Chapter 555: The Royal Palace of Kingsford

The evening of King Alden’s sixtieth birthday celebration finally arrived, and the Royal Capital of Kingsford was more magnificent than ever.

Thousands of lanterns illuminated the principal avenues leading toward the Royal District, while enormous banners bearing the royal insignia hung from towers, bridges, and public buildings.

Musicians performed in crowded squares, merchants continued serving customers despite the approaching night, and city guards maintained a constant presence along the roads reserved for arriving dignitaries.

At Adventurer Guild Headquarters, several carriages waited beneath the entrance archway.

Sage stood beside the foremost carriage, examining the formal clothing Boren had insisted he wear for the occasion. The dark coat was embroidered with restrained silver patterns, and the Guild’s insignia rested prominently upon his chest.

"I still don’t understand why I couldn’t wear my usual clothes," Sage complained, adjusting his collar. "We’re attending a banquet, not participating in a royal wedding."

Boren inspected his appearance with obvious satisfaction. "Guildmaster, you’re attending one of the Kingdom’s most important celebrations. Presenting yourself appropriately is part of representing the Guild."

Gregor, standing nearby in formal attire of his own, laughed. "Look at the bright side, Guildmaster. At least nobody made you wear one of those enormous feathered hats."

Sage turned toward him. "Don’t give Boren ideas, Gregor. He might have one hidden somewhere."

Lyana chuckled as she approached them, her long green hair arranged neatly over one shoulder. "You both look perfectly respectable. Although I admit it’s strange seeing my brother dressed for a noble gathering instead of a dungeon expedition."

Gregor examined his sleeves with a theatrical sigh. "I feel like I’m being punished for something."

Lucan emerged from Headquarters moments later, wearing an elegant outfit that immediately distinguished him from the others. His clothing bore subtle details associated with House Auremont, although the Adventurer Guild’s insignia remained visible.

"Everyone seems prepared," Lucan observed pleasantly. "Guildmaster, I must say you look considerably more presentable than I expected."

Sage gave him a suspicious look. "Was that supposed to be a compliment?"

"Of course, Guildmaster," Lucan replied with an innocent expression. "I would never insult you before introducing you to the Royal Court."

Their conversation was interrupted when Mina hurried down the entrance steps, accompanied by Valeria.

Mina wore a beautiful formal dress decorated with delicate golden embroidery, and her excitement was evident as she approached Sage.

"Uncle Sage, look!" Mina exclaimed, spreading her arms. "Big Sister Valeria helped me get ready!"

Sage smiled warmly. "You look wonderful, Mina. Just remember that we’re supposed to behave ourselves tonight."

Mina nodded enthusiastically. "I will, Uncle Sage! But Lucan said there would be lots of delicious food!"

Valeria stood beside her in an elegant dark dress, her expression as cold and unreadable as ever.

"Guildmaster, Mina has already promised not to cause trouble," Valeria stated calmly. "Unless someone refuses to serve her dinner."

Sage stared at her. "That sounds suspiciously like a threat."

Valeria regarded him without the slightest change in expression. "It’s merely an observation, Guildmaster."

Vanthrice laughed quietly as she joined the group, while Boren began directing everyone toward their assigned carriages.

Leon Drakar arrived shortly afterward, accompanied by two Knights wearing the distinguished insignia of the Ardent Sun Knight Order.

Unlike the others, Leon wore ceremonial military attire befitting his position as Captain of one of Westmark’s ten most prestigious Knight Orders.

"Guildmaster, I apologize for keeping everyone waiting," Leon greeted Sage respectfully. "I had several matters to settle with my Knights before leaving."

Sage waved away the apology. "You’re right on time, Leon. Besides, with an escort like yours, I doubt anyone will complain."

Leon chuckled. "I suspect the palace guards would disagree if we arrived after the reception had closed."

With everyone assembled, the carriages departed Headquarters and entered the illuminated streets of Kingsford.

The journey toward the Royal Palace revealed just how elaborate the celebration had become.

Noble carriages traveled in orderly processions beneath the supervision of mounted royal guards. Wealthy visitors gathered outside luxurious establishments, while spectators crowded designated viewing areas hoping to glimpse the important guests arriving for the banquet.

As they approached the palace, the buildings surrounding the Royal District gradually gave way to broad avenues lined with towering statues and carefully maintained gardens.

Eventually, the Royal Palace itself came into view.

Even Sage, who had already witnessed numerous impressive buildings since arriving in Kingsford, found himself examining the enormous structure with genuine admiration.

The palace occupied a vast elevated estate surrounded by magnificent stone walls. Its central building rose above several adjoining wings, while elegant towers and domed rooftops dominated the skyline. Hundreds of illuminated windows reflected the golden light of countless lanterns, and broad staircases connected terraces decorated with fountains and sculpted gardens.

"Now that’s impressive," Sage remarked, leaning toward the carriage window. "I thought House Auremont’s residence was extravagant, but this is something else entirely."

Lucan glanced outside with an amused expression. "The Royal Palace has been expanded and renovated by generations of House Alden, Guildmaster. Several sections are older than the current dynasty’s most recent territorial acquisitions."

Gregor examined the approaching gates. "How many people live in that thing?"

"Considerably more than the Royal Family," Lucan answered. "The palace contains administrative offices, ceremonial halls, residences for important officials, and facilities maintained by an extensive household staff."

Sage shook his head. "Managing this place must be a nightmare."

Boren, seated opposite him, nodded thoughtfully. "The staffing requirements alone would be extraordinary, Guildmaster."

Lucan laughed. "Please don’t start calculating the palace’s operating expenses. We’re supposed to enjoy ourselves tonight."

Their carriage eventually reached the main entrance, where rows of ceremonial guards stood beneath enormous banners bearing House Alden’s insignia.

Each guard wore polished armor and carried an elaborately decorated spear. Their formation remained perfectly disciplined despite the constant arrival of carriages and dignitaries.

Royal attendants approached the vehicles, checking invitations and directing guests toward the appropriate reception areas.

When Sage presented the Guild’s invitation, the attendant examined its seal before offering a respectful bow.

"Welcome to the Royal Palace, Guildmaster. His Majesty’s household extends its greetings to the Adventurer Guild."

Sage acknowledged the greeting politely, while Lucan guided the group through the entrance procedures.

Inside, the palace proved even more magnificent.

Marble floors stretched beneath enormous chandeliers, while decorated pillars supported ceilings covered in elaborate paintings depicting historical victories, royal ceremonies, and important moments from Westmark’s past.

Servants moved gracefully between guests carrying refreshments, and musicians performed from an elevated gallery overlooking the main reception hall.

Mina stared at the surroundings with wide eyes.

"Uncle Sage, this place is enormous!" Mina exclaimed, looking toward the distant ceiling. "Do you think anyone ever gets lost here?"

Sage chuckled. "I wouldn’t be surprised. We’d probably need Rowan to draw us a map."

Lucan smiled before lowering his voice slightly. "Guildmaster, before we enter the principal reception hall, remember that noble greetings follow certain conventions. You don’t need to bow to every person you meet, but acknowledging titles correctly will save us unnecessary trouble."

Sage sighed. "I was wondering when the lessons would begin."

"Consider this your final examination," Lucan replied cheerfully.

As they entered the reception hall, several conversations paused.

Sage quickly noticed that many guests recognized Leon.

A group of military officers approached almost immediately, greeting the Captain of the Ardent Sun Knight Order with considerable respect.

"Captain Drakar, it’s good to see you," one decorated officer remarked. "I heard you’d recently returned from another expedition."

Leon returned the greeting politely. "Indeed, General. I’ve been assisting the Adventurer Guild with several operations."

The officer glanced toward Sage with renewed interest.

"So the rumors concerning your registration as an Adventurer are true."

Leon nodded. "They are, General. I’ve found the Guild’s operations quite worthwhile."

Sage watched the exchange with amusement.

Leon had already attracted more attention than most of their group, and several nobles nearby were clearly interested in the famous Knight Captain’s association with the Guild.

Lucan leaned closer to Sage.

"That’s useful for us, Guildmaster. Leon’s reputation carries considerable weight among the Kingdom’s military circles."

Sage nodded. "And here I thought he only joined because he enjoyed exploring dangerous dungeons."

Lucan chuckled. "Both things can be true."

As they continued through the hall, Lucan discreetly identified several important guests.

Representatives of House Valois gathered near a group of prominent merchants, while members of House Hohenberg conversed with decorated military commanders. House Falkenberg’s delegation occupied another section of the hall, surrounded by regional nobles.

Farther away, several individuals associated with House Lancaster spoke with officials wearing the insignia of the Royal Court.

Sage also recognized Lord Benedict Auremont standing beside several distinguished guests, while Duke Roland conversed with an elderly nobleman near the central reception area.

Religious representatives were equally prominent.

Priests wearing the ceremonial robes of the Holy Church stood among other high-ranking clergy, their elaborate garments and distinguished escorts attracting respectful attention from nearby guests.

The entire gathering seemed designed to display the wealth, authority, and complicated hierarchy of Westmark’s ruling society.

Sage surveyed the hall thoughtfully.

Nobles, military commanders, merchants, religious officials, and representatives of powerful institutions had all gathered beneath one roof.

Some might become valuable allies.

Others could eventually oppose the Guild’s ambitions.

And somewhere among the arriving guests, according to Pax’s latest report, an intermediary connected to the earlier mercenary conspiracy might already be moving through the celebration.

Before Sage could consider that possibility further, the musicians gradually lowered their instruments.

Conversations began fading throughout the hall as royal attendants moved toward their designated positions.

Lucan immediately straightened.

"Guildmaster, it appears the formal reception is about to begin," he said quietly.

At the far end of the magnificent chamber, two enormous doors opened beneath the royal insignia.

A herald stepped forward, raised his ceremonial staff, and announced in a powerful voice, "Esteemed nobles, honored dignitaries, and distinguished guests! Please rise and prepare to receive His Majesty and the Royal Family of Westmark!"