The banquet hall was over a basketball court long. The hall was decorated with colorful curtains made of silky fabric, antiques that seemed to be expensive as the servants were extra careful around them, paintings, and vases of strange shapes and designs.

Tables made out of brown wood were placed in an orderly manner with the red table clothes over them. Various Magical Beast meat with salad and sweets were on the tables on silver plates. The musicians were playing a mild tune with their strings and other instruments.

Karna met up with Ron while heading toward the banquet hall and both of them together arrived.

The Guard who was standing beside the door announced the arrival of Ron and Karna as he saw them heading his way.

"Lord Marquis Zarx and Young Master Rudra Zarx are entering." The guard announced with a straight face.

The clammer inside the banquet hall ceased as everyone waited in anticipation of the arrival of the Zarxs'.

The lighting in the hallway was dim so no one could see the father and son's faces. Gradually, the both of them reached the hall and they stepped in.

The bright light shone on both of their faces as everyone saw the Noble and Dignified visage of Ron and the Handsome and devilish visage of Rudra.

As Ron was somewhat famous in the empire due to his exploits during the war and his strength, many people knew how he looked and his characteristics were famous in the empire.

However, not many people had seen Rudra as he only went to the Imperial Capital In the Academy when he was little. After that, he mostly trained his skills In the Zarx Territory and then the incident happened.

So when Karna appeared in the princely attire, that with his warrior-built body left a deep impression on everyone.

The banquet hall was filled with rich families of Bronzwood county, Count Walker's trusted subordinates, military leaders, merchants, and all their families. When few of the ladies saw Karna's looks they began gossiping.

"Oh My, Cornelia. Do you see him? if you can even become his concubine then we can keep our heads high in society." A charming lady said to her daughter.

"Heh, Your daughter? what a joke!" Another lady said under her breath mockingly.

The lady glared at the woman who had said the provoking remark, her lips curled upwards as she replied,

"Hmph, could it be that you want to..... Oh my, forgive me! I almost forgot that you don't have any children."

The woman trembled with rage, it seemed that was her weak spot.

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Karna of course had no idea that two women had fought over him. He was just watching everything in bewilderment trying to stay as calm as possible.

Karna realized that he was not ready to become the center of attention like this. He began searching for Lara but then he realized that a mere Maid had no right to attend the banquet with her Lord. Karna cursed his bad luck.

Somehow he managed to keep himself together as he began hiding from eye contact, his shoulders became stiff giving off an unapproachable aura.

This behavior, however, was exactly by Rudra's characters. Everyone misunderstood Karna to be a lone wolf high above others not even bothering to glance at anyone.

This temperament was very much likable to females as countless young girls' heart's skipped beats.

Suddenly the murmurs subsided as the sound of footsteps sounded coming from the stage. Everyone looked toward the front. Karna sighed with relief,

Bryan Walker had arrived with his family, there was his wife who had a sweet smile on her face, despite being the mother of two her skin seemed to be glossy and smooth without any wrinkles whatsoever. Her every move was elegant and filled with grace. She wore a white dress which was embodied with jewels and pearls.

Then there was Count Walker's daughter who was similar to her mother. she was tall and fair with a plump figure, although just like her mother; her looks weren't 'heavenly' so to speak but her temperament and aura gave off a special charm.

And finally, there was Count Walker's son, he looked the same as before. sharp gaze like a dagger, black attire, and long hair. He had a sword hung on his waist which was fancier than the previous one.

The boy shot a glance toward Rudra and after seeing the sword on his waist he averted his gaze pretending not to have looked in the first place.

Count Walker stood on the stage and addressed the entire hall,

"Welcome everyone. Today we are having Marquis Zarx as a guest in our County. In his honor, I have arranged this banquet. So do not hold back and enjoy yourself to the fullest!"

Cheers and claps erupted as Count Bryan finished his little speech. Everyone combined their chatter. The ladies gossiped about various things happening in the empire. Some began having their fill and some hesitated to come toward the Zarxs'.

The ones who were hesitant backed off as they saw Count Bryan walking over to Ron and Rudra with his family.

Count Bryan and his family got to where Ron and Rudra were. Count Bryan began introducing them with enthusiasm,

"Marquis Zarx, This is my wife - Eliana Walker," Bryan said with a proud expression on his face as he introduced Eliana. He seemed to be very happy to have a wife way out of his league.

Eliana curtsied with grace and elegance, with an eloquent speech she said,

"I have heard much about your exploits in the war, Lord Zarx. Now I see myself that the rumors were indeed very undermined." Eliana said in awe.

"Hahaha. You jest, lady Eliana. The soldiers are the real heroes who shed blood for the good of the empire!" Ron said his honest thoughts.

Eliana nodded,

"It's indeed an undeniable fact, but the tales of your bravery are also facts.. isn't that so?" Bryan said with a hint of admiration in his tone.

Ron said nothing and just smiled.

Bryan understood that Ron did not want to continue on this topic so he tactfully changed the topic,

"These are my children, Mia and Joseph."

Mia curtsied similarly to her mother. it seemed that she had received proper training in the ways of noblewomen.

Mia too said some flattering things about Ron and turned her attention toward Karna.

"I have heard that Young Lord Rudra is quite adequate in swordsmanship," Mia said shyly as she twiddled with her fingers.

"Oh? It's no big deal." Karna said in a bold manner trying to put up Rudra's persona.

Mia smiled in a charming manner that was powerful enough to seduce any man.

And sure enough, Karna was inwardly startled. he quickly averted his gaze as he wished for the banquet to end as soon as possible.