. But let's call this... an exception."
Zareth narrowed his eyes slightly, trying to gauge his father's reasoning.
Ed, who had been quiet the entire time, finally let out a soft exhale.
He wasn't surprised—he had likely expected something like this.
"Unbelievable. You spend four years training under me, and this is what you've learned?"
Ed smirked. "You taught me many things, but I figured this one out myself."
Arianna sighed, shaking her head as they reached the banquet doors. "Just behave yourself tonight."
Ed gave a small shrug. "No promises."
The moment they entered, the sheer grandeur of the banquet hall washed over them.
Massive chandeliers hung from the high ceiling.
The walls were lined with ornate banners representing the noble houses in attendance, Servants moved seamlessly through the room, carrying trays.
The tables were arranged in an elegant U-shape.
Nobles were already engaged in hushed conversations, laughter occasionally breaking through the refined atmosphere.
Ed and Arianna took their seats—neither too close nor too far from the main table.
Just enough distance to be seen.
Even though Ed had been living in the elven kingdom for years now, there were still many nobles who refused to fully accept his presence.
He could feel their gazes, their subtle glances filled with quiet judgment.
He ignored them.
For a while, the event continued in a controlled rhythm—people exchanging pleasantries, servants refilling goblets, soft music playing in the background.
Then, after some time, the atmosphere shifted.
A herald stepped forward, his voice carrying across the hall.
"His Majesty, King Elora. Her Majesty, Queen Aeloria. Their Highnesses, Prince Zareth and Princess Vynesaa."
At once, the entire hall stood in silent reverence.
The grand doors at the far end of the room opened, revealing the royal family as they stepped inside.
The king, Elora, walked with a regal air, his sharp eyes surveying the room. Beside him, Queen Aeloria moved with the effortless grace.
Zareth followed closely.
Vynesaa, walking beside him, held herself with poise—her emerald green gown flowing elegantly as she glanced around the hall.
The nobles bowed their heads slightly in respect.
Zareth and Vynesaa exchanged brief looks before taking their seats.
Ed exhaled slowly, leaning back in his chair.
The night was only getting started.
Arianna stretched as she got up.
"I'll be back in a bit. My family will throw a fit if I don't at least say hello."...