Chapter 552: The Capital Before the Banquet

Kingsford had always been a bustling city, but with the King’s sixtieth birthday approaching, the Royal Capital had transformed into something even its longtime residents rarely witnessed.

Every major avenue was decorated with banners bearing the royal insignia of House Alden.

Colorful ribbons stretched between buildings, flower arrangements surrounded public fountains, and enormous ceremonial flags hung from the towers overlooking the principal roads.

Workers hurried through the streets carrying additional decorations, while city guards struggled to maintain order among the seemingly endless stream of arriving visitors.

Carriages bearing noble insignias passed through the capital’s gates throughout the morning.

Some belonged to wealthy Counts and Marquesses traveling from distant territories, while others carried representatives of the Kingdom’s most influential families.

Merchant caravans followed behind them, transporting luxurious fabrics, expensive wines, exotic ingredients, and gifts intended for the royal celebrations.

Even the air seemed different, filled with the fragrances of freshly baked pastries, roasted meat, flowers, and countless dishes being prepared by establishments hoping to profit from the festivities.

Sage Alistair stood near the entrance of Guild Headquarters, watching the activity with considerable amusement.

"Well, I have to admit, Kingsford certainly knows how to celebrate a birthday," Sage remarked, observing a procession of musicians passing along the main road. "At this rate, His Majesty might need another sixty years just to recover from the preparations."

Gregor, standing beside him with his long green hair tied loosely behind his shoulders, laughed.

"Guildmaster, if this is what happens when a King turns sixty, I can’t imagine what they’d do if he reached a hundred."

Boren shook his head with an amused expression. "Hopefully, by then, we’ll have established enough branches that the Guildmaster can afford to attend without worrying about construction expenses."

Sage turned toward him. "Boren, must you remind me about our finances even when we’re enjoying ourselves?"

"Someone has to, Guildmaster," Boren replied pleasantly. "Otherwise, you might decide that the Guild needs its own royal celebration."

Lyana, standing beside her brother, chuckled at the exchange.

"Don’t give him ideas, Boren," she remarked. "We’ve only just finished organizing the latest administrative reports."

Their conversation attracted an amused glance from Lucan, who had accompanied the group to observe the preparations.

"Actually, Guildmaster, the capital’s celebrations are considerably more elaborate than they appear," Lucan explained. "The royal birthday isn’t simply a private occasion. It provides an opportunity for nobles, merchants, religious institutions, and foreign representatives to strengthen their relationships with the Crown."

Sage looked toward another approaching carriage. "So everyone comes to congratulate the King while conducting business on the side?"

Lucan smiled. "That’s a fairly accurate description, Guildmaster."

Gregor laughed. "Sounds exhausting. I’d rather spend three days fighting monsters than attending meetings with nobles."

Lyana gave her brother a knowing look. "That’s because nobody expects you to remember which noble family insulted another family forty years ago."

"Exactly," Gregor replied cheerfully. "See? My sister understands me."

Sage shook his head before gesturing toward the crowded avenue. "Come on. Since everyone is already here, we might as well see what the capital looks like before the celebrations begin."

The group departed Headquarters, accompanied by Mina, Valeria, and Vanthrice, who had joined them shortly before they reached the main road.

Mina was particularly excited, her golden eyes moving constantly between the decorations and the numerous stalls lining the streets.

"Uncle Sage, look!" Mina exclaimed, pointing toward an enormous display of colorful sweets arranged outside a confectionery shop. "They’ve made a castle out of candy!"

Sage followed her gaze and chuckled. "That’s certainly impressive. Although I suspect the shopkeeper would be rather unhappy if someone decided to conquer it."

Mina considered that possibility seriously before turning toward Valeria. "Big Sister Valeria, do you think they’d let me eat one of the towers?"

Valeria examined the display with her usual cold, unreadable expression.

"Ask the shopkeeper how much the castle costs," Valeria answered calmly. "If it’s reasonable, we can purchase it."

Sage immediately turned toward her. "Valeria, please don’t encourage her to buy an entire castle made of sweets."

Valeria regarded him without changing her expression. "Guildmaster, you purchase buildings regularly. I don’t see why Mina should be denied a smaller one."

Gregor burst into laughter, while Vanthrice covered her mouth to suppress her amusement.

"She’s got a point, Guildmaster," Vanthrice remarked. "At least Mina’s castle won’t require an entire construction team."

Sage sighed as Mina began enthusiastically discussing which sections of the candy castle she would eat first.

Their walk continued through the commercial district, where the celebrations had attracted merchants from across Westmark and beyond.

Foreign traders displayed unusual fabrics, polished gemstones, enchanted ornaments, and delicacies rarely encountered in ordinary markets.

Adventurers mingled with visiting mercenaries, while wealthy travelers inspected expensive merchandise beneath colorful awnings.

Lyana observed the activity with considerable interest.

"I knew Kingsford was prosperous, but seeing this many merchants gathered together is something else," she remarked. "Evergreen has grown tremendously, yet the scale here is completely different."

Boren nodded. "And this is only one district. The Royal Capital has numerous commercial areas, each serving different customers and industries."

Gregor glanced toward a group of heavily armed escorts accompanying an ornate carriage. "Even the nobles travel with enough guards to fight a small battle."

Lucan followed his gaze.

"Some of those families possess considerable wealth and influence," he explained. "Their escorts serve as both protection and a demonstration of status."

Vanthrice looked toward the passing soldiers.

"Half of them seem more interested in showing off their armor than watching the crowd," she observed.

Valeria studied the procession briefly before answering in her usual impassive manner. "Expensive equipment doesn’t guarantee competence."

Gregor laughed. "You should tell them that."

Valeria turned toward him. "They haven’t asked."

The group continued toward one of Kingsford’s broad ceremonial avenues, where workers were preparing elevated platforms for the upcoming festivities.

Beyond the decorated streets, the towers of the Royal Palace rose above the surrounding buildings, their pale stone walls reflecting the afternoon sunlight.

Mina stared at the distant palace with obvious curiosity.

"Uncle Sage, is that where the King lives?" she asked, pointing toward the enormous structure.

Sage nodded. "That’s right. We’ll be visiting during the birthday celebrations."

Mina’s eyes brightened. "Will there be lots of food?"

Lucan laughed before Sage could answer.

"There will certainly be plenty, Mina," Lucan assured her. "Royal banquets are famous for their elaborate meals."

Mina looked delighted. "Then I think I like royal banquets already!"

Sage chuckled. "Just remember that we’re attending as guests, not conducting an expedition against the royal kitchens."

Valeria glanced toward him. "Guildmaster, if the food is provided for guests, Mina eating it shouldn’t be considered an attack."

Boren laughed quietly while Sage shook his head in resignation.

As they approached another intersection, the sounds of ceremonial bells echoed across the district.

A religious procession was making its way toward the Royal Quarter, accompanied by attendants carrying banners embroidered with sacred symbols.

Priests in elaborate robes walked beneath decorated canopies, while armored escorts maintained a respectful distance between the procession and the watching crowds.

Lucan slowed his steps.

"Another delegation has arrived," he observed. "Several of the major churches are sending representatives for the royal ceremonies."

Sage examined the procession with interest.

After their recent discussion concerning the Ten Great Churches, he had become considerably more aware of the religious institutions operating throughout Westmark.

The Holy Church’s delegation had already attracted substantial attention, and additional representatives continued arriving as the celebrations approached.

"Kingsford must be running out of accommodation," Sage remarked.

Boren nodded. "Our hotel has received more inquiries than we can accept, Guildmaster. Selene has been coordinating additional arrangements with nearby establishments."

Lyana looked thoughtful. "That should provide us with useful information about demand during major events. We may need to consider similar arrangements when planning future Guild facilities."

Sage smiled. "See? Even when we’re sightseeing, you two manage to turn everything into an administrative discussion."

"Occupational habit, Guildmaster," Lyana replied with a chuckle.

By late afternoon, the group returned to Headquarters, where the Grand Guild Hall was crowded with Adventurers and visiting merchants.

Garen Holtweiss was waiting near the reception area, speaking with Marcelline.

Upon noticing Sage, the merchant approached with an enthusiastic expression.

"Guildmaster! Excellent timing," Garen greeted him. "I was hoping to find you before you disappeared into another meeting."

Sage laughed. "You merchants have remarkable timing whenever there’s business to discuss."

Garen chuckled. "And today, I happen to have some particularly interesting news."

Sage raised an eyebrow. "About the Merchant Faith?"

"Precisely," Garen replied. "My contact has arrived in Kingsford. The representative’s delegation reached the capital earlier today, and I’ve received confirmation that arrangements are being made for the royal celebrations."

Boren immediately became attentive. "Have you secured an opportunity for the Guildmaster to meet this representative?"

"Not yet," Garen admitted. "But I’ve already sent word expressing our interest. I believe we may receive a favorable response once the initial ceremonial obligations are settled."

Sage nodded thoughtfully. "Good. There’s no need to rush matters. Let me know when you hear anything."

Garen agreed before departing to attend another appointment.

Shortly afterward, Lucan approached Sage with a folded letter bearing House Auremont’s insignia.

"Guildmaster, I’ve received confirmation concerning our private meeting," Lucan explained. "My uncle Benedict has finalized the arrangements."

Sage looked toward him. "When are we going?"

"Tomorrow," Lucan answered. "The family’s senior representatives wish to meet you before the royal banquet begins."

Sage smiled. "Then I suppose I’d better prepare myself for another afternoon of noble politics."

Lucan chuckled. "I’d recommend taking this one seriously, Guildmaster. My family has considerable expectations concerning the meeting."

Sage waved a hand dismissively. "Relax, Lucan. I’ll behave myself."

Lucan regarded him with obvious skepticism.

"Guildmaster, somehow that assurance makes me considerably more nervous."

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The following morning, as preparations continued throughout Kingsford, a magnificent carriage approached the Adventurer Guild Headquarters.

Its polished exterior bore the distinguished insignia of House Auremont, while several mounted Knights accompanied it through the crowded streets.

The carriage passed beneath the Guild’s entrance archway and came to a halt before the main building.

An elegantly dressed attendant descended, straightened his formal clothing, and approached the waiting Guild employees.

With a respectful bow, he announced, "By the authority of House Auremont, I have come to escort Guildmaster Sage Alistair and Lord Lucan to the family’s private residence."