Miss Wang Weina, even your cousin won't do!

Sometimes, he really envied these sons of merchants. As a member of the royal family, he had to pay attention to his image at all times and was destined not to be too extravagant in some places. Even though his predecessor had the image of a playboy who spent money like water, he was not his predecessor after all. For Vina's sake, he could not just throw a big banquet.

Moreover, aside from the financial issues, royal banquets usually carry strong political implications, especially given his sensitive status—a prince who should have become emperor but unexpectedly abdicated (the outside world was unaware of the changes at the coronation ceremony; the official statement was that Wayne "abdicated"). By hosting a grand banquet for his ministers and nobles in a luxurious restaurant, even if Vina didn't think much of it, some people with ulterior motives might overinterpret it, which wouldn't be a good thing for him.

While enjoying the conveniences that power brings, one inevitably loses some of the joys of being an ordinary person. Swire can take advantage of a small opportunity to host a grand class reunion, while Wayne is destined to be just a guest at the banquet.

Swire didn't reply to Wayne's sincere praise, but her slightly upturned lips and raised chin, along with the two fluffy ears trembling gently on her golden-orange hair, betrayed her true feelings.

Swire was very pleased!

She had hosted many banquets, both large and small, during her four years at the academy, but this was the only time Wayne attended a party, and the only time a "noble" had joined.

Swire used to have a bad impression of nobles because they were arrogant, stubborn, and only appreciated merchants without respecting them. They always acted as if they were born superior, and even her grandfather had to bow and scrape in front of them. But now, her impression of nobles has changed a little, or rather, her impression of Wayne has inevitably improved.

The internet is the internet, after all. Everything said and done is fake. She can take it as a joke between classmates if Wayne calls her "Miss" a couple of times, but here, Wayne's heartfelt praise and address make her very happy.

This was a nobleman who was not arrogant, conceited, or self-important, and was very easy to get along with. Moreover, he was his classmate!

Although this was their first meeting, it didn't stop them from becoming friends during the remaining months of their university life. Swire was confident that they could become friends during that time.

The second floor of the restaurant had been booked by Swire. The classmates were scattered around different tables, forming small groups of two or three. They didn't talk to each other, but only looked up and greeted Swire when they saw her coming upstairs.

The competition at the Royal Guard Academy is fierce, and they are friends with Swire, but not with all their classmates.

Many people noticed the blond figure walking alongside Swire and the wealthy young lady, and couldn't help but take a second look at Bruce, whose identity in the group had already been labeled "Young Master of Nobility," seemingly wanting to compare the differences between so-called nobles and themselves. As Wayne's gaze shifted, they all subconsciously lowered their heads, as if avoiding the lion's disdain.

After greeting them, Swire led Wayne and Chen Yi into a private room at the far end of the second floor. The table was already full of perfectly grilled meat, with the fat oozing out of the meat patties and making a sizzling sound that made your mouth water. Under the lights, it emitted visible billowing steam.

Swire, as the host, took her seat first. Chen hesitated for a moment before choosing to sit directly opposite Swire, his expression somewhat subtle, as if he had something to say but was hesitant to speak it now. Wayne was the last to sit down, choosing to sit next to Chen.

"It's my treat tonight, eat whatever you want."

The little tiger announced honestly, but without the rudeness of a nouveau riche; instead, she was rather endearing. She picked up her fork and knife, gently cut off a piece of camel meat, put it in her mouth, and chewed with a happy expression on her face—she had finally fulfilled a wish.

Then, she put down her knife, glanced at Wayne who was struggling with a piece of crab meat, smiled with satisfaction, and looked at Chen Shi with a hint of doubt.

"Ah Chen, what happened?"

As Victoria's top supporter, no one dared to claim the top spot. Although she wouldn't admit it herself, it was indeed Chen Huijie who single-handedly promoted Swire. She immediately noticed the hesitation in her best friend's eyes.

Chen is not one to talk about her feelings. If no one asks her, she will keep things bottled up inside until she resolves them on her own or breaks down. Knowing this, Swire chose to ask her directly.

Chen Wenyan's shoulders twitched slightly. After a moment's pause, he put down the knife and fork he was using to cut the steak, looked up at Swire, and said solemnly:

"Poetic sentiments..."

"I'll call an ambulance for you!"

Swire's expression changed, and she frantically pulled out her tiger-shaped phone from her handbag, saying seriously.

Chen's face froze: "What?"

"Chen Huijie actually called my name so seriously even when it wasn't during morning roll call. She must be sick."

The two were silent for two seconds, then smiled at each other simultaneously.

".....puff!"

Chen wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth and looked at Swire with a smile:

"Alright, alright, thank you, Char Siu Cat, that makes things much easier. I'll continue now..."

She paused, then announced:

“Char Siu Cat, I don’t want to stay in Victoria after graduation. I have already submitted an internship application to Wei Yanwu. After graduation, I will return to Lungmen and become an intern police officer in the Lungmen Guard Bureau.”

After speaking, she looked at Swire with anticipation and asked:

"What about you?"

Swire paused for a moment, then involuntarily glanced at Wayne.

she?

If it were in the past, she probably would have accepted Chen's invitation immediately. At that time, she had accomplished nothing in Victoria. Although she had made many friends, she had not yet entered the most crucial aristocratic circles in Victoria, and staying there would have been nothing more than a waste of her youth.

But things are different now. By chance, she has become friends with a young nobleman, and Wayne's noble status is certainly not low. His father has connections with high-ranking officials in the General Staff and can even know the time of the religious reformation ceremony in advance, which has never been leaked before. Although they have only known each other for a short time, this is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With Wayne's help, she can help her grandfather, her family, and maybe even... herself?

This could be the SWIRE family's chance to rise from an ordinary merchant family to an aristocratic family in Victoria. Even if Swire was as carefree as she was, as a well-bred young lady and deeply loved by her grandfather, she couldn't help but hesitate when faced with this opportunity.

If she agrees to go back to Lungmen with Chen, she will have fewer and fewer opportunities to see Wayne in the future. Friendships that are not nurtured will become weak, and this opportunity will undoubtedly slip through her fingers.

However, Swire couldn't bear to see her best friend return to Lungmen alone, enduring the pressures and intrigue of the place, instead of agreeing to Chen's request and choosing to stay in Victoria. As the daughter of the Swire family, she may appear innocent and naive, but she knew better than anyone what lay behind Wei Yanwu and the predicament and pressure Lungmen faced. According to intelligence from her grandfather's informants, the inspections of Lungmen by the red-robed Inspectors had become increasingly frequent in recent years.

Hesitantly, Swire frowned and lowered her head.

Chen seemed to sense his friend's hesitation, pursed his lips, and gave a smile:

"Ah, it's nothing. We were just talking about something unpleasant. Let's talk about what happens after graduation. This religious reformation came so suddenly. The professor might add extra questions to the graduation exam. If I fail, I won't be able to graduate."

"Ah Chen, I..."

Before Swire could finish speaking, Wayne wiped his mouth and took over the conversation.

"As the saying goes, 'A bosom friend afar brings a distant land near' (this was said by Wayne specifically in Yan language). We're classmates, after all. Compared to ancient times, modern times offer more than just letters for communication. We have cell phones, computers, video calls, and telephones—so many ways to stay in touch. It's not like we're facing life or death, so why make it so sentimental?"

Wayne shrugged, knowing it was time for him to demonstrate his strength and impress the two ladies.

He scratched his head, revealing a harmless, shy smile:

“If we really miss each other, we can take a flying machine to Lungmen to see Ah Chen. I have a flying machine too.”

Both Swire and Chen showed a hint of surprise. Wayne nodded in satisfaction, but Swire's brows furrowed again.

"Well, I do have an aircraft, but I don't have a flight license. The key is to be able to freely dock, resupply, and take off at airports within Victoria. But only nobles can obtain those... and..."

Moreover, it's not something that ordinary nobles can obtain.

Swire didn't say those words aloud, but just looked at Wayne.

Friendships require a catalyst. Just as Chen and Swire met through introductions from two elders, they became friends over a morning tea when Swire helped Chen pay the bill after he forgot his wallet. Even the purest friendship can't withstand unconditional freeloading; mutual giving and helping each other are the true testament to friendship.

If Wayne can help her, or rather, if Wayne can just say "I'll get you a flight permit" today, regardless of whether he actually gets the permit or not, Swire and Chen are determined to be friends.

If Wayne does manage to obtain a flight permit, then Swire will have a general understanding of Wayne's true title.

Flight permits require royal approval. To submit an application to the royal family and gain their attention, one must at least be an earl, a knight, or a baron. Barons are simply not qualified.

Swire looked at Wayne, her eyes filled with anticipation.

Wayne, on the other hand, was stunned for a few seconds.

Flight permits? Victoria didn't even have those? And only nobles could get them? How come I didn't know that?

Oh, I am royalty, then it's alright.

Wayne chuckled and nodded: "Flight permit, right? Don't worry, it'll be delivered to Miss tomorrow!"

To everyone's surprise, Wayne agreed so quickly and without hesitation. Swire and Chen were both taken aback, exchanged a glance, and smiled happily.

They made new friends.

Swire smiled and waved his hand, then said:

"No need, Bruce. But applying for this is a lot of trouble. You have to submit an application to the royal family. You've only just inherited the title, so it's not convenient for you. I'll discuss it with my grandfather and spend some money to hire a nobleman to help."

Swire spoke up, but Wayne shook his head firmly.

Is submitting an application to the royal family troublesome? It might be for others, since Wayne and Vina don't really like looking at those densely packed documents, but for Wayne himself, isn't it a piece of cake? As long as Swire gives him the application form, he can sign it and put his fingerprint on it on the spot, take it to the airport, and who would dare to object?

Having just inherited the title, will I leave a bad impression on the royal family? I'm sorry, my title is Prince of Wales, and the Queen is my sister. If I help my classmate get a flight permit in front of my sister, will that leave a bad impression on Vigna? Probably not.

So he waved his hand and patted his chest: "Enough talk, leave this to me."

Raising his glass and pouring himself a glass of red wine, Wayne stood up and clinked glasses with Swire and Chen Yidao:

"cheers!"

Chapter 46 Brother, what are you doing here!

Special private room on the 15th floor of the Elizabeth Hotel, in the heart of Londinium.

The owner of this hotel was once the top general under Queen Elizabeth II. This royal branch, also of the Aslan family, had been lost in the distant Gaul region for a long time due to domestic turmoil. It was not until Queen Elizabeth II was crowned and Victoria regained stability that he finally regained his noble status and returned to Victoria.

There is also a romantic story behind this. It is said that in order to quell the Gallic states that wanted to establish their own independent states during the Victorian turmoil, Queen Elizabeth once personally led a diplomatic mission and troops to the Gallic region, using both kindness and force.

The rebel army in Gaul suffered repeated defeats against Victoria's trump cards, so they sent assassins to carry out a treacherous assassination. During an entry ceremony to recapture a mobile city, the assassin, hidden in the crowd, pointed his gun at the unsuspecting queen. At the critical moment, a man standing in the crowd noticed the assassin's actions, helped the queen block the bullet, and captured the assassin.

After that, Gaul was quickly pacified by an iron fist, and the lost bloodline was successfully returned to the court of Londinium, bringing everything to a happy ending.

However, there are different versions of the story in folklore. The elderly people in the Londinium slum once told Vina, the leader of the Glasgow gang, about the wonderful legend passed down by their grandfather about "the Queen who was rescued by a hero having a secret rendezvous with a collateral relative in a room in the slum".

They even pointed out several buildings in the commoners' district to Vina with great seriousness, confidently promising that these were the places where Her Majesty the Queen and the Prince had their trysts. Unfortunately, Vina, who was very interested in this, asked several people, and each person pointed to different places, such as a vegetable market, a public toilet, or a barren wasteland. Unless some of the Queen's ancestors or the Prince's ancestors had exhibitionism or even more unusual fetishes, they probably would not have chosen these places.

Vina initially thought these baseless rumors were completely unbelievable.

But now that I think about it again...

It's not impossible to believe it...

With a blush, Vina shook her head and looked at Niyan, who was organizing people to keep watch beside her, and the hotel owner who had rushed over to pay his respects after hearing the news.

Strictly speaking, the hotel owner is no longer an Aslan. When this branch of their bloodline was exiled to Gaul, they were forced to intermarry with foreigners. After returning to Londinium, they even voluntarily gave up their right to the throne, preserving the tradition of intermarriage with foreigners. The Aslan bloodline of the hotel owner, Piss, who Vina is now facing, is probably only one-eighth? One-sixteenth? Or even less?

This is probably why they were able to escape unscathed during the King of the North's purge.

Waving her hand to interrupt Boss Piss's attempt to step forward and bow, Vina looked at Mudrock, her brows slightly furrowed, and asked:

"Have you still not been able to contact your brother?"

Mudrock shook his head, reluctantly lowering his hand from the headset next to his helmet, and said in a muffled voice:

"I'm sorry, not yet. His Highness Wayne must be busy. His phone is constantly dialing, but no one is answering."

Vina pouted.

The banquet was ostensibly to celebrate a major victory in the Victorian Reformation, but in reality, it was just Vina finding an excuse to go out for a meal with Wayne.

If Wayne isn't coming, what's the point of her deliberately choosing a hotel like the Elizabeth Grand Hotel, where even touching the chairs exudes luxury? Why not invite Indra and the others, change into some clothes, sneak out of the palace, and sneak off to a street food stall in the commoners' district for a barbecue?

"Seriously, where did that person go?!"

Muttering a dissatisfied grumble, Vina stood up, walked towards the door, waved to Boss Piss who was standing to the side hurriedly bowing and saluting, indicating that there was no need for such formalities, and then quickly walked towards the elevator.

She planned to go out for some fresh air.

Vina didn't really like the feeling of everyone around her being so overly respectful, practically kneeling to speak to her. As a queen of commoner origins, she understood the importance of "respect" better than anyone. The only person present who could be had a normal conversation was Mudrock, the Sarkaz mercenary assigned to her by Vain as her bodyguard. But Mudrock was a taciturn fellow; unless Vina asked him to speak, he wouldn't say a word. Conversations would die within three sentences, and he spent his days just talking to himself, grinning foolishly at the little clay figures he sculpted—he was far from a suitable conversationalist.