Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

The banquet began in the late afternoon, with Liam personally escorting the Starhaven delegation to the palace again.

As they had suspected, the coronation ceremony had already been held. This evening's gathering was mainly focused on the border negotiations. Upon entering, Carissa and Violet noticed that there were no other foreign emissaries present-only royals, nobles, and officials from various departments.

While they showed no hostility toward the Starhaven delegation, they weren't particularly welcoming either. Since a translator was needed for communication, conversations remained minimal, limited to simple greetings.

Just as they were settling in, Lisandra turned to the Starhaven delegation and remarked, "Today, we have guests from Nerathia joining us as well. They should be arriving shortly. I believe you will find that you have much in common."

Davis' eyes brightened immediately. "Guests from Nerathia? Who might they be?"

His excitement was understandable.

The weapons that Isaac had brought to Starhaven-Adrian's six-barreled matchlock and cannon carriage-were all based on designs from Nerathia. Davis had also heard that Adrian himself had traveled to Nerathia to study their techniques. As the Defense Minister for Starhaven, he was keen to learn as much as he could from them.

Nerathia had long been a model for Starhaven, not only for their advanced weaponry but also their methods of governance, which were far more progressive. Of course, their systems couldn't be entirely replicated, given the differences between the two kingdoms, but any opportunity for deeper discussion was one Davis would cherish.

Seeing the enthusiasm on their faces, Lisandra chuckled and replied, "You will know soon enough."

The banquet itself was likely to be long and tedious, but the prospect of meeting Nerathian guests had raised everyone's spirits.

Just as anticipation filled the air, a voice rang out across the hall: "Prince Faelan Aldridge, the Halcyon Monarch, and his princess consort, Lady Elysia Hart, have arrived."

mouth in shock. He couldn't find the words to speak, though his

To think she would meet him in person today was a delightful surprise. She couldn't help but feel a

They may have heard of the prince but had not paid

the hall buzzed with eager anticipation, a procession of people

and Violet finally caught sight of the leader of the group, they froze in place, utterly stunned. Wasn't

whose appearances jolted fading recollections. Today, however, the men were dressed in fine, new clothes. They looked nothing like the grimy, ragged figures they had been at Victory

was well-known in other kingdoms as well. This made him a figure of great respect, so it was no surprise that

Elysia's hand and stepped forward, a broad smile on his face.

formalities. Please take your seat, Your Highness, Your Grace," Lisandra

turned his gaze to

Sinclair, Ms. Spencer," he greeted, smiling. "It seems we've

that their identities had already been discovered long ago. The meal

a bit surprised.

and said, "When we passed through Victory Pass,

Spencer who kindly gave us

I see," Lisandra responded with a smile. "It seems fate brought

share a meal with someone is no

Orivenian prince spoke briefly with Elysia in Westic,