Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

In banquets like these, no one truly ate with much enthusiasm. Most dishes were merely tasted before being set aside, barely touched before servants whisked

them away.

But the Nerathians were different. They treated every dish with genuine respect, cleaning their plates entirely, no matter what was served. Their wine glasses, once filled, were immediately emptied again. The palace servants attending to them must have been exhausted, constantly refilling their glasses and replacing empty plates.

Violet recalled their meal at Spring Pavilion. Just like tonight, not a single scrap had been left behind. She wanted to say something to Carissa, but the only sound in the hall was the clinking of cutlery and the quiet shifting of plates. Speaking now would be too conspicuous.

Still, one glance between them was enough.

Violet's thought was clear-the Nerathians' presence at this banquet must be tied to the negotiations. Carissa agreed.

However, their exact role remained uncertain. Were they here to mediate and broker peace? If so, the treaty could be finalized swiftly.

Or were they here to back Orivenia? If that was the case, then this would become a drawn-out battle. With Nerathia behind them, Orivenia would have little reason

Starhaven's position at the table would

as well. Davis and the Diplomatic Affairs Minister, Alden Grey, who had earlier been brimming with excitement, now wore more somber expressions. They barely touched their food,

attended. An eerie, foreboding silence hung over them like the calm before a

away. When someone tried to raise a glass for a toast, it was

last dish was served, and just as quickly, the Nerathians finished. Only then did the rest of the

smiling and speaking in fluent Westic. Carissa listened as the translator relayed his words. He was offering polite praise-commending the exquisite flavors of the

Stellish the Nerathians had been back at Spring Pavilion, speaking as if

her: Adrian had once mentioned that the Halcyon Monarch and his

Westic, leaving

two kingdoms, in the hope that both sides may reach an agreement that benefits all and spares our people from further war," the translator announced to the

A witness.

carefully chosen, neutral enough to avoid revealing their true stance. But what did it mean? Were they here to mediate and broker peace,

"Starhaven welcomes Prince Faelan

faband just, one that safeguards the interests of both kingdoms and spares our people