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."

to his mouth in shock. He couldn't

had heard of the Halcyon Monarch from Adrian, who spoke highly of him. To think she would meet him in person today was a

Travis, and the others seemed far more indifferent. They may have heard of the prince but had not paid much attention

with eager anticipation, a procession of people entered, filling

stunned. Wasn't that the man they had encountered at Victory Pass? The one who had casually joined them for

began to stir. They vaguely recognized several faces, especially the men with fierce expressions, whose appearances jolted fading recollections. Today, however, the men were dressed in fine, new

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

forward, a broad smile on his

take your seat, Your Highness, Your Grace," Lisandra

turned his gaze to Carissa

Spencer," he greeted, smiling. "It seems we've crossed paths

identities had already been discovered long ago. The meal they had shared together had likely been

surprised. "Have you met

"When we passed through Victory Pass, we were

Commander Sinclair and Ms. Spencer who kindly gave us

a smile. "It seems fate brought

share a meal with someone is no

Orivenian prince spoke briefly with Elysia in Westic, and