Chapter 566: The Banquet’s Final Toast

As the evening progressed, the royal banquet gradually approached its conclusion.

The musicians continued performing from the elevated gallery, although the lively conversations that had filled the hall earlier were beginning to settle into quieter exchanges.

Several elderly nobles had already withdrawn to adjoining chambers, while servants moved between the tables collecting empty glasses and replacing the remaining refreshments.

Sage stood beside Lucan near one of the marble columns, watching the final groups of distinguished guests exchange courtesies. After hours of introductions, discussions, and unexpected encounters, he was beginning to appreciate just how exhausting a royal celebration could become.

"Guildmaster, you look like you’ve spent the entire evening fighting monsters," Lucan remarked with an amused expression. "I suppose court politics can be rather tiring for someone accustomed to dealing with Adventurers."

Sage chuckled as he adjusted his formal coat. "At least monsters usually make their intentions obvious. Half the people I’ve spoken with tonight managed to compliment the Guild while simultaneously explaining why someone else should control it."

Lucan laughed quietly before glancing toward the royal platform. "Consider it a successful evening, Guildmaster. You’ve spoken with the King, met his children, attracted the attention of all five Great Houses, and established contact with an organization whose commercial connections extend far beyond Westmark."

Sage regarded him thoughtfully. "When you put it that way, I suppose we accomplished quite a lot without accepting a single political appointment."

Before Lucan could respond, Gregor approached with Boren and Lyana. The cheerful Adventurer looked considerably more relaxed than either administrator, having apparently spent the evening enjoying the banquet’s food and entertainment.

"Guildmaster, I have excellent news," Gregor announced with a satisfied grin. "The royal kitchens have finally stopped bringing out new dishes. I can leave this palace knowing I’ve personally inspected almost everything they served."

Lyana gave her brother a disapproving look. "Gregor, you’ve spent half the evening eating. Some of us were actually speaking with people who might become important contacts for the Guild."

Gregor placed a hand over his chest before replying, "Sister, you’re underestimating my contribution. I’ve established excellent relations with three palace cooks, two wine stewards, and a gentleman who promised to tell me where the royal hunting grounds are located."

Boren shook his head in amusement. "I’m certain those connections will prove invaluable when we’re negotiating regional construction permits."

Their conversation drew a quiet laugh from Sage, who was grateful for the familiar company after spending so much time navigating noble etiquette.

Nearby, Mina was showing Valeria a small decorative ribbon that Princess Charlotte had given her before returning to the royal family’s section of the hall. Leon stood beside them, conversing with Vanthrice about several military officers he had encountered during the celebration.

"Uncle Sage, look what Princess Charlotte gave me!" Mina exclaimed, proudly displaying the ribbon. "She said I should wear it when she comes to visit Headquarters!"

Sage examined the ribbon with a smile. "It’s lovely, Mina. Just make sure you don’t lose it before her visit."

Mina nodded enthusiastically. "I won’t! Big Sister Valeria said she’ll keep it safe if I promise not to leave it beside my food."

Valeria regarded the girl with her usual unreadable expression. "You nearly dropped it into a bowl of cream earlier. I considered that sufficient reason to intervene."

Sage laughed again, but his attention soon shifted toward the royal platform as a ceremonial bell rang throughout the hall.

The musicians gradually stopped playing, and the assembled guests turned toward the raised dais where King Edmund III Alden had appeared alongside the Queen and their children.

The King looked remarkably composed despite the long evening. His ceremonial robes shimmered beneath the chandeliers, while the royal crown rested upon his silvering hair.

A senior palace official stepped forward and announced that His Majesty wished to address the gathering one final time.

The nobles immediately fell silent.

King Edmund surveyed the assembled guests with a warm expression before raising his glass. "My friends, distinguished guests, and loyal servants of Westmark, I thank you for joining me tonight. Sixty years is a considerable age, although I suspect several gentlemen present would insist that I’m still young enough to endure another thirty years of troublesome court meetings."

A wave of laughter spread through the hall, and even several stern-faced ministers allowed themselves to smile.

The King waited for the amusement to subside before continuing.

"Tonight, I’ve been reminded of the extraordinary people who contribute to our Kingdom’s prosperity. Our noble houses govern territories and preserve traditions established by generations before us. Our soldiers defend our borders, our religious institutions provide guidance and charity, and our merchants sustain the roads and markets connecting our communities."

His gaze traveled across the gathering, briefly resting upon representatives of the Great Houses.

"Each institution possesses its own responsibilities, interests, and ambitions," Edmund continued. "Differences between them are inevitable. But we must never allow those differences to overshadow the welfare of the Kingdom we share."

Sage listened attentively, remembering the arguments he had witnessed earlier concerning the Guild’s independence.

The King’s words carried particular significance after an evening filled with subtle political maneuvering.

Edmund raised his glass slightly higher.

"Westmark has endured because its people understand that strength cannot rest upon a single throne, army, noble house, or institution. It rests upon the willingness of many different people to contribute toward a common future. That is the responsibility we must continue to uphold."

Around the hall, nobles and distinguished guests raised their glasses in response.

"To Westmark, to its people, and to the peace and prosperity of the years ahead!" Edmund declared.

"To Westmark!" the assembled guests responded together, their voices echoing beneath the vaulted ceiling.

Sage raised his own glass alongside Lucan and the others, quietly appreciating the moment.

For all the political complications surrounding the banquet, he couldn’t deny that Westmark possessed considerable strength. Its institutions were old, its noble families influential, and its commercial networks extensive.

Yet those same strengths created obstacles for anyone attempting to introduce something new.

As the King concluded his address, the musicians resumed playing a ceremonial composition, and the guests began preparing for their departure.

Sage watched Duke Albrecht Hohenberg exchange farewells with several military officers, while Duke Wilhelm Falkenberg departed alongside his wife and daughter. Members of House Valois remained near the commercial delegation, apparently determined to conduct business until the final possible moment.

House Lancaster’s representatives were also preparing to leave, although Lord Geoffrey continued speaking with several court officials near the western entrance.

Sage’s gaze lingered upon them briefly.

Earlier that evening, he had overheard discussions about introducing additional requirements for regional licenses and dungeon access agreements. Those proposals hadn’t yet become official policies, but their existence suggested that opposition to the Guild’s expansion was already taking shape.

Lucan noticed his expression and followed his gaze.

"Still thinking about Lancaster, Guildmaster?" Lucan asked quietly.

Sage nodded. "Among other things. I expected resistance eventually, but I didn’t think people would start discussing ways to restrict us before we’d even opened branches in the other regions."

Lucan regarded the departing nobles thoughtfully. "Influential families rarely wait until a rival becomes powerful enough to threaten their interests. Some will cooperate with us, while others will attempt to shape our growth before it becomes difficult to influence."

Sage smiled faintly. "Then I suppose we’ll have to become very good at recognizing which is which."

Their conversation was interrupted when Duke Roland Auremont approached with Lord Benedict and Lady Eleanor.

"Guildmaster Sage, I trust you’ve found the evening educational," Roland remarked with a knowing smile. "Royal banquets have a remarkable way of revealing matters that ordinary meetings tend to conceal."

Sage bowed respectfully. "Very educational, Your Grace. I appreciate your introductions and the support your family has shown us."

Roland inclined his head. "You’ve conducted yourself well. Remember, however, that maintaining independence doesn’t mean refusing every relationship. The important thing is understanding the obligations attached to the assistance you’re offered."

Benedict nodded before adding, "And don’t assume every disagreement represents hostility, Guildmaster. Some nobles will oppose your proposals because they genuinely believe different arrangements would benefit their territories."

Sage acknowledged the advice thoughtfully. "I’ll remember that, Lord Benedict."

After exchanging farewells, the Auremont family departed, leaving Lucan to accompany the Guild delegation back to Headquarters.

The group began gathering near the palace’s main entrance, where attendants were coordinating carriages for departing guests.

Sage was about to call Mina away from a final conversation with Charlotte when he noticed a familiar figure standing near the passage leading toward the servants’ courtyard.

Pax Riven.

The intelligence operative wore the understated clothing of a minor household attendant, allowing him to blend easily among the palace staff. His expression remained neutral, but the brief glance he directed toward Sage was unmistakable.

Sage quietly excused himself from Lucan and approached the passage.

"Pax, I wasn’t expecting to see you here tonight," Sage remarked in a low voice. "Have you discovered something?"

Pax inclined his head respectfully before answering. "Guildmaster, I’ve been following the intermediary we discussed before the banquet. The individual connected to Edmund Krail and the mercenary companies."

Sage’s expression sharpened immediately. "You found him?"

Pax nodded. "He attended the celebration, although he avoided the principal gatherings. I observed him moving between several private reception areas and speaking with individuals who appeared to recognize him."

Sage glanced toward the crowded entrance before lowering his voice further. "Did you manage to identify anyone important?"

Pax hesitated briefly, clearly choosing his words with care. "Guildmaster, I don’t have enough evidence to establish who employed him or what instructions he received. However, I witnessed something that may significantly narrow our investigation."

Sage regarded him intently. "What did you see?"

Pax stepped closer, ensuring that no passing attendant could overhear his reply.

"The intermediary held a private conversation with someone attached to one of the Kingdom’s most influential political households," Pax reported quietly. "And judging by the precautions they took to avoid attention, I don’t believe it was an ordinary social exchange."

Sage’s eyes narrowed as he considered the implications.

The mysterious patron who had financed the attacks against the Guild remained unidentified, but the investigation had finally produced a connection reaching into Kingsford’s highest political circles.

And somewhere among the noble households whose representatives had smiled, toasted, and exchanged pleasantries throughout the evening, someone might already know exactly who was responsible.