Because of Charles's presence, Golden Ear City now had a royal palace. Though temporary, converted from the local city hall and somewhat cramped, it lacked nothing in splendor after being decorated with velvet and silk.
Tonight, the palace banquet hall blazed with light and melodious music.
The air was filled with the rich aroma of roasted meat, expensive perfume, and aged wine.
The crystal chandeliers hastily installed that evening refracted brilliant light, illuminating long tables covered in snow-white linen and laden with delicacies painstakingly prepared by the army's accompanying cooks.
Honey-glazed suckling pigs roasted golden and crisp, oysters piled into little mountains, and fruit adorned with gold leaf formed colorful pyramids.
Waiters in immaculate uniforms moved through the banquet, attentively topping up the glasses of elaborately dressed nobles, commanders, and wealthy merchants accompanying the army.
King Charles Stuart sat at the head of the table, wearing a restrained, gracious smile. He raised a sapphire-studded golden goblet, his powerful voice carrying the fervor of a victor.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let us raise our glasses!"
Charles's voice carried clearly through the noisy hall.
"To the fearless warriors of Minisia, to the loyal King's Guard, and to the generous Sea God.
"Today, with courage and blood, we repelled the Bagnian tyrant's torrent of steel beneath the walls of Golden Ear City. We defended our homeland, and we won! May the Sea God bless Minisia!"
"May the Sea God bless Minisia!"
"To His Majesty the King!"
"To victory!"
The hall erupted in enthusiastic cheers and responses, accompanied by the clear clinking of glasses.
The nobles' faces glowed with relief at having survived and intoxication with their "victory," while the commanders wore a weary pride.
The atmosphere was jubilant, as though the day's bloody fighting and enormous sacrifices had all been washed away by fine