Chapter 385 - 381: An Unexpected Guest

Chapter 385: Chapter 381: An Unexpected Guest

Duane didn’t have strong opinions about the wedding arrangements, but his status was different now. He needed to make a show of his wealth.

Moreover, he was marrying a Count’s daughter. To host a simple banquet would be a slight against the Kennedy Clan.

Therefore, the wedding banquet at Brocade Castle featured famous dishes from both within and outside the Kingdom. The drinks alone—Magic Malt Beer, Crafted Blue Crystal Wine, Crafted Fire Whiskey, and more—cost several thousand Gold Coins.

In addition to these, Duane also brought out his own Intoxicating Honey Wine and Deep Blue Enlightenment Wine. Though their taste was somewhat inferior to the others, their effects on Warriors and Mages were far more pronounced after drinking.

Even though each guest only had a cup or two, some were already asking privately if they could purchase more.

Although the wedding was expensive, the gifts received were equally valuable.

Enchanted weapons and armor, rare Jade Carvings, precious Demon Beast Specimens, and more. Many were things Duane had never seen before, and it was a truly eye-opening experience for him.

"You seem rather tired, Count," Crown Prince Sigmund said with a smile as he approached.

Duane smiled and raised his glass. "Pardon my appearance, Your Highness."

He had thought it would be an easy affair, but greeting so many people at once—some of whom he barely knew yet had to make small talk with—was genuinely exhausting.

Fortunately, Natalia handled some of the less important guests, which relieved a great deal of the pressure on him.

Princess Consort Danika had her arm linked with Sigmund’s. Her magnificent gown shimmered under the lights, making her smile all the more radiant.

"You look so handsome today, and your castle is absolutely breathtaking. I wonder if I could commission one based on your design when I return home?"

Duane observed the royal couple. They appeared to be very much in love, showing not the slightest hint of discord.

"Of course. I will have a servant deliver the design blueprints to you later, Your Highness."

Danika raised her glass, smiling. "You can just call me Danika."

Duane smiled, nodded, and gently clinked his glass against hers.

In that moment, Duane keenly perceived a hint of unease on Sigmund’s face. It seemed their relationship truly wasn’t good, likely affected by the Orisien incident.

Just then, a Male Servant jogged in from outside to Duane’s side and whispered, "My Lord, Viscount Freddy’s special envoy has arrived. He says he’s here to attend your wedding. Raymond doesn’t know how to proceed and hasn’t allowed him ashore yet."

As Duane’s personal Male Servant, Logan was naturally aware that Black Forest Island was on the verge of war with the Starfall Islands. The fact that Viscount Freddy hadn’t come to purchase grain this September indicated that he had already received intelligence on the matter.

But who would have thought he would send someone with a wedding gift at a time like this.

Sigmund raised an eyebrow. "Is he trying to negotiate for peace? Duane, are you going to see him?"

Duane considered for a moment, then said, "All who come are guests. Black Forest Island has no reason to be discourteous."

He said to Logan, "Go and bring him here."

"Yes!"

A wide road had been built from Brocade Castle to the port, and the distance was shorter than from Forest Castle. In just half an hour, Raymond personally escorted the party into the castle.

The guests paused their conversations, and the bustling great hall instantly fell silent.

Casio looked slightly uneasy. The mission was already challenging, but upon seeing the magnificent Brocade Castle and standing at the steps of Starlight Palace, his sense of his own insignificance deepened.

However, his composure was decent. He managed to collect himself and stepped forward with a smile.

"Count Duane, on behalf of Viscount Freddy, I extend to you and Miss Natalia our most sincere Blessings!"

As he spoke, he placed his right hand over his chest and bowed.

"Sir Casio, it’s been a long time. Welcome!"

Regardless of whether the man would be an enemy in the future, Duane treated him as a guest for the time being. He and Natalia warmly welcomed him inside.

The great hall grew lively again, seemingly unaffected by the visitor from a rival nation. During the festivities, some guests even approached Casio to make conversation, hoping to pry some information about the Akutas Kingdom and the Starfall Islands from him.

Unfortunately, Casio seemed to have come prepared. He revealed nothing except that Scorching Wind Territory and Black Forest Island had engaged in trade in recent years.

The banquet lasted until midnight, after which the guests were led by servants to their quarters in the castle’s guest courtyards to rest.

Casio had planned to find an opportunity to see Duane the next day, but to his surprise, Logan led him to the study to wait.

In their new chambers, Natalia helped Duane change his clothes, sighing in resignation. "It’s so late. Surely whatever it is can wait."

Duane chuckled. "Casio’s arrival was a complete surprise. I’m very curious to hear what he has to say."

With that, he pulled Natalia into his arms and kissed her for a moment. "We’ve been living together for so long. Are you still in such a rush?"

"I suppose I’ve lost my charm," Natalia teased.

Duane laughed heartily. "Then wait for me. I shouldn’t be long."

"Go on, go on!" Natalia waved her hand. "It’s a perfect chance for me to see all the wonderful gifts we received today."

Tallying up the wedding gifts is one of a newlywed couple’s favorite private activities. Ever since taking over Black Forest Island’s finances, Natalia had grown quite interested in such matters.

She quickly summoned Ralph and Logan and began checking the gifts against the registry.

Duane, meanwhile, went to the study alone.

Casio was already on his feet when he heard the footsteps. Seeing Duane, his posture grew even more formal.

"My apologies, Count, for disturbing you!"

His voice was tinged with apology. "I had intended to request a meeting tomorrow or the day after, whenever you had a free moment."

"I happen to be free right now."

Duane walked in and sat on the sofa. "Please, sit. Jasmine, a cup of sobering tea."

"Yes, My Lord."

Once they were both seated, Duane asked directly, "I presume Viscount Freddy is already aware that Count Kais, Baron Uriel, and I are about to attack the Starfall Islands?"

Casio nodded gravely. "Yes, My Lord. I have come at the Viscount’s behest to discuss this very matter with you."

"What does he wish to discuss?" Duane asked, not beating around the bush.

Casio’s throat felt a little dry. He accepted the tea from Jasmine, took a sip, and then spoke. "The Viscount has asked me to speak with you, to see if there is any room for a peaceful resolution."

A slight smile touched Duane’s lips. "Then I’m afraid the Viscount will be disappointed. This war was ordered by King Eric himself and approved by the royal council. Every member of the Nobility has been assigned a battlefield."

He looked the other man straight in the eye. "If I were to make peace with Freddy, would that not be a direct violation of the King’s command? I have no desire to be charged with treason over this!"

Beads of cold sweat broke out on Casio’s forehead.

Black Forest Island and Scorching Wind Territory had traded for the past few years, and he had met Duane several times, but never had he felt such immense pressure.

According to their intelligence, the power of the young man before him surpassed the Star Realm. He had few rivals across the entire Shadow Mist Continent.

Even though Duane had deliberately suppressed his aura, Casio still felt like he was sitting on pins and needles. Now that his proposal had been flatly rejected, panic began to set in.

"My master knows you desire the resources of the Secret Realm. Before I left, he gave me specific instructions: if you are willing to make peace, he will cede fifty percent of the resources from the Scorching Wind Territory’s Secret Realm to you!"

Duane smiled and shook his head. "All I have to do is conquer Scorching Wind Territory, and the entire Secret Realm will be mine."

Casio wiped the sweat from his brow and said nervously, "You are not wrong, but battle means casualties. Your personal strength may be formidable, but you cannot be present on every battlefield in the Starfall Islands. Your men will surely suffer losses."

"Such is the nature of war. I am prepared for it, and I believe my followers share that same resolve."

From the absolute certainty in Duane’s tone, Casio knew there was no possibility of peace.

His forced composure collapsed, and his body slumped like a deflated balloon.

"In that case... the Viscount bade me ask: when you attack the Starfall Islands, could you prioritize your assault on the Star Sea Clan?"