Chương 12: Banquet

Amici e vini sono meglio vecchi = Old wine and friends improve with age

--Italian proverb

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After the discussion, Conradin left the room, leaving his retainers behind, in order to prepare for the feast hosted in his honor.

Conradin took a minute to catch his breath and prepare for the evening feast, tired after a full day of planning for his upcoming campaign. He knew he had to put on his best face as a guest since he didn't want to offend his host, so he made sure he was presentable and well-rested for the event. He bathed and dressed in his best clothing, making sure he was presentable and ready for the kingdom's meeting.

He wore a doublet of deep royal blue that aligned with his eyes. Crafted with the finest silk, it was adorned with golden embroidery that traces his heart, hearald's lion, it. Overdoubletblet, he wore a heavy velvet cloak of crimson blood. Around his waist, he had a leather belt where he hung his swords. On their hands, he kept the same squirrel's skin he had worn since he hunted them when he was 12.

While their king was busy preparing himself, his retainers were expressing their opinion on their lieutenant. Galvano was the first to speak.

''I have to say, when I learned that the last member of the House of Hohenstaufen was only a 14-year-old kid, my hopes were dashed, fearing that he would allow his youth to lead him to make stupid decisions. Now, after being by his side for two weeks, I see my biases were unfounded. I noticed that before making a decision, he allows his retainer to express their opinion, after which he analyzes each one to make sure nothing is amiss''. Galvano praised the young leader for his mature and thoughtful approach to leadership. He admired the way the 14-year-old sought advice and carefully considered all perspectives before making important decisions, proving that age does not necessarily dictate wisdom.

''I agree with you,'' Maletta said. ''I believe he will be the one able to restore his family's authority. The way he conducts himself is the only thing that bothers me. He had to grow up so quickly and didn't get to smell the beautiful aroma of life. He could not enjoy his youth since he grew up in the midst of deception and betrayal.''

Corrado didn't say anything and instead just glanced down at the cold floor before expressing his thoughts: ''That may be, but his responsibility to his blood and all its subjects obligates him to act as a sovereign dictate. We can feel pity or sadness for his premature inner growth, but what we can and should do is make it as smooth as possible.''

After saying this, he got up from his seat and began walking to his chamber to prepare for the feast, advising his companions to do the same so as not to embarrass their young king.

Returning to our young monarch, he was about to enter the hall, where he could clearly hear laughter and music. The banquet hall was luxurious and opulent, with a big table in the center and several smaller tables positioned around it. The room was adorned with exquisite tapestries and sparkling chandeliers, creating an atmosphere of grandeur and celebration. As the young king stepped into the hall, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and excitement for the festivities that awaited him. The walls were lined with wonderful works of art, and the area was illuminated by a plethora of candelabras that cast an unearthly glow on the proceedings. The ambiance was vast and sumptuous, reflecting Bohemia's strength and wealth.

The musicians performed sophisticated and joyous music, creating a celebratory atmosphere during the feast and setting the tone for the evening. The comedians cracked wise and amused the audience with their jokes and stories. With their wit and humor, they were able to lighten the tone and guarantee that everyone had a nice time. The music and humor were a great accompaniment to the food and wine, and they all worked together to create a festive mood. The feast showcased an array of delectable dishes, ranging from savory meats to decadent desserts, pleasing the palates of all attendees. The wine flowed freely, with each glass enhancing the flavors of the meal and adding to the overall enjoyment of the evening. The combination of exquisite cuisine, lively entertainment, and convivial company made for an unforgettable celebration that truly captured the essence of Bohemian opulence.

It was a very entertaining and merry evening, and those in attendance couldn't help but enjoy themselves as they took part in the festivities.

He observed that four seats were reserved near the royal pair, which he assumed were for him and his retainers. He sat on the conserved place after clearly greeting and thanking the royal couple, not wishing to keep the hosts waiting any longer.

He then took his seat and waited to see what happened next. He hoped for a pleasant and delightful evening; the entire situation was magnificent and majestic, and he was proud to be a part of it.

After a short while, the other retainers arrived and sat with the king. The feast lasted hours, and Conradin had a pleasant time with the monarch as well as meeting many notable nobles from Ottokar's domain. And with some promises of land and glory, many third sons of barons decided to swear fealty to Conradin, as back home they had nothing to await them. Conradin's charisma and charm won over the hearts of the third sons, who saw an opportunity for a brighter future under his leadership. The evening ended on a high note, with Conradin feeling grateful for the newfound support and eager to embark on his journey towards greatness.

The next morning dawned, and, in contrast to the fine image of the feast's Conradin, the current image of him was one of decadence, and he could easily be misinterpreted as a tavern drunk if not dressed elegantly.

Conradin tried to recollect what had happened the night before, recalling some details before grabbing a wooden pail and vomiting the food and alcohol from the night before. This was the 14-year-old king's first hangover, which caused him such severe headaches and stomach aches that he swore he would never drink wine again, a promise he would soon break.

What made him delighted and smile, however, was that he was able to enlist many third and fourth sons of numerous tiny noble families, such as barons and knights, who will be used as commanders for his army, which he seriously lacked; unfortunately, he could only use them for his German contingent of knights since most of them only spoke German and Czech. His smile, however, lasted for only a moment before he gagged and continued to throw up.