The atmosphere in the banquet hall was excellent. Eagle Marquis had hosted this banquet both to celebrate his younger daughter's birthday and to gather his subordinates so they could discuss which side they would ultimately support after the banquet.
Standing beside Eagle Marquis was a noblewoman dressed in an evening gown. She was Eagle Marquis's wife and a major merchant who mainly handled daily necessities. One shouldn't underestimate this woman. Daily necessities concerned the people's livelihoods, making them a business second only to minerals and weapons.
As for the people around Eagle Marquis, they were his subordinates and several major merchants. They clustered around him like stars surrounding the moon.
"Eagle Marquis."
Su Xiao spoke as he approached. Hearing that familiar voice, Eagle Marquis paused with the wineglass he was about to raise to his lips.
"Kukulin, you're rather late."
Eagle Marquis's voice was full of vigor. He handed the wineglass in his hand to his wife and strode toward Su Xiao.
"The last time we met was in the Sezha Front."
As the two approached each other, Eagle Marquis clenched his fist and gave Su Xiao's shoulder a light punch.
"Come, let me introduce you. This is my third wife, Fran Sis."
Eagle Marquis's wife smiled and nodded at Su Xiao.
"This is my youngest daughter."
A little girl of about ten lowered her head, her expression somewhat cold. From the look of her, she clearly lacked parental affection.
"And this is..."
Eagle Marquis briefly introduced the people around him to Su Xiao. Although they were all smiling, the expressions in their eyes varied.
"Everyone!"
A shout came from the other side of the banquet hall. The aide-de-camp was standing on a long dining table, with several flustered waiters below her.
"It's quite nice weather today."
The aide-de-camp grinned.