Chapter 554 - 552: Banquet and Disruption

This major event sparked heated discussions among countless people, and City Lord Bois was also in high spirits, feeling refreshed and full of vigor.

Not long after the announcement was made, he declared that a banquet would be held to thank friends from the Huijin Divine Hall for their assistance.

While the invitation was being delivered, Hilia was busy drawing scrolls at the inn, and Bois’s invitation was handed over to her room.

After much thought, Hilia agreed.

It was a good opportunity for her to inquire about the further steps for handling Dusk Town.

"Speaking of which, the base in Twilight Tomb seems to be of great importance to the Dusk Sect. They might respond by sending people to disrupt the banquet or something..."

Her mind filled with random thoughts, Hilia immersed herself again in the scroll-making process.

...

In the evening, Hilia gathered her things, took the invitation, and headed to the City Lord’s Castle. After presenting the invitation, she successfully got inside.

The servants guided Hilia smoothly to the banquet venue.

Looking at the array of food, Hilia didn’t exert the reserve typical of other nobles. She just sat down and indulged herself, catching side glances from numerous nobles.

Hilia paid no mind to their murmurs, as most were merely curious about her identity and why she was attending the banquet.

Though they didn’t know Hilia, they could tell from her confident and casual demeanor that she was no ordinary person, which deterred them from speaking ill of her.

While Hilia was busy devouring food, an untimely voice emerged from nearby.

"Hello, miss, may I introduce myself? I’m Lesotho, the eldest son of Duke Bois."

Hilia lifted her eyes, casually glanced at Lesotho seated across from her.

He was dressed in a tailcoat, exuding a courteous charm, with a face full of smiles and an oily sheen.

"Hello."

Hilia murmured, without revealing her name, opting to continue eating.

For this ’buffet’, she had skipped lunch!

To avoid interruptions while eating, Hilia nodded in response, then grabbed her plate, stood up, and moved to a corner table to resume her meal.

Left at the spot, Lesotho’s expression stiffened, his brows slightly furrowed.

Just as he was about to say something, a sudden pain struck his head.

He looked up, only to see his father glaring at him fiercely.

"You rascal, are you perhaps setting your sights on Miss Hilia?"

"I was just... What? Hilia?"

Lesotho furrowed his brows, suddenly finding the name familiar.

"Mage League," Bois stated blandly.

Lesotho immediately realized, "Oh, so it’s her."

Bois remarked coolly, "It’s good you didn’t disturb her, otherwise, I couldn’t save you."

Lesotho contested, "Father, what do you mean? I was trying to cultivate a good relationship with Miss Hilia, isn’t that ambitious?"

Bois chuckled coldly, "Do you really think I don’t understand your intentions? I’ve told you before, don’t provoke unfamiliar people at will. If I hadn’t advised you in time this occasion, how would you proceed?"

Lesotho subtly bowed his head, "All the attendees are your friends, Father. I would surely treat them with the utmost courtesy."

Bois shook his head without saying anything.

Actually, his eyes had been on Hilia the whole time. While chatting, he noticed Hilia seemed full, so he abandoned Lesotho and approached her, apologizing, "Sorry, Miss Hilia, hopefully, we didn’t disturb you earlier?"

Hilia shook her head, "No, no, Lesotho didn’t even start before you intervened, so I wasn’t affected."

"That’s good." Bois nodded, "I hope Miss Hilia has an enjoyable time here. If anything comes up, please inform a servant, and they’ll meet most of your requests. If not possible, they will report to me, and I’ll do my best to meet your demands."

Hilia waved her hand, "No worries, Lord City Lord, go attend to your duties, there’s no need to mind me."

Bois added, "By the way, before the banquet officially commences, I will specifically invite some major combatants to give speeches, and Miss Hilia, you are among them, your..."

"I’ll pass, Lord City Lord, let me stay quietly here, going on stage isn’t my style."

"But..."

"No buts, my identity issue isn’t fitting for the spotlight."

Bois: "..."

It’s as if you are a member of the Holy Court Hidden Cultivation Association.

Bois mused internally.

However, Hilia refused, leaving him no choice but to nod in agreement, then proceeded to look for Flora.

Hilia’s appetite wasn’t large, once she was full, she chose a corner to sit down.

Just as she was about to observe what the nobles were doing, Lesotho approached once again.

"Apologies, Miss Hilia, I was abrupt earlier, please forgive my offense." Lesotho said.

"It’s alright." Hilia waved her hand.

This was their territory, and she ate their food heartily. As long as he didn’t bother her, Hilia wouldn’t mind him either.

After all, Lesotho hadn’t done anything, merely trying to chat.

However, chatting has limits, if Lesotho overstepped, Hilia wouldn’t hesitate to teach him a lesson.

"I wonder if I might invite Miss Hilia for a dance later?" Lesotho proposed.

Hilia shook her head, "I don’t fancy dancing, thanks."

"Then might I have your Star Spirit Network contact?"

"My wristband’s broken, sorry."

"..."

Seeing that Hilia was impervious to his advances, Lesotho had no choice but to walk away disappointed.

As Hilia watched him leave, she quietly exhaled in relief.

Thank goodness, he left.

Hilia stretched her arms, reclined on the sofa, listening to the chatter around.

"So many nobles, I wonder how many among them are involved in corruption and bribery."

This thought emerged in Hilia’s mind.

She promptly dismissed it from her thoughts.

Nobles aren’t the Divine Hall, and she has no authority over them. As the saying goes, "My servant’s servant is not my servant," the Ista Royal Family can only command Duke Bois, but cannot command the nobles under Duke Bois.

While engrossed in idle thoughts, Hilia suddenly noticed the room growing quiet.

She lifted her head, seeing Bois, Flora, and others appearing at the front of the banquet hall.

Alongside three Tier Five Mages, there were several Tier Four Mages.

Bois clapped his hands and spoke loudly, "Firstly, I thank everyone for attending today’s banquet amidst your busy schedules. The theme of this banquet is..."

As Bois spoke on stage, the nobles below showed agreement, while Hilia yawned.

"This speech is not on par with Mr. Blake, uttering all this official drivel at such a private event is just ridiculous."

The young girl rested her chin in her hand.

"Aren’t they even worried about the Dusk Sect targeting them, intentionally causing trouble?"

Bang!

Just as she spoke, a loud explosion reverberated outside.

Hilia immediately sat upright.

No way?

Are they really coming?