The highest-ranking person at this banquet was undoubtedly Angus, Earl Eagle.
As the banquet's main character, Velin seemed to have been forgotten. Only his cousin Brian, Krell, and several young nobles such as Alva, the bishop's apprentice, gathered around him.
Madmonk, his aunt's brother, several other Viscounts from Cadro Province, and his two paternal uncles all surrounded his father.
As for his aunt Flora, she sampled the food nearby, occasionally brushing off nobles who tried to approach her for conversation.
"You're still the impressive one. In less than seven years, you've risen to Viscount. Who knows how many years it'll take me?" Brian wore a bitter expression, with the faintest trace of envy in his heart.
"Cousin, stick with me from now on. I guarantee you'll get a promotion to Viscount within twenty years." Velin patted Brian's shoulder and said with a smile.
"You said it. You can't take it back."
"Why would I lie to you? We're brothers."
"Hahaha, true enough. From now on, I'll follow your lead, Cousin. Whatever you tell me to do, I'll do it without hesitation." Brian clinked glasses with Velin and bluntly declared it.
Krell and Alva exchanged smiles. They could both tell that Brian had some depth to him, but not much. Most of what he thought showed plainly on his face.
"Congratulations, Viscount Qixing." Krell stepped forward and said stiffly.
"Hehe, just call me what you usually do. No need to be so distant."
Velin never put on airs around his friends.
The stern expression faded from Krell's face, replaced by a friendly smile. As usual, he stepped forward and gave Velin a hug.
"It's been a long time. The last time was three years ago, and you never came to Baxia Great Camp to visit Alva and me." Krell revealed his