The night was enchanting, and the grand feast would intoxicate all the noble ladies present.
Besides the welcoming and oath-taking ceremony at the gates of King's Landing, Jaehaerys II also prepared a grand banquet to thank the returning noble knights. King Jaehaerys II knew this was a rare opportunity to win favors, and the money in the treasury was burning away with laughter, wine, and perfume.
Most of those attending the banquet were nobles and ladies from King's Landing, knights and nobles who had distinguished themselves in the war, and some meritorious officials. King Jaehaerys II did not forget the majority of the soldiers stationed in the military camps outside the city and specifically sent people to deliver gifts of gold and silver and delicious food to them. The soldiers had returned from a long expedition, and pleasing them required money.
Jaehaerys II's courtiers had changed into magnificent clothes in the great hall to match the King's joy.
Everyone refused to be outdone, wanting to overshadow others. The High Septon wore a crystal crown, his magnificent attire no less splendid than a courtesan from Braavos. That seven-colored crystal crown, who knows how many believers' wallets it had plundered. Some famous wealthy merchants had donated a considerable amount of money and grain just to get a ticket for tonight. Everyone was dressed in their finest, refusing to show weakness.
Rhaegar felt like he was in a beauty pageant coliseum, where everyone adorned themselves with clothes and jewels, all for a good price.
Rhaegar looked at these gluttons, and the one he disliked the most was this High Septon. But it seemed to be a good thing that the High Septon was corrupt and had become a loyal dog of power.
At the head of the main table, King Jaehaerys II was splendidly dressed, with dragons and flames embroidered on his clothes, and he wore his heavy golden crown. The diners at this table were a gathering of elites, showcasing the currents of power and dignity. Only those of closest kinship, highest nobility, or with outstanding military achievements could be among them.
The King, the Queen, Prince Aerys, Princess Rhaella, the High Septon representing the Seven Gods, Duke Monford representing the Stag, Ser Steffon and his wife, Duke Hoster representing the Trout, Ser Brynden, Princess Elia representing Dorne, and Tywin and Kevan, the Lannister brothers representing the Golden Lion, Lady Joanna, and Lord Roger representing the red lion. Of course, the meritorious heroes of the war, Ser Gerold and Ser Barristan, were also present.
Lord Roger felt as if he was floating; he had never endured such a test. If Ser Jason had not died in battle, and he had not contributed to this campaign, he would not have been at this table. A considerable portion of the House Tarbeck's wealth came from his sister Aeliana constantly seducing heirs in House Lannister.
The most strikingly dressed were the ladies: Princess Rhaella in a silver gown, the Princess of Dorne in a golden gown, Lady Joanna in a greenish-blue gown, and Ser Steffon's wife in a crimson gown, making them the most beautiful roses of the night.
Rhaegar was also dressed beautifully, in black brocade adorned with rubies, with red dragons roaring and clawing. Rhaegar, with his silver hair and purple eyes, was dashing and lucid. In his gaze, people believed that a true dragon was born. Rhaegar sat between the King and Queen, completely in control of the situation. After a while, the King even gave him a prominent task.
Westeros is indeed a place that values appearance, somewhat like the medieval aristocratic clan politics era, where they were very particular about the looks and physique of nobles. Although it is said that good character is better than good looks, a good appearance still saved a lot of trouble.
Soon, a discordant scene appeared at the banquet. Rhaegar noticed Prince Aerys secretly looking at Lady Joanna, and Tywin's face immediately turned as dark as the bottom of a wok.
Rhaegar really wanted to go up and slap Prince Aerys for his mother. Even if the Prince was handsome and dashing, his passion was almost burning out his brain. Princess Rhaella had anger in her heart but did not express it.
Duke Monford also noticed this scene, and his expression was a bit grim. Although Prince Aerys was not seducing his daughter-in-law, the Prince's lack of etiquette would be a disgrace to the royal family. Dragonseeds were not lacking in romance, but they should also know the limits of their revelry. The Mad King once sought pleasure everywhere and was almost killed.
"My lords and ladies, before the banquet begins, there is a small ceremony, which my grandson Rhaegar will perform." King Jaehaerys II clapped his hands, and attendants came over. Inside the box were exquisite soft gold necklaces, paired with a dragon-shaped gold medallion whose eyes were rubies, magnificent beyond compare. The medallion also read 'Savior of the Stepstones'.
"You have all served the country, and the Dragon family will forever remember your contributions." Rhaegar stepped down and personally fastened these necklaces for Ser Gerold, Ser Barristan, Duke Monford, and others. This was a special honor, enough to make one's blood run hot.
This ceremony should have been completed by the King, but Prince Rhaegar was young yet precocious, with an extraordinary demeanor, and already held the title of lucky one. Everyone regarded this bestowal as an honor and a blessing.
"Long live the King!" "Long live the King!" Someone in the hall started it, and men and women cried out like a flock of ducks. They were eager and sincere, as if the King's love was etched on their faces.
"Let the banquet begin!" Jaehaerys II raised a hand at this moment of universal attention. Amidst the fervent tide, the feast commenced.
Servants brought out the dishes: fine golden Arbor wine, enough to evoke the beautiful summer of The Reach.
Barley beef soup, crispy hot bread, mixed plum salad, followed by roasted trout, honey-glazed roast chicken, apple pie, buttered carrots, and finally, the main course was a magnificent peacock stuffed with mushrooms and oysters. This roasted peacock was also the dish Rhaegar found most annoying, a complete waste of natural resources. But nobles often regarded such roasted swans, peacocks, and other large birds as symbols of their status.
Then, as the wine flowed freely, the court jester also took the stage.
It was a small man telling various jokes, acting as a clown to please the dignitaries.
Everyone was laughing non-stop at these jokes, and the High Septon also lost some of his dignified image.
"Mr. Cesar, a swordsman from Braavos, thanks the King for his warm hospitality and offers a dance." After a while, a slender, high-nosed man in deep robes emerged from a secluded corner. He bowed to the crowd, then drew his sword.
Jaehaerys II was initially surprised, then remembered that there was indeed such a wandering swordsman from Braavos. When he met him a few days ago, seeing him haggard, he had someone provide him with several meals. The King was always hospitable; although he did not understand martial arts, he had given this swordsman an entry ticket to today's banquet.
Rhaegar noticed the man's accent, which carried a flavor of the Free Cities, likely from Braavos.
The man's longsword had a guard and a hilt; it was a light rapier, with a thin and slender blade, clearly much lighter than Westerosi longswords.
Rhaegar understood what kind of sword it was; this was a Water Dancer from Braavos.