BXBX NOVEL Chapter 79 Banquet (2)
Amidst all the chatter between the distinguished guests in the banquet hall, a clamor sounded consisting of mellow murmuring and gasps of admiration.
Everyone's attention went over to the magnificent large doors of the hall as people could be seen moving aside like the waves separating as they gave way.
The White Family had finally arrived. Albaer and Aisha both walked together as a couple with graceful bearings and dignified expressions on their faces. Both of them complemented each other well.
Albaer was like an ice dragon, aloof, proud, and fierce when necessary. Aisha on the other hand was a virtuous lady, with a firm resolve to stand side by side with her husband and match him with grace. She was elegant and beautiful, her temperament tranquil like a river, yet firm at the same time.
Beside her, from the left was Ethan, Naenna, and then Aisha's father. On the other hand, Alier, Luce, and old lady Catelyn, walked together side by side gloriously as a family.
Needless to say, it was a magnificent entrance worthy of the Ducal Household.
After the initial confusion and silence, the crowd cheered up as their host arrived. That meant that the banquet had officially begun.
Albaer smiled amicably as he turned his head around nodding at guests in acknowledgment as he walked up to the stage with Ethan and others.
Everyone took note of the entire White Family and as expected, Ethan drew the most attention towards him as despite being the youngest in the room his demeanor was calm, collected, and eloquent.
Many Lords and Ladies of higher nobility also observed Naenna inquiringly as she would be at a marriageable age in a few more years.
Although there were slim chances of their undeserving sons being lucky enough to have the Duke's favor, it was still somewhat plausible in the right circumstances.
However, this was not an issue in Ethan's case as polygamy was common among the nobles. So there was a possibility that Ethan might take a few concubines.
Many nobles hoped to be related to a powerful family through blood and marriage alliance was the finest of tools to do this.
For this reason, many nobles had brought their daughters to the banquet in hopes of proposing marriage.
Ethan was someone from a powerful ancient noble family with a many generations of prestige, his looks were angelic and his demeanor was a sight to behold. Not to mention the rumors of his early and long ancestral awakening.
This was the perfect opportunity to rise the noble society and who would want to miss it?
Many even gnashed their teeth in lamentation for not having farsight and bringing their daughters along.
Alas, they were all destined to be disappointed.
Albaer got on the stage as the murmurs and chatter subsided and everyone waited eagerly for the Duke to speak.
A fragrant aroma of vine drifted in the air enticing everyone as Albaer raised the wine glass from the table, his gaze going through everyone.
"My esteemed guests who come from far and wide respond to my invitation. I thank you for joining us here today on this fine day." Albaer said and took a small pause.
"The purpose of this banquet here today is for two things. Firstly, Ethan, my son has recently turned seven years old. However, three months ago he was in dire straits, life hanging in the balance as an unexpected event occurred. He suddenly underwent his Ancestral Awakening at such a young age. On top of that, even though five days had passed the cocoon hadn't disappeared. Fearing that a prolonged Awakening process would harm his life I was anxious. He needed external support but there was no time to call the Honorable Royal Physician."
Albaer said as he turned his head toward the royal physician. Everyone also curiously turned their heads wondering what happened next.
Few perceptive ones such as Count Farley began seeing the connection as he sneaked a glance at Yunugiv who was all smiles. However, he still harbored some doubts.
"Fortunately, Count Stout generously lent a hand. His daughter who is blessed with the holy light of the Allfather performed an arduous ritual day and night and finally brought my son back from the jaws of death." Albaer said gesturing toward the Stout Family casually dropping a huge bomb on everyone.
"My Goodness!"
Gasps and exclamations of surprise sounded as the entire hall erupted into a lively commotion.
Suddenly all the attention was focused on the Stout Family and especially on Anicia. Previously not many people had paid attention to her but now she was in the spotlight as many gazes fell on her. As people took notice, her dazzling nature as pure as jade, her kind and innocent eyes as soothing as the full moon, her beautiful face and petite figure and her unrefined yet gentle demeanor stood out like the brilliant sun.
Some were envious, some shocked while some admired her kindness. Anicia was not accustomed to such an atmosphere and thus awkwardly tried to hide. Involuntarily, her gaze drifted towards Ethan.
Count Farley looked at Anicia and nodded as if he finally understood. He then glanced at Earlene and heaved a resigned sigh.
"Anicia is a kind and virtuous Young Lady who selflessly saved Ethan's life. I am truly happy to announce today that by the arrangement of both White and Stout families, Ethan and Anicia have been engaged to be married after coming of age!" Albaer declared merrily with a content smile on his face as he raised the glass of wine.
The banquet hall shortly erupted into the sounds of cheers, clapping, and the good wishes of the people as everyone congratulated both families on the union.
Some young maiden's faces fell in the crowd, heartbroken as they gazed at Ethan's angelic figure from a distance.
These ladies of noble birth were told by their mothers to be on their best behavior and capture the hearts of the White Family and make a good impression at all costs. But seeing Anicia who was God's Favored, beautiful and charming, how could they ever compare?
Many understood that this arrangement wasn't as simple as it looked on the surface but knowing that Anicia had the Blessing of Light, it seemed like a balanced relationship.
Anicia blushed shyly sneaking a look at Ethan who was completely unperturbed. She felt somewhat strange about his indifferent attitude but she was confused about her own feelings too. She didn't know why her heart fluttered when she looked at him and yet why did she feel so bitter when he gave no response?
The various guests gossiped among each other as they had truly gotten some great news today. Another God's Favored had appeared and she was now going to be the daughter of the White family.
"Everyone, please enjoy the banquet to your heart's content! We have several famous delicacies on the table so do not hold back." Albaer said, gulping down the wine in one breath.
The guests excitedly began having the test of all the food that the chefs had specially prepared. As everyone was eating, a famous band of performers invited by Albaer came in and took the stage. A beautiful young lady began playing the soft melody of the zither and another beautiful young lady joined in with the flute.
The tune was soft and silent as if a sea breeze, flowing in the background not bothering anyone and yet impossible to not notice.
The woman played the zither gracefully with elegant movements as if not plucking at the strings but the hearts of those who listened.
The atmosphere was extremely cheerful as the fragrant smell of delicious roasted meat and the sweet scent of the deserts tingled everyone's noses while the fragrant aroma of incense and the vine tempted the fancy of the gentlemen.
Ethan freed himself from the crowd of nobles surrounding him with great difficulty, feeling incredibly vexed he sneaked off to the corner, away from prying eyes and unwanted attention.
Ethan had a strange inexplicable feeling when he saw the wealthy influential people mingle with each other, flattering those who were above them and disregarding those who were below. Due to his heightened senses he could hear how these people used honeyed words to take jabs at each other.
Ethan who originally just wanted a peaceful normal life couldn't help but sigh looking at the scene of the banquet. He also spotted Alier and Luce who was eating by his lonesome minding his own business like always.
Seeing him, Ethan felt hesitant going forward with what he had in mind but then seeing Alier he remembered the assassination attempt and the lives that were lost for nothing. He once again retained his resolve.
His figure looked very lonely and desolate as he stoically glanced out of the window looking at the moon. Ethan couldn't help but dwell in melancholy as he focused on the mild tune of the zither and flute playing in the background as he blocked out the other noises from his perception.