As we entered, all eyes turned to us, the crowd regarding the Empress with disdain. One courtier sneered, "What's the blazing demon doing here?"
Ignoring them, she continued walking. A Duke's son, fat and arrogant, declared loudly, "The blazing demon's here! Who invited her? She's a demon and should be eradicated!"
She seemed ready to unleash her power, but I intervened, my voice arrogant and shameless. "Isn't this Lihro Jake's son, almost disowned by his family for being a scum?"
Silence fell. The chubby boy's face flushed with anger and embarrassment. "How dare a servant speak so arrogantly?" he roared.
Before he could continue, I subtly used the Grabbing Shallow technique to fling a nearby glass of water into his face. I stifled laughter, tears welling in my eyes. No one knew I'd done it; most present were knights or mages, unfamiliar with cultivator techniques.
The Empress, who was about to silence them, chuckled, a whisper only I heard: "My, so bold. Aren't you afraid of the consequences?" She was surprised; most servants would stay silent. Her amusement was evident in her icy expression.
As the chubby boy sputtered, demanding to know who'd done it, the banquet began. Empress Sophia, noticing the tension, smiled, "What's all this commotion?"
The chubby boy pointed at me, accusing me of humiliation. Seeing the Empress with me, I bowed respectfully, feigning innocence, "My Lady Sophia, he offended the Empress! Is that not verbal abuse?"
He retorted, "She's a demon!" I responded playfully yet coldly, "Why don't you lose some weight first? And Sophia invited the Empress."
He flushed, speechless. Saminah would have settled this with force, but Sophia called everyone to attention.
"Now, now. This is my daughter's engagement. Let's forget what just happened," she declared, her voice sweet, yet subtly dangerous.
Her beauty was goddess-like, rivaling Saminah's. Her silver hair and eyes, white dress and snow-white skin could make any man drool, but she was a seven-star mage; she destroyed an entire forest with one spell. The tale of her subduing one hundred million demons sent shivers down my spine.
Two young people descended the stairs. Fiona, with silver hair and striking green eyes, beautiful and about sixteen or seventeen, and Tristan, the Emperor of the Sword Kingdom's son, handsome and well-built. I also noticed Gab, the story's protagonist, gritting his teeth in jealousy.
Gab, Fiona's childhood friend, couldn't accept her arranged marriage to the prince. He'd trained relentlessly since learning about the marriage and will challenge Tristan—the loser loses Fiona. He'll achieve renown by defeating a mid-stage two-star opponent while only a one-star himself. Such a feat is considered impossible, but he'll earn the title "The Prodigy."
"Typical MC fight," I chuckled. Still only at the third stage of Qi Gathering, I'm an easy target. Breaking through to Foundation Establishment would allow me to defeat him, but that's the next banquet. There he will reject the marriage, receive his system upgrade, and leave for three months.
Empress Saminah and I ascended to the upper floor, where Empress Sophia waited. I stood assisting them while watching the play unfold. Fiona avoids Gab, seemingly dull and emotionless, feeling guilty about her arranged marriage. Gab feels betrayed.
My loud chuckle alerted Saminah, "What's so funny?" she asked.
"The drama's quite amusing," I replied. Before she could respond, Sophia greeted us, "Oh my, a servant! You haven't had one around for some time." Her soft chuckle followed as two maids attended her and Saminah softly chuckled as we continued to watch the drama unfold with amused expressions
Just breathing The same air with this lady felt unworthy already i sigh We'll perhaps
i could enhance my look once i go to higher realm
Just