Aubent was also surprised as he looked at the person beside Simmons, seemingly not a Moncalleta, an outsider. Although Zheng Shengxun ranked at the bottom among the four dukes of Hedan, he was the hardest to deal with. Celestia dared to mock him openly, which was a family issue on both sides, but the others...
Zheng Shengxun looked at Li Xin. Apart from the George siblings, everyone else seemed like ants in his eyes, but that voice... Suddenly, Zheng Shengxun shuddered as if recalling something, staring straight at Li Xin, his body growing rigid, "Av... Aren't you dead?"
Li Xin looked at the stuttering Zheng Shengxun with a half-smile, "Since you aren't dead, how could I be? Little Zheng, if you want to catch up, wait till I finish eating. Can we get the dishes served? It's not as tasty when it's cold."
Zheng Shengxun's expression changed continuously, "Serve the food, sorry for the interruption."
Then he avoided Li Xin's direct gaze and retreated without a word.
Beside him, Aubent was puzzled, completely clueless about the situation. What was that? Why was he stuttering?
"Well, you all enjoy your meal first. Remember to come over when the Prince arrives. Prince Achilles is very righteous and loves making friends, including this strange friend." Aubent shot a glance at Celestia, who utterly ignored him. But the more she did, the more Aubent found her charming and determined, unlike the other women who only knew how to flaunt themselves.
Regardless of what happened, the waiters acted as if they saw nothing and continued serving the dishes. Everyone's minds were blank. Who was Zheng Shengxun? The Zheng Family served the royal family and had executed many covert operations over the years. They had been in Moncalleta for a long time and had integrated well. Saying they were outsiders was just Celestia's way of countering. The King employed the Zheng Family for their loyalty and capabilities. Other families could waver, but the Zheng Family, being of foreign descent, could only serve the royal family. Sometimes, foreign surnames were easier to control. Over the years, the Zheng Family's power rose significantly, but their sense of crisis remained strong. Even though Zheng Shengxun could inherit the family's Divine Relic, he decisively followed Achilles into the Secret Castle and became a main tester, displaying extraordinary talent. In elite circles, everyone knew not to offend Zheng Shengxun.
Li Xin managed to make Zheng Shengxun retreat with just a word. What was that all about?
Rock chuckled, "Did Zheng Shengxun think this is the Eternal Knight Academy? I don't think much of him. We of Saint's Grace don't cater to him. Brother Li, do you know him? He seems really afraid of you, hahaha!"
Rock laughed, but no one else joined in. Ignoring social status, Zheng Shengxun was the fourth among the Eight Dukes and the Knight Commander of the Eternal Knight Academy. To rise in the fiercely competitive Knight Academy, one needed both skill and status. During this process, challenges were constant. Unlike the harmonious family nature of the Canon Law School, the Knight Academy operated on an elimination system. Anyone could initiate a knight challenge, the kind involving a thrown white glove, it's either you or me. Family status couldn't save one's life in such moments.
Celestia stared intently at Li Xin. How could it be?
Little Zheng?
She dared to mock and retaliate, knowing he wouldn't dare do anything to them. The competition between the Zheng and George Families was something the King wanted to see, but it had to be within certain limits, so she dared.
Lancer was stunned. He wasn't as simple-minded as Rock. This Brother Li had such great authority. The last person who dared to mock the Zheng Family so ended up with their entire family's graves overgrown with weeds, yet Zheng Shengxun backed down so easily.
Besides the two Princes, who can call him Little Zheng when you look over Hedan?
Simmons' heart thumped wildly. Was he wrong again?
He knew that Brother Li, the Prince, and Zheng Shengxun were all main testers, but even so, it shouldn't warrant so much fear from Zheng Shengxun. Who is this Av? Shouldn't he have finished his sentence? What was it that scared him so much he couldn't finish his words?
Sarana, Mekro, and Balakli secretly marveled as well. What kind of amazing figure did the captain bring back?
The rise or fall of a kingdom greatly hinges on what kind of heirs it has, and the same goes for a family.
The Knight Academy doesn't look down on the Canon Law School, but rather the situation at the Canon Law School is too relaxed, and the overall standards are low, so they can't compare to the rigorous training they undergo. In noble circles, it's seen as the George Family grasping at straws. If this gambit doesn't impress the King, their complete downfall is just a matter of time.
Fate does not bend to human will. Even the King knows the Zheng Family is waiting for the right moment to act, biding their time without arousing suspicion.
The appetizers continued. The little incident passed. Now, everyone waited for the Prince, though Achilles was more than a little late.
In another main room, the decoration was simple and spacious without showing extravagance, instead emphasizing an artistic atmosphere. It had the best view, although that hardly mattered to those who could sit here. The main thing was the dishes. Without Achilles present, the meal couldn't start.
Today, elite members of the Glory Knight Academy and the Eternal Knight Academy gathered. These young people would become core figures of Moncalleta in the future, their rise to prominence inevitable. Even now, they could be dining with the Prince. Achilles had no airs of a prince; he loved excitement and beautiful women. In fact, neither Aubent nor Zheng Shengxun were worried because they knew Achilles would be late and would take some time. Under the guise of a gathering with them, he was actually on a date, with a certain taste... a preference for married women.
Moncalleta is the city of romance, and the nobility all act the same. With so many handsome men and beautiful women, ordinary romances aren't thrilling enough anymore. A wife doesn't compare to a concubine, and a concubine doesn't compare to a stolen moment. Of course, the Crown Prince Hokele is a paragon, loyal as his father, but in a family, not everyone can be proper, and all indecency falls on Achilles.
"Shengxun, who is that kid who dares speak to you like that? Should we teach him a lesson?" Aubent said.
Zheng Shengxun smiled slightly, "Forget it. Today's Prince's treat; we shouldn't ruin his pleasure."
Aubent thought to himself, so you do understand restraint. Zheng Shengxun and Simmons both come from the Secret Castle, trying to build a good relationship with Achilles. After all, the Crown Prince will inherit the throne in the future, and the Second Prince will oversee Hidden Power, with both the Zheng and George Families under his jurisdiction.
Both families compete fiercely, but it's said that the Zheng Family is far ahead in the Secret Castle, forcing the George Family to gamble on the Canon Law School for the King's favor, showing their determination.
They couldn't serve the dishes. A group of young people naturally indulged in romantic talk.
Meanwhile, on the other side, on a large, soft bed, Achilles lay bare-chested, with a voluptuous, fair-skinned blonde woman beside him. The woman leaned affectionately on Achilles' chest, her delicate hands lightly drawing circles on his chest, her eyes blurred, clearly satisfied.
Achilles also felt immensely relieved, a bit hungry, just right, "Darling, I have to go back."
"Your Highness, leaving already? That person has a banquet; he won't be back so soon." The woman said lazily, her cat-like eyes filled with indescribable attraction, her voice was very sweet.
"Maybe he'll be back soon. I think I heard footsteps." As he spoke, Achilles was already dressed, at the window, blowing a kiss to the woman, then jumped out. The footsteps outside grew louder, and soon a short, stout man burst through the door. It was clear he had rushed back, covered in sweat, his eyes wide open as he saw the woman on the bed...
Listening to the sound of chaos inside, Achilles wore an easy smile. The timing was just right. After an exciting and precarious adventure, a good meal awaited. Life was simply wonderful.
The carriage waited below. Achilles flipped inside, and two charming young maids skillfully attended him, tidying up and helping him change into royal attire. The knights in front steadily drove the carriage towards the Lanuo Ivory Bay Restaurant.
The distance wasn't far, just right.
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