Chapter 503: The Banquet at Gail Baron

Gervas said so, but he didn’t mind—he knew what those Mi Gen fellows were thinking.

Besides, he looked up toward the castle and saw it lit up with lanterns, bustling with festivity.

Meanwhile, inside Gail Baron’s Castle.

Today, Gail Baron’s Castle was brightly lit, and the banquet hall was filled with loud chatter.

Because today was a good day for the Gail Baron’s domain.

Baron Andrew had three sons.

The eldest, Ernst; the second, Gervas; the third, Laniel.

The eldest, needless to say, was the family heir, and the second son, Gervas, had luckily become a lord.

Though still on the frontier, he was still a lord, so Andrew didn’t need to worry too much.

It was the third son, Laniel, who, as Mary’s biological son, had been spoiled excessively by Mary, making him lazy since childhood, only interested in eating, drinking, and amusement.

If Andrew hadn’t been strict when at home, Laniel might truly have become a complete waste.

Of course, previously, even when forced, Laniel had trained—but his progress was slow.

Under normal circumstances, he might not become a Bronze Knight until his twenties.

But all of that changed after Gervas sent the family large quantities of demonic beast meat and magical potions.

Under the nourishment of magical potions and demonic beast meat, Laniel had sensed the presence of battle aura just over ten days ago.

That meant Laniel had entered the Great Knight rank, and becoming a Bronze Knight was now within reach.

Though their expectations for the third son had never been high, in a minor noble family, this was still a major event.

Thus, Andrew invited neighboring nobles to host this celebration banquet.

It was also a subtle bit of boasting.

Of course, this was standard practice among nobles.

Nobles had little entertainment in daily life—banquets were their greatest pleasure.

At the same time, using banquets to display family achievements had become routine.

“Hahaha! Congratulations, Andrew! Your Gail family is truly rising—not only has your second son Gervas become a baron lord!”

“Now even your third son has broken through to Great Knight at such a young age!”

“That’s right, Andrew! Your Gail family is on the rise! Don’t forget us when you do!”

In the banquet hall, several barons raised their cups to praise Andrew.

Though most of this praise was just empty flattery.

After all, if this counted as rising, then “rising” was far too cheap.

But people flatter each other to keep the peace—today they praised Andrew loudly, so tomorrow Andrew would praise them just as loudly.

That way, everyone could enjoy the banquet smoothly.

“Hahaha! Gentlemen, you’re exaggerating too much!”

“Though our Gail family has seen a bit of improvement lately, ‘rising’ is still too strong a word!” Andrew was humble—he understood this was all formal talk.

“Pfft! Father, Andrew Baron actually has self-awareness! After all, that Gervas—though he became a lord—is said to be a death zone where three barons have died in ten years!”

“And as for Laniel—he may sense some battle aura, but I’ve seen him—he’s a waste. Even with battle aura, it’s useless!”

At that moment, a faint snicker rang out.

Though faint, it was clearly heard by everyone at the long table.

Instantly, the guests’ expressions turned awkward; Andrew frowned and turned toward the father and son on his right.

“Mayers, what are you saying? Apologize to Baron Andrew right now!”

The father and son beside Andrew were Viscount Pat and his second son.

As neighbors, Andrew had naturally invited Viscount Pat.

In the past, Viscount Pat had rarely attended such events.

After all, he was a viscount—a man of status.

Unless it was a birthday celebration or another major banquet, he wouldn’t deign to come.

This time, he’d heard that the Gail family’s second son had also become a lord—a family with two barons.

Though that second son, Gervas, was stationed on the frontier, it still earned him a higher regard from Viscount Pat.

So he’d reluctantly come, as a gesture of goodwill toward the Gail family.

After all, whether or not the Gail family rose further, he stood to gain nothing—only wasting half a day!

But he hadn’t expected his second son to be so foolish as to say such unpleasant things in front of everyone.

He said it—and loudly, at that.

That was clearly a slap in the face of the Gail family.

Of course, Viscount Pat wasn’t overly concerned.

He was certain Andrew wouldn’t react violently over such a trivial matter.

“Father, I’m just stating facts… Fine! Baron Andrew, I spoke out of turn!”

Under his father’s pressure, his son reluctantly apologized.

Though his tone and expression showed no remorse, Andrew, as expected, immediately took the opening to save face.

His previously sour expression softened as he pretended: “Hehe, Viscount Pat, children’s words—I wouldn’t take them seriously.”

Other minor nobles, though their glances varied, all laughed loudly in unison and raised their cups again.

Viscount Pat’s lips curled into a barely noticeable smile.

This was the symbol of status.

His Pat family had built its current strength and foundation over generations.

This moment was the tangible reward of generations of hard work.

These barons—even if insulted—had to endure it.

“My lord, urgent report!”

As Viscount Pat thought this, a knight rushed into the banquet hall and approached Andrew.

The nobles exchanged glances—on such an occasion, a knight arriving in full armor was a grave breach of etiquette.

Though Andrew frowned, he knew his subordinate wouldn’t act so rudely without reason.

“Knight Captain Rot, what is it?”

“My lord, the guard unit reports: a count’s party has arrived outside the town—over a thousand people, including at least two hundred cavalry and five hundred fully armed guards. They say they wish to spend the night in Spring Day Town…”

“A count’s party? Two hundred cavalry, five hundred guards? Wanting to spend the night in Spring Day Town?” Andrew’s expression changed.

The nobles who had overheard also exchanged uneasy glances.

Spring Day Town was some distance from the Royal Highway, so major noble parties rarely passed through.

But now, this party hadn’t just passed—it wanted to stay overnight, which was definitely a problem.

Not only were such great nobles themselves arrogant, but their subordinates were no better.

If they caused trouble in the town, would you intervene or not?

If you did, you’d have to see what kind of person the noble was.

A reasonable one might pretend to punish them.

But if he was unreasonable, he might ignore you entirely—then what would become of your lord’s dignity?