Golden Flowers and Silver Snow

For a moment, everyone in the banquet hall froze, their eyes glazed over with a mixture of surprise, shock, disbelief, fervor, and even adoration. All their gazes were fixed on the two young women who were being led in by a waiter, their mouths agape, their faces contorted in a dazed expression as if they had been cast a spell on their Feeblemind.

In essence, both Nia and Angela (in her youthful form) are fully qualified to embody the true meaning of "perfect." However, their expressions are completely opposite. Nia gives the impression of a goddess from heaven, so beautiful that one dares not utter a word, for fear that even a single syllable would tarnish her beauty. Angela, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. Nia could be described as "so beautiful that one doesn't believe she's human," but Angela is "so beautiful that one can hardly believe she's human." Even the most elegant words pale in comparison to these two meticulously dressed ladies. No words in the world can accurately capture even a fraction of their existence. Moreover, because Nia has a history of "impersonating a saint," her portrayal of gentleness and majesty is arguably on par with that of the true saints of the Holy Scriptures.

Angela, contrary to her usual demeanor, didn't deliberately keep people at arm's length. However, almost every man tried to avoid her gaze and carefully steered clear of Angela path. At this moment Angela resembled a legendary, rare witch, possessing a captivating power. Every move she made seemed capable of drawing the souls of those who looked upon her, filled with dangerous allure and terrifying charm.

"Master, we've finally found you."

The girls, now the center of attention, naturally noticed Li Lin standing beside them. Angela flashed a breathtaking smile and greeted him. Her voice, like a spell, instantly silenced the previously noisy banquet hall, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Ignoring everyone's gaze, Angela walked to Li Lin's side and gently took his left arm.

"We originally wanted to come with you, why didn't you wait for us?"

Angela unusually abandoned the title she had been using and instead used language that everyone could understand.

"I had some personal matters to attend to, so I came ahead of time."

Li Lin glanced at the old mage who had already disappeared into the crowd and frowned.

Just then, Nia also came to the other side of Li Lin. She watched Angela's movements, hesitated slightly, and reached out her hand, but in the end, she did not take Angela did.

"Sorry, Li Lin, changing clothes took a little longer..."

"I had no idea you had this hobby. It seems I don't know you well enough."

Li Lin shook his head with a wry smile, gazing at Nia's elegant and noble dress. Clearly, Nia had put in a lot of effort to match the outfit. Just as he was about to say something more, Angela suddenly brought her small mouth close to his ear.

"Master, your servant and sister Nia have prepared the stage for you. Now it's your turn to shine. To make the stage truly dazzling, the protagonist must perform. Please display enough charm to make those lowly insects realize their insignificance and incompetence."

It seems that no matter how much one's appearance changes, one's inner self remains completely unchanged.

Li Lin naturally understood Angela's thoughts. Indeed, with the two women standing on either side of Li Lin, he was receiving an overwhelming amount of attention, with both men and women staring at him in astonishment. While Nia and Angela themselves possessed extraordinary charm, this was only true when they were "single." Once they made it very clear that they weren't single, he, as their partner, would undoubtedly attract everyone's attention. After all, almost everyone believed that if the luck needed to rise from commoner to king was as small as a fingernail, then being favored by one of these two beauties would require the fortune of an entire castle. And Li Lin's current situation was clearly that of holding a bouquet of flowers.

At this moment, he had already noticed those hostile, curious, surprised, puzzled, and scrutinizing gazes. Angela's performance had completely thrust Li Lin into the spotlight, and she had easily completed her task.

Of course, this also created pressure. If Li Lin couldn't demonstrate enough strength to overwhelm and convince everyone, then Angela's actions would be no different from pushing Li Lin into a fire pit. After all, they were unfamiliar with the area, and even if things went badly, they could escape, but the plan would definitely fail.

Just then, the king finally entered.

Although Angela and Nia's appearance completely disrupted the atmosphere, causing everyone to remain silent after the King entered the banquet hall until they noticed his presence and began to bow, the King himself didn't seem to mind this offense. In fact, as his gaze swept across the room, it lingered on Nia and Angela for several minutes. Although he had already learned from his subordinates that Li Lin had brought several young ladies into the palace, the King hadn't inquired about their appearances. Now, it seemed he should have asked sooner.

However, a king is a king after all. He quickly regained his composure, coughed awkwardly, and then began his routine pre-banquet speech. Having prepared beforehand, King Kudel didn't waste much time. He first praised the flourishing trade between the Northlands and his kingdom, subtly mocking Lalia for being blind to the value of their favorable environment. He then brought up the fat merchant and his caravan, praising their contributions to the nation and assuring them that Kudel would offer more favorable policies to merchants from the City of a Thousand Towers in the future. He then discussed his expectations for the future of national trade before everyone else went their separate ways. Naturally, the king didn't say a word about Li Lin and the Dark Elf, and those who didn't know wouldn't care, while those who did wouldn't utter a single word.

After His Majesty the King finished his speech, the atmosphere in the banquet hall became much livelier. The unsuspecting nobles followed the King's hints and went to chat with the fat merchant, treating him as a member of the upper class of the City of a Thousand Towers. Meanwhile, those who were interested gathered in twos and threes, pondering and exchanging information that the King had intentionally or unintentionally revealed in his speech.

Of course, she would also occasionally glance at the two beautiful girls beside Li Lin; even if she couldn't have them, just looking at them was pleasing enough.

"His Highness has not appeared."

Like everyone else, Li Lin and his two companions naturally formed a small circle after the king's speech. Each of them took a wine glass from the almost dazed waiter's tray and began to talk in hushed tones. The quick-witted and cautious Nia, of course, noticed the first thing amiss at the banquet.

"Of course he won't show up; I'm afraid His Majesty the King intends to use him to create a smokescreen."

Li Lin answered calmly.

This prince was quite pitiful. He was imprisoned in another country, and after enduring so much hardship, he finally returned to his own country, only to be imprisoned again. Life can indeed be quite dramatic sometimes.

"For a rat, anywhere is its den; if it can't be seen by people, it can't be seen by people."

Angela gracefully extended her snow-white arm and placed it beside Li Lin's ear, gently stroking his cheek. It looked like they were being affectionate, but the words she spoke remained true to her nature.

Of course, what others saw was merely a young girl displaying a smile that could eclipse the heavens and earth.

This little guy's acting skills are Oscar- worthy.

What do you think is their purpose in inviting us today?

It's nothing more than repeating old arguments.

Li Lin didn't seem to care much.

"Judging from the situation, nothing serious should happen, but we haven't found the method I'm looking for yet, which is rather troublesome..."

Li Lin didn't finish his sentence, because at that moment he saw the young man who had caused him trouble earlier reappear, striding confidently towards him. His expression was full of fighting spirit, and his eyes burned with a fierce determination. In a banquet where everyone was conversing in a friendly atmosphere, such behavior was somewhat inappropriate. This attracted everyone's attention, and their interest only grew stronger when they realized that the man's target seemed to be the one with the two beautiful young women.

"Hey, you useless man."

Walking up to Li Lin, the man coldly shouted. Li Lin, however, pretended not to hear, continuing to chat and laugh with Nia and Angela as if the man was addressing a completely different person, not himself.

"Hello!!"

Seeing that the other party had no intention of acknowledging him, the young man became somewhat annoyed and embarrassed. He tried to reach out and press Li Lin's shoulder, forcing him to turn around. However, the old master's warning immediately echoed in the young man's ears, forcing him to reluctantly lower his hand. But, after noticing that everyone around him was looking at him, the young man finally gritted his teeth, forced himself to take another breath, and spoke.

"Sir."

"Hmm? What's up?"

Li Lin answered quickly, and his deliberate response nearly made the young man vomit blood. He took a step back, barely swallowing his dissatisfaction, and continued speaking.

"Please, I challenge you to a duel."

"Duel?"

Li Lin was taken aback when he heard this.

Why should I duel you?

"You injured my father in the main hall."

The man responded fiercely.

"If he had offended you, I would have nothing to say. But that is not the case. My father did his duty, yet he was treated so rudely and disrespectfully. Therefore, I challenge you to a duel. If you refuse, then I demand that you apologize to my father!"