“Ahhhh, scary” Karl thought to himself when he saw King Xavier and Nelson shake hands. Everyone could see that the simple handshake was a gesture of challenge. The firm grip and direct eye contact made it clear that the King was sending a message to Nelson. Karl was also impressed by the fact that Nelson didn’t get flustered at all, and returned the stare. The scene was something to behold, the king in his majestic adornments displaying his status and power and Nelson who wore an expensive but simple looking suit giving him a clean and presentable look. Two powerful men from different worlds, different eras, locked in a silent but brutal battle.

“Politics is scary, too scary” Karl said to himself. He now found that he respected, no, feared Nelson even more. A man who can take on the King of a such a majestic Kingdom is someone worthy of his respect(fear). He then dreaded the time when he would face the King himself, after all he was here to ask the king for a few favors relating to the study of Magic. He sighed inwardly before pushing these thoughts to the sides because right now, he was here to enjoy a banquet.

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The Delegation along with the King were then guided to a large bright hall, a very large hall, with a long table empty table in the middle and three chairs placed on a stage at the far end. The hall was lit by 4 large hanging chandeliers whose luminescence appear to very similar to electric lighting back on Earth. But because there are is no electricity here they assumed that it was powered by magic, Karl was once again intrigued by this discovery.

“Huh it seems like magic has a lot of applications are well” Karl thought to himself as he took out his phone to snap a picture. He made sure that the flash was off so that he won’t scare off the locals and obviously so it won’t ruin the shot.

When they arrived the hall was already filled with people fittingly dressed for a party. The women wore extravagant gowns of varying designs while the men wore oddly familiar suits that looked a little too bombastic. There was no doubt that the people here all from Nobility or very rich Merchant, either way Karl was feeling like he was dirt poor next to these people. He now understood why Nelson was so adamant about making them wear expensive and luxurious clothes. While the men wore the usual combot of suit/tie/black leather shoes, the women wore something a little more extravagant.

Dr Susan was wearing an off shoulder red gown win gold embroideries in combination with Black high heels and a small hand bag, she had a sophisticated modern look that was simply eye catching. Leia on the other hand opted for a more simple and mature look. She was wearing a white a pencil skirt in combination with a white coat, black stockings, and again high heels. To be frank even for her age, Leia was able to pull off her clothes well, good enough to attract the gazes of a few noble men.

“I hope nothing bad happens” Karl thought to himself.

“HIS MAJESTY THE KING, XAVIER ALERIA HAS ARRIVED” A knight proclaimed

And with that the attention of everyone in the room was focused on them. Karl could feel the piercing gazes being thrown at him and this was making him nervous. Granted that he is used to talking to large groups of people whenever he did lectures or seminar talks, this kind of attention was completely different. He felt like he was being judged be everyone in the room.

The King after looking at the guests began to talk once the room has quieted down.

“Today is day of celebration, for this will mark the beginning of a long and prosperous relationship with the Outsiders.”The king said in a loud voice. “ I hope the from this day onward, all of you are going to join me in this journey that will bring our kingdom to new heights”

“GLORY TO ALERIA” The King said as he looked at Nelson who was standing on his side

“AND GLORY TO EARTH” The king then added as he smiled at Nelson, a gesture that Nelson returned. Karl again felt chills when this happened

“When will these two stop this ”REDACTED” measuring contest” Karl thought to himself.

Music then filled the air when the King finished his speech and after a little while maids and butlers entered the dining hall carrying various food items.

“A FANTASY FINE-DINING BUFFET” Karl said to himself obviously very excited.

He actually liked the local food served at the adventurer’s hub back in Larien, but this is the first time he saw these new unfamiliar yet delicious looking food. His mouth then started watering the fragrant aromas began assailing his Olfactory nerves, he knew for a fact that everything in that table was delicious.

Karl then excused himself from everyone else and began his solo journey into fantasy flavour town. He then began sampling every single dish that was prepared.

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“When are we going to eat?” Burning Rose said as she impatiently waited in the hall

“Patience Scholar, the food will come when the King arrives with the guests” Silver Eye said to his impatient red haired companion.

Being the head of Dawnward, Silver eye was invited to the banquet along with the Hero of humanity, who sadly was a no show since he was still busy in his adventures. Silver eye also had another agenda for attending this gathering, and it was to give(force) Burning Rose a well-deserved break. He was worried about her holing herself up in the chambers day in day out, only coming out whenever it’s time to eat. Lately she barely even sleeps in her room and can sometimes be found sprawled all over the floor during the mornings. While he applauds the girl’s passion, he could not help worry for her well-being. After all he treats Burning Rose like a daughter.

“By the way why didn't you wear the dress I got you for this banquet?” Silver Eye asked

“I am not here to attract a man teacher, plus those clothes are too extavegant for my tastes, wearing it feels like getting choked” Burning Rose said a bit annoyed at the idea.

“And besides, I am a proud Scholar of Dawnward, I will carry my Scholarly robes wherever I go as a symbol of my status!” Burning Rose declared as she displayed her boring robes proudly

Shortly after, the King and his guests finally arrived, but Burning Rose did not care about them at all. All she was thinking was the delicious food that will be served and the King’s speech was nothing more than a blur to her.

Burning Rose normally isn’t a glutton, but eating the same “magic enhancing” and “body cleansing” food served in the institute day in day out took its toll on her. If it wasn’t for the prospect of eating good food, Burning Rose would still be buried in the chambers practicing magic.

When King finished his speech servants then entered the Dining hall along with very delicious looking food. The fragrant scent of the freshly cooked delicacies entered her nose and her hunger was increased 10 fold.

She excused herself from Silver Eye and began her adventures in the land of deliciousness. She then began tasting every single dish on the table.