Rebirth of the Fallen Zenith.-Chapter 26: The Banquet (Part 3)

The Banquet (Part 3)

The grand hall of Valeric City's banquet venue glittered under golden chandeliers, the air rich with the mingling scents of fine wine and exotic dishes. Lords, ladies, and esteemed officials of the city moved in small clusters, their conversations blending into a quiet hum of nobility and power.

At one side of the hall, Lord Theo Vale stood with a poised expression, engaging in formal discussions with the city's high-ranking officials. His deep voice carried the weight of authority as he exchanged pleasantries and veiled negotiations over trade and political matters.

Not far away, Lady Celia and Lady Sera gracefully moved through the crowd, their keen eyes scanning the room. They observed as Edric and Arin, their stepsons, mingled with their noble peers, laughing over cups of fine wine.

However, their attention shifted—toward the far end of the banquet hall.

There, in a quieter corner, stood Orion, Elara, and Laura, engaged in what appeared to be light-hearted banter. The soft glow of candlelight reflected off Orion's sharp features, his towering figure standing between the two young women—Elara, radiant in her moonlit-blue gown, and Laura, seductive in a dark crimson dress that hugged her curves.

A knowing smile played at the corners of Sera's lips. "Shall we?"

Celia chuckled. "Of course."

The two women made their way toward the trio, their presence effortlessly drawing attention as they moved.

Read latest chapters at freёweɓnovel.com Only.

Orion noticed them before they spoke. Straightening his posture, he greeted them with respect, "Mother. Mother Sera."

Celia's Blue eyes shone with warmth as she took in her son's refined appearance. "Orion, you look truly handsome tonight," she said with motherly pride. Then, her gaze shifted to Elara and Laura, who stood elegantly beside him. "And you two—absolutely radiant."

Elara's cheeks warmed slightly, but she smiled back. "You're the one to talk, Mother. But I think the two of you are the most beautiful women in this hall."

Sera chuckled, her violet eyes shimmering with amusement. "Ah, but it seems that you young ones shine so brightly that you're making us fade into the background. it's almost unfair. How can we older women compete?"

Orion's lips curled slightly; his voice soft yet firm. ""That's impossible. No matter how bright the stars shine, the moon's beauty is eternal. To me, you both will always be the most beautiful."

Laura, ever the charmer, nodded in agreement. "Aunt Celia, Aunt Sera, Orion is right. Beauty and grace like yours never fade most like timeless."

Both women laughed softly, clearly pleased by the flattery.

After a bit more conversation, Celia and Sera exchanged knowing glances before stepping back. "We'll leave you young ones to enjoy the banquet," Celia said with a gentle nod.

As the two women walked away, Laura turned to Orion, a hint of hesitation in her golden eyes. She tugged lightly at the edge of her dress. "How do I look tonight?" she asked, a faint trace of nervousness in her voice.

Orion first confused by her question but stared her for a moment before saying. "Beautiful... You look beautiful."

Laura exhaled, a small relieved smile appearing before she quickly masked it with her usual composed expression.

Elara, however, narrowed her eyes slightly in irritation. She wanted said something but before anything else she could be said, a melodic voice drifted from behind.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself, Orion."

The trio turned, their gazes falling upon a striking woman who had just approached.

She was stunning—a noblewoman in her early twenties with emerald-green hair that shimmered like a cascading waterfall, her deep violet eyes filled with intelligence and an air of mystery. Her sculpted beauty and curvaceous elegance made her presence almost intoxicating. She wore a flowing green gown with intricate gold embroidery, the fabric hugged her figure perfectly, exuding both power and grace.

She was Lady Selina, the esteemed Magister-level cultivator and the host and supervisor of the annual Blessing Ceremony. And most respected figures in Valeric City.

Orion's expression shifted to surprise. "Lady Selina."

He immediately bowed in greeting, with Elara following suit. Laura, too, respectfully inclined her head.

Selina's gaze swept over the group before landing on Laura. A flicker of recognition passed through her eyes. "You're the girl from Iron Fang Armory, aren't you?"

Laura nodded respectfully. "Yes, Lady Selina. It's an honour to meet you."

Selina hummed in approval and said with smile. "I know of you. You've made quite a name for yourself in Valeric City. Given your business success, it's no surprise."

Laura held her composed smile, but a glimmer of pride shone in her golden eyes.

Then, Selina's gaze returned to Orion and Elara, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly as she scrutinized them. A moment later, a rare flicker of surprise crossed her usually composed face.

"You've already reached the fourth star of Novice, Orion?" she murmured.

Orion met her gaze but said nothing and nodding his head in agreement.

Her eyes then shifted to Elara. "And you... you've reached the third star?"

Elara nodded.

Selina's lips pressed together in thought before she nodded in approval. "Impressive."

Then, as if remembering something, she asked, "Have you decided on an academy, Orion? You'll have to join one in a few weeks."

Orion hesitated, feeling slightly embarrassed. "I... haven't decided yet."

Then, Selina tapped her chin, as if considering something. "Why not—"

Before she could finish her sentence, another melodic voice interrupted.

"Lady Selina, it's you."

Standing a few steps away was a tall, elegant woman with golden blonde hair and emerald-green eyes, clad in a pale green robe that exuded noble refinement.

Selina arched an eyebrow before a small smile graced her lips. "Miss Voss. What a pleasant surprise."

Lysandra Voss let out a soft chuckle. "No, the surprise is mine. I didn't expect to see you here."

Selina tilted her head slightly. "Or not I by the way, what brings you to Valeric City?"

Lysandra's gaze briefly flickered toward. "I was completing an assignment assign by my academy near the valeric city, after completing my assignment Edric and Arin those two insisted I visit valeric city for rest. So here I am."

Meanwhile, Orion watched the exchange with mild curiosity. Do they know each other? He wondered. Perhaps past acquaintances?

Selina nodded then turned back to Orion. "I'll take my leave for now, but I will visit you later to finish our conversation."

Her words left him slightly confused, but he simply nodded. "Of course."

Selina gave a small smile before departing.

Now, Lysandra's attention turned toward Orion's group. She stepped closer, her gaze locking onto Laura.

"Lord Orion," she said with a slight smile.

"Don't you think it's improper not to introduce your companions?"

Orion internally sighed, realizing he had neglected etiquette.

"This is Laura Valtor, owner of Iron Fang Armory," he introduced. "Laura, this is Lysandra Voss, from Voss Imperial Academy."

Laura and Lysandra observed each other, their gazes sharp yet unreadable, before shaking hands.

A polite smile, a brief pause, then they let go.

As the conversation flowed, Orion gradually felt more and more uncomfortable.

Topics shifted from business and trade to cultivation techniques, then smoothly transitioned into beauty regimens and skincare secrets. They laughed, exchanged insights, and animatedly discussed the latest noble trends.

Orion, however, felt utterly out of place.

He had fought on battlefields soaked in blood, stood against monstrous creatures, and even faced betrayal at the hands of a woman he once loved. But this—being trapped amidst three beautiful women immersed in 'girl talk'—was an entirely different kind of torment.

He subtly shifted in his seat, attempting to slip away unnoticed.

"Elara, Laura, Lady Lysandra, I—"

Before he could complete his excuse, Laura casually placed a hand on his arm. "Oh, Orion, you're not leaving so soon, are you?" She smiled sweetly, yet her grip was firm, making it clear she had no intention of letting him escape.

Elara, as if sensing his discomfort, giggled. "Come now, Brother Orion, surely a few beauty secrets wouldn't hurt you. After all, a handsome face like yours should be well-maintained."

Lysandra chuckled, her golden-green eyes shimmering with amusement. "Indeed, Lord Orion, perhaps you should listen. You wouldn't want your admirers to think you lack refinement, would you?"

He sighed inwardly. This was worse than an ambush.

As the banquet continued, the trio kept him ensnared, their discussions shifting from light-hearted banter to deeper topics of cultivation and personal ambitions. Every time he tried to plane his way out, one of them—whether it was Laura's teasing remarks, Elara's innocent tug on his sleeve, or Lysandra's piercing gaze—would anchor him right back in place.

He sighed internally. How did I end up in a group of three ladies talking about things I don't care about?

He took a sip of his wine, hoping it would provide some comfort.

"Miss Voss," he finally said, an attempt at one last escape. "Wouldn't you rather be enjoying the company of your friends?" He gestured toward a nearby group of young nobles, many of whom were engaged in cheerful conversation, drinking, and even light-hearted flirting.

Lysandra followed his gaze but merely scoffed. "Them?" she said with mild disdain. "They're insufferably dull. I'd rather spend time here." Her voice carried a casual arrogance, yet there was an undeniable charm to it.

Orion regretted speaking.

She tilted her head at him, a playful glint in her eyes. "Am I making you uncomfortable, Lord Orion?"

He hesitated. If he answered honestly, it might offend her. If he denied it, he would have to endure this for even longer. Either way, he was caught.

"Not at all," Orion finally said, forcing a neutral expression.

Lysandra chuckled softly, clearly ignoring his dilemma, before gracefully shifting the topic. She engaged in conversation with Laura and Elara, leaving Orion to watch the three women talk.

Across the grand banquet hall, two pairs of eyes occasionally flickered toward them—Lady Celia and Lady Sera.

The two women had been gracefully navigating through the nobles, exchanging pleasantries and engaging in light conversation. Yet, every so often, their gazes would drift toward Orion, watching the scene with evident amusement.

Standing beside them, Viscount Theo was deeply engaged in discussion with city officials, his presence commanding respect. Unlike him, however, the two ladies seemed far more entertained by their son's predicament.

Sera leaned toward Celia, suppressing a laugh. "It seems our son has become quite the centre of attention."

Celia's blue eyes shimmered with warmth. "It's good for him. He's spent too many years avoiding social gatherings."

"True," Sera mused, "but I doubt he's enjoying himself. Look at his expression."

Both women chuckled softly, exchanging knowing smiles.

Yet, among the sea of attendees, there was one person whose reaction was far from amusement.

Edric Vale.

Standing near a group of his noble peers, he had been enjoying himself—until his gaze fell upon Lysandra.

His Lysandra.

For months, he had pursued her, yet she had always remained distant, indifferent. And now, there she stood, laughing, smiling—next to Orion.

His fingers clenched around his wine glass. His blood boiled as he watched the woman, he desired give more attention to his detested younger brother than she ever had to him.

The glass in his grip suddenly shattered, crimson liquid spilling onto his sleeve.

His jaw tightened; eyes dark with fury. "You wait and watch, Orion," he muttered under his breath. "If I don't put you in your place, then I am not Edric Vale."

The banquet continued, oblivious to the storm brewing within him.

As the night wore on, Orion finally found his chance to escape.

When, the banquet neared its conclusion.

Orion, along with Elara and Lysandra, saw Laura off, bidding her farewell before she left for her iron fang armoury. Afterward, he and Elara escorted both escorted Lysandra to the guesthouse, ensuring her safe arrival. Before both made their way back to their mansion

Finally, Orion and Elara, By the time they reached their home, Elara stretched her arms, letting out a soft yawn. "Tonight was... banquet is fun. Don't you agree, brother?"

Orion smiled warily on her sister antiques. "You enjoyed watching me struggle, didn't you?"

Elara giggled, her sapphire-blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "A little."

He sighed, shaking his head before nudging her gently. "Go get some rest."

She smiled warmly, stepping toward her room. "Goodnight, Brother Orion."

"Goodnight, Elara."

Then, He stepped into his chambers, his mind still lingering on everything that had happened—the banter, the gazes, and the unspoken tensions that hung in the air.

One thing was certain. Tonight, he really very tired.