Under Duke Donglin's mediation and Duke Duanfeng's nearly fire-spitting glare, Yan Huan and Cyrene finally entered the Enlightenment Throne's main banquet hall without incident.
The moment they stepped inside, a rich blend of luxurious spices, fine wine, roasted meat, and precious flowers washed over them, standing in stark contrast to the grim, tense atmosphere outside the venue.
The hall was brilliantly lit. Massive clusters of glowing crystal, carved from the Tree Court's natural gemstones, refracted dazzling yet gentle light, illuminating the entire space as brightly as day.
The area bustled with people, the air filled with perfume and elegant finery.
Okhema's nobles, decorated generals, and Chrysos Heirs dressed in splendid attire moved through the crowd, conversing and laughing softly with graceful manners.
Musicians played grand, intricate court musical movements, their notes echoing beneath the high canopy overhead.
Under Caesar Kryudera's iron-fisted rule, outsiders might have felt suffocated by the pressure.
But for Okhema's vested interests, especially the highborn Chrysos Heirs, this was undoubtedly the heart of power and pleasure—the stage where they thrived.
Yan Huan swept his gaze around and spotted quite a few familiar faces.
Although Duke Duanfeng Rabinus had been sent away, his bloody, iron-willed presence seemed to linger.
After his contest with Duke Duanfeng, Duke Donglin had blended back into the crowd, smiling as he spoke with several nobles as though the clash at the entrance had never happened.
Not far away, the neatly dressed and refined Duke Yeshi held a cup of strong liquor as he silently surveyed the entire hall.
At his side was, as always, the slender and gentle figure of Duke Yinfeng.
These marquises of Okhema were likely among the most influential figures at the venue, surpassed only by Caesar and Hysilens.
"There are really so many people..." Cyrene moved slightly closer to