Chapter 314: Divine of the East (5)

Kai scanned the banquet hall, which was divided into three factions, then headed straight toward Count Hind. “It has been a while, Count Hind.”

“

Oh

, I’m grateful that you haven’t forgotten an old man tucked away in the back.”

What he meant by not forgetting him was a thank-you for dispatching the dwarf artisan to Castle Baden.

“That much is the least I could do,” Kai replied.

“I will always be grateful.” Count Hind handed Kai a glass of wine and began introducing him to the nearby nobles. “I mentioned it several times. He was the one who saved Castle Baden during the recent monster invasion.”

“

Oh!

The master of the Holy Blood Order...!”

“I heard he was young, but I never imagined he’d be this young.”

“Indeed. A rare man who wears both the spirit of a hero and the dignity of a noble.”

It was a wave of praise that would make an average person not know what to do, but Kai simply smiled gently as he listened to the nobles.

“Thank you all for your kind words.”

There was no need to refuse compliments that were willingly offered. However, it was also unnecessary to get carried away just from hearing a few praises.

The nobles’ gazes toward Kai, who had composed himself so gracefully, changed once again.

For someone so young to have achieved such feats and be spoken of so highly, he could easily be arrogant...

He’s solid. It’s like facing a deeply rooted tree.

I wish my son was half this man.

While Kai sipped his wine, surrounded by numerous nobles, a new group approached.

“Count Hind, it has been a while.” Smiling warmly, Count Sten approached with his group and greeted Count Hind.

“Count Sten.”

Count Sten held a favorable view of Count Hind, the seasoned veteran who had made great contributions to the kingdom. Of course, since Count Sten treated him with respect and courtesy, there was no reason for Count Hind to dislike him either.

“How are things these days?”

“Good. The weather in the south is warming up, so going on a walk has become quite pleasant.”

“Is that so? Perhaps I should visit the southern beaches when I get the chance.”

“If you come, I will host you in my territory.”

After a brief warm exchange, Count Sten looked at Kai with gleaming eyes.

“Is this young man the Divine of the East?”

“Oh dear, how forgetful of me.” Count Hind nodded and introduced Kai. “This is Baron Kai, recently called the Divine of the East, as you said.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Kai.”

“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Count Sten. I’ve heard much about you.”

Seeing Kai up close, his dignified presence was even more pronounced, and Count Sten couldn’t hide his joy.

A rare young man in these times...

As Count Sten continued his thoughts, his gaze fell on Kai’s outfit.

Then, he soon realized his mistake and quickly apologized, “My apologies, I was rude to stare. Your outfit is truly impressive.”

It wasn’t just a polite remark. Kai’s current attire was indeed impressive. It didn’t have particularly grand decorations, nor was the design flashy. However, his suit carried an aura that irresistibly drew people’s eyes.

“Not at all. I’m grateful for the compliment.” Kai smiled as he took a sip of wine.

Perhaps it was the suit, but even that minor gesture radiated noble elegance. Of course, this wasn’t something Kai had anticipated.

I should’ve realized when he begged me to give it back.

The suit Kai was wearing now was the Vampire Count’s Suit, borrowed from Desmond. Desmond had strongly objected to lending it, but in the end, he had the outfit taken from him and was unsummoned.

As Kai changed clothes, he had muttered in admiration.

Ding!

[You have equipped the Vampire Count’s Suit.]

[Special stat Elegance has been temporarily unlocked.]

[All your actions now exude noble elegance.]

[Special stat Charm has been temporarily unlocked.]

[All your actions now appear charming to others.]

A Unique-grade suit that could forcibly and temporarily unlock the special stats of Elegance and Charm. That was the true power possessed by the Vampire Count's Suit.

Not bad. I should borrow it more often.

Had Desmond heard that, he would have been horrified, but Kai nodded with satisfaction at the current situation. Fully embracing the power of the attire, Kai conversed with countless nobles. Of course, the greatest gain of the day was establishing a friendly relationship with a high-ranking noble, Count Sten.

“His Majesty the King is entering!”

The nobles, who had been chatting away, all fell silent at the royal butler’s announcement.

As all eyes turned toward the entrance, the doors opened, and King Beoruk, dressed in splendid garments, entered with his family. All the nobles knelt on one knee to pay their respects as he entered the hall with the prince, princess, and queen.

“

Hm

.” King Beoruk looked around the hall and said, “Everyone, rise.”

His words were short and firm, but it was more than enough to lift the heavy mood of the hall.

“Thank you all for coming despite your busy lives. I see faces from far away. Please enjoy yourselves before you leave.”

Even though it was the day of his birth, King Beoruk didn’t appear particularly joyful, and Kai could somewhat understand that feeling.

Even I, at only twenty-three, don’t feel much on my birthday anymore. King Beoruk must feel even less.

King Beoruk walked through the hall, speaking with each noble individually.

When he finally stood before Kai, Kai bowed his head. “I sincerely congratulate Your Majesty on your birthday.”

“A birthday is something that comes to everyone with time. It doesn’t hold much meaning.”

Just as Kai had thought, King Beoruk didn’t seem particularly invested in the occasion.

Still, it would be nice if he enjoyed it even a little since it’s an event that takes place once a year.

Kai, harboring a sense of pity on the inside, said, “Your Majesty, I have prepared a small gift for you.”

“

Hm?

Right now?”

King Beoruk wore a slightly reluctant expression, and all the nobles in the hall turned their gaze toward Kai.

Why is everyone reacting like this?

Wasn’t presenting a gift at a birthday party a normal thing? But what he saw in their eyes was surprise, curiosity, and even scorn.

“What kind of incredible gift must it be...”

“Should we call this boldness or complete lack of awareness?”

“Baron Kai. A word, please.” Count Hind, wearing a similarly bewildered expression, approached Kai and whispered, “Do you understand the meaning of what you just said?”

“Meaning... What do you mean?”

“

Hmm

.”

Of course. Count Hind looked at Kai, as if wondering how to best explain.

“Gifts for His Majesty’s birthday are usually sent separately. Most of the nobles here have likely already sent theirs ahead of time.”

“Oh no, so presenting one here isn’t considered proper etiquette?”

“If it pleases His Majesty, then there’s no problem. However, should your gift be unimpressive, it would not only insult His Majesty but also embarrass all the nobles who refrained from presenting theirs directly. You should reconsider.”

“

Oh

.”

He understood what that meant. In short, unless you were overwhelmingly confident in your gift, it was better to send it discreetly.

But in that case...

This might actually be a chance.

Kai smiled and stepped toward King Beoruk.

Perhaps aware of Kai’s situation, the king offered him a chance to reconsider. “Everyone makes mistakes. Words, once spoken, are hard to take back, but I’ll give you this one opportunity.”

That was gracious of him, but Kai lightly shook his head and respectfully declined the offer.

“I thank Your Majesty for your generosity, but I am fine. I wish for you to receive my gift directly and to enjoy this birthday celebration a bit more.”

“

Hm

...” King Beoruk’s eyes narrowed.

Even after giving him a chance, Kai had chosen to proceed, so there was nothing more the king could do.

“If that is your will, then so be it. Now, what is this gift you wish to present?”

At his question, all eyes turned to Kai. The nobles each began speculating what kind of gift Kai would offer.

Could it be a rare weapon?

If it’s equipment, it would have to be a national treasure-level artifact at least...

What kind of gift could it possibly be for him to have that much confidence?

As Kai stood under the weight of their attention and expectations, he slowly said, “Your Majesty Beoruk, do you recall how I previously dispatched dwarven artisans to your palace?”

“How could I forget, it’s only been a few days,” King Beoruk nodded as he replied.

At the same time, the nobles all nodded with knowing expressions.

So, he’s just going to brag that he already gave his gift earlier.

Foolish... His Majesty will be quite displeased.

Trying to claim credit with a gift already given. His Majesty will surely see that as arrogance.

Arrogant fool. You’re finally about to be humiliated.

When the nobles, especially the western nobles who supported Count Sinva, were smirking in anticipation of Kai’s humiliation, Kai continued, “I dispatched a total of three dwarven artisans to the royal palace.”

“I do appreciate that gesture.”

“However, while I sent the people, I noticed I hadn’t sent something far more important.”

“Something more important...?” King Beoruk stared at Kai, trying to discern the meaning of his words.

Kai smiled brightly. “Yes. You see, Your Majesty, the human heart is curious. When you buy a new sword, you want to swing it, when you get a new pen, you want to write, when you get new clothes, you want to wear them.”

Everyone in the room nodded in agreement.

“Having received the dwarven artisans, Your Majesty must have wanted to test their skills, but I realized I had forgotten to send the materials worthy of showcasing their craftsmanship.”

"If it's materials you're referring to, the royal palace has all kinds, so there's no need to worry."

At Beoruk’s words, Kai’s smile became wider. “Forgive me, Your Majesty, but do you remember the days when the Church of Muldine was active?”

At Kai's sudden remark, most of the nobles wore displeased expressions. Among them, the majority had suffered significant losses at the hands of the Church of Muldine, and being humiliated by the Church of Muldine was considered a stain upon their family's honor.

“What is your intent in bringing that up now?”

At Beoruk’s sharp question, Kai began to explain slowly. His voice was calm and soft, like a teacher beginning a history lecture.

“Long ago, when the Church of Muldine turned the entire continent into their enemy and waged a desperate war, they did not flee and fought to the end. Does anyone here know why?”

“

Ahem

.”

Not just Beoruk, but even the nobles remained silent. Of course, none could answer, because no one knew. Even historians had failed to uncover the exact reason the Church of Muldine chose not to retreat.

“They had a final trump card. A powerful move that could flip the tide of an unfavorable war. They planned to unleash a powerful sea ruler of their own creation to attack the human kingdoms from behind and bring down the capital.”

“What an absurd...!”

“Best not to make unprovable claims.”

“Take that third-rate delusion and keep it to yourself at home.”

As western nobles protested, Kai turned to them, as if waiting for this moment. “You want proof? Very well. How shall I prove it to your satisfaction?”

At his question, the western nobles exchanged glances and let out hollow laughs. How could anyone be this foolish?

Suppressing their laughter, they replied.

“You could show us an item proving the sea ruler’s existence... or, better yet, bring the sea ruler itself.”

“I see.”

The western nobles believed it was something Kai could never possibly do, but in truth, Kai felt grateful for their demand.

“Your Majesty Beoruk, may I momentarily cause a disturbance to the eyes?”

“Is it for the sake of proof?”

“Yes.”

"I grant you permission. At this point, even I am becoming curious."

Once Beoruk gave his permission, Kai turned and slowly walked toward the terrace of the banquet hall. With each graceful step of a nobleman, he snapped his fingers as soon as he reached the terrace railing.

"Army of Light, summon Harley."

At the same time, a burst of light erupted in the air, and a massive Sea Dragon with white scales revealed its radiant body outside the palace.

"

Gasp!

"

"M-monster!"

"G-Guards!"

The nobles who had never seen such a massive creature in their lives staggered backward. Those who didn’t react that way were either people like Count Sten, who believed nobles should uphold their dignity, or seasoned warriors like Count Hind, who had lived their lives with their sword.

"

Wow

." As expected of a king, Beoruk stepped onto the terrace, looking up at the Sea Dragon with interest. "Is this the creature? The trump card you spoke of that nearly brought ruin to humanity?"

"Yes. A truly terrifying one."

While answering, Kai took out an elegant box from his inventory and held it out to Beoruk. As the box opened, inside were several shimmering blue-tinted scales.

"These are the scales of the Sea Dragon Harley. It is a gift to commemorate Your Majesty Beoruk's birthday. Please do not refuse them."

"Why would I refuse?" As Beoruk slowly accepted the box, for the first time since the banquet began, a smile formed on his lips. "Thank you."

𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"Not at all. I only regret not being able to prepare an even greater gift."

The two, smiling at each other, looked as heartwarming as a painting.

Of course, Harley, who had just witnessed its master casually gifting its scales to someone else, was left speechless.