In the Royal Capital Holy Tower, the banquet officially commenced.

Those with status, those with standing, hoping to acquire the latest firsthand intelligence in the potentially forthcoming order, those wanting to secure a place in the world of the future...

People came to this banquet with varied emotions.

The banquet—perhaps a thing of irony, inevitably recalling the so-called "Banquet of Madness." That was a banquet held in the palace of the former Demon King.

Everyone knows, at such a banquet, significant things will happen, terrifying things will happen!

At this very moment, Rastina finally reunited with her father, the president of the Gold-Seeking Commerce Association.

"Rastina—I never imagined that one day you would represent the Demon King in hosting such a banquet. I don't know if my decision back then was correct." The complex emotions in the middle-aged man's eyes were evident, and strictly speaking, his identity might be somewhat inadequate; the scale of the Gold-Seeking Commerce Association wasn't large enough to confidently participate in such a banquet. But, even if it wasn't entirely appropriate, he came thick-skinned.

"Father, regardless of what you thought at the time, whether influenced by that mirror, I have already reached this position—it has nothing to do with my own efforts, I was chosen."

Indeed, for Rastina, her fate nowadays has little to do with her own efforts or choices; she is the chosen one, whether chosen by the Goddess or by the Demon King, ultimately fate dictates she should be here, doing such things.

"Since father is already here, enjoy this banquet; the Demon King has told me it will be very interesting."

It will be very interesting...

Is this the Demon King's intention?

What's interesting for the Demon King, is it bearable for humanity?

With a smile on Rastina's face: "We can chat later, Father; someone has arrived."

Following Rastina's gaze, a woman was seen.

A perfect woman, almost embodying all the "goodness" of the world herself, just standing there made one wonder if a deity had descended.

Former Saintess Charlette.

In fact, since Charlette's incident up until now, it has been more than half a year. The church has yet to select a new Saintess, and today—this should be Charlette's first appearance before the people since then, after, as previously said, Charlette locked herself in a certain tower.

Seeking higher level breakthroughs.

"Welcome to the banquet, Miss Charlette."

Rastina stepped forward: "On behalf of the great Demon King, I express my blessings to you."

Charlette's gaze fell upon Rastina, strong and oppressive, leaving Rastina momentarily breathless, but she knows, at this time, she represents the Demon King… she must not bow to anyone.

Holding firm, meeting Charlette's gaze: "Please come inside, Miss Charlette."

Charlette retracted her gaze. She never intended to engage in any exchange with Rastina; this girl claiming to represent the Demon King's will—held none of that will, so this banquet, said to express the Demon King's will, is it actually convened by A·Gedora?

Having reached this conclusion, Charlette realized conversing with Rastina held no meaning.

Rastina did not feel ashamed or embarrassed.

Being ignored by Charlette was quite normal—she knew there was no need for further gestures, she had done what she could, and whether the Demon King would be displeased about this? That was the Demon King's concern. Rastina clearly knew the Demon King was surely watching the banquet hall.

After all, she had seen the crow flying past the window.

Whether it was the Demon King's demon didn't need consideration.

Charlette's arrival sent a quietude sweeping through the previously bustling hall; many seemed eager to converse with Charlette, but her cold demeanor, the aura of distancing kept people from venturing close. Fearing offending Charlette, people didn't dare attempt true dialogue with her.

However, Charlette's arrival was merely the beginning.

"Welcome to the banquet, Miss Adeline."

"Rastina, long time no see!"

Compared to Charlette, Rastina was much more familiar with Adeline, and Adeline wasn't as "distant" as Charlette. But the Saintess becoming distant seems only recent, in her earlier years, Charlette was famous for her "gentleness"… such musings flashed through Rastina's mind: "I hope you can enjoy tonight's banquet."

Adeline's expression was slightly stiff: "About the matter at the mansion last time, I apologize to you."

"At that time..." Rastina understood Adeline's point, referring to not disclosing her circumstances, back then Rastina was deeply kept in the dark.

"It's alright."

Rather, the truly egregious situation was in Butuo City… but now, speaking of such things was meaningless, Rastina clearly recognized her current symbolic stance, representing the Demon King's will, she couldn't speak much.

"Please come inside."

Adeline also entered the hall.

Unlike Charlette, many took the initiative to converse with Adeline, with topics varying wildly, concerning alchemy, Adeline's future plans, and myriad other things—this was the Royal Capital Holy Tower, after all, the specifications for participation included quite a few of the Royal Capital's nobility.

Of course, for Mohe and Doro, these people are not worth considering, but after all, it's a grand banquet, so naturally, these green leaves must serve as garnish to make it grand.

Rastina initially thought that the next arrival should be Adriana. However, that wasn't the case.

The next to arrive was—

Duke Regulus.

This is a truly heavyweight figure, even to some extent, the protagonist of this banquet!

The primary purpose of this banquet is to prevent the rebellion occurring in the Human Central Empire, and Duke Regulus is the one who raised the flag of revolt.

Many eyes in the banquet hall turned to Duke Regulus.

This is an odd scene, with Duke Regulus, leader of the rebels, attending a banquet in the Royal Capital, and the host of this banquet being Rastina, the symbol of the Demon King.

Combined, these elements give rise to a sense of strangeness.

Duke Regulus seemed indifferent to these matters, smiling warmly at Rastina and saying, "Dear Miss Rastina, very pleased to see you, please extend my regards to the Demon King and the Hero."

He made no effort to hide his intention to rely on the Demon King and the Hero. His posture was upright, dressed seriously, possessing the charm of a mature man—capable of undertaking diplomatic work, he was inherently tall and handsome.

"I will convey your greetings to both of them."

Rastina responded politely, "Please come inside."

Duke Regulus entered the hall, with no one approaching to befriend him, and he seemed unbothered, taking a glass of wine from a maid and standing in a corner to drink alone.

Then, Nephilim appeared.

To speak of it, Rastina was unfamiliar with this leader of the Curse Master Alliance, Adriana had heard some things from Doro and Mohe, but there was almost no news about Nephilim—

As she pondered, Rastina was stunned.

It wasn't just her, everyone present, including Duke Regulus, nearly dropped their wine glasses. Everyone widened their eyes to look over here.

If there was a reason—trailing behind Nephilim was a man.

Golden hair, a gentle smile, wearing the Hero's Armor, with the Hero's Sword at his waist, a man with a face both familiar and unfamiliar to Rastina.

"Hero A·Gedora!"

For a moment, Rastina was in a daze. The Doro in her memory, Hero A·Gedora was not like the image before her, she remembered Doro's gray hair, his always somewhat loose expression, and his eyes that seemed always entangled in thought—this person was different.

Just from the gaze alone, it was evident.

This was the gaze of someone who believed they could accomplish anything.

This man was full of confidence in himself, believing he could achieve anything.

Just seeing this person, one would naturally come to understand what "flamboyant spirit" looked like.

This was not the Doro in her memory, but it was undoubtedly the Hero in everyone's memory, A·Gedora!

What exactly is going on here?

Nephilim approached Rastina and asked, "Miss Rastina, is the Demon King not welcoming us?"

It was only then that Rastina seemed to awaken from her dream, utterly at a loss, completely bewildered, but she still said, "Welcome, of course, welcome. On behalf of the Demon King, I welcome both of you!"

She didn't mention the man's name, but she knew everyone present was aware of his name, so no introduction was needed from her side. She needed to figure out what exactly was going on here, why was "A·Gedora" here? Why did he appear with Nephilim?

Where was Adriana?

Was that perhaps a magical transformation by Adriana?

Where was Doro?

By all rights—Doro should already be here!

According to the agreement between her and Doro, Doro would attend the banquet today to declare his resolve to the world.

But now, A·Gedora had arrived, so could it be him?

Yet, yet truly, it didn't seem like it!

Rastina couldn't help but feel a bit flustered, her gaze landing on the crow outside the window, which perched there, observing everything at the venue.

Rastina saw, on the crow's face, a human-like smile emerging.

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