Edsac

The hunted prey was not wasted, with a dedicated team collecting it.

There was a whole process: the prey was brought down, nobles would step forward to confirm, take commemorative photos, commissioners would transport it, and it would be processed into food.

What Altair and the others were eating for lunch today was this prey. The start of today's hunt also marked the official entry of the banquet into its climax.

At 12:00 PM, people began to gather in the banquet's dining hall, awaiting the start of lunch.

The main figure of this banquet, the Third Prince "Edsac Augustus," made his official appearance before the luncheon even began.

He wasn't wearing the distinctive attire of royalty, but rather a dark blue naval uniform, holding the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

His choice of dress immediately put a pause on the lively banquet, gradually calming the atmosphere. After all, when everyone else was in formal wear, the sudden appearance of someone in a military uniform was like a "crane among chickens."

The high-ranking national officials seated at the head table, especially "Duke Nigen," began to show signs of distress.

As the representative of the navy, Edsac's wearing of a naval uniform meant his joining the navy was a done deal.

While it wasn't uncommon for a prince to join the military, they would typically attend a military academy, graduate, and be appointed as a captain, or at most, a major general.

However, this Prince Edsac Augustus had never attended a military academy. Now, he had been appointed Lieutenant Commander without going through any official procedures.

Altair could understand Duke Nigen's expression, as the "heir apparent's struggle for succession" was about to unfold.

Edsac wearing a naval uniform was a clear statement: "I have joined the navy, and you should support me from now on."

Altair, blending into the crowd, watched this grand drama unfold. Honestly, Edsac Augustus bore a striking resemblance to King Henry Augustus I, featured on the five-pound note. He was the fifth king of the Kingdom of Ruun, a direct ancestor of George III, with a round face and narrow, elongated eyes.

Getting sidetracked, Altair quickly cut off his wandering thoughts.

This observation had no bearing on his future. As for cooperating with him, forget it. Given the unchangeable future, this prince was destined to be a scapegoat.

Why he became a discarded pawn was none of Altair's business.

He was curious, certainly, but not enough to investigate. After all, it was a royal secret, and excessive curiosity could be fatal.

The protagonist, Edsac Augustus, gradually walked onto the stage. When his father, King "George III," began to introduce and appoint him as a naval Lieutenant Commander, everyone couldn't help but applaud.

The Third Prince was also shrewd; he had brought a large contingent of reporters with him. Now, these reporters began to crouch down, rapidly pressing the shutters of their cameras, capturing the people on stage. For a moment, the entire banquet hall was filled with the dazzling flashes of cameras.

George III and Edsac Augustus were truly remarkable. Despite the intense flashes, neither of them blinked, accepting the attention with smiles throughout.

This truly impressed Altair. Cameras back then relied on flashbulbs for lighting, and a sudden burst like that would be quite uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, Duke Nigen and the others beside him had grim expressions, their faces stiff throughout the entire event.

In contrast, Uncle Leif and his group showed no change in their expressions, but inwardly, they must have been overjoyed.

Since the Great Age of Navigation began, the navy's special status had been continuously elevated, and the empire's annual military funding kept increasing.

Naturally, the army's status and funding would decrease. The country only had so much money; it couldn't conjure extra funds out of thin air.

Although the "leaders" of the two armies had more or less had familial ties in the past, their relationship began to deteriorate after the navy split off with the advent of the Age of Navigation.

Seeing the navy in a difficult position now, it was only natural for the representative of the army to be happy.

This interlude lasted for over half an hour before the luncheon officially began.

Due to the hunt, the lunch consisted mainly of roast meat, which, marinated with various spices, had a unique flavor.

After lunch, the important figures began to form groups and leave to discuss matters. The remaining guests gradually dispersed on their own; some returned to their rooms for a nap, while others formed small groups for activities.

As for the protagonist, Edsac Augustus, he was engaged in lively conversation with some young nobles, attracting quite a few people to join them.

In the evening, Altair, as usual, was dressed in his finest attire to attend the ball. To those who invited him to dance, he used the same excuse as yesterday: he had twisted his ankle and couldn't dance.

He found a quiet corner and sat, waiting for the ball to end. Not far away, Audrey, after a conversation with her father, happily approached Altair.

Seeing her cheerful demeanor, Altair couldn't help but ask, "Why aren't you dancing with anyone else? You came to sit with me, the 'injured' one."

Audrey smiled and replied, "I told Father I wanted to look after you, and he agreed. So, I don't need to dance with anyone else. Dancing at balls is fine once or twice a month; I couldn't stand doing it every day."

Altair didn't argue with Audrey's response. At her age, she was full of energy, and doing the same thing every day would surely lead to boredom.

As they were chatting, Edsac Augustus walked directly over and invited Audrey to dance. Seeing her pleading eyes, Altair said to Edsac Augustus, "I'm truly sorry, Third Prince. Miss Audrey is temporarily occupied by me. It's also my bad luck that I twisted my ankle and can't participate in the ball. As a gentleman, you wouldn't want to see an injured young lady sitting alone in a corner, would you?"

Altair's words finally drew Edsac Augustus's attention.

Edsac Augustus didn't recognize Altair.

Before approaching, he had simply thought Altair was one of Audrey's close friends.

To maintain his image, Edsac Augustus politely asked, "May I know who this lady is?"

Audrey began to introduce them: "Third Prince Edsac, this is Count Altair Sheffield."

"Count Altair, this is Third Prince Edsac Augustus."

For most people, they didn't know Altair yet, as he hadn't been formally enfeoffed by the King in person. Only a few insiders were aware.

Coincidentally, Edsac knew. He gave Altair a deep look and said helplessly, "I'm truly sorry, Count Altair. I wasn't aware of your situation when I came over."

He then turned and said, "Then, Miss Audrey, I'll trouble you to take care of Count Altair."

After Edsac left, Audrey's demeanor returned to normal. She took Altair's hand and said, "Thank you so much this time, Count Altair. If it weren't for you, I would have been dragged off to dance, which would have been incredibly boring."

Altair looked at her and asked curiously, "That's not the only reason, is it? I get the feeling you don't really like being around them."

Her thoughts exposed, Audrey deflated like a balloon, her shoulders slumping slightly. She cautiously glanced around, and finding no one nearby, whispered to Altair:

"I really don't like those princes. They're like restless peacocks performing in front of me, that feeling you should understand."

He could understand that kind of situation. The phrase "the most dazzling gem" explained it simply: gems are always valuable, no matter the time.