Within the Royal Palace, a welcoming banquet was in full swing.
As the absolute star of this banquet, Prince Xiusenya was surrounded by the crowd like a bright moon encircled by a host of stars.
At first, the king did not immediately appear. Though the guests chatted after the banquet began, they still kept part of their attention on the entrance.
Ten minutes into the banquet, the court musicians suddenly changed the melodious piece they had been playing into a welcoming tune.
Everyone, including Prince Xiusenya, turned their eyes toward the entrance. Under the protection of a squad of royal guards, the reigning king of the Aisk Kingdom emerged together with his eldest and youngest sons.
Prince Xiusenya's gaze immediately locked onto his elder brother Hailancha, who stood behind their father with a gloomy expression. At the same time, Prince Hailancha seemed to sense it and looked over. Across the great distance between them, their eyes collided, scattering sparks in all directions.
However, Prince Hailancha quickly withdrew his gaze, his face filled with despondency.
The Third Prince behind Hailancha, meanwhile, looked unconcerned. He glanced about everywhere, looking extremely curious.
Prince Xiusenya had already grasped the situation, and his smile became all the more calm and detached.
"Greetings, Father." He hurried forward to the king, his manner respectful, much to the king's satisfaction.
"Xiusenya, no need for such ceremony." Ever since the eldest prince Hailancha had suffered heavy losses in the naval battle, the king had endured quite a blow. Looking now at his exceptionally outstanding second son, his feelings were truly complicated—yet within that complexity was a trace of consolation.
No matter what, at least he still had one exceptionally capable son.
Afterward, the king exchanged a few words with the nobles present. Though his face looked somewhat worn, his