Wizard: Surviving in the Steam Age with Points for Demon Hunter

Chapter 460 The Banquet

Nighttime.

The red moon seemed brighter than ever before, casting more light upon the rebuilt city-state of Castel, turning it the color of newly brewed red wine.

Crimson red, magnificent, yet it harbors a sinister power that causes people to undergo deformities.

The Montoya family resides deep within the Natoli district. This not-so-ancient noble family has been revitalized since Janar Phillips Montoya was elected governor of the Castel city-state.

The entire city-state of Castel, including its council and the council of nobles, became well-organized under the leadership of Yanar after he took office as governor.

With Old Ernst no longer holding them back, the various families of the Noble Council focused their attention on city-state building, factory management, and transoceanic trade.

After the Glorious Society made its internal decision regarding the "Emperor" position in the Kordo Sea, Silvia of the Northern Continent rose to power, and the Glorious Society, this ancient and secretive noble organization, became less mysterious.

Because of the Silvira family, the Glory Society and the Ghost School have become increasingly close, and their influence has gradually spread from the Northern Continent to the Eastern and Western Continents.

Therefore, many nobles in the Kingdom of Charlotteland in the Eastern Continent, after learning about the relationship between Wayne and the city-state of Caster, used their influence to provide some convenience to the city-state of Caster to varying degrees.

The new nobles of Castel City took advantage of this opportunity and made a fortune, with their gold pounds piling up like a small mountain.

To welcome Wayne, Yanar hosted a grand banquet at his estate.

The newly built aristocratic mansion has a spacious hall that can accommodate a hundred people.

The floor was covered with a soft purple carpet from the Republic of Drake, with gold and silver threads woven into the edges in a purple-gold flower pattern, simple yet luxurious.

The portico and dome are carved with reliefs, interwoven with blue and gold colors, depicting none other than how the city-state of Castor withstood the great tsunami during the apocalypse of the deep sea.

Only in an inconspicuous corner are depicted the nobles led by Yanar, as well as the city-state's secret police, guards, and council officials. The majority of the space is devoted to the group of great pirates who came to the rescue.

Behind them, a massive silhouette was outlined in an extremely subtle way—dim black lines, like mist, formed a black wizard's robe. The face was not clear, but one could see the young man's angular features and a pair of blood-red eyes.

Furthermore, at the intersection of the domes, on the left chest of the wizard's robe, is the mark of the "Ghost School"—a scarlet eye in black flames, gazing directly below.

Besides the Montoya family, all members of the council and noble committee of the city-state of Caster were present, along with many noble ladies, all dressed in luxurious and appropriate attire.

Accompanied by the melodious Sanon tunes, younger aristocratic men and women twirled on the dance floor.

The older members, such as Yanar, stood in a corner of the hall, talking quietly and occasionally chuckling.

However, beneath the seemingly relaxed surface, everyone's gaze would unconsciously drift toward the spiral staircase at the back of the lobby, toward the second-floor corridor protected by golden railings.

"Your Excellency, when will Wizard Wayne make his appearance?" a nobleman with a thick mustache and a family crest pinned to his chest asked in a low voice.

"Old John, you think too highly of me," Yanar said with a smile and a shake of his head. "I am merely the one who initiated the banquet and cannot influence Wizard Wayne's decision."

Janar paused, then used his wine glass to slightly cover his mouth and whispered:

"As you know, Wizard Wayne only came because of Lacey. Young people like him have common topics to discuss, unlike us..."

An outstanding politician and aristocrat must always display the unparalleled superiority of his family.

The Montoya family's capital lies in the favor of Wizard Wayne, and this capital can last for countless years, as long as Lacey is there, as long as Wayne... Under normal circumstances, the lifespan of a legendary wizard far exceeds that of an ordinary superhuman.

Especially a ghostly wizard who wanders between the world of the dead and the living, can still live on as a spirit even after his physical body perishes.

In Yanar's not-so-poor knowledge, it was the Montoya family that disappeared into the river of time, while Wizard Wayne was still alive.

The bearded nobleman offered a timely, flattering smile: "Lassie has done a good job in the Secret Investigation Department. With her around, the city-state of Caster hasn't had any trouble caused by mutated creatures for a long time."

"Sir John is right," a lady standing beside him chuckled, covering her mouth to reveal two sparkling gems on her fingers, her eyes fixed on Yanar.

"Your Excellency, it's time to choose a suitable husband for Director Lacey."

"It just so happens that my nephew, Viscount Roland, heir to the Kite Family of the Kingdom of Divana, will be visiting the city-state of Caster soon."

Yanar took in her expression and politely declined, saying, "Lassie has her own ideas, and as her father, I respect all her decisions, including her choice of marriage."

Sir John glanced at the lady with a hint of disdain, but maintained his composure and said:

"Mrs. Henry, your nephew is indeed excellent, but it depends on who he is compared to. If Director Lacey wants to get married, given her relationship with Wizard Wayne, she can easily find a partner with excellent status, position, and strength."

"Even the Silvila family of the Northern Continent would not refuse the matchmaking of Wizard Wayne."

Lady Henry glanced at him with her beautiful eyes and said with a smile, "Thank you for reminding me, Sir John. I almost forgot that the heir of the Silvia family—that Lady Theresa—is a student of Wizard Wayne."

Sir John ignored her, raised his glass and clinked it against Anna's, and smiled:

"I've had several contacts with the Silvila family, and during those times I even mentioned Wizard Wayne through Director Lacey's connections. Hmm... they've already agreed to sign a contract with me to purchase a batch of steel."

"Oh?" Nar said with a smile, "Then congratulations."

Sir John took a sip of red wine and said, "It is thanks to Wizard Wayne that the name 'Castor' has spread throughout the Northern Continent. If the city-state needs gold pounds for future development, I hope Your Excellency will speak up."

Yanar raised an eyebrow, recalling the plan that Lacey had told him earlier, and did not refuse his kindness.

"There is something that requires everyone's participation, but today is not the right time. Let's welcome Wizard Wayne first. Tomorrow, I will have someone prepare a detailed plan and bring it to the committee for everyone to discuss."

"I'm really looking forward to it..."

At the end of the second-floor corridor, a heavy, deep purple wooden door is decorated with gold-lacquered patterns, as intricate and beautiful as ukiyo-e prints on a classical church.

A wooden door was half-open, from which came Marco's mischievous laughter: "Director Lacey, what kind of husband are you looking for? Wayne and I would be happy to help."

Holding Tina, who had just arrived through the theater space, Wayne noticed that Lacey's face was unusually flushed, and couldn't help but say:

"If Lacey is interested, the Silvia family is indeed a good choice."

Tina, now a little older, stared with her bright eyes and nodded blankly, saying, "If Wayne can help, so can Tina."

Lacey instantly lost her composure, gritting her teeth as she punched Marco on the head. "Are you planning to introduce me to pirates?"

"Huh?" Marco rubbed his head and said, "What's wrong with being a pirate? I'm the captain of the Black Pearl!"

"If you want, everyone except Captain Isabello... how about First Mate Jack? Black Jack is incredibly strong... Hey, stop hitting me, stop hitting me..."

Lacey, unable to bear it any longer, punched him repeatedly.

To be fair, Lacey in her "rage" state truly lived up to her title as the Director of the Secret Investigation Department; her extraordinary level of governance made her fists as hard as iron hammers.

"Lassie, if you keep being so violent, you'll become as violent as Lottilia. Because she's so violent, no man dares to get close to her..."

Lacey hit even harder.

Wein and Tina watched with amusement, finding a rare moment of relaxation.

After playing around, Lacey temporarily let Marco go and sat on the sofa with her arms crossed.

"Wein, I have relayed the plan you mentioned to Father, and he will hold a meeting to discuss it tomorrow."

Wayne sat lazily beside her, eating pastries with Tina on the table, and said:

"There's no need to rush. It will take time before we can use the rune cards in the city-state."

"Anyway, thank you for thinking of Caster," Lacey said earnestly.

"This city-state will always welcome you."

Marco couldn't help but laugh, which earned him a furious glare from Lacey.

"Don't look at me like that. I was just thinking that after that night, the city-state of Castor put Wayne on its unwelcome list, and so did Tina."

Lacey's anger vanished instantly, and she chuckled awkwardly twice, saying, "That list was canceled long ago, after the Church of Storms replaced the Church of Dawn. Wayne knows that, right?"

Wayne smiled and nodded. "I don't mind."

A flawless version after careful inspection!

Given his current status and strength in the original world, he certainly doesn't need to care about a small list.

"Lassie, you don't need to be nervous. I chose Caster City-State simply because it is the place that holds the deepest memories for me."

He arrived in this world in the city-state of Caster, and it can be said that Lacey, Marco, and Carly and Euan had the deepest influence on him.

In addition, there are the family treasuries of the nobles of the current city-state of Caster...

In Wayne's perception, the vaults of the noble mansions in the Natole neighborhood were quite wealthy, with each gold pound gleaming brightly and attracting attention.

Fortunately, he was no longer the poor wizard apprentice with only two gold pounds he once was; otherwise, he would have definitely considered becoming a qualified and noble noble thief.

However, because of this, Wayne decided to start his "Runeboard Civilian Project" in the city-state of Caster, transforming the city-state into the magical metropolis he had shown Theresa and the others.

Lacey felt a warmth in her heart as she looked at Wayne's smiling face.

With the disparity in their status and strength, she could no longer treat Wei En the same way as before. Even if Wei En didn't care, she couldn't help but pay attention.

—Because the man standing in front of her at this moment was no longer a rookie investigator in the Secret Investigation Division, but the "God Eater" Wayne Loft, whose name resounded throughout the four continents!

His story spread to every corner of the world by bards after the end of the "Deep Sea Apocalypse," and even during the three years he was out of sight, countless people still sang his name.

"Wein, all the guests have arrived."

At this moment, Lacey stood up and smoothed her evening gown.

Wayne patted Tina to get up, straightened the hem of her little dress, and led her out with one hand on Tina's arm and the other on Lacey's arm.

Marco followed behind them, his face filled with envy, muttering words of envy to himself.

The four of them pushed open the heavy wooden door together, walked through the long corridor with reliefs, and through the gaps in the golden railings, they could see the main hall below at a glance.

Arnal stood in the center of the dance floor, surrounded by circles of nobles in formal attire, all looking up at the staircase until they saw Wayne appear.

"Warrior Wayne, welcome."

Beneath his black hair, a peaceful smile graced his fair and strong face as he nodded slightly.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Governor Montoya."

Yanar's slightly plump body trembled uncontrollably as he looked around with a bright smile.

Look at this, this is the power of the Montoya family!

However, the nobles around him only had eyes for Wayne, seeing his figure as if they were seeing a dazzling jewel.

If they weren't mindful of their noble status, they wouldn't have bowed so reservedly.

"Welcome, Wizard Wayne."

"welcome……"

Wayne took it all in, smiling at everyone until he was completely immersed in the group.

"The banquet officially begins!"

……

Just as the Montoya family manor was in a frenzy over Wayne's arrival, a few blocks away on the top floor of the cathedral, McCallister was feigning composure.

The murals on the dome were tinged with a dullness by the glow of the red moon, but driven by the source of the storm, the distorted power no longer took effect.

So this was not the reason for Macallist's panic. What concerned him was the lady sitting opposite him in a sky-blue gauze dress—the real-life incarnation of Bertolise, the Storm Lady who controls storms and the power of freedom!

"Ms. Bertollis, you must believe that Wizard Wayne is very busy."

"Too busy to attend worldly banquets?" Bertolice leaned back on the soft sofa, her eyes passing through the cathedral and landing on the Montoya family manor.

McAllister coughed twice and chuckled dryly, "He will meet with you tonight."

"Oh, so did you tell him about the six points I mentioned?" Bertolice slowly raised her left leg and crossed it over her right leg, revealing her fair and smooth skin beneath the slit in her skirt on the outside of her thigh.

"I'm sorry, Wizard Wayne said ten o'clock," McAllister replied truthfully.

It's quite impressive to have this righteous god, who only possesses a weak "real" kingdom, face the Storm Lady, who has been famous for four eras, all by himself...

Bertolice glanced at him, remained silent for a long time, and then a charming smile appeared on her face:

"Then let's follow Wizard Wayne's schedule. I... am not in a hurry."

He was really curious about what the little guy protected by the "Clothes of the World" would say.

Surely you wouldn't want to mention that marriage that was supposed to "form a family" to Him?

If this were the case, Eve Hendrix, the "Saint of Freedom," would probably faint from excitement...