"Neuvillette!"
Furina immediately resumed her Hydro Archon posture, hands on her hips: "You've come at just the right time! How are the preparations for tonight's banquet coming along? I've been looking forward to it for ages!"
"Everything has been arranged, Lady Furina." Neuvillette nodded slightly: "The banquet will officially begin in two hours at the Starry Hall in the east wing of the Opera Epiclese. The main nobles, representatives of merchant guilds, and foreign envoys from Fontaine will attend to welcome Mr. King's official residency."
His gaze turned to Mr. King, his tone becoming more solemn: "Mr. King, you will undoubtedly be the guest of honor at tonight's banquet. People from all walks of life in Fontaine hope to have the opportunity to express their respect to you. Of course, if you feel uncomfortable, you can leave at any time, without needing to worry about any etiquette."
These words not only emphasized the importance of the banquet but also gave Mr. King a great deal of autonomy, showing great thoughtfulness.
Mr. King nodded: "Understood."
He had no interest in dealing with banquets and crowds, but since he had promised Furina, he had to go through the motions.
Anyway, with Neuvillette backing him up, at worst he could just stand there with a cold expression the whole time.
"Then I'll go back and get ready!"
Furina lifted her skirt, like a joyful blue butterfly, and turned to run back into the Opera Epiclese. After a few steps, she looked back and winked at Mr. King, "Mr. King, see you at the banquet later! Remember to watch me closely!"
With that, she disappeared into the depths of the palace.
Neuvillette also nodded to Mr. King: "Then, I shall also take my leave to change into my formal attire. Miss Lynette, please ensure Mr. King is prepared for the banquet."
"Yes, Lord Neuvillette."
Lynette bowed slightly.
Neuvillette said no more and left with steady steps.
Below the steps, only Mr. King, Lynette, and Clorinde, who had been mostly silent, remained.
The evening breeze carried the unique scent of Fontaine, a mix of sea and flowers.
Clorinde took a deep breath, seemingly having finally recovered from her previous awkwardness. She looked at Mr. King, her eyes regaining their firmness: "Lord King, I will also be attending tonight's banquet. If... if you need anything at the banquet, please do not hesitate to command me."
She paused, then added: "I mean, in any aspect."
Mr. King glanced at her, nodded, said nothing, and walked into the Opera Epiclese.
Lynette, carrying a bag, quietly followed.
Clorinde stood in place, watching Mr. King's tall figure merge into the shadows of the Opera Epiclese's magnificent columns. She pursed her lips and then quickly followed.
The lingering glow of the sunset cast long shadows from the Opera Epiclese.
A banquet, gathering the power and attention of Fontaine, was about to begin.
And Mr. King's "peaceful" life seemed to be heading irreversibly towards a more lively and troublesome direction.
[Ding! Detected super anticipation emotion from Furina, Emotion Points +5000.]
Mr. King walked back to his room, listening to the system prompt in his mind, the corner of his mouth curving almost imperceptibly.
It seems Fufu is quite easy to appease after all.
Thinking this, he stepped steadily into the deep corridors of the Opera Epiclese... The twilight in Fontaine always carried a unique gentleness.
The setting sun dyed the clouds in the sky a magnificent red-gold.
The clouds gently brushed against the towering spires of the Opera Epiclese.
Paimon was excitedly circling Lumine, holding a beautiful invitation card with golden edges and the Hydro Archon's emblem in her small hands.
"Lumine! Look! Furina sent someone to deliver it!"
"She actually invited us to tonight's super banquet at the Opera Epiclese!"
"Can we go, Lumine?"
"Can we? Can we?"
Paimon's eyes sparkled, filled with longing for delicious food and excitement.
Lumine took the invitation, her fingertips brushing over the elegant calligraphy.
"Yes, let's go."
Lumine put away the invitation and looked at Paimon, a hint of indulgence flashing in her amber eyes.
"Yay! We can eat Opera Epiclese desserts again!"
Paimon cheered, flying towards the Opera Epiclese... As the sun completely sank below the horizon, lights began to illuminate the Opera Epiclese, both inside and out.
The "Starry Hall" in the east wing of the Opera Epiclese is a magnificent hall with distinctive Fontaine architectural features. Its dome is designed as an openable transparent crystal structure, allowing one to gaze at the real starry sky when night fully falls.
At this moment, countless exquisite magic crystal lamps floated in mid-air, casting soft yet bright light, illuminating the hall as if it were daytime.
The hall was already meticulously arranged.
Melodious chamber music echoed through the high-ceilinged hall. Elegantly dressed guests held wine glasses, conversing in low tones in small groups. The air was filled with the rich aroma of champagne, perfume, and exquisite pastries.
Prominent nobles, wealthy merchants, various celebrities, and a few foreign envoys from Fontaine had all arrived in their finest attire.
Gentlemen wore impeccable suits, while ladies vied for attention, their jewels and splendid dresses shimmering under the lights. Whispers, soft laughter, and the melodious strains of the court orchestra blended together, forming the unique symphony of high society.
However, almost everyone's attention subtly drifted towards the entrance of the banquet hall, carrying curiosity, reverence, and a hint of imperceptible nervousness.
They were awaiting tonight's true protagonist—
The "Strongest Man" who had descended upon Fontaine like a legend.
"I heard that adult blocked the full force of Childe, the Fatui Harbinger, with just two fingers in the city today?"
"More than that! Did you see the devastation at Lilianes Bakery? They say it was just him accidentally burping after a full meal!"
"Even Lord Neuvillette treats him with great courtesy, and Lady Furina even let him reside on the top floor of the Opera Epiclese..."
"Yes, I truly wonder what kind of awe-inspiring existence he is."
Whispers surged like a tide in the corners of the hall.
In a relatively quiet corner near the dessert table, the Traveler, Lumine, stood somewhat reservedly.
She had changed into a simple but elegant pale gold off-the-shoulder gown, curiously observing the lavish scene, but more so with helplessness and embarrassment.
Because beside her, Paimon was fiercely attacking a Chocolate fountain tower almost as tall as herself, her small hands clutching Berries covered in rich dark Chocolate, eating with a smeared face, her eyes squinted in happiness.
"Lumine! This is delicious! That's delicious too! Wow! The food at the Opera Epiclese is truly amazing!"
Paimon's mouth was full, and she praised indistinctly.
Lumine sighed, took out her handkerchief, and wiped Paimon's face: "Paimon, eat slower, mind your manners, I feel so embarrassed..."
Paimon seemed not to hear, as she launched her ninety-ninth attack of the night on an exquisite Berry tart, her small face covered in jam and cream.
"Paimon," Lumine rubbed her temples, lowering her voice, "Stop eating... Look, many people around us are watching."
Paimon licked her fingers, self-righteously: "Let them watch! It's a banquet, being happy is the most important thing!"