Chapter 310: Low-class dog meat can't be served at a banquet
Time slipped away like a fleeting white steed.
Several days later.
Luoyang's Vermilion Forbidden City was adorned with lanterns and decorations. Countless high-ranking officials of the Chinese Federation and nobles of Britannia gathered joyfully in the grand reception hall, indulging in lavish Chinese delicacies. The Britannian nobles were all beaming with smiles, as if their empire had achieved some great victory. Among the Chinese Federation's elite, however, aside from the eunuch faction of the Ten Attendants currently controlling the court, the rest wore expressions of indifference, with some gritting their teeth in helpless frustration.
Having lurked within the court for so long, though the eunuch faction could not embed imperial authority as deeply into the people's hearts as the Chinese Federation's royal family once did, decades were enough for them to bind many with interests, thereby amassing considerable power. Even after facing suppression from the Son of Heaven, with Britannia's support, they quickly regained their former vast influence, becoming even more dominant than before.
They had completely hollowed out the imperial authority, even to the extent of controlling the Son of Heaven to command the nobles—a feat they could now accomplish. Moreover, they had now orchestrated a political marriage with Britannia, intending to wed the Son of Heaven Jiang Lihua to Britannia's First Prince in exchange for a lifetime of wealth and honor.
As for what would become of this nation or this world afterward, that was no longer their concern. To them, it was nothing more than a patch of dispensable roadside weeds.
The Chinese Federation's Son of Heaven Jiang Lihua sat at the northernmost end of the reception hall, facing south—a long-standing tradition of the Chinese Federation. This time, however, she was not alone on the dais; beside her sat a foreign man nearing thirty. With a thick beard that made him appear older, he stood in stark contrast to the petite, delicate Jiang Lihua, who resembled a frightened little rabbit. The pairing was less like an uncle and a lolita and more like beauty and the beast, without any exaggeration.
Her snow-white hair and ruby-red eyes, like those of a startled bunny, Jiang Lihua curled up on the highest seat in the hall. She could overlook the bustling scene in the vast palace before her, but the joyous gathering brought her no comfort. Instead, it heightened her fear, causing the young Empress to tremble, tears of distress glistening at the corners of her eyes. From time to time, she whispered a name in a voice too soft for anyone to hear.
"Teacher... Teacher, where are you...? We made a promise, but now Lihua is about to marry this uncle beside me. Why hasn't Teacher come to save Lihua...?"
The petite Son of Heaven curled up on her throne, murmuring cautiously. Though her father's early death and her status as his only daughter had led to her forced enthronement by the eunuchs, and she had, by chance, learned some skills of imperial statecraft from Yotsuba Mahiro, she was, after all, just a 13-year-old girl. By ordinary standards, she should still be nothing more than a junior high school student.
"Your Majesty, do not be afraid. This will all be over soon."
Odysseus, standing beside Jiang Lihua, raised his glass toward the young girl, startling her so much she nearly jumped.
"I know this wedding was not something Your Majesty agreed to—it was all arranged by those eunuchs. However, this is indeed the fastest means to bring about peace. Once we are married, Your Majesty will gain freedom. As the First Prince of Britannia, I will ensure those eunuchs grant you your liberty."
Odysseus whispered these words to Jiang Lihua, his voice steady yet tinged with a hint of apology and embarrassment.
After all, he was well aware that his age was more than sufficient to be the father of the young sovereign beside him. He understood how bizarre it must appear to anyone watching—a nearly two-meter-tall man marrying a young girl. It was only natural for the sovereign to feel fear.
But there was no other way. This was the proposal of his younger brother, Schneizel, the Prime Minister of Britannia.
Like Clovis, he was not adept at politics; in fact, he could be said to be even more dull-witted and simple-hearted than Clovis.
Thus, he had always chosen to follow the advice of his exceptionally brilliant younger brother, Schneizel.
For now, he could only offer Jiang Lihua a smile that he hoped appeared as pleasant, gentle, and kind as possible.
"..."
Jiang Lihua remained silent. She merely hung her head, clutching the hem of her skirt, lacking even the courage to glance back at Odysseus. In her heart, she prayed—prayed that the teacher she had idolized as a hero since childhood, the one she had always admired, would come to save her.
Seeing this, Odysseus could only glance at the sovereign and shake his head helplessly. Like Jiang Lihua, he was merely a figurehead sitting here, with all matters left to his younger brother to handle.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the palace, which had been converted into a banquet hall, a handsome, golden-haired man stood in a prominent position, discussing something with the eunuchs beside him.
That man was the Prime Minister of Britannia, the initiator and host of this wedding—the Second Prince of the Empire, Schneizel.
The ten androgynous eunuchs whispering with him were the leaders of the eunuch faction in the Chinese Federation, known as the Ten Attendants.
On the other side, Monica, Gino, and Suzaku Kururugi, serving as Schneizel's protective Knights of Rounds, gathered together, accompanied by the special envoy Lloyd and his female subordinate, Cécile.
Even Kallen was present.
She was attending the banquet as a representative of the Stadtfeld Family, but she drifted through the corners of the venue like a lonely ghost.
Although she had noticed Suzaku Kururugi, and he had noticed her, the two never exchanged any words. Kallen did not even meet his gaze.
Even though both had long been aware of each other's identities.
After a year of reflection, Kallen had learned the meaning of patience and how to conceal her emotions.
As for Suzaku Kururugi, upon learning that Kallen had become the Governor of Area Eleven, he had wanted to arrest her as a terrorist and had even petitioned the Empire.
Unfortunately, it had no effect. In fact, this proposal had nearly cost him his position as a Knight of the Rounds.
Were it not for the Asplund Family's mediation, they would have already formed a grudge against the Stadtfeld Family.
No matter how one looked at it, the Stadtfeld Family was a great house with deep historical roots in the empire. Even someone like Marianne, a former imperial consort, had been unable to deal with them, let alone a mere Knight of Rounds like Suzaku Kururugi.
Thus, Suzaku now understood that without absolute evidence, he must not lay a hand on Kallen.
"His Excellency, the Prime Minister of the Holy Britannian Empire, Schneizel, has arrived!"
As the banquet announcer's voice rang out, Schneizel ceased his conversation with the eunuchs, offering them an apologetic glance.
Under the gaze of all present, he stepped onto the red carpet and strode step by step toward the center of the banquet.
By his side was a female companion nearly as tall as him, a woman with a tall, slender, and alluring figure.
Her smooth, long hair was elegantly coiled high, resembling a beautiful noblewoman. Her face was adorned with exquisite makeup, and her cherry lips, painted with lipstick, exuded a deep allure. A captivating gown draped her tall, perfect form.
The evening dress was particularly revealing, with her jade-like back exposed and two silk ribbons tied at her neck, accentuating her perfectly developed, ample bosom.
Though everything about her appearance was flawless, an inexplicable aura of decadence seemed to emanate from her, much like that of a Witch.
She was Schneizel's elder sister, the First Princess of the current Britannian Empire—Guinevere de Britannia.
Yet, her demeanor harmonized perfectly with Schneizel's, even enhancing his elegant aura.
One could only say, they were truly siblings.
As the two approached along the red carpet, the Knights of Rounds—Monica, Suzaku Kururugi, and Gino—immediately knelt on one knee, offering their utmost respect.
"There's no need for such formalities today," a magnetic yet gentle voice resonated.
"I hope you are enjoying the banquet?"
"Your Excellency, it is quite comfortable," Suzaku Kururugi replied.
Though Suzaku's rank was considerably lower than Gino's, Schneizel showed no sign of minding and continued in his warm tone, "Then relax a little more. This place is securely guarded by the armies of the Chinese Federation and Britannia. No one can cause any trouble here."
Today's banquet was merely an engagement celebration; the actual wedding would take place three days later. Although both the eunuch faction and Schneizel wished for the wedding to proceed sooner, according to the ancient customs of the Chinese Federation—especially for a matter as significant as the Emperor's marriage—the date had to be chosen based on the auspicious calendar.
"That's a relief. I'm not adept at resolving conflicts," Odysseus sighed in relief upon seeing his younger brother taking charge. This wedding was an exchange of interests, and Odysseus was ill-suited for such matters.
However, no sooner had he spoken than the announcer's voice, trembling with fear and stammering, suddenly declared:
"...The Chief Councilor of the EEU... and the representative of the Japanese Imperial Family... have arrived..."
The announcer's voice was filled with extreme terror.
The Japanese imperial representative had already arrived, and the Chinese Federation had indeed sent an invitation—their delegation had long been accommodated within the Vermilion Forbidden City. However, the EU had never been invited. Everyone now understood the EU's current situation: while maintaining friendly relations with the Chinese Federation, they were essentially in a state of hostility with Britannia. Thus, this engagement banquet had never intended to include the EU.
Yet this guest had been specially added by Li Xingke, the head of military officials, leaving the announcer no choice but to declare the arrival despite his reluctance. With that announcement, the entire banquet hall fell into a dead silence, each face wearing a different expression.
In the corner, Kallen abruptly lifted her head, staring incredulously toward the entrance. Suzaku Kururugi stood up agitatedly, his eyes burning with resentment as he fixed his gaze on the end of the red carpet.
Meanwhile, Jiang Lihua, who had been keeping her head down in silence, suddenly sprang to life like a puppet revived upon hearing the voice. She looked up with excitement, tears welling in her eyes, and trembled as she murmured, "...Teacher... It's Teacher. Teacher has finally come to save Lihua..."
It was then that Odysseus clearly heard the young girl's soft murmurs beside him, but her words left him puzzled. The announced guest was the EU's Chief Council President, yet Jiang Lihua addressed him as "Teacher"—even though the Chief Council President was clearly...
"Tch, who came up with this awful title? Can't they change it?" A complaining voice drifted up from below the staircase at the end, faintly accompanied by the sound of a girl's playful laughter. By now, all the guests' eyes were firmly locked on that spot.
Gradually, the figure at the foot of the stairs came into public view. Leading was a young man who appeared no older than a student, yet possessed striking handsomeness with a gentle smile gracing his lips. His demeanor seemed almost on par with His Highness Schneizel—no, perhaps even surpassing him!
However, among the gazes directed at him, aside from astonishment and surprise, there were also many filled with fear and shock. The most evident were those of Odysseus, seated in the main position for the engagement banquet, and Monica, who had returned to Britannia to resume her guard duties.
The former's sturdy frame trembled slightly, his eyes brimming with disbelief. The latter, however, was genuinely terrified. Recalling her ordeal in that prison cell, Monica felt her legs weaken and unconsciously touched her abdomen, as if some lingering discomfort remained there.
Upon the man's arrival, aside from those who remained frozen in place, Schneizel was the first to move. With measured steps, he walked toward the newcomer, offering a respectful bow and salute.
"My deepest apologies for this oversight. I never expected to see you here. It has been too long, respected Mahiro-sensei."
"Ah, indeed it has been a while, Schneizel."
In response to Schneizel's greeting, Yotsuba Mahiro's tone remained utterly calm. He didn't even use the honorific "Your Highness," immediately setting a tense atmosphere. Yet Schneizel paid it no mind.
After merely exchanging that single greeting, the two fell into silence, simply gazing quietly at one another.
It was truly a case of monarch facing monarch, general confronting general.
The rulers had met, and now it was time for their subordinates to clash.
However, the first to lose patience and initiate the confrontation was Suzaku Kururugi, who strode forward with hatred etched across his face, only to be immediately intercepted by Nu who stood beside Mahiro.
Numerous guards had arrived alongside them.
Yet the newcomers couldn't even be bothered to glance at this show of force.
"Yotsuba Mahiro, you—"
Slap!
A sharp, crisp slap suddenly echoed through the vast, silent hall.
Suzaku had been about to accuse, "How dare you, a murderer, show your face here?" but the slap brutally cut him off.
The one who struck was the most unexpected person.
"Mr. Kururugi, it's impolite to casually address your school teacher by their full name... though I suppose it's to be expected. Perhaps someone as ungrateful as you wouldn't even remember your own cousin."
The one who acted was Kaguya, who positioned herself as a representative, shielding Mahiro.
Suzaku initially stood stunned, clutching his cheek, but upon seeing the girl before him, he lowered his hand.
With a stern expression, he stated:
"How could I forget, Sumeragi Kaguya."
"My, how wonderful that you remember. After all, only the two of us remain from the Six Houses of Kyoto now. What a pity though—it would have been even better if only my house remained."
Kaguya's tone and words dripped with sarcasm.
Yet such verbal provocation couldn't harm Suzaku, who had long abandoned any sense of shame.
He even proceeded to explain with utter seriousness.
"I don't know who killed Lord Kirihara and the others, but those people were supporters of terrorists. They got what they deserved."
"Oh my, is that so?"
Kaguya covered her mouth in feigned surprise, then nodded as if seriously considering his words. "Mr. Kururugi does have a point, I suppose. After all, those old men certainly were involved in questionable dealings..."
"But what about you, Mr. Kururugi?"
The girl suddenly shifted her tone, a mischievous smile playing across her delicate features.
"Lord Kirihara and the others betrayed their master for personal gain, that's true. But what does that make you, who betrayed your country and groveled before Britannia? Aren't you equally guilty?"
"Moreover, Lord Zero and my husband once saved your life. Now you openly cause trouble in this setting and attempt to harm your former saviors—how should such behavior be dealt with?"
Kaguya seemed to be meticulously listing Suzaku's sins, enumerating them one by one.
With each accusation she voiced, Suzaku's expression grew darker, until beads of sweat formed on his forehead.
"One thing has nothing to do with another... I am now a Knight of Rounds for Britannia."
"Hmm, that's also reasonable."
Kaguya placed her hands on her hips and nodded in agreement with a childlike expression.
Yet this very gesture sent a wave of unease through Suzaku's heart.
"My husband once taught me a proverb: 'Dog meat will never be served at a banquet.' Now even a treasonous traitor can become a Knight of Rounds. It seems Britannia has indeed declined considerably."
These words caused an uproar throughout the venue.
No one had expected this young girl named Sumeragi Kaguya to dare publicly insult the Knights of Rounds and Britannia on such an occasion.
Wasn't this essentially calling Charles, the Emperor of Britannia, blind and incompetent?
Suzaku Kururugi was rendered speechless by her remarks, as he truly couldn't find appropriate words to retort.
After all, since becoming a Knight of Rounds, he had frequently faced harassment from Britannian nobles, with hardly anyone treating him kindly.
Even after establishing numerous achievements throughout the year, those people still refused to look at him properly.
They completely treated Suzaku Kururugi like a dog.
However, seeing Suzaku's embarrassed appearance, Kaguya felt quite pleased. As if offering blessings, she spoke again to comfort him:
"What a pity. If words could kill, I could slice you, this traitor, into a thousand pieces."
This sixteen-year-old girl spoke the most terrifying words in the calmest tone and with the most pleasant expression.