Laura looked at Jeanette again, but this time wondering why she would gift the Prince a medical pill? She tilted her head a little while still focusing on guarding Shin.

Aria, she acted a little different. She stared at the pill, then at Jeanette, with cold eyes.

Humph! Let me see what you’re going to do now!

Jeanette felt a cold stare, but she didn’t mind it. She looked at Shin’s curious gaze.

“What’s that?”

Shin asked curiously as he looked at the pill with some interest. He remembered Aria giving him a pill, which made his pain lessen. It did give him a good impression, he liked these kinds of pills a lot more than those weapons.

“Prince, this pill is medical pill made by a grand master. Its name is; Heavenly Pill. It can heal and recover most injuries which is dealt on the body.”

Jeanette smiled while looking at Shin and then over at Aria, smiling like she had already won.

I knew it. The Prince is rather interesting, seems like I got some planning to do later on.

“Thank you very much.”

Shin said with a gratified tone towards the Niea family. After he spoke, he looked at Tor and Jeanette gratefully.

“No need to thank us, Prince.”

Tor tried to speak casually, but it couldn’t be hidden that his tone had a sign of happiness.

Laura walked past Shin and took the pill from Jeanette then walked behind Shin again.

The Niea family bowed once again before walking back towards their table and sat down.

All of them sighed in relief after they sat.

Afterwards another group stood up.

In the lead was a fat middle-aged man, he was accompanied by two women in their late 20s. Both of them wore a simple white dress, one of them had blond hair while the other had red hair. The children which was under 10 years, didn’t stand up, they weren’t allowed to go up.

The fat middle-aged man walked casually without minding anyone, glaring at Shin while licking his lips.

“Hello, Prince Shin. I’m Lars Lazar from the Lazar family. These two behind me are my wives; Thea and Lena.”

As they were mentioned, the two beautiful females bowed their heads down towards Shin.

Lars Lazar was smiling unruly while looking at Shin.

Shin himself disliked that kind of smile, he has seen it way too many times in the past!

He shuddered while thinking of those kind of guys, but Shin tried his best not to be rude towards him.

Shin didn’t answer him, but nodded. Shin looked at Lars with some caution.

Laura and Aria saw the stiffness of Shin, Laura who was behind him, couldn’t see his expression.

But, Aria which was at his side, could see it clearly. His expression was transparent clear as water. He was disgusted!

Aria seriously looked at Shin then at Lars, she quickly picked up the hints.

Heh, it’s just you? Do something and I will break that smug face of yours!

Aria chuckled in her heart while looking at Lars in some disgust. She hadn’t spoken with Lars a lot of times, but she didn’t have that good impression of him. This time, she clearly was disgusted by him.

Well, too bad, but Lars didn’t pick up any of these hints.

He presented gifts, weapon and magic tools. He spoke loads of flattery and praises of Shin, but anyone who heard it could easily tell that Lars was just doing that for showing his good points to the Empress - Aria.

Laura took the gifts and went behind Shin without making a sound, but showing a small frown.

Lars looked pleased with everything as he proudly walked back to his seat, but most people looked at him with pitying gaze. They could all see that the Prince – Shin was disgusted by him, they would all start to distance themselves from the Lazar Family in time.

Next up was the other Guardian Families; Nupa, Feris, Flaken, Azentia, Nispia and Gatticam. They politely and humbly went in front of Aria and Shin, knelt and presented themselves respectfully. They offered the gifts they brought along, different type of weapon, books, tools and magic items.

None of them dared to show any disrespect towards the von Meria Family.

The last remaining Guardian Family remained was the la Ville.

Susan, Elise and Eline stood up from their seats and walked elegantly towards Shin and Aria.

Susan in front, Elise to the left and Eline to the right of Susan. They all knelt on their right knee while looking down.

“Prince Shin.”

After Susan spoke, she raised her head while staring at Shin.

Almost everyone gasped and widened their eyes, as no one dared to raise their heads without being told so by Shin.

“Uh, hi…”

Shin scratched the back of his head while thinking back of what happened last night.

If Shin had to be honest, he could honestly say that he didn’t have good impression of Susan.

“I want to apologise for what happened yesterday. I acted rudely without thinking twice.”

Susan stared at Shin, she did regret what she did. She spoke sincerely, even if she was a friend of Aria, it was better to have a better connection binding their families.

People in the room spoke in a low tone, trying to figure out why the Lady of la Ville would apologise to Shin for.

Aria relaxed her hand, which was hidden behind her. The hand had a gripping motion, she had already planned to punish Susan if she didn’t apologise. For what kind of punishment she had planned, would we never find out.

Even if they were friends since young age, Aria’s weak point was Shin. She would never let anyone hurt him again.

Shin didn’t know what to do besides being absent-minded, looking dumbly at Susan.

“Uh, no need to worry. We could just start over, right?”

Shin said so while thinking that was the best thing to do. He knew those families which gathered here were important ones for the Alizad Kingdom, he didn’t want to make unnecessary conflicts for his mother.

Susan smiled lightly after she heard Shin said so.

“I thank you, Prince Shin. These two behind me are my daughters.”

“Present yourselves to Prince Shin.”

First one who spoke was Elise.

She raised her head, looking at the young, fragile Shin. She didn’t know what to think of him anymore.

“Hello, my name is Elise la Ville. I’m the youngest daughter of the la Ville Family. It’s nice to meet you, Prince Shin.”

“It’s also nice to meet you too, Elise.”

Elise spoke humbly, she knew she had to do so. Shin also spoke back with some respect in his tone.

Then Shin looked towards Eline.

Eline did something no one would dare to do.

She stood up.

She stared at Shin without much expression beside curiosity.

No one dared to speak a word at this moment.

Laura almost rushed towards Eline, but was stopped by Aria’s hand which rose up.

Aria wanted to know what Eline would do.

It was commonly known that Eline was a special existence in the la Ville Family.

She did everything however she saw fit with a good reason.

Shin tilted his head, also curiously looked back at Eline without knowing why everyone was shocked.

Eline knew she made the right bet when she saw Shin’s expression. She smiled happily in her heart when she saw Shin cutely tilt his head.

She walked slowly towards the two thrones.

Everyone froze, they didn’t dare to breathe.

Laura was wary of the situation, she would lash out if she saw something out of place.

Aria also curiously looked at the two, she wanted to know how they would communicate.

Eline stood right in front of Shin.

“Hello Shin, my name is Eline. Let’s be friends, okay?”

Eline lightly smiled as she spoke those words as casually you would do to anyone else on the street.

Susan was shocked for a moment before thinking it might be good. She just looked at the two, she wanted to know what Shin would do now.

The other guests in the room were shocked to the point of wanting to yell at Eline for being disrespectful!

Shin stood up from the throne, he was a head smaller than Eline. He brightly smiled as he looked at Eline happily.

“Hello Eline! I hope we can be good friends too!”

Eline was somewhat dazed of seeing Shin’s bright smile, it made her heart beat faster.

The room was silent, no one could make any sound. It had to be shocking, seeing a prince; the only son of the Empress, acting like a normal person.

Aria had a light smile on her face while looking content, she was happy that Shin could act casually with someone at his age.

Eline stepped back after shaking Shin’s hand and stood at the same line as Elise.

Susan also smiled when she saw her daughter befriending Shin.

“Prince Shin, we have come bearing presents.”

Two items appeared from the ring.

One was a dark coloured robe.

The other item was a ring. It was a black clad ring with no engravings on it. It looked simple to the point of you could find it at any jewellery store.

“This robe was created by my Family. It’s a special one, it has protection against elements and most sharp attacks. This is the only robe we have made and I present it to you, Prince Shin.”

Susan stood up and handed it to Shin herself.

She saw how Shin had his eyes glued on the robe.

“Ooh, it looks beautiful.”

Shin raised his voice as he admired the robe. He touched it and felt the softness and the hardness of it. He respected the person who could make something like this.

Susan was overjoyed that Shin liked the first gift.

“Prince Shin, this ring which I brought, was given to me by one of the highest magicians in the continent; Peruka.”

There were people who inhaled a mouth load of air after hearing that it was Peruka who gifted Susan the ring.

Peruka is one of the strongest people who exists, anything Peruka gifts, holds unimaginable value.

“Peruka told me that this ring will only accept one master. The person who equips this ring, will be the owner of it. After the owner dies, the ring will also evaporate.”

“This ring allows the owner with; protection. If you ever get into trouble, this ring will help you, I do not know in what way… but, I was told it will.”

Susan held the ring out to Shin, she didn’t mind giving Shin any kind of treasure, even if it was gifted to her by the strong existences around the continent.

That was because, in front of her right now, was the son of the Empress; one of the strongest too.

No one has spoken about it, nor has anyone seen her fight with her fullest ability. There are those who think Aria might be one of the five strongest beings on the continent.

“Uhm, thank you very much.”

Shin accepted the ring while thanking Susan with an earnest tone.

Susan smiled lightly before stepping back, she took a peek at Aria before going back to her table with Elise and Eline.

At that moment when the other Families which were invited wanted to go up, an aura spread around the whole castle.

The aura was heavy, the weaker ones dropped down to their knees.

Luckily Aria felt the aura before it enveloped the castle and protected Shin with her own strength

Aria frowned before sensing the person who let out the aura.

“Hehe, haven’t seen you in a while.”

Aria laughed while thinking about the person who rushed in the banquet.

Hehe, seems like it will be a fun banquet!

“Empress, who are you talking about?”

Laura knew that she wasn’t the opponent of the person who entered the castle, she couldn’t act rashly. Laura placed her hand on the sword in her hand roughly, she would protect Shin with all of her power.

“Don’t worry, Laura. That person won’t do anything rashly. Hehe, seems like that person will arrive soon enough.”

Aria lightly said so while placing her eyes on Shin, finding him alright, she looked at the large door at the back of the throneroom.

Everyone beside Aria was tense. They didn’t dare to be arrogant against such an enemy.

After a couple of seconds, the large door creaked open.

“tap tap tap”

A tapping sound, light footsteps. Someone entered!

Everyone tried to look at the person who walked in, they wanted to see who’s able to release that kind of aura.

Those who saw, was shocked.

The person who walked in was a girl who didn’t look older than 15!

The girl’s hair is purple which went straight down to her stomach, her skin wasn’t pale but it was white; which made it seem like full of life. Her face was beautiful, she had a charming smile while walking. The clothes she wore was a slim black gothic dress.

Shin stared at the girl, he didn’t look at her hair, clothes nor her slender body. But, he stared at her eyes, he stared at her deep purple eyes. He felt like her eyes were dragging him in.

Shin forgot to breathe for a second, he couldn’t take his eyes off her eyes.

“I-Isn’t that the Purple Witch?! What is she doing here?!?!”

“H-H-How should I know?! Keep your head down and don’t speak!”

“Hush!”

The guests were mumbling, way too afraid of speaking in front of the Purple Witch, but everyone could hear it.

A witch? Why do they call her a witch?

Shin curiously looked at the young girl who walked in while thinking so after hearing the people talk about her.

The young girl didn’t care about them at all and walked past them.

She glanced at Aria before putting her eyes on Shin which was currently staring at her.

She was put back a little after seeing him stare like that, it wasn’t a stare of fright, it was a stare filled with curiosity and it was innocent.

After a while the young girl put her gaze at Aria again before opening her mouth.

“Yes, been a while now Aria.”

She glanced at Shin again before speaking with a calm tone.

“I heard rumours that you found your son, so I came to visit.”

Aria smiled lightly after hearing the young girl speak like that.

She met the young girl when she was traveling before when she was seeking the knowledge to bring Shin to her once more.

“Hehe, Kali, I thank you for coming.”

“So, what do you think of my son?”

Aria smiled brightly when she spoke about Shin.

Kali lightly smiled back at Aria when she once again stared at Shin which was still in a daze while looking straight in her eyes.

She closed her eyes for second before opening them again.

When she opened them, the colour changed from deep purple into a golden light which possibly could penetrate anything!

She set her eyes right on Shin.

What she saw was horrifying.

All the organs were twisted.

His bones, all his bones had several fracture marks.

hundreds upon hundreds of fracture marks.

His white pale skin which was mutilated with scars.

Kali closed her eyes, she saw his eyes filled with curiosity and innocence.

She felt a grief and sadness while looking at Shin.

Her breathing became rougher.

She tried to hold back her tears.

She took a large breath and released all the air in her lungs before looking away from Shin.

“Y-Your son.”

Kali spoke while trying to hide her grief, looking at Aria again.

She had guessed that Aria would know about his condition.

Kali gazed at Shin again, but this time her smile was gentle.

“Your son is adorable.”

Aria nodded heavily when she heard Kali say that.

“Of course, he’s my son, what else could he be if not adorable? Hehe.”

Shin got out of daze after hearing what they said, his cheeks turned red and he looked down.

“Oh, before I forget.”

Aria looked back at the throneroom again and spoke with an indifferent voice.

“This banquet is over, return to your homes.”

All the guests were afraid of staying there, they were still trembling because of the presence of Kali and Aria.

Who wouldn’t be if they were placed in a room with two of the strongest beings on the continent? If the two released a little bit of their strength or anything and if they got in the crossfire, they would die without a chance to survive.

Most people hurriedly walked out with the guidance of the guards and maids.

Susan looked back at Aria and Kali before she lightly sighed before walking calmly out.

Eline looked at Shin worriedly before following behind Susan.

After everyone left, the maids and the guards was listless before Aria beckoned them also to leave.

The only ones left were Laura, Aria, Kali and Shin.

Laura stood behind Shin, carefully looking at Kali.

Aria sat on her throne, watching Kali with a hint of interest.

Kali was standing in front of Shin and Aria, smiling lightly while her eyes were seriously looking at Shin.

Shin, stared at Kali’s deep purple coloured eyes. He couldn’t keep his eyes off her.

“Cough.”

Aria coughed to awaken Shin from his daze.

“Oh.”

Shin looked around and found out that everybody had left.

He glanced at Aria and Laura, finding them waiting for him to start doing something.

“Uhm.”

Shin stood up from the throne and looked at Kali.

He didn’t know what to do now, he stared at the girl intensely, would she be angry at him?

“S-Sorry for staring at you.”

“But, are you a fairy?”

Shin lowered his head while apologizing to Kali, he didn’t dare to raise his head as he was embarrassed.

Kali snickered and laughed in her heart while looking at Shin hastily lower his head to apologize.

“You don’t have to apologize.”

“Let me introduce myself”

“I am the Purple Witch Kali.”