Tynesday, 4th of Septimus, 470th Year of the Fifth Era

The King's banquet hall was a substantially large room. Unlike what he was used to in the Halaklands with carpets and low-standing tables, Grifsroost's dining room was fitted with several long, ornate, tables. Adjoining the tables were magnificent chairs that made the chairs provided to the Halak kings look like stools.

Excluding Josias' entourage, the servants, and the guards, there were about thirty other people in the dining room. All clad in the utmost of finery and clothing that money could buy. The opulence was palpable. And all of them looked at Josias and Serena as they entered with a variety of gazes. Some were disinterested, some were excited, others unreadable.

At the far edge of the room opposite to the main doors, Josias saw a well-groomed, mustachioed man. Though he wasn't wearing the most fanciful of clothing, the air around him was different. The special gold-trimmed and purple-velvet cushion of his throne-like chair gave away his identity. That was the king. The most powerful man in Feldonia.

But despite the regal air, he didn't look powerful to Josias. Doing his best to look at the king but not stare too much to make it seem rude, Josias got a good view of the man. He had an amiable smile on his sunken face which did little to cover the obvious bags under his eyes.

The king also looked pale. Not just the normal pale of what was typical of the westerners, but a sickly glow. The king looked to be somewhere in his fourties, though Josias wasn't sure whether that was because of age or his health. Besides that, the king seemed a little fidgety, with his right leg shaking the whole way through. Fortunately, Josias had yet to hear the king cough. At least it wasn't anything similar to his late grandfather's disease. Either that or the royal physicians were truly a cut above the rest.

The seats were arranged in a 'U' shape facing the main door to the dining room. Josias and his wife were seated at the left-hand table of the king. Beside the king, Josias saw what could only be the rest of the royal family.

There was a kindly-looking woman sitting beside the king. She had a gentle countenance and gave him and his wife a smile. Her scarlet dress was quite elegant, but it was less decorated than even the one Serena was wearing. Though, seeing as how she was seated right next to the king, Josias assumed that was the queen.

Josias helped Serena into her seat as he sat himself down between her and the Countess Catherine. Josias saw as his other companions' arrivals were announced and they too were shown to their seats. Once everyone was settled, the king stood from his chair as he gave a cursory glance to everyone.

"I would first like to thank my dearly beloved aunt and uncle for making it to this modest feast on such short notice." Unlike his sickly appearance, the king's voice was firm and his tone steady, if somewhat quick. The king then raised a glass towards Josias with a smile, "I would also graciously welcome to my palace, His Highness, Crown Prince Josias of the Hallacklands. Alongside his wife, whom for all intents and purposes as heiress of the Reicherton County, I consider a part of my extended family."

Josias and Serena bowed their heads at the king's acknowledgement of their presence.

"Much like the Lord Archbishop Fellspark here, I too was of the utmost excitement when I heard the coming of such illustrious warriors of the Hallacklands. The legends of your mighty grandsire have traveled far, even unto my humble court."

Josias had to hold in a snicker. Nothing about the palace nor the 'small' feast they were in screamed of humility. If this was truly what the king considered humble, Josias dreaded what he would consider as opulent.

"Before we begin, please allow me to introduce to our guests my most beloved family and my most esteemed courtiers." the king motioned to the royal steward who bowed before clearing his throat. With a grand voice, Count Geoffrey made announcements for the king and the royal court.

"I present to you, His Royal Majesty, Albert V, by the grace of Almighty God, King of Feldonia and all her realms, Duke of Vertefleur and of Arcois, Lord of Archior…" The king looked to his royal steward and motioned his hands for him to get on with it "...Protector of the Realms, Defender of the Faith, et cetera, et cetera.

"Alongside him, Her Royal Majesty, the Illustrious, Beautiful-..." The king eyed the royal steward again "Queen Helga of Rommerike…"

Count Geoffrey quickly rushed through the rest of the people there. He only gave their names and most important titles, foregoing their full address. A few people caught Josias' interest, most notably were the King and Queen's children.

Countess Catherine had whispered to Josias, telling him that her nephew had six children in total. However, only their three eldest were at the banquet hall. The king's eldest child was the Crown Prince, Christopher Anselm de Lamellarouge. He looked like a well-groomed young man with combed back hair of bright gold. Unlike his father, he looked like he had a strong physique, though his face had a few softer touches to it.

Besides the Crown Prince were the king's two eldest daughters, Princess Sophia de Lamellarouge and Princess Bernadette. They shared the rest of their family's golden hair, but Princess Sophia was unique. Her eyes were of different colours, one of amber brown and the other of bright green. It seemed the Princess noticed his gaze as she smiled.

Josias didn't need any problem with his wife that day, so he quickly averted his gaze elsewhere. Sat right beside Prince Christopher was perhaps the most peculiar figure he saw. A beautiful young woman with dark brown hair tied into a ponytail. But what made her odd was the fact that she was wearing clothing similar to the men.

Far from the dresses that the other ladies wore, she instead donned a doublet and a jacket over it. Besides that, she wore pants with a buckle while on her waist was a sabre with an intricately designed hilt. Josias could hear Countess Catherine scoffing under her breath as she saw the odd woman.

"...That young lady continues to be an embarrassment to the court." the countess muttered as she shook her head "It's a blessing for the Grand Duke that his heir is engaged to my nephew. Else the future of the Southerlands lay bleak in the hands of such a… tomboy."

The countess shuddered as she shook her head, but Count Lorenz frowned disapprovingly towards his wife.

Apparently, the young woman was Princess Elizabeth Sybille Godwineson. She was Crown Prince Christopher's betrothed. It was odd, but she seemed friendly enough. She and her fiancee even graciously bowed to Josias and Serena when they were introduced.

Besides that, she also seemed somewhat close to Princess Sophia. As the royal steward continued his introductions and the king gave another toast after, Josias noticed Princess Elizabeth and Sophia laughing and joking with each other in a friendly manner.

Serena was also paying attention to the two, but unlike Josias, she had a creased forehead seeing them.

"What's wrong, hasian?" Josias whispered "Your face looks like that one time you caught me sneaking in a third lunch."

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Serena rolled her eyes but shook her head. "It's nothing important." She whispered back "It's just getting a little boring listening to the royal steward introducing everyone and their mothers."

"I didn't know my scholarly, erudite wife was capable of being bored." Josias teased and snickered. Serena quickly moved her hand to pinch Josias' side, causing him to flinch. How a mage and healer like her was able to move her hands so quickly would always amaze Josias.

"Pay attention now. It looks like the royal steward is nearly done."

As his wife said, the royal steward had concluded his task and was granted permission to sit back down. The king gave another opening speech and toast before he clapped his hands for the servants to come and bring in the food.

At the same time, he snapped his fingers towards the musicians whom Josias finally noticed were in the room. There were both men and women playing various instruments of string, a piano, flutes, and some drums. It was a far more elegant feeling than the rawness of Halak tribal instruments. It certainly lent more gravitas to the banquet.

The food served was also nothing to be scoffed at. A great amount of meat was served, marinated in various sorts of spices. Alongside that, other such oddities were present, like cheese, western bread, and small baked cookies. After a short prayer led by the Feldonian Archbishop, the feast commenced in earnest.

The long and grueling lesson in etiquette overseen by the countess paid off somewhat. Josias and his companions – though still looking a little stiff – were able to eat somewhat civilly according to western standards. There was much left to be desired, but for only a couple of lessons, it wasn't too bad. Again, Josias still felt the food was lacking compared to those of his homeland, but it wasn't a huge issue.

As they began to eat, the king had started various excited conversations with Josias regarding a whole host of topics. Contrary to his frail frame and sunken eyes, the king seemed to be a rather energetic person. His curiosities and questions reminded Josias of his younger siblings in a sense.

Yet, Josias wouldn't allow himself to be fooled. The king's eyes had a sharpness hidden deep within them so he had to be careful lest he be caught by surprise.

"I am still much surprised by your command of our language, Your Highness." The king said. "Your accent – barring some odd pronunciations here and there – is practically perfect. You even sound like someone born on Grifftongue."

Josias smiled as he explained, "One of my teachers was a missionary from Feldonia. He made sure to teach me and my siblings well. Though, reading and writing still pose some small problems for me, but hopefully – with some effort – that will be corrected soon."

"How many languages can the Prince speak, if you don't mind me asking?" Queen Helga had asked.

"Oh, I am only truly confident in common Feldonian and of course my native tongues of Halak and Banuan. Though, my German is atrocious as my wife testifies. But, I have no knowledge on the western courts' language of Altergen nor am I any familiar with the Latin tongue. I was quite worried that it would be a problem for our studies in the academy."

The king laughed and shook his head at Josias' worry. "There will be no problems. Emperor John the Great had decreed that Feldonian Archioric be the language of law, instruction, and the court of his realms. We mostly speak Vertefleurian-Altergen to not forget our roots. Besides, with the success and prestige our academy is accruing, I dream that soon Feldonian will be the language that unites the Protestant realms."

Josias could tell that the king had grand ambitions. But, he wasn't there to mix himself with foreign politics. He nodded as an act of grace towards his host. Besides, Josias didn't know enough to make a judgement on whether or not the king's ambitions were attainable. Yet, Josias still had to ingratiate himself somehow.

"It is my own personal dream that I am able to turn my own realm into a nation that can stand proudly among the other kingdoms of the world." Josias earned an appreciative nod from the king. "That's also one of the reasons I am so excited to learn everything I can from your splendid institutions, Your Majesty."

"Speaking of your own realms, may I ask what it is like?" The king's expression was truly curious "I have heard many stories through second and third hand accounts, but it would lend me much clarity to learn of it directly from you."

Josias hesitated for a moment, but this was his chance. He didn't want to lie to the king, but being outright truthful would also run the risk of causing disinterest. Or even worse, if he presented the Halaklands as 'weak', the Feldonians might even start gaining ideas.

"Our homeland is far less opulent than yours, Your Majesty." Josias started as he carefully picked his words "We have not the giant cities or palaces that you have here. In truth, such opulence and wealth that we see here… It's unheard of in our lands.

"Ours is also not a united land like yours. My grandfather's title of Hulubalang is customary. In truth he only truly holds great influence in less than half of the Halaklands. But even so, we are a proud people. In truth, one of the things that shocked me the most when coming to the West is how rigid your societies are."

"Rigid? How so?" The king raised an eyebrow.

"For one thing, the delineation between those of noble blood and those who are not is so stark here." Josias said frankly "Just from the clothes you wear and the way the so-called 'commoners' address the nobles. It is mind-boggling to us."

"Oh? Do the Halaklands operate differently? Is there no separation between nobles and commoners where you're from?"

"...It isn't so simple, Your Majesty. No false witness has been bared when you refer to me as a Prince to my lands. As it stands now, by right of the law of my ancestors, I am the 20th head of the Sigumogo Clan. My father was King of Goria, so was my grandfather, and all my ancestors, back to Si Raja Halak. As it stands now, there are twenty kings of the Halak who stand above the rest."

"Then surely the concept of nobility is something we all share in common."

"There is a saying from my homeland, Your Majesty." A smile crept up on Josias' face as he remembered it "Every Halak man is a king, and his family is his kingdom. It is also because each son and daughter of the Halak can trace their lineage back to the first Halak King, our great ancestor. Whether through blood, acknowledgement, or adoption, you can not be a Halak if you are not a legitimate descendant of the Great Ancestor.

"And does this philosophy not ring true with what the scriptures teach us? That each man, at the head of his family, is also the priest? Is that not what Christ is? King, Priest, and Prophet? I am not saying that each man is therefore necessarily equal in role. Clear leadership is still needed. But that is a delineation in role, not basic dignity.

"Is that not also the case in ancient biblical times? Are not the twelve tribes all descended from Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham? And did not Blessed Apostle Paul teach that to each of us christians, we have been made as equal inheritors of The Lord's covenant? Is it not written that in Christ, there is no Anthroian or Tohrimite? No free man or slave? Are we not all of one body in Him?"

Josias saw the Archbishop absolutely losing himself laughing at his speech. Even King Albert chuckled. Josias smiled along, but he was a little puzzled at what they were laughing at. Did he become too passionate again?

He gave a quick glance to his companions and they all shook their heads. Some amused, others with worry, though Bang Timo gave him a thumbs up under the table. Josias gave a quick glance to his wife but Serena only sighed in resignation.

"But of course, that is only what I've seen from what little I know, Your Majesty. Truly the wealth and grandeur of Feldonia speaks volumes on mine own ignorance, and I have much to learn."

"His Highness speaks more like a priest than I, hahahaha! Absolutely amazing." Archbishop Fellspark was the first to comment before the king. He clapped his hands with mirth as he praised Josias. "Our own Crown Prince would do well to emulate such sage wisdom. I have a hard time believing such acuity in rhetoric is something any simple commoner can showcase."

"I must admit. In terms of knowledge on scripture, the Prince of Goria is clearly my better." Prince Christopher raised both his hands in mock defeat "Seeing as how we will be attending the academy together, I look forward to learning much from you, Your Highness."

"Your Highness is too kind." Josias bowed his head while instinctively doing the somba gesture towards the Crown Prince and King.

"But neither my son nor the Archbishop are mistaken." King Albert smiled as he gave an affirming nod "You are far wiser than I have heard. You exceeded much of my expectations, Your Highness. I look forward to seeing how you grow under my uncle's tutelage. But, there is still much that I am curious of, and the night is still young."

The king turned his attention once more to the Royal Steward, "Lord Count. We require more wine. And I dare you to not hold back on any good luxury."

"As you wish, Your Majesty."

It would seem the night was far from over and Josias had just opened the floodgates on a whole host of discussions. He could only hope the wine doesn't addle his mind in answering the king's many curiosities.

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