Chapter 53: During the Banquet, Part 2

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Chapter 53: The Banquet Continues (2)

Ye Tian stood by, carefully trying to soothe Miki, but she ignored him completely. “Alright, this is the last time I apologize. Take it or leave it,” Ye Tian muttered, curling his lip. “You’re impossible!” Miki sighed helplessly.

As time passed, more and more elegantly dressed young men and middle-aged guests entered the ballroom. It was then that Ye Tian spotted a familiar face—someone who hated him to the core: General Bradis. After all, he’d once left her daughter with a face like a pig’s; of course she’d bear a grudge.

Luckily, she hadn’t noticed him. Ye Tian and his companions were standing in a secluded corner. The moment Bradis arrived, she became the center of attention, immediately surrounded by a crowd of people, all eager to greet her with smiles.

“Power really is a wonderful thing, isn’t it, Miki?” Ye Tian remarked with a smile. “Indeed,” Miki replied with a sigh, remembering when her own family had flourished in such splendor. “Don’t worry, you’ll restore your family’s glory,” Ye Tian encouraged her. “I’d rather not. Things are fine as they are,” Miki replied coolly.

“Most heroes are forced into their roles,” Ye Tian laughed. “Nonsense,” Miki retorted with a roll of her eyes. At that moment, another focal point entered: Prince Rudy. Instantly, all manner of people clustered around the prince, and many noble ladies sidled over as well.

“Everyone, please, a moment!” Prince Rudy called out. “I would like to formally introduce the physician who cured my sister—a remarkable doctor, thanks to whom she made a full recovery.” With these words, Rudy smiled and came over to Ye Tian, gently taking him by the arm. Liji had already quietly let go of Ye Tian as the crowd turned their attention to him.

“This is Mr. Gale. He’s the one who cured my sister,” Rudy announced, drawing Ye Tian to the center of the hall. Suddenly, Ye Tian became the focus of all eyes, though no one spoke out of deference to the prince. “Thank you for curing my sister,” Rudy said softly, but everyone nearby heard clearly. “It’s nothing. Healing the sick is simply a doctor’s duty,” Ye Tian replied, subtly withdrawing his hand—being pulled along by another man always felt awkward.

Just then, a servant whispered something in the prince’s ear. Rudy nodded, excused himself from the crowd, and left. Immediately, everyone swarmed around Ye Tian, bombarding him with chaotic questions until his head spun.

At that moment, the air grew cold as another formidable figure approached—Prince Dilufi, radiating an aura of lethal intent. The crowd parted at once. “Are you alright?” the prince asked coolly. “Thank you,” Ye Tian replied softly.

“Thank you for saving my sister. If you don’t mind, would you join me for a drink?” the prince invited.

“It would be my honor,” Ye Tian said, motioning for the prince to lead the way. Dilufi smiled faintly and guided him to the refreshment area, handing him a glass of ale. “After so long at the border, I can’t quite get used to the drinks in the capital. Only this barley ale suits my taste. Try it.”

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Ye Tian took a sip. It was strong, but the flavor didn’t appeal to him; he frowned but drank it anyway. “Not to your liking?” the prince asked. “Not really,” Ye Tian admitted. “Ha! You’re an interesting one,” Prince Dilufi laughed, clapping Ye Tian on the shoulder. “I like you. If you ever tire of life in the capital, come to the borderlands.”

“We’ll see,” Ye Tian replied noncommittally. “Heh.” Dilufi patted his shoulder again. “It’s settled, then.” Ye Tian nodded in resignation, not quite sure what he’d just agreed to. “I’ll be off for now. I hope the banquet brings you joy,” Dilufi said.

“I suppose so,” Ye Tian replied wryly. “Good luck!” Dilufi laughed, raising his glass as he walked away. Ye Tian quickly slipped back into the crowd and returned to Miki’s side.

“Such a popular man!” Miki teased with a giggle. “I’m no roast duck—why should I be so in demand?” Ye Tian muttered. “You’d better get used to it. Look around,” Miki indicated with a nod. Ye Tian glanced up and was startled—he was surrounded by countless covert, burning gazes. If looks could kill, he’d have been impaled a thousand times over!

“No denying it now!” Miki chuckled. “Get lost,” Ye Tian grumbled, annoyed at the fuss. “Don’t be impatient, this is just the beginning. By tomorrow, your name will surely be all over the capital. Royal news is the most precious kind. Just be satisfied,” Miki said.

“Great... just great,” Ye Tian grumbled, scratching his head. If he’d known it would be such trouble, he never would have taken on the task. “Actually, you should be happy,” Miki said. “But it’s not what I want,” Ye Tian replied glumly.

“Then what do you want?” Miki asked, puzzled. “To go home,” Ye Tian muttered. “Go home?” Miki was stunned; she didn’t understand what he meant. “Forget it, let’s drop it. The princess isn’t fully recovered—why is His Majesty hosting a banquet in such haste?” Ye Tian asked.

“The princess isn’t fully cured?” Miki was a bit surprised. “Didn’t I tell you before? Is that really true?” Ye Tian curled his lip. “You know something—tell me. Don’t pretend you know nothing.” Miki hesitated. “That’s hard to say. His Majesty’s intentions are difficult for ordinary people to fathom,” she replied helplessly.

Ye Tian stared at her, but Miki looked away guiltily. “Fine, if you don’t want to talk, forget it.” Ye Tian reached for a nearby drink and downed it. Liji snatched the glass away. “What are you doing?” Ye Tian snapped.

“Don’t drink so heavily—it’s bad for your health,” Liji replied calmly. Ye Tian was taken aback, then sighed, while Miki remained silent.

Just then, the central figures of the evening appeared—the host of the banquet, Charles V, leading the princess by the hand.

Instantly, all eyes were fixed on Charles V. When they saw the princess beside him, jaws dropped in shock. The hall was so silent one could hear a pin drop. Someone snapped out of their daze and hurriedly began to applaud. The next moment, thunderous applause filled the hall.

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“Quiet, please!” Charles V called out with a beaming smile, waving his hand. At once, everyone craned their necks, waiting for the host to speak. “Thank you all for coming. Today marks my daughter’s recovery. I hope you all enjoy yourselves.” With a flourish, he signaled for the music to begin.

The crowd instantly dispersed, searching for suitable dance partners. Charles V, together with his queen and the princess, sat down in chairs prepared for them to watch the festivities.

“Aren’t you going to dance?” Miki asked. “I can’t,” Ye Tian replied with a wry smile.

“Are you serious?” Miki was surprised. “Truly, I can’t,” Ye Tian admitted. “Why don’t you go with Liji?” he suggested. Liji shook her head gently, then walked over to Ye Tian and extended her hand.

“I really can’t dance,” Ye Tian protested.

“I’ll teach you,” Liji said softly. Ye Tian was momentarily stunned but allowed her to lead him to the dance floor. She positioned his hands correctly and quietly instructed, “This is a simple waltz. Just follow my lead.” Ye Tian nodded.

“Forward, forward, back, back, turn…” Liji whispered, guiding Ye Tian through the steps. Gradually, following her cues and observing the gentlemen around him, Ye Tian began to master the movements. By the end of two songs, he could basically dance.

“Very good, just like that.” Liji smiled gently, and together they moved gracefully to the rhythm. “Did I step on you just now?” Ye Tian asked, recalling his initial clumsiness.

“It’s nothing,” Liji replied quickly. Though he had stepped on her a few times at first, he’d been quick to move, so it hadn’t hurt at all.

“Keep with the rhythm, and soon you’ll have it down,” Liji encouraged. Then, spinning lightly, she landed delicately in Ye Tian’s arms.

“Amazing!” They returned to Miki, who clapped softly. “Gale, you really are a natural!” Miki praised.

“It’s thanks to my teacher’s guidance,” Ye Tian replied, and Liji lowered her head shyly.

“Indeed,” Miki agreed.