While Atem's little game was going on, the party was going on steadily. People mingled with each others. Nobles and beggars alike. The poor ones who got lucky and the strong ones. They were both putting their guards down to learn more from one another. There is a saying that always held true: "Even the lowest of the low have something to teach the strongest of the strong"

Regardless of who you were and where you came from, there were things that you knew and others don't because people are different. That is how life is. A pastry chef and a warrior have nothing in common? Wrong. Bartering, communication, image... There are many topics that can link people of different occupations. And in this place, it was possible to learn this way.

There was a simple and single reason it was such. It's because all those that received the invitation believed and hoped to learn something from coming here. They had the right mindset. As such, they could be more open with each other and in that way, they were truly learning.

Meanwhile at the gate, a noble man was refused entry. He was not quite happy about it but opposite to some was not planning to make a ruckus. Instead, he walked closer to Shady and gave him a pouch with a wink. Shady took the pouch. It was filled with a dozen gold coins. He kept it in his suit. Seeing this, the Nobleman grinned and tried to enter only to be barred entry from the sentinels.

???: What is the meaning of this?!

Shady: You are not a guest, Sir. Please, leave.

???: What?! Then why would you accept the money?!

Shady: Are you insinuating that you tried to bribe me, Sir? Where is your proof?

???: W-what?

Shady: Now, Sir, please leave.

As the Noble was greeting his teeth and fuming with anger, a man screaming to make way approached the entrance. As he saw him, the nobleman was overjoyed. This man was a royal emissary and he was accompanied by a dozen knights. As he reached the gate, the nobleman was first to greet him only to be met with the cold shoulder.

???: I am here on royal orders, right now. I am sorry but your problem will need to wait.

???: T-that's...

After that, the emissary turned to Shady that was guarding the gate.

???: I have here a decree from the King allowing us entry into the residence to take back the Princess.

Shady: May I see it?

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The emissary handed over the parchement with a grin. Shady unfurled it and read its contents. It did state that they would enter for the Princess and to bring her back. There was also the royal seal and seeing the armories of the knights, there were no mistakes to be made. They were the real deal.

So, he burnt the parchment.

Everyone stared straight at him with incomprehension. Then the emissary reacted in anger.

???: How dare you burn down the King's document?! This is high treason! Knights! Arrest this mongrel!

Shady: Where is your proof?

???: My proof? My proof?! I saw you burn down the document! We all did!

Shady: Oh? I did not do such a thing. Where is your proof?

???: Shameless bastard! Knights! Arrest him!

As the knights were ready to move, Shady spoke once more:

Shady: Are you trying to arrest an innocent and honorable man without proof? Do you believe I won't resist such unfairness? Trying to insult my honor by claiming that I burnt the King's document, have you no shame? Knights! Arrest this mongrel!

The knights were unsure of what to do. They had never seen someone so shameless. And someone so shameless with such power. The two shadows moving behind him were the real deal. If those were to attack, they would die. The emissary was powerless. He had been naive this time. Who in their right mind would have the galls to burn the King's papers in front of his knights? This man. One who had the backing of a power strong enough to remain fearless.

The emissary greet his teeth and left fuming in anger as he ordered the knights to remain. At that time, Shady spoke:

Shady: You knights may go in on the condition that you enter solely for the party. Any disturbances would be dealt with appropriately.

The knights looked at their leader who nodded as he said:

???: Confirming the Princess's well-being should be our priority, let's go inside.

And so, a regiment of royal knights joined the party.

In that time, the Princess was moving around with her guards. She had left the boring priestess behind as soon as she could. She only wanted to be with her future husband. Unfortunately, it seems like they were playing cat and mouse as she could see him greeting people left and right but was unable to reach. She was always forced to stop to greet people back herself. Her status was a pain right now.

Shen was only thinking of greeting everyone in hope to find clues about the door that's a window. Without the slightest success so far.

Tempest was drinking with the warriors and excitedly discussing boobs.

And Adeline was outside looking for the Princess until she reached a table where two old men were seated with a bottle of wine and enjoying themselves silently. She recognized them. From not only their faces but their outfit too. She couldn't help but go towards them and bowed:

Adeline: Archpriest Johnson! Archpriest Sendkan! It is an honor to meet you, I am Adeline!

Archpriest Johnson was a bald monk-like goatman while Archpriest Sendkan was a tigerman with a long white beard. They were both donning the archpriest's robes that were similar to her garments except hers did not have the proof of the Archpriest: the six pointed star of silver in the middle. They both smiled at her.

Archpriest Johnson: Priestess Adeline, there is no need to be so formal. It is an honor for us too to meet a future A rank delver priestess. Please, join us for a drink.

Adeline: Y-Yes! Yes, of course!

She was like a little girl meeting her idol. The Popes aside, Archpriests were the highest management of the church and those two were the only ones present in the kingdom. To say that they were the reprensatives of their Churches and basically all the religions in the kingdom was no exaggeration. To meet them like this was an honor, to drink and chat with them her fortune.