The luncheon was normally held at the Cigar Courtyard.
Although Grand Duke Kunsitan had fallen and Red Castle had ordered the entire country to forbid banquets and dances, it could not stop people from dining and drinking in private.
Grand Duke Kunsitan lacked prestige, and the nobles held little awe for him.
It was said that when Quentin III Shadowflame fell twenty-one years ago, not a single noble dared hold a private banquet for an entire year. Only after Red Castle took the lead in hosting one a year later did the nobles gradually relax.
But now, the nobles ate and drank as they pleased.
However, when Charles shouted that he wanted more wine, Russell promptly rebuked him. "Enough. A full meal is enough; drink in moderation."
He then raised his glass toward the north. "Let this final toast be to Grand Duke Kunsitan, who died for his country. May the Shadowflame Grand Duchy flourish under the Elder Council's leadership, and may the Shadowflame Dragon recover soon and expand our lands!"
"To Grand Duke Kunsitan!"
"May the Shadowflame Grand Duchy prosper!"
"May the dragon recover soon!"
After the luncheon, the officials went off to work. Russell kept Katie behind to ask about her cultivation progress.
"I've opened six groups of main meridians and am now fully focused on excavating the final group in my head and face," Katie replied. Armored Knights had seven groups of main meridians to open, followed by their branch meridians.
"Work hard. I'll sponsor another batch of Magic Potions for you," Russell said.
Katie immediately choked up. "My lord has already sponsored me so much. Katie... Katie truly doesn't know how to repay you!"
"Advancing to Great Knight will be the best repayment," Russell said with a faint smile.
"Katie will certainly give her all to