The Banquet continued.

Everyone was doing their own thing, some were discussing matters of the empire while some were gossiping about the latest news.

Karna was awkward as this was his first banquet and he did not know what to talk about so he just decided to eat.

Ron and Bryan were discussing the geopolitical situation of the continent and the new laws endorsed by the emperor. Ron remembered that he required some good-quality wood between the conversation,

"Lord Bryan, I need 10 tons of brown wood. What's going to be the prize?"

"That's quite a large amount, If you don't mind... what are you going to do with it?" Bryan asked curiously.

"Not at all, I'm going to begin a Large scale construction project in the territory. That's why I need so much wood." Ron answered without any change in his expression.

"I see, since your lordship is buying it in a bulk I will give you a 10% Discount. Originally it would have been 500,000 gold Hons, with the discount it will be 450,000 gold Hons."

Ron understood that Bryan wanted to show his goodwill and maintain good relations. Although 500,000 gold Hons' was a huge amount it was nothing to Ron.

This world had a currency called Hons, Naturally, Hons was the currency of the Ascar Empire and every nation had its own currency.

There were Terl Hons, Silver Hons, And Gold Hons. There was one of the metals in this world. It was similar to copper but had more electric conductivity. Obviously tho, no one knew about Electricity but they sure knew about lightning.

100 Terl Hons made for one Silver Hon. 200 Silver Hons made for one Gold Hon. In this world, having a Gold Hon was like a divine blessing for the commoners. That's because you only needed a few silver Hons or a few hundred Terl Hons.

Ron and Bryan shortly concluded their deal after some more talks.

Suddenly, Bryan's gaze turned towards Karna who was currently having a meal on his lonesome. A look of contemplation appeared on his face before quickly disappearing.

Ron obviously noticed,

"What is it?" Ron asked curiously.

"Oh, Forgive me. I just think that you are quite lucky to have a son like him. I too have heard that he is a genius." Bryan said a strange look flashing in his eyes.

"Haha, Not at all. Your son looks quite fierce as well. He seems to be quite the youngster."

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Bryan smiled, it could be seen that he doted on his children very much. Especially his son.

Bryan turned toward Ron as he pointed at Mia.

"Lord Ron, My daughter seems to be fond of your son. As far as I know... Rudra's coming-of-age ceremony will be next year and he will have to perform the 'Rite of Valor'. After that, according to tradition, he will have to take a wife."

Ron understood what Bryan wanted to say. He sighed hopelessly.

"Forgive me, Lord Bryan. This brat is very stubborn and always refuses to marry. I have tried to persuade him many times. but...."

Bryan thought that Ron was just making excuses to delay the matter. He did not insist anymore.

"I see. These things cannot be decided on the spur of the moment. But I hope you keep my daughter in mind when Rudra agrees."

"Surely" Ron replied awkwardly as he thought of the upcoming event in the Blue Isle City."

While Ron And Bryan were speaking, on the other hand.

Joseph was observing Rudra who was currently having a meal like a hooligan. Although Rudra was taking mannerism lessons from Lara, that's not something anyone can learn in a month or two. Not to mention that Rudra's Inner Orphan would awaken when he saw any delicious food.

'That's him?' Joseph thought as he knitted his brows.

'This is Rudra Von Zarx who was at the top of the Imperial Academy among all? how could this be? He's nothing but a pretty face!' Joseph thought as he looked at Rudra who had some food crumbs left near his mouth.

To say the least, Joseph was very disappointed seeing Rudra.

Joseph was 17 years old and yet he was a 1st High Ranked warrior. But Rudra was rumored to be a 2nd Low Ranked Warrior even before he fell into a coma which was three years ago. Every Noble family urged their youths to take inspiration from a genius like Rudra, Joseph was no different. As a result, he had always anticipated meeting the person he had heard so much about and he had great expectations.

But all his hopes seemed to have evaporated in nothingness as he saw 'Rudra' he seemed nothing like a warrior.

Warriors carried themselves in a specific manner while doing anything at all times. They left no holes in their posture, they were always ready to unsheath their swords at a moment's notice.

'Rudra' though, had no such qualities as Joseph observed him. Rudra didn't even seem to notice Joseph's gaze on him as he devoured the food on the table.

Joseph felt betrayed. 'Did I chase after this person all this time?' he felt like a fool. With disappointment, he felt great fury. All his life he had to train himself to inherit his father's position when the time comes and he did a lot of hard work for it.

But seeing someone like Rudra who was famous in the empire for nothing made his blood boil. He decided to expose Rudra.

Joseph walked toward Rudra as he had a contemptuous look on his face. No one noticed as he was heading toward Rudra and even if they did, they would not care much.

Joseph reached where Rudra was. He was munching down the food without any care In the world. He didn't even notice that someone was there.

Joseph was even more furious.

Joseph harrumphed as he drew his sword. The sound of a sword being drawn was loud enough to reach everyone's ears as they all looked in Joseph's direction in surprise and alarm.

Ron and Bryan also looked in their direction. Ron frowned, and Bryan was shocked. Eliana who was speaking with her friends looked at Joseph with concern. Mia looked in amusement.

Karna was not dense enough to not notice a sword being drawn near him. He first wiped the food scraps off his mouth as he realized that it would be quite embarrassing if everyone saw how his face looked right now.

At this point, everyone had looked over in his direction and they only saw Joseph who was near Rudra with his sword unsheathed and Rudra who was leisurely wiping his mouth despite the sword pointed at him.

Everyone misunderstood that Rudra was rather calm and even had the leisure to wipe his face as they looked at him with admiration. This made Joseph even more furious.