Knight Lords: Infinite Simulation and the Path of Light

Chapter 19 Banquet
Having eaten a bit too much after waking up, Haven had no appetite for the food in front of him.

Holding a glass of Blackthorn wine, he leaned against a pillar in the hall, watching the crowd at the banquet.

Since it was ostensibly a welcome reception for the Dawnguard who had traveled a long way to provide support, many nobles and knights who attended the banquet brought along their wives and children.

After a few drinks, some young men and women couldn't stand the loneliness and started dancing in the open space in the center of the hall.

"Young Master Haven, thank you so much just now, otherwise I would have said something I shouldn't have."

Seeing Baron Raven approaching with a wine glass, Haven raised his glass and clinked it against his.

"It's alright, you're too kind. My father always said that we Northerners are the most united people, and it's only right that we help each other."

"What are your plans? The war is over, and the Church of Death has fled. Haven't you gone back to check on your territory?"

Baron Raven, clad in armor, shook his head with a wry smile, tilted his head back, and downed the wine in his glass in one gulp. He then spoke to Havent in a low voice.

"No, my barony is currently in ruins, and the vast majority of my people have not escaped."

He then gave a self-deprecating laugh and patted his armor.
"Now, besides the armor I wear and the sword at my waist, I only have a few servants left."

I have already dismissed them all, and entrusted the territory to the Earl. Tomorrow at dawn, I will depart for the Arma frontier.

After listening to Baron Raven's account, Haven raised his glass in sympathy and took a large gulp.

Facing this down-on-his-luck nobleman, Haven offered no words of comfort, but patted Raven on the shoulder.
"I hope that next time we meet, you can be addressed as Viscount Raven."

"Thank you, I appreciate your kind words."

Watching Baron Raven's departing figure, I couldn't help but feel a pang of regret, realizing that I had almost become a wandering nobleman myself.

Wait, that's not right. I don't think I'm in such a bad situation. I can go to the capital to find my mom.

Hmm~ Speaking of finding Mom, this really needs to be put on the agenda. It seems the old man has a lot of troublesome things to deal with.

I estimate I won't be able to get away for at least six months, so I'll have to let my eldest son take over.

But the old man is really something. As an earl, he owns such a large territory as Hailan, yet he's dirt poor.

If you have a little money, raise more mages, buy more magical equipment, and just stand on the city wall and smash everything.

As for almost being wiped out by a small army of ghouls, it's embarrassing to even mention it.

"Young Master Haven, may I have this dance?"

Just as Haven was leaning against the pillar, lost in thought, he heard a clear voice greeting him.

When she came to her senses and looked over, she saw a little girl in a light green evening dress talking to her. She had a head of dark brown hair braided into a loose braid that hung down her back, and a few small freckles on her cheeks. She was looking at her with expectant eyes.

"Hmm~
It's nice to meet you, but I can't dance, so you'll have to find someone else.

Hearing that Haven had rejected her invitation without even asking her name, the girl was a little sad and turned away dejectedly.

Hehehehe~
"Young Master Haven, that's a lovely little girl, and you just rejected her like that."

Hearing the voice behind him, he turned around and saw Aurelion, dressed in white robes, holding a wine glass and looking at him.

"Hello, Lord Aurelion"

Hmm~ Although he had just heard his father and Earl Morrie's condemnation and insults against the Eternal Flame, the polite young master Havent still bowed very respectfully to Aurelion.

"Hahaha, no need to call me sir, just call me Aurelion."

After speaking, he very casually clinked glasses with Haven.

Are clergy allowed to drink alcohol?

"Ok?"

Aurelion clearly hadn't expected the Hylan heir to have such a peculiar focus.

"Ah, sure. The doctrines of the Eternal Flame aren't that strict."

Some of our monks are even allowed to marry and have children.

"Wow! Is it that free? I thought I'd have to be like a monk, unable to eat meat, drink alcohol, or have sex."

Although he didn't quite understand some of the words in Haven's speech, he still smiled and said...

"I'm not very familiar with the monks you're talking about, but there is indeed a type of ascetic in the church that fits the situation you just described."

Young Master Haven is truly a learned man.

Looking at the other person's bright smile always feels awkward, like having a teacher sitting next to you in class, making you feel suffocated.

"No, no, Lord Aurelion, you flatter me."

"Shouldn't you be with my father and the others right now? After all, this is your welcome banquet."

Aurelion finished his drink and, just like Havent had done, leaned against another pillar.

"Earl Hyland and Earl Morley said they had important matters to discuss and would not be back for a while."

I saw you from the high platform and felt we clicked, so I came over to chat for a bit. You don't mind, do you?

Hearing Aurelion's words, I couldn't help but give him the middle finger in my mind. You've already said that, how can I say I mind?

"Um.....

Hahaha.....

"Of course I don't mind. It's a very pleasant thing to chat with Lord Aurelion."

After Haven finished speaking, it felt a bit fake, but he didn't know what he was saying, and the atmosphere gradually became awkward.

In the end, it was Aurelion who broke the somewhat awkward silence.

"Havent, you're a magician, right? Why didn't you enroll at the Royal Magic Academy?"

"Hmm, a low-level mage. I'm planning to go there in a while."

"Well, you're so smart, I'm sure you'll have a very smooth journey on the path of magic."

By the way, the Cathedral of the Eternal Flame is in the capital city; you can visit it. Amanata will bless everyone who visits.

"Okay, if I have time when I go to the capital in the future, I will definitely pay a visit."

Just as the two were chatting idly, Count Hyland and Count Mori returned to the banquet with grim faces.

Seeing the two return, Haven breathed a sigh of relief and quickly said...

"Lord Aurelion, Father and the others are back. Let's go over there. We're so sorry to have kept you waiting so long."

Before Aurelion could answer, Havent gestured for him to proceed and walked toward the platform.

Watching Havent's retreating figure, Aurelion's smile grew even gentler as he followed Havent back to the high platform.

The two, still processing the message from the soldiers, looked up to find Havent rolling his eyes and Aurelion, a few steps behind with a wide smile.

"Ah~ I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Lord Aurelion."

"It's alright, Earl Morrie. I had a very pleasant chat with Haven. It's been a long time since I've seen such an interesting young man."

After saying that, he gave Haven a friendly nod.

"You two don't look well; has something happened? Dawn Guard is willing to do everything in our power to help."

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(End of this chapter)