Blue Gold Palace, banquet hall.
At this moment, it was enveloped in a heavy splendor.
The enormous hall had been built from whole blocks of Blue Gold Rock bearing naturally dark patterns.
Though its surface had not been polished to a mirror sheen, it possessed a weathered texture all its own.
Decorated White Crystal Stones were set into the walls every few steps.
Braziers stood in the corners.
Each brazier burned charcoal mixed with special spices and slow-burning oil.
As they gave off warmth, they also released a distinctive scent resembling blended pine resin.
The fragrance gave people an inexplicable sense of warmth.
It also dispelled the cold atmosphere of Desolate North nights.
The long main banquet table had been made by splitting an entire iron-core tree trunk, then carving and polishing it.
The tabletop was exceptionally thick and solid.
Only a clear layer of resin coated its surface, revealing the wood's own brown grain and tough texture.
There were no elaborate silver ornaments at the center of the table.
There was only a miniature "Gobi Corridor" carved from deep-red sandstone.
It served as the table runner.
It was dotted with mineral specimens of various shapes, along with miniature potted drought-resistant sea buckthorn, camel thorn, and other plants, giving it a strong regional character.
Led by a dignified court steward dressed in a black formal suit trimmed with dark gold, Zong Shen entered the banquet hall.
His gaze swept over the scale of the feast.
Prince Ortis naturally occupied the seat of honor.
He had changed into a deep-purple velvet formal suit bearing his family crest.
He looked far more relaxed than he had during the day, though the thoughts in his eyes had not fully faded.
Princess Tami sat to the prince's left.
She had shed the simple outfit