Chapter 50: Nitaan’s side

  “My name is Sera, a priestess of the First Knowledge. May I ask if you are a follower of Divine Dreyfus?”

  “I have had the opportunity to visit the temple in my hometown quite often.”

  “My name is Kantat, the youngest son of Lord Valantrai.”

  “I have heard much about Lord Valantrai’s reputation and his valorous act.”

  “My name is Kiangmek, the granddaughter of Lord Thanthaloka. I also serve as an Outer Circle representative of Library.”

  “As expected of the granddaughter of the mighty Lord Thanthaloka, who received esteemed education from Library. Even at first sight, I can sense your excellence.”

  “My name is…”

  “My name is…”

  Nitaan was surrounded by so many young people that he felt a headache coming on. Although each of them seemed to have a significant background, those who approached him were all around his age. It is clear that they want to get to know him while expanding their connection.

  Nitaan wasn’t a social person in the first place, so he was running out of ideas for polite and appropriate ways to respond.

  After 3 or 4 greetings, he just plainly says ‘Hello’ ‘Nice to meet you’ and ‘Thank you’.

  “It’s only been a while, and you’ve become quite the star!”

  A sweet and familiar voice called out, making Nitaan turn around. In front of him was a pretty young woman in her signature bright red dress.

  Nitaan smiled at the familiar face.

  “You’re exaggerating, Ms. Fang Ming. It’s all because of Colonel,” Nitaan smiled. At least he'd finally met someone he knew.

  “I told you, you’d thrive in the capital,” Fang Ming smiled sweetly, walking over to talk to Nitaan. She easily navigated through the crowd of other nobles, using herself as a shield to block others out.

  “There are still many things I can’t adjust to. Like how crowded it is and the temperature. It’s really hard to get used to.” Nitaan smiled faintly. As a capital of the Land of Fire, hot weather becomes symbolic.

  “Woof!”

  Pretty sis! Pretty sis!

  “Kiita, have you been a good boy? I brought you some snacks!” Fang Ming affectionately patted Kiita’s head while giving him a large mooncake.

  Kiita remembered what Nitaan taught him about how to be polite at the banquet. Instead of lying down to nibble on the mooncake, Kiita ate it in one bite to avoid making a mess. He was about to wag his tail happily but then seemed to remember that it is bad to cause trouble. Kiita then composed himself by slowly wagging his tail.

  Fang Ming couldn't help but laugh at Kiita's attempt to maintain politeness.

  "You haven't come to visit me at all. I prepared so many high-quality items, thinking they would be perfect for someone who just moved here," Fang Ming teased.

  "I've been quite busy lately," Nitaan replied with a smile.

  This seemingly ordinary conversation was actually a subtle test of nerves. The underlying meaning was about the agreement with Fang trading group, and the answer was that nothing had been decided yet. For Nitaan, attending this party was like playing a grueling game of chess. Every word and action held a hidden meaning.

  Sigh... there are tigers, lions, bulls, and rhinos everywhere, Nitaan muttered to herself.

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  Colonel Lalanta finally returned with Princess Pailin. Nitaan sensed that Princess Pailin's eyes were brighter than usual, as if something had been lifted off them. More importantly, a confidence she rarely displayed was evident.

  "Woof! Woof!"

  Mood swing! Mood swing!

  Kiita sensing the same thing made Nitaan chuckle. From Kiita's perspective, Princess Pailin was indeed strange. He had always been good at reading facial expressions, so his observation of Princess Pailin's earlier turmoil was clear.

  She was so sad and angry just then, but she was back to being happy again in a matter of minutes.

  Their sense might not be as keen as Colonel Lalanta's, but it was enough for them to know that Princess Pailin was emotionally unstable.

  Well, someone with that much status must have her own stresses. You feel it too, don't you? that she's carrying so much responsibility. Nitaan replied telepathically.

  Kiita tilted his head slightly, his longan seed eyes fixed on Princess Pailin.

  This was what he truly felt. Nitaan's first impression of Princess Pailin was how much she resembled him. Her facial expressions, demeanor, and way of speaking were all artificial, carefully crafted to be undeniably real.

  She, like him, used a facade to adapt to others, avoiding the outside world by wearing a thick mask to conceal her true self.

  He experienced it himself how tired that was.

  Perhaps because she was the same type of person as him, he could sense the immense exhaustion hidden beneath the mask. She might differ somewhat from Nitaan in that she tended to approach others first, enjoying helping people, unlike him, who tended to avoid problems.

  After talking for a while and observing her reaction when he was being harassed by Qianbao Yue, Nitaan suddenly understood another thing. Although she kind of resembles him, they are also completely different.

  She hated herself. She had always tried, yet she never achieved the results she expected.

  Unlike him, who never hated himself, only felt resentment towards his fate.

  He created a facade to make life easier as an orphan, but she created those things to compensate for what she lacked.

  Nitaan felt sympathy and began to understand a little better why the people loved Princess Pailin and why Colonel Lalanta chose to support her.

  Because she never gave up, even though she suffered so much and was so exhausted. She never surrendered, even though no one forced her to try. She still persevered for the kingdom and the people she loved.

  Even Nitaan, who had only known her for less than a day, couldn't help but admire her.

  He had been unwillingly dragged into this political war by Colonel Lalanta, but now he suddenly felt it wasn't so bad if his faction was led by her.

  Their eyes met, and Nitaan felt a certain emotion in those pink eyes.

  Gratitude?

  Why gratitude? Was it about Qianbao Yue? But she should be used to such trivial matters, Nitaan wondered. It’s not like he can just walk up to her face and ask.

  Nitaan put on his fake mask again, flashing a wide smile and bowing respectfully to welcome her and Colonel Lalanta. When Princess arrived, those who had greeted Nitaan naturally turned their attention to her. These were all her supporters, which is why they greeted Nitaan so amicably.

  The other factions completely distanced themselves, no longer offering their usual sarcastic remarks. It seemed his actions just now had given Princess's side the advantage.

  "So, did you get to know any pretty young ladies you liked?" Colonel Lalanta greeted.

  "Is this still not over?" Nitaan sighed for the 43rd time.

  "I won't ask how you were able to do all that earlier, but if you need any help, come to me." Colonel Lalanta winked.

  "By the way, did you plan all of this?" Nitaan couldn't help but ask directly. He had a bad feeling from the start, and what had happened had greatly benefited both Princess Pailin and himself, even if it came with the risk of becoming the center of attention.

  "I did have a plan, and it's already succeeded," Colonel Lalanta smiled, looking at Princess Pailin and Nitaan.

  Nitaan raised an eyebrow in suspicion. They had only been gone for a short time. What exactly had they been up to?

  "About Qianbao Yue, how would I know? My Words of Power don't contain anything that can see the future," Colonel Lalanta shrugged.

  “So you did nothing when the other factions came looking for trouble with me?” Nitaan raised an eyebrow. This was what puzzled him most. Given her personality, Colonel Lalanta would always step forward.

  “What? Are you a mama's boy who always wants his mother's help?” Colonel Lalanta laughed.

  “Please, even though it’s just a small dispute in the banquet, it still concerns Princess Pailin’s reputation.” Nitaan sighed for who knows how many times.

  “Come on, don’t be so strict now. Act a bit more like kids your age.” Colonel Lalanta can’t help but laugh. It seems kids around her can't act their age at all.

  “Even so, I've only recently joined this side. I can't just start causing trouble right away.”

  “Oh, you dare say that? That sneak attack earlier doesn't count as causing trouble?” Colonel Lalanta smirked.

  “What sneak attack?” Nitaan smirked as well.

  “It's not that everyone doesn't know. It's just that most people don't have the evidence. And those who have it choose to let it slide," Colonel Lalanta indirectly warned.

  "Well, I guess there’s nothing to worry about. If you're still standing here instead of being dragged to jail, it means our higher-ups also do their part."

  So I guessed right. Our side also has high-ranking supporters, Nitaan exhaled. He knew how risky his actions were, but he believed Princess Pailin's side would step forward if something major happened. After all, he was brought here by Colonel Lalanta.

  As head of the City Guard Unit, Colonel Lalanta is also considered a high-ranking individual.

  Of course, he wasn't foolish enough to think his actions would go unnoticed. While he could deceive some Enlightened, those stronger might be able to easily see through it. And this hall was part of the palace of the Firegan Kingdom. The place that the most powerful being in the kingdom resides.

  While they were talking, a certain pressure emanated from the grand staircase once again. The atmosphere suddenly became quiet again. Hundreds of guards lined the stairs, each carrying a variety of musical instruments, playing a fervent melody. The atmosphere quickly heated up as hundreds of people shouted praises for the queen and the royal family.

  “O’Flame, who lightens up the world, O’Flame, who cleanses the Evernight!”

  “O’Flame, who lightens up the world, O’Flame, who cleanses the Evernight!”

  “O’Flame, who lightens up the world, O’Flame, who cleanses the Evernight!”

  Compared to when Princess Pailin arrived, it is even grander.

  A figure descended the stairs amidst cheers. All the guards bowing in reverence. When all of them bowed for Princess Pailin earlier, it was filled with respect. But now, all of them tremble slightly.

  “Prince Jantrakant Akni Firegan has arrived!”