Vol 2. Chapter 104: Royal Banquet

“Is that so? Thanks for the compliment.” Vinny wasn’t the least bit modest, grinning as he accepted the praise. “Speaking of which, how have you been lately, Young Master Byrne? From the looks of it, your strength seems to have improved?”

“Mm, you could say that. I’ve got a grasp now on how to counter the move you used to defeat me.” Byrne spoke seriously. It seemed that after losing to Vinny, he hadn’t fallen into resentment or self-pity, but instead reflected and studied, working out a counter to Vinny’s move and improving his own shortcomings.

Unfortunately for him, Byrne wasn’t the only one progressing. Since his admission, Vinny’s growth had been lightning fast. He had gone through the [Bronze Blood] attack, the Descension Plan, and even that unexpected encounter with Jiu Lixue during a field mission. The risks had been enormous, but so had the rewards. Crawling through life-and-death crises time after time had forced Vinny to grow quickly, giving him a stockpile of real combat experience.

“Is that so? I look forward to it.” Vinny’s words carried no hint of provocation.

Their conversation made no mention at all of past grudges. It was as if the two were simply acquaintances meeting again after a while.

“After all, with your talent, it was only a matter of time before you entered Carillian Academy.” Vinny spoke objectively. Judging by his observation of Byrne now—someone who, after being beaten by a supposedly hopeless, notorious good-for-nothing noble wastrel and sworn enemy, could still grit his teeth, press forward, and improve himself—well, if someone like that couldn’t get into the Academy, then who possibly could?

“I’ll take your good words.” Byrne replied calmly.

“The banquet’s about to begin. I brought my classmate along with me. If you don’t mind, we’ll be heading in first?” Vinny gestured at Shicodale behind him.

“We’ll meet again.” Seeing Vinny say this, Byrne didn’t press further. He turned crisply and left.

Had it been any other noble youth who failed to enter the Academy, they would have likely shown curiosity or even interest in the ‘beautiful elven boy’ Shicodale behind Vinny. But Byrne was different. His attention had been fixed entirely on Vinny, never once sparing Shicodale a glance, as if nothing else in the world mattered—only things concerning Vinny.

So... I’ve been marked again?

Vinny sighed quietly in his heart.

At least Byrne wasn’t the type who stooped to underhanded tricks. Being watched by him only meant falling into an environment of healthy competition at worst.

Honestly, Vinny even wished there were more people like Byrne in this world. For all his seriousness, at least he had pride, and wouldn’t resort to disgraceful means just to win.

A pity—that was destined to remain a luxury.

“Vinny, who was that noble boy just now?” Shicodale asked curiously.

“Just an acquaintance.” Vinny smiled, not mentioning the past enmity with Byrne. “Though we’re not exactly on good terms.”

“Eh...?”

“Certainly nowhere near as close as I am with you, Dale.” Vinny added playfully.

“Uh...?” Shicodale froze, then suddenly flustered.

[Virtue +50]

[Current Virtue: 5384]

Led by the Dragon-Knights, Vinny and Shicodale passed through palace courtyards and endless corridors.

He could feel plenty of the young nobles’ eyes on him. For some, their glances lingered on Shicodale, but for others, their gazes were locked on the Carillian Academy uniform Vinny wore.

Vinny didn’t know exactly what they were thinking, but he could guess well enough what those nobles who had failed the Academy entrance exam must be feeling.

After all, in Camella’s capital, he was already a “household name.” Who hadn’t heard of him?

And now this notorious wastrel had been admitted into Carillian Academy, and was returning “in glory” during break—how could that not draw attention?

Most importantly: if even Vinny, the infamous disgrace, had passed the entrance exams, and they hadn’t... they had better pray their families didn’t find out. If word reached home, the pressure would come down on them from inside and out alike.

The Dragon-Knights escorting them handed them over to an older man whose gaze was sharp and commanding.

One glance was all it took for Vinny to recognize an old acquaintance.

“Dale, wait here a moment. I’m going to say hello to an old friend.” Vinny quickened his steps and went up.

“Uncle Eric, long time no see. How have you been lately?” Once the old man had finished speaking with the lead Dragon-Knight, Vinny stepped forward with a greeting.

“...Vinny, brat?” Eric looked surprised, but a moment later his expression turned to one of understanding.

“They said you’d actually gotten into Carillian Academy. I thought my ears were failing me—that maybe I’d misheard the name, or that there was a second Vinny in the kingdom.” Eric scrutinized Vinny’s proper Carillian uniform.

“All thanks to you, Uncle Eric. Back when I came to choose my Spirit Soul, you really looked after me.” Vinny beamed.

“Oh! If you hadn’t mentioned it, I’d have forgotten! You left too quickly that day—I never got the chance to tell you. The Spirit Soul you chose has issues. It’s really unsuited for you.” Eric frowned. “I don’t even know how you managed to use that Spirit Soul to get into the Academy. Even now, it’s not too late to change...”

“What are you saying? How could there be a problem with that Spirit Soul? It’s been amazing. I’ve relied on it every step of the way—that’s why I came to thank you.” Vinny cut him off.

“Huh?” Eric’s face froze in shock.

No... this kid’s been at Carillian Academy for a whole semester. How could he still not tell whether a Spirit Soul was good or bad?

Could it be... that he’d actually figured out how to wield Armor Fortress properly?

Impossible. That archaic relic from the ancient era had long since been pushed to its limits. Every ounce of its potential had already been squeezed out by past users. Its ceiling was fixed.

“You’re serious? Do you even realize that’s just a one-star Spirit Soul?”

“But I only have a one-star Spirit Soul aptitude anyway, so isn’t it perfect? Fits me just right.” Vinny spread his hands.

“...Honestly, I’m truly curious how you even managed to get admitted to Carillian Academy.” Eric narrowed his eyes.

But no—thinking Vinny had tricked his way in was impossible. Even if Vinny weren’t too dim for such schemes, clever tricks were meaningless before absolute strength.

Eric had seen countless people in his life. With those sharp, seasoned eyes, he could tell Vinny wasn’t the same as before. There was a calm, confident air about him now.

Back then, Vinny had been loud and arrogant on the surface, but no one feared him. Everyone saw him as a clown—because he had no real strength behind his bluster. That was why he constantly paraded around spouting “descendant of the goddess” nonsense, because aside from that, he had nothing to show.

So if someone snapped back at him, he lost his cool. If someone provoked him, he lashed out. But at the end of the day, it was all empty, short-lived anger.

Now Vinny was different.

His personality seemed the same, yet not the same.

He might still retort if someone mocked him, but unlike before, it wasn’t an instinctive defense of a fragile ego. It was simply because he disagreed, and so he voiced it.

Eric nodded slightly, with some appreciation.

The brat had finally grown. At last, he was barely worth looking at.

What’s more, word had spread that after returning, Her Highness Mirexia had praised Vinny endlessly. Even the King himself had heard.

As a former Dragon-Knight, Eric would also be attending this banquet. To be honest, he rather wanted to see for himself how much Vinny had improved these past months.

Vinny returned to Shicodale’s side. He knew that in this foreign human land, without someone familiar to give him a sense of safety, Dale would be terribly nervous.

After walking for who knew how long, the group finally reached the royal banquet hall used for entertaining guests.

The great hall was shaped like a dragon spreading its wings. White spires arched overhead, coiled with carved dragons. The stone pillars within bore two-winged dragons, their wing tips set with sapphire-like crystals. These totems were the royal symbols of Camella.

As the younger generation stepped onto the soft carpet, the crystal chandeliers shone gently, like morning light upon the face, their rays passing through colored glass to scatter flecks of gold across the hall.

The banquet hall was vast. To compare, Vinny thought it matched the scale of Saint Selina Cathedral’s hall, though the layout differed. The cathedral had one long central table, while here, two long tables stretched along either side, draped in luxurious velvet.

Vinny saw that the opposite table was already filled.

Not with students, but with the patriarchs of Camella’s great noble houses—an entire crowd of old fogeys.

And at the head seat sat, of course, the host of this banquet: King Friane V.

Vinny had seen the King before, several times, though not in recent years.

How to put it... he seemed much older now compared to the impression Vinny remembered.

Clearly, the burdens of state weighed heavily.

But before the nobles, he still looked spirited, just like the past.

Under the gaze of the noble heads, the younger generation entered.

They paid their respects to the elders first, then bowed in courtly salute to the King.

“Greetings to His Majesty the King.”

“Haha, truly—heroes rise young.” King Friane sighed. “Once you get old, it’s best to spend time with vigorous youth, lest you age too fast and fall behind the times.”

“Hardly so, Your Majesty. You are still in the prime of life.” The middle-aged noble seated at the King’s side replied respectfully.

Vinny hadn’t seen him before, but anyone who sat by the King’s side had to hold weighty status.

Honestly, this was a lineup Vinny, as a fringe noble, had never once seen up close. Any one of these old men was far beyond his reach.

“No... I’m not what I once was.” King Friane shook his head with some regret, then waved his hand. “But these youths—they surpass us at that age. This is a blessing for the kingdom.”

“I know young people don’t like endless ceremonies. We were young once too. Haha. So, youths of Camella, please, take your seats.” The King’s voice was warm, without the slightest aloofness.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” The young nobles rose and took their places at the opposite table in order.

Naturally, Shicodale trailed right behind Vinny like a little tail. This was likely his first time seeing a human king in such a formal setting, and he was already overwhelmed, at a loss what to do. Wherever Vinny went, he followed. Wherever Vinny sat, he sat right beside him.

As for Vinny?

He was completely at ease—he was here purely for the free feast.

He might have been on the Student Council for a semester, but money didn’t fall from the sky. Save whenever possible! If someone else was footing the bill, why not be happy about it?

Why overthink it—just eat.

No need to wait on dishes either. Everything had already been served. All that remained was for the maids to lift the covers.

Royal cuisine, no less.

“Vinny...”

“What? Don’t be nervous, Dale. It’s just a small scene. A man has to be magnanimous.” Vinny whispered, trying to put him at ease.

“No, I mean...” Shicodale whispered back.

“What is it?”

“Vinny, it seems... a few people at this table have been watching you, on and off.” As an elf, Shicodale’s senses were sharp. He had noticed long ago.

“Oh, that? Any other problems?” Vinny barely cared, his eyes glued to the dishes.

“I think... their gazes aren’t very...”

“Whatever they think, that’s their business. Whether they’re blue-eyed or not, I won’t judge—that’s personal preference.” Vinny replied breezily.

“But I worry... they might mean you harm.” Shicodale said softly.

“Me? Them?” Vinny chuckled. “And how exactly would that work? Staring me to death?”

“Alright, don’t worry so much. To let a few men’s stares distract you from the feast—that would be the gravest disrespect to food. Dale, you know... food can cry, you know?” As the maid brought soup, Vinny eagerly seized the spoon and started tasting.

Across the table, several noble youths exchanged glances, signaling to one another.