Chương 13: Royal Dinner.

The royal carriage rolled to a stop before the grand gates of Aldric Von Valthora's massive estate. The duke's mansion lay ahead, an architectural masterpiece made with gleaming white marble adorned with various paintings of beautiful women and men in different stances and poses. Tall spires at each corner reached skyward, their tips glowing faintly, enchanted with magic to project a dome-like shield in the time of an intruder attack, stating the grandeur of this place. Seraphina had already informed her Royal Advisor of her wish to meet with the Duke of Valthora, and they should have conveyed her message to the Duke.

As the gates creaked open, Seraphina stepped out, her royal gown flowing with an elegance befitting her stature. Gold and silver threads shimmered under the sun, projecting her imperial identity. Lucifer followed, dressed in an immaculate white suit, his piercing purple eyes striking against his jade-like complexion. Despite the simple-looking suit, his presence exuded an aura of authority and power, his presence gathering the magic infused around in the air.

A line of attendants and guards greeted them, their movements perfectly synchronized. At the forefront stood Aldric Von Valthora himself, a tall man with silver hair slicked back to reveal his sharp eyes. His attire was perfectly suited for nobility—a dark velvet coat adorned with silver embroidery and a ceremonial sword at his side.

"Your Highness," Aldric began, bowing slightly as a courtesy to the princess. His tone carried a blend of respect and self-respect. "Welcome to Valthora. It's an honor to host you."

"The honor is ours, Your Grace," Seraphina replied with a slight nod.

The duke straightened, his sharp eyes briefly meeting Seraphina's as a flicker of curiosity crossed his face. "Please, allow me to escort you inside," he offered, gesturing toward the grand doors of his estate. His voice carried the calm confidence of a man accustomed to authority and power.

Seraphina inclined her head gracefully, a hint of a polite smile on her lips. "Lead the way, Your Grace."

Lucifer stood silently behind her, his gaze wandering over the estate with curiosity. He could see what others couldn't see with his special eyes, and he liked what he saw. His aura remained poised but potent.

As they walked, the attendants flanked them on either side, their formation precise and disciplined. The mansion's entrance loomed ahead, its massive double doors carved with depictions of Valthoran history. The wood shimmered faintly with magical energy, resonating with the magic infused throughout the estate with a quiet hum.

Once inside, the group entered a hall adorned with massive columns. A large chandelier hung from the vaulted ceiling, its crystals casting refracted light like shards of a rainbow. Every detail of the space spoke of the duke's wealth and refined taste.

"I hope your journey was pleasant?" Aldric inquired, his tone courteous and somewhat measured.

"It was," Seraphina replied evenly, her eyes scanning the room. "Your estate is as remarkable as I've heard."

The duke's lips curled in a small, satisfied smile. "You are kind, Your Highness. I hope you will find it equally accommodating for the matter at hand." His words carried a subtle undertone, hinting at his curiosity about the purpose of her visit.

Pausing in the center of the hall, Seraphina turned to face him. "I am certain it will suffice, Your Grace. No need for formalities. You can call me Seraphina."

Aldric's expression shifted, a flash of approval in his sharp eyes. His lips curved into a more genuine smile, and he gave a respectful nod. "Very well, Seraphina," he said, his tone softening.

With a gesture, he signaled for the attendants to prepare the meal. "I trust the journey has given you an appetite?" Aldric said with a smile full of hospitality. "We've prepared a feast in your honor, and I hope it will be to your liking."

Seraphina nodded gracefully, taking in the atmosphere. "I'm sure it will be most satisfactory, Your Grace. As you are known for the most exquisite dishes in the entire empire. I have always wanted a chance to enjoy a meal at your residence."

"You flatter me, Seraphina," replied Aldric with modesty, but looking at his face, one would know he was extremely proud of his dishes.

As they moved toward the dining hall, Aldric led them inside, where the table was set in all its splendor. The long, polished surface gleamed, a glittering array of fine gold and crystal glassware, and silver cutlery gleaming under the warm glow of enchanted candles. The air was thick with the savory scent of exotic spices and herbs.

Aldric's family was also present in the dining hall—his five sons and two wives—who all were standing there and waiting for Seraphina. As Seraphina arrived first, Aldric's wife gave her a nod and courtesy, and then his sons also bowed.

Seraphina smiled warmly at the welcome she received, her posture regal. She returned the bow with a slight inclination of her head as she swept her gaze towards all the family members.

"It's an honor to be in the presence of the Valthor family."

Lucifer still stood behind her as he kept silently observing everything. His purple eyes flicked briefly to each of the family members, taking in their expressions and posture, mainly their aura. He sensed something familiar—something or someone who was very close to him.

Aldric's wife, a woman of striking beauty with long red hair, gave Seraphina a respectful nod, her smile polite. "We are delighted to have you here, Your Highness," she said, her voice melodic. "I trust your journey was comfortable?"

"It was, thank you," Seraphina replied, her eyes briefly meeting the woman's before drifting to the sons who stood beside her.

The five young men, each dressed in fine attire, bowed in unison. Their faces held varying degrees of reverence. "Welcome, Your Highness," they said in perfect harmony, their voices filled with a mix of respect and youthful enthusiasm. "We hope the meal we've prepared will meet your expectations."

"I am certain it will, thank you," Seraphina responded graciously. She moved forward, her regal gown trailing behind her as she approached the grand table. It was set in a manner befitting a king, with gleaming crystal goblets and a variety of intricate dishes that promised a feast for the senses. The scents of exotic spices, roasted meats, and delicate pastries filled the air, enticing the senses even further.

Aldric smiled proudly, his gaze lingering on his family as he gestured to the table. "Please, let us not stand on ceremony any longer. We've prepared all the signature dishes of our Valthoran Cuisine. I hope you'll find them as delightful and plentiful."

Aldric took his seat at the head of the table as the host. To his left was his first wife, while his second wife occupied the seat to his right. Directly across from Aldric sat Princess Seraphina, and left to Seraphina sat Lucifer. Next to the first wife sat her son, who was also the oldest, and then other sons according to their seniority.

The evening began with a simple, yet varied, selection of dishes, starting with a light appetizer of forest fruits and pâté, followed by a rich, warming soup. The main course, a succulent fish-type beast called Serpent of Tidal Waves—although called a serpent, it was indeed a fish—was perfectly complemented by a tangy citrus sauce.

Seraphina complimented Aldric on the food, her eyes reflecting a genuine appreciation for the food. "A feast for both the stomach and soul, Your Grace," she remarked. With every bite, she was fulfilled.

Aldric smiled, clearly pleased. "The land provides generously, as long as you know how to make use of its offerings."

As the courses continued—game meat, a sharp cheese selection, and delicate sorbet—the compliments flowed, and the conversation turned to lighter topics. The evening, though rich in food and conversation, had only just begun.

The meal continued in a carefully orchestrated dance of hospitality, with more courses being brought out and the conversation flowing politely around the table. Aldric's family, though attentive to their guest, remained respectfully silent, allowing their patriarch to guide the conversation.

Lucifer, as expected, remained silent throughout the meal, his gaze steady and composed, taking in every detail of the conversation without a single word escaping his lips. His presence, while ever watchful, didn't disrupt the flow of the gathering. Seraphina, ever the diplomat, engaged in light conversation with Aldric's second wife and the younger sons, but it was clear that the true business of the evening would come later.