The situation at the banquet changed in an instant, and Miquella swiftly made his decision-abandon Maliketh.
Some things could not be avoided, so he would not try to avoid them.
There was still a chance to seize the initiative.
Miquella patted Malenia's shoulder, and she reacted immediately.
With a clatter, she picked up a wooden case from beside her feet, stood, and slammed it onto the table.
The crash drew the attention of everyone present.
Marika's smile faded a little. "What is the meaning of this?"
Malenia did not answer. She simply lifted the lid of the wooden case, revealing its contents to everyone.
Miquella spoke then. "This is the gift I wanted to give Mother. I imagine you must be quite familiar with it."
When Marika saw what was inside the case, her golden pupils first widened, then contracted.
Surprise appeared in her eyes first, followed immediately by anger.
Maliketh could no longer spare any attention for Ranni either. His lupine eyes also fixed on the object in the case.
"Maliketh!
!" Marika's voice rose several pitches.
"I know!" Maliketh roared back.
Clang!
He pounded a fist onto the tabletop, sending the pile of plates before him bouncing into the air.
"Where did you get that?" Maliketh glared at Miquella.
Miquella could almost see Black-red Flames igniting in Maliketh's eyes-Destined Death.
At that moment, while everyone's attention was drawn to Miquella, Rykard's sleeve brushed seemingly accidentally over the Nightdew Wine Ranni had prepared.
Ranni ladled out another cup of wine and held it quietly, saying nothing.
Miquella had considered many ways to phrase this before. He had composed an opening speech to build the atmosphere and suspense before revealing the answer.
He would leave everyone's hearts hanging, then send them plunging to rock bottom.
But now he had no