Chapter 557: His Majesty’s Sixtieth Birthday

The magnificent banquet hall erupted into applause as King Edmund III Alden concluded his opening remarks, officially welcoming the distinguished guests who had gathered to celebrate his sixtieth birthday.

Hundreds of nobles, military commanders, religious representatives, wealthy merchants, and foreign dignitaries stood beneath the enormous chandeliers, their attention directed toward the elevated royal platform.

Sage joined the applause, although he remained aware that the King had been observing him moments earlier.

"Guildmaster, I believe tonight might become considerably more interesting than we anticipated," Lucan remarked quietly, keeping his attention upon the royal platform.

Sage chuckled. "Considering everything you’ve told me about noble politics, I’m not entirely certain that’s good news."

Gregor adjusted his formal collar with an uncomfortable expression. "Personally, I’m hoping the interesting part involves dinner. We’ve been standing around for ages."

Lyana glanced toward her brother. "Gregor, the ceremony has barely started. Try not to embarrass everyone before the first course arrives."

Before Gregor could respond, a ceremonial herald stepped forward and struck the marble floor three times with his decorated staff.

The musicians fell silent as several palace attendants approached the platform carrying elaborate golden trays.

The formal presentation of birthday congratulations had begun.

Representatives of the Kingdom’s most influential institutions approached according to an established order, beginning with the five Great Noble Houses.

Duke Roland Auremont was among the first to step forward, accompanied by Lord Benedict and several senior family members.

The elderly Duke bowed respectfully before addressing the monarch.

"Your Majesty, on behalf of House Auremont, I offer our heartfelt congratulations upon your sixtieth birthday," Roland declared. "May your reign continue to bring prosperity and stability to Westmark."

King Edmund acknowledged him with a familiar expression. "You have my gratitude, Duke Roland. House Auremont has served the Kingdom faithfully for generations, and I trust that cooperation will continue."

Roland bowed once more before withdrawing alongside his relatives.

The remaining Great Houses followed, each presenting congratulations accompanied by ceremonial gifts.

House Hohenberg offered an exquisitely crafted sword, its polished blade resting within a velvet-lined presentation case.

Lucan leaned toward Sage as the weapon was displayed. "House Hohenberg traditionally presents military gifts during important royal occasions, Guildmaster. Their family’s history is closely connected to the defense of Westmark’s northern territories."

Sage examined the weapon appreciatively. "That’s a fine sword. I imagine whoever forged it spent considerable time on the craftsmanship."

Leon nodded in agreement. "The balance appears excellent, Guildmaster. Hohenberg’s military workshops employ several highly respected craftsmen."

House Valois presented a collection of rare gemstones and valuable trade goods obtained through its extensive commercial networks, while House Falkenberg offered ceremonial treasures representing the agricultural prosperity of its territories.

House Lancaster’s delegation presented an elaborate historical manuscript containing records of important royal decrees and administrative achievements.

Sage watched the proceedings with growing interest.

"Every gift seems carefully chosen to represent what each family contributes to the Kingdom," he observed.

Lucan smiled. "Exactly, Guildmaster. These presentations aren’t merely displays of wealth. They’re reminders of each family’s importance and its relationship with the Crown."

Gregor glanced toward the collection of expensive gifts. "And here I thought buying someone a birthday present was supposed to be simple."

Valeria regarded the proceedings with her usual impassive expression. "For most people, it is."

Mina, standing beside her, examined the gemstone collection with obvious curiosity.

"Uncle Sage, do you think the King gets presents like these every year?" Mina whispered.

Sage chuckled. "Probably, although I doubt he has enough shelves for everything."

Following the noble houses came representatives of the Royal Army and the Kingdom’s distinguished Knight Orders.

Several decorated commanders approached the platform, presenting ceremonial standards commemorating important military campaigns.

The atmosphere became noticeably more solemn when an elderly general stepped forward carrying a weathered battle banner.

King Edmund descended two steps from the platform to receive it personally.

"This banner accompanied the soldiers who defended our eastern frontier during the Blackstone Campaign," the general announced. "Many of those Warriors never returned, Your Majesty. We present it today in remembrance of their sacrifice."

The King accepted the banner with both hands.

"Westmark remembers its fallen," Edmund declared solemnly. "Their courage preserved the lives of countless families, and their service shall never be forgotten."

The assembled military officers bowed their heads respectfully.

Even Gregor abandoned his usual joking expression as the banner was carried toward a place of honor beside the royal platform.

Leon watched the proceedings with quiet respect.

"His Majesty has always placed considerable importance upon the Kingdom’s military traditions," Leon explained. "Many of those commanders served during conflicts that shaped Westmark’s present borders."

Sage nodded thoughtfully.

For all the extravagance surrounding the celebration, the ceremony also reminded him that the Kingdom’s prosperity had been maintained through generations of difficult decisions and dangerous struggles.

Once the military presentations concluded, high-ranking religious officials approached the throne.

The Holy Church’s senior representative led the religious delegations, accompanied by attendants carrying ceremonial symbols of the Goddess of Light.

A formal blessing was offered for the King’s health, wisdom, and continued reign, followed by prayers for the peace and prosperity of the Kingdom.

Other religious representatives presented their congratulations according to their respective traditions.

Sage noticed that the clergy received considerable respect from the assembled nobility, particularly those associated with the Holy Church.

"Their influence is certainly impressive," Sage remarked quietly.

Lucan nodded. "Religious institutions have supported communities throughout Westmark for generations, Guildmaster. Their hospitals, temples, and charitable establishments reach places where noble administrations sometimes struggle to provide assistance."

The presentations continued until foreign dignitaries and prominent commercial representatives had offered their congratulations.

Eventually, the ceremonial gifts were removed, and King Edmund returned to the center of the platform.

The monarch surveyed the enormous gathering before raising one hand.

"My friends, honored guests, and loyal subjects," Edmund began, his commanding voice filling the chamber. "Today marks sixty years since my birth, but this celebration belongs to more than one man."

The hall became completely silent.

"Westmark was not built through the efforts of its Kings alone," Edmund continued. "Our Kingdom stands upon the labor of farmers who cultivate our fields, craftsmen who strengthen our cities, merchants who connect our territories, and Warriors who defend our people."

Sage listened attentively as the King spoke.

Edmund described the generations of rulers, soldiers, and ordinary citizens whose efforts had transformed Westmark into a prosperous Kingdom.

He recalled periods when dangerous monsters threatened settlements, when disputes disrupted trade routes, and when military conflicts demanded sacrifices from families throughout the fifteen regions.

"Our ancestors understood that prosperity cannot endure without security," Edmund declared. "A merchant cannot conduct business when roads are overrun by monsters. A farmer cannot harvest his fields when villages live beneath constant threat. And no Kingdom can claim greatness while its people suffer beyond the protection of its walls."

Several nobles nodded approvingly.

"Yet security alone is insufficient," the King continued. "Commerce must flourish, justice must be upheld, and those entrusted with authority must remember that their responsibilities extend beyond their own estates."

Sage noticed Lucan listening with particular interest.

The King’s words reflected several principles they had discussed during their recent meetings with the Great Noble Houses.

"Westmark has achieved much," Edmund declared. "Our cities have expanded, our trade has strengthened, and our military continues to defend our borders. Nevertheless, we must never become complacent. New challenges require new solutions, and those willing to serve the Kingdom deserve recognition."

The monarch paused before allowing his gaze to travel across the gathered guests.

"Tonight, I also wish to acknowledge individuals whose recent achievements have attracted considerable attention throughout our territories."

A ripple of curiosity passed through the hall.

Sage noticed several nobles exchanging glances.

King Edmund continued, "Among our distinguished guests is the founder of an organization that has introduced a remarkable approach to addressing the dangers faced by Warriors and ordinary communities alike."

Lucan immediately turned toward Sage.

"Guildmaster, I believe His Majesty is referring to you," he whispered.

Sage raised an eyebrow. "I’m beginning to suspect the same thing."

The King extended one hand toward the section occupied by the Adventurer Guild’s delegation.

"Guildmaster Sage, founder of the Adventurer Guild, has established an organization through which capable Warriors may undertake missions, confront dangerous monsters, and provide valuable assistance to communities requiring protection."

Numerous heads turned toward Sage.

Edmund continued, "Its operations have expanded from modest beginnings to become a growing presence within our Kingdom. Its achievements have attracted the participation of distinguished Warriors, including Captain Leon Drakar of the Ardent Sun Knight Order."

Leon inclined his head respectfully as several military officers glanced toward him.

"The Crown recognizes these contributions," Edmund declared. "And I offer my congratulations to Guildmaster Sage and those who have worked alongside him."

Applause spread throughout the chamber.

Sage acknowledged the recognition with a respectful bow, while Gregor and the others exchanged delighted looks.

Mina beamed proudly beside Valeria.

"Uncle Sage, the King just congratulated you!" Mina whispered excitedly.

Sage smiled. "I noticed, Mina. Try not to shout across the entire palace."

As the applause subsided, Sage became increasingly aware of the attention directed toward him.

Some nobles appeared genuinely impressed, while others regarded him with calculating expressions.

Several representatives of the Great Houses exchanged quiet remarks, and Sage noticed Lord Geoffrey Lancaster observing him from across the hall.

The King’s public acknowledgment had accomplished something important.

The Adventurer Guild was no longer merely an organization attracting attention through its commercial activities and growing influence.

Its achievements had now received recognition before the Kingdom’s most powerful figures.

However, just as Sage prepared to relax, King Edmund raised his hand once more.

"Guildmaster Sage," the monarch addressed him directly, his expression composed but interested. "Since we have the pleasure of your attendance tonight, I would appreciate an opportunity to speak with you."

The banquet hall fell silent again.

Edmund gestured toward the royal platform.

"Would you approach, Guildmaster? There are a few matters concerning your remarkable organization that I would like to discuss personally."