Chapter 79: Royal Dinner

Chapter 79: Chapter 79: Royal Dinner

Inside the High Royal Pavilion, the atmosphere was one of refined elegance. Soft, warm ambient light radiated from floating mana-crystal sconces, illuminating marble pillars draped in royal velvet bannerets. A grand dining table lay set with gold-rimmed porcelain and silver cutlery, offering a sweeping panoramic view of the colosseum below through expansive stained-glass archways.

Before the guests arrived, Head Dean Sterling stood near the balcony railing, a glass of sparkling elixir in hand, engaging in quiet small talk with the royals.

"Their performance in the first phase was well beyond the baseline expectations for first-year cadets, Your Highnesses," Dean Sterling remarked softly, her voice holding its usual calm authority. "Squad 07 continues to demonstrate exceptional tactical cohesion, regardless of the trial standard."

The Crown Prince leaned against the balcony ledge, his polished posture and pristine attire reflecting his position. "It is rare for a single squad to sweep high standings across three completely distinct discipline categories in a single afternoon, Dean Sterling. My sister and I found their metrics... intriguing."

Beside him, the youngest princess—her bright eyes gleaming with unsuppressed curiosity—nodded eagerly. "Especially the forgecraft output and that sharp, uncompromising combat rhythm! I’ve been reading their field reports all afternoon."

Before Dean Sterling could respond, the heavy, gold-embossed double doors at the entrance chimed softly, opening inward as the armored Royal Guard stepped aside and announced:

"Presenting Squad 07."

Rowan Vance led the squad into the pavilion, adjusting the brim of his enchanted straw hat as his eyes swept the luxurious room. Beside him, Seraphina maintained a sharp, observant posture, while Barney, Caelen, and Mirei followed with disciplined, measured strides.

As soon as the squad stepped past the entryway, the youngest princess didn’t wait for formal court protocol. With a bright, welcoming smile, she stepped down from the raised seating dais and walked right over to Squad 07 to greet them directly.

"Welcome! It’s an absolute pleasure to meet you all in person," she said enthusiastically, reaching out to shake Rowan’s hand first with a firm, genuine grip. "You put on quite the spectacle out in the arena today!"

Rowan shook her hand respectfully, giving a polite bow of his head. "Thank you, Your Highness. We’re honored by the invitation."

The princess moved down the line, warmly shaking hands with each member—offering Seraphina a eager nod of respect, admiring Barney’s broad build with a laugh as she shook his hand, and offering crisp handshakes to Caelen and Mirei, praising their combat precision.

Meanwhile, the Crown Prince stood up from his seat near the center table. He remained at a dignified distance, maintaining the regal composure expected of the heir to the throne, but met Rowan’s and the squad’s gazes directly. With a calm, respectful expression, the Crown Prince offered Squad 07 a polite, formal nod of approval and acknowledgment.

"Please, take a seat," Dean Sterling said, gesturing toward the surrounding dining chairs with a rare, subtle smile of approval. "Their Highnesses have been looking forward to speaking with you all before tomorrow’s remaining trials begin."

As Squad 07 took their seats around the grand mahogany table alongside Head Dean Sterling and the royal siblings, gold-liveried attendants silently emerged to begin the banquet.

Over the course of the evening, six lavish courses were served, each a masterpiece of culinary art infused with high-grade mana ingredients—from seared glade-stag loin and crystalline broth to delicate, glowing mana-fruit tarts.

As each dish was brought out, the Crown Prince and Princess eagerly questioned Squad 07 about their impressive feats during the day’s trials.

"Master Barney," the Crown Prince began during the second course, swirling a glass of aged berry elixir. "Second place in the Forgecraft division is no small feat, especially against upper-tier artificer specialists. What was your strategy when shaping the core alloy?"

Barney grinned, resting his heavy forearms on the table. "Simple, Your Highness—don’t let the metal boss you around. Most crafters fight the heat, but if you treat the forge like an extension of your own breath, the runes practically set themselves."

The Crown Prince chuckled softly, visibly impressed by Barney’s unpretentious expertise.

Meanwhile, the youngest princess leaned forward during the fourth course, her eyes locked on Caelen and Mirei. "And the combat trials! Caelen, your stance during the melee third phase was remarkably fluid—you adapted to the automaton’s shifting speed in seconds. And Mirei, taking seventh place in ranged combat through those active wind-disruption runes was breathtaking! How did you calculate the arc so quickly?"

"Practice and a good bow string, Your Highness," Mirei replied with a modest, subtle smile.

"And a squad leader who makes sure we don’t overthink our instincts," Caelen added, giving Rowan a nod.

Rowan smiled under the shadow of his straw hat. "They deserve all the credit. My job is just making sure everyone stays standing so we can enjoy meals like this."

Dean Sterling offered a rare, approving smirk from her seat. "Squad 07’s greatest strength isn’t just individual talent, Your Highnesses. It’s that they operate as a single unit, both on the battlefield and off it."

What had started as a formal royal engagement quickly dissolved into a lively, warm, and engaging conversation. Barney’s hearty laughter echoed off the marble pillars as he shared animated stories from their field missions, while Seraphina’s sharp wit and Rowan’s grounded, quiet humor had even the usually reserved Crown Prince laughing openly. The atmosphere inside the pavilion was filled with genuine warmth and camaraderie, ending the intense trial day on the ultimate high note.

As the sixth and final dessert course concluded and Squad 07 prepared to take their leave, the youngest princess stood up with a bright, mischievous grin.

"I must admit, this has been the most entertaining evening I’ve had in months," she declared, looking over the five members of Squad 07 with sparkling eyes. She then raised her hand, issuing a direct challenge. "So, let’s make a deal. If Squad 07 manages to come out on top of the entire Initial Competency Testing Competition when the final scores are locked in... another grand feast at the Royal Palace is on me!"

"Another feast?" Barney’s eyes lit up immediately as he looked at Rowan. "Leader, you heard the Princess. We’ve got no choice but to win now."

Rowan adjusted the brim of his enchanted straw hat and met the Princess’s gaze with a confident smirk. "Consider it a deal, Your Highness. We’ll make sure to clear our schedules for that victory dinner."

With polite bows and shared smiles, Squad 07 made their exit from the royal pavilion, energized and ready to dominate the remaining trials ahead.