The King's Banquet

His Majesty the King is throwing a grand banquet for his ministers! To celebrate his recovery, he has invited the ministers and nobles to his home for a meal. He claimed that his recent indisposition led to many absurd actions that caused everyone distress, and he wished to host this feast to apologize and soothe their wounded hearts. Who is he trying to fool? That was the immediate reaction of many upon receiving the invitation; no one who reaches such a high position is a fool. What is the King planning? This is the question on everyone's mind.

"What game is Uncle playing?" In Azshara's villa, the couple whispered to each other.

"If there's food and drink, we go. My body has been severely depleted lately, so I need to replenish it. I hear the dishes are quite good," Azshara said, maintaining her usual irreverent expression and speaking with ease.

"Little Azshara, as your husband, I must criticize you. At such a delicate moment, how can you, a Viscount of the Kingdom and the wife of this Count (a promotion), be so politically insensitive? Still giggling away. I'm not blind; the High Priest's messengers and the King's messengers have been coming in turns lately," Azar said with a hint of irritation.

"Relax, relax. I'm just a woman, and I look to my husband for everything. With you here, what do I have to worry about?" Azshara didn't mind Azar's tone at all, keeping her carefree expression and even acting coquettish.

"Tell me the truth, are you really not prepared at all?" Azar's tone turned serious.

"Alright, alright, don't be angry. I'll tell you, I'll tell you, okay?" Seeing that her husband was genuinely upset, Azshara turned to coax him.

"I just think it's unnecessary. The Mage Corps listens to me, and the Warrior Corps listens to you. Although your core troops aren't in the capital, don't tell me those boys from before don't listen to you anymore? So, no matter what happens, as long as we hold the military power, everyone has to rely on us. Don't you think so, God of War?" Azshara said with full confidence.

"I did make some arrangements, and I guessed you would prepare in advance. But I just can't figure out how the situation will develop. You know? This feeling of the unknown, of being out of control, is terrible. Sorry, my lady, I shouldn't have snapped at you." Azar slowly calmed down and apologized gently to his wife.

"It's not your fault. You do it for this home, for me, and for our child. You are a good husband, and you will be a good father."

"What did you say? You mean, I'm going to be a father?" Azar danced with excitement.

"Yes, Lord Count, you look so silly. Hahaha."

The King's grand banquet arrived as scheduled, and all the prominent figures in the kingdom were present. In truth, everyone was curious to see how the play would unfold tonight. The opening was quite stimulating; as soon as the guests were seated, guards immediately locked the palace doors. Everyone was shocked. What was this for? No one had brought their own guards today. Could something major be about to happen? Azar was one of the few who remained calm, not because he knew something, but because his mind was elsewhere. Who is afraid of whom? He was thinking about his son. Indeed, he hadn't fully regained his composure yet. But it was understandable; he had become a father in his twenties on Earth, and now he was over a hundred. On Earth, that would be five generations under one roof. With the continuation of his own bloodline, he didn't care about anything else. So he was very relaxed, sipping the tea served by a maid, chatting idly with his wife, and occasionally exchanging words with another relaxed person. Who was it? The High Priest, of course.

"Azar, what are you so happy about?"

"Hehe, Azshara is pregnant."

"Oh, that is truly wonderful news. A man, once he has children, should be even more steady. Wouldn't you agree?"

"That is only right. A father should take responsibility."

"What, what? Shouldn't a husband take responsibility too?" Azshara chimed in at the right moment.

"That's true, that's true. Our life will only get sweeter, my lady."

"Yes, after today, things will only get better," the High Priest said with profound meaning.

The King has arrived! Before anyone could think too much, the host appeared, and the banquet began. The King started with a long string of pleasantries, telling everyone to eat and drink well, and reassured them that the doors were locked only to ensure their merriment wouldn't disturb the commoners. Do you believe it? I certainly don't. Everyone's heart was still pounding, but seeing the King's smiling face, they couldn't say much. Soon, fueled by alcohol and dancers, everyone was clinking glasses and mingling. An outsider would see a scene of peace and prosperity. But we all know that happy times are short-lived, and some things are bound to happen. As the King tapped his silver cup three times, all the music and dance ceased, and the maids stood aside. Everyone looked at the King and saw his serious expression, as if he had something to say, so they returned to their seats in twos and threes, waiting for him to speak.

"From the Great Migration until now, you have all walked this path with me. Have I ever treated any of you unfairly?"

"No, no, the King has treated us very well."

"Yet some do not know how to cherish it, and are never satisfied."

"My King, why do you say that?"

"Hmph, do you think I am sick? That's right! I am sick, because someone tried to poison me!" The King's tone turned harsh. The crowd was shocked. Who? Who was so bold? Azar frowned. Why hadn't Number 0 mentioned this? Was it an excuse made up by his uncle? Or was it Number 0... His expression turned grave; if it were the latter, he would have to be careful today. Perhaps the target included him too? He tilted his head slightly to look at the High Priest, who showed no expression, just sitting there with his eyes closed.

"For such a person, how do you think we should deal with them?"

"Kill him!" the crowd roared in indignation. They were all strong contenders for an Oscar; even at this point, they were still acting. Who was playing whom? No one would escape today.

"What do you think, High Priest?" The King's question was significant. Everyone was no fool; they immediately understood. He was going to strike at the old man.

"Jabani, the play has gone on long enough, no need for the cryptic tone. We are old friends of many years; it's not like we don't know who is who. I scheme against you, you know it; you scheme against me, I know it. We both know why we scheme against each other. Everyone here isn't a fool, are they?" The High Priest slowly walked to the center of the hall, looked up at the King on the throne, his eyes calm and firm.

"Everything you say is true, but I never laid a hand on your child! You tell me, why!" The King stood up in a rage and roared at the High Priest!

"Don't act so noble. Did you not try to lay a hand on my child? We both know that the power of the state and the church lies in our hands, and neither of us can take it away. Striking at our descendants is the only opportunity. Unfortunately, your son died in battle. When you wanted to move against my son, it was already too late! Wasn't it?"

"Enough! You damned conspirator, executioner! I've had enough, today is your death day! Guards! Seize him!" the King shouted! Immediately, several guards rushed in from the door and surrounded the High Priest. The High Priest did not panic, still wearing an expression of certain victory. Azar was also puzzled; it had come to this, and you're still like that? Play your card! The landlord only has one card left, he's about to win.

"You are still so impulsive. Although I admire your foresight, your judgment of people is truly not very good," the High Priest said. His voice was still calm, but the content was shocking. Those with less composure had already collapsed to the floor; clearly, they were the King's loyalists. Conversely, those who were relaxed were obviously part of the High Priest's faction. Hmm, very good, a great opportunity to see the various factions clearly. As soon as the High Priest finished speaking, everyone saw a dagger pressed against the King's neck! The person holding the dagger was none other than the attendant who had been serving the King! This was a divine plot twist; even Azar hadn't expected it. By his estimation, the King should have had a slight edge. In the moment he was distracted, the lead guard tried to seize the High Priest, but his hand wouldn't move! The others discovered the same problem! Azar saw it clearly! From the moment the High Priest walked there, his right pinky finger had been moving behind his back; he had drawn an Immobilization Rune on the floor! The guards had been hit! No wonder one of his hands had been behind his back the whole time.

"This round, I believe I have won, right? Except for these few, the guards outside have all been replaced by my men. It's not that I didn't want to replace them earlier, but to lure you into the trap. Just a moment ago, you thought you had the game in the bag, didn't you? Now, do you have anything else to say?"

"Fine, you win. For the sake of our old friendship, tell me, who poisoned my youngest son?"

"Your concubine's miscarriage was not arranged by me! I swear it to the Moon Goddess!" The High Priest was solemn now! Who knows? Politicians are all hypocritical; if it were me, I wouldn't admit it either. Would you? But the King seemed to believe him. He slowly raised his left hand, gently moved the dagger away from his neck, and walked slowly toward the High Priest. As he walked, he said, "This answer can buy you a quick death, my old friend." The King's tone was calm now, a different person from a moment ago. The High Priest showed a flicker of panic, but quickly steadied himself.

"It seems I still underestimated you."