The Heartthrob Guide: Dodder of S-Class Sentinels

Chapter 149 Summer Banquet

Lan Yin withdrew her gaze, allowing those probing eyes to linger on her and then leave.

At this moment, a voice with a smile came from the side——

"Oh, I didn't expect you to come too." Caesar leaned against an inconspicuous corner of the banquet hall, shaking a glass of amber liquor in his hand, and looked at him with a playful look, "Are you here to apply to be a lover who is not worthy of being shown in public?"

He was wearing a sharply tailored black suit today, and the dark red gem on his collar pin shone like blood under the light.

"Oh—you are the same."

Seeing that it was an acquaintance, Lan Yin responded indifferently, straightened her cuffs, and her tone was so calm that no emotion could be heard.

"That's right. The Queen is still your half-aunt after all. Naturally, she'll think of you first when something good happens. But haven't you, Chris, always disdained to do such things? Why are you suddenly interested today?"

Caesar deliberately dragged out the last word, and his eyes swept meaningfully across the center of the banquet hall - there, Duke Ned was with his little daughter Ireland, who had just recovered from a serious illness, and was mingling with the guests.

Today's banquet was specially hosted by Duke Ned for Ireland.

The most promising A-level guide of the new generation is about to officially select his own exclusive sentinel - or... lover.

The entire banquet hall was lavishly decorated. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft, dazzling light, casting a shadow on the guests' magnificent gowns. Melodious classical music echoed throughout the hall. Nobles gathered in groups of three or four, whispering quietly, their eyes occasionally glancing at Ireland, who stood at the head of the table.

Ireland had a graceful figure, and the white evening gown made her look like a fairy. She had a faint smile on her face. Duke Ned stood beside her, his eyes full of pride and love.

"Everyone, thank you for taking the time to attend my daughter Ireland's banquet." Duke Ned's voice was deep and powerful, instantly hushing the entire hall. "My daughter has grown up now, and will soon volunteer to go to the highly contaminated area and fight alongside everyone. Today, she will select a companion who will fight alongside her and accompany her."

After the words were spoken, there was a brief silence in the hall, followed by warm applause.

Many of today's guests brought along outstanding descendants from their families, and they must have known the purpose of this banquet in advance.

Lan Yin stood in the crowd, narrowed her eyes slightly, and a barely perceptible sneer appeared at the corner of her mouth.

This game between nobles has always been about profit. Regardless of Ireland's talent, her status as the "future Crown Princess" of the royal family would attract many aristocratic families to establish a relationship with her.

Rather than selecting a partner, it is more like a Hongmen Banquet in which Duke Ned wants to use Ireland as an opportunity to win over various forces.

As expected, as soon as the news was made public, some young people of the same age became excited. The hall suddenly became very lively, and the young nobles were eager to try.

Seeing this, Lan Yin quietly walked out of this smoky and foul place.

"Oh, sorry." At this time, an extremely burly young man came towards him and almost bumped into him.

The young man was wearing waiter's clothes and holding a full tray of wine. He seemed a little anxious and did not notice anyone when he turned the corner.

Lan Yin subconsciously took a step back to avoid the spilled wine. He frowned slightly and was about to speak, but when he saw the waiter's face, he was slightly stunned.

He remembered this person, a man named Urd who was accidentally matched with Ireland during the league.

Why is he here?
Lan Yin frowned. Being a suspicious and meticulous person, he felt something was wrong.

But - what does it have to do with him!

He looked at the luxurious and decadent scene in the banquet hall again and smiled coldly.

Lan Yin cleverly hid her figure and used her skills to eliminate some unnecessary trouble for the sentry.

As he slowly walked to the fountain in the courtyard, he heard a commotion in the banquet hall and heard Duke Ned's furious roar - "It's you, the filthy pariah again! Get him out now!!!"

"..."

Then, the guards hiding in the dark in the manor waited for an opportunity to act.

Not long after, the sentry named Urd was carried out covered in blood.

Lan Yin sat leisurely on the edge of the fountain, watching the farce coldly, and the fire in her heart finally subsided a little.

"Why don't you want to?"

The conversation he had with his father a few days ago resurfaced in his mind.

Duke Chris, who had always been lenient towards him, showed a stern expression for the first time.

"The Queen originally wanted you and the Tahir boy to follow the Irish guides, but at the tournament, not only did you disobey her, you also publicly embarrassed the Duke of Ned's family! Why?!"

"Father, my son has someone he loves."

"Affiliation? Who? That girl from the slums?" Duke Chris cursed in frustration, "What a fool! A guide from the slums, no matter how capable she is, she's only D-rank now. How long will it take for her to reach A-rank? You're a near-S-rank, and you'll evolve into a Super S-rank like your uncle. By then, no matter how hard that girl tries, she won't be able to catch up to you. How do you think this is going to end?!"

"Or do you want to become a monster too..."

Lan Yin lowered her eyes slightly, keeping all her emotions deep in her heart.

He stood up and returned to the banquet hall.

The sudden incident just now didn't seem to change anything here.

Everyone was still clinking glasses and chatting happily, as if the chaos just now was just a minor episode.

They seem to have long been accustomed to this kind of life that is full of crises but pretends to be peaceful.

Under the gorgeous lights, the nobles' faces were filled with false smiles, and the transparent crystal glasses in their hands were filled with grape-colored wine. Just one sip was equivalent to several months' living expenses for those living at the bottom of society.

Ireland was surrounded by a group of noble young men who admired her. After learning that she needed exclusive sentinels, she became the center of attention.

The sentinels of this world seem to be searching for a partner who is spiritually compatible with them throughout their lives. Whether they can effectively provide spiritual guidance for themselves has become the basis of all relationships.

In order to live such a rich life with peace of mind, the guide did not hesitate to try his best to get into the aristocratic circle, hoping to get a huge backing.

As a result, wealthy people have more and more resources.

The lives of people at the bottom of society are becoming more and more impoverished day by day.

This world has formed a huge wall. Tens of thousands of humans outside the wall are trapped in eternal night, and their only value is squeezed out every day in panic and hunger. They fantasize that the people inside the wall can one day lend a helping hand and bring them a glimmer of hope of life.

But how could there be a savior on the high wall? All we have are these termites that are more terrifying than the alien species...

How ironic...

This world has already rotted away!