The celebratory banquet that night was held in the grand hall of the Karsten Mansion.
Brilliant crystal chandeliers illuminated the hall as though it were daytime, while nobles dressed in luxurious attire conversed elegantly. The band's dance music echoed melodiously beneath the high-vaulted ceiling.
However, this banquet, which should have belonged to the heroes of the subjugation force, felt somewhat undeserved. Aside from Crusch and her personal knight Felix, who acted as hosts, almost no other members of the subjugation force were present.
Wilhelm politely declined the invitation, citing his advanced age and need for rest. Julius, on the other hand, directly stated, "I did not participate in the subjugation of the White Whale," and needed to report the battle's outcome to Lady Anastasia as soon as possible, thus refusing to attend.
The entire banquet perfectly embodied the stereotype of a European aristocratic gathering. Of course, its style leaned more toward a two-dimensional aesthetic.
The young lords and ladies, dressed in extravagant clothing, looked as though they had stepped straight out of an anime.
Completely unlike European royalty, where maintaining bloodline purity often resulted in prominent chins and rather peculiar facial features.
Carlisle stood beside a French window, dressed tonight in a modified white knight's formal outfit. The precisely tailored stand-up collar accentuated his tall figure, while the silver-thread embroidery at his waist shimmered faintly under the lights. It resembled less a knight's uniform and more a luxurious formal garment infused with aristocratic elegance.
He noticed that the nobles he had publicly intimidated at the palace not long ago were nowhere to be seen. Crusch's invitation list had clearly been carefully curated. Everyone present was either a noble or a business representative who had genuinely contributed to the kingdom.
Those bloated parasites were not worthy of entering this hall.
At this banquet, Carlisle not only represented the heroes who had subjugated the White Whale, but also stood as a representative of the Emilia faction.
Although Emilia was currently within the mansion, the silver-haired half-elf politely declined to attend, citing poor health. This excuse was an unspoken understanding between them. Emilia rarely appeared in public due to her identity and appearance. The last time, at the Ice Festival, she had only created a snow sculpture with Puck before leaving.
This was already the seventh noble lady who had approached Carlisle to invite him to dance tonight.
Carlisle bowed slightly, declining with flawless etiquette.
"Thank you for your kindness, but I already have a prior engagement."
The young lady in the purple gown lowered her gaze in disappointment. After performing a proper curtsy, she turned and departed.
Carlisle's gaze passed over his shoulder and settled once again on the entrance of the banquet hall.
Why hasn't she arrived yet...
As the kingdom's second knight, Carlisle's reputation among young nobles was rather complicated. His striking appearance and formidable strength naturally attracted many noble ladies. However, outside of official duties, he was often seen spending time with Reinhard, which led to many ambiguous rumors circulating among the aristocracy.
Tonight, however, was different.
The moment Carlisle appeared in his white formal attire, he became the center of attention. He rarely participated in such social gatherings, and the noble ladies who usually only dared admire him from afar now found the courage to step forward and invite him to dance. Every single one of them was politely refused.
"It seems our knight is quite popular."
A familiar voice sounded behind him.
Carlisle turned to see Felix leaning casually against a pillar, his cat ears twitching with amusement. In his hand was not champagne, but a glass of milk filled with ice cubes.
Carlisle gave a slightly awkward smile.
"Yes... I didn't expect everyone to be so enthusiastic."
Felix narrowed his eyes, his sharp hearing catching the subtle nuance in his tone. Taking a step closer, he spoke with teasing intent.
"But~ Carlisle doesn't seem surprised at all. Could it be... that he already knew he was this popular?"
Carlisle glanced at the noble ladies who were still secretly watching him from afar.
"To be honest, I'm not sure how the nobility views me. But if the people invited by Lady Crusch truly resented what I did during the Royal Selection, then... although it might sound a bit conceited, I can't imagine that being the case."
Felix suddenly leaned in, a cunning gleam flashing in his eyes.
"Oh~? So Carlisle is saying that those ladies are inviting the kingdom's 'Perfect Knight' rather than 'Carlisle Eltheran' himself?"
"It's not that extreme..." Carlisle shook his head lightly, his gaze drifting once more toward the banquet entrance.
"It's just... I already have a prior engagement. I can't disappoint her."
Felix grinned, revealing his sharp canines.
"Is that so~ Carlisle really is gentle."
He swirled the drink in his hand with a mysterious smile.
"But, I've prepared a special surprise for Carlisle today. You're definitely going to love it, nya~"
"A surprise?"
"That's right!"
Felix proudly raised a finger.
"And..."
Before he could finish, a small commotion arose nearby.
Felix's smile widened, his tail swaying happily.
"Look. The surprise has arrived."
"Carlisle! So you were here!"
Subaru's voice rang out, filled with unconcealed excitement.
Carlisle turned at the sound and saw Subaru hurrying toward him, the hem of her black formal dress swaying gracefully with each step. Behind her, Rem followed quietly, her blue formal dress shimmering with a soft, pearl-like luster under the lights.
"How do I look? Do I look good?"
Subaru stopped in front of Carlisle, spun lightly to show off her dress, then looked at him nervously, waiting for a response.
This dress seemed tailor-made for her.
The black satin perfectly outlined her slender yet well-proportioned figure. The high-waist design elongated her legs, while the hem was decorated with intricate embroidery. The carefully cut neckline balanced noble elegance with a hint of subtle allure. Most striking was the obsidian-studded bow in her hair, trembling gently as she moved, like a butterfly dancing in the night.
Even in such a stunning dress, her natural liveliness could not be hidden.
And Rem, standing just behind her, looked like a princess from a fairy tale.
The aquamarine dress complemented her porcelain-like skin. Unlike her usual gentle demeanor in her maid uniform, her calm expression now carried a composed, mature charm. Yet her inherent innocence still shone through. A sapphire hair ornament rested in her hair, positioned just above the pink one.
Carlisle remained still, his gaze shifting between the two of them.
What was his first impression?
At this moment, Subaru resembled a dazzling star in the night sky.
Her black dress shimmered with scattered silver light, and her golden eyes, always filled with playful cunning, now radiated even more brilliantly than the chandeliers above. Even in such elegant attire, her vibrant spirit could not be concealed.
And Rem stood quietly half a step behind, like the moon illuminating the night.
The aquamarine hem of her dress glowed with a soft, pearlescent sheen, and the faint smile on her lips was like a halo of moonlight drifting through clouds. With a face as delicate as a storybook princess, she exuded a calm and gentle radiance.
Stars and moon...
Carlisle suddenly understood why ancient poets loved to compare beauty to celestial wonders.
...
Re@d adv@nce ch@pters on p@t
guilt_free_daoist
Jo!n d!sc0rd I!nk in synops!s.
GIVE ME YOU POWER STONES.