Chapter 2: New Century (Epilogue)
Chapter 355: The Banquet to Welcome the Wintery Empire (2)
“My dear sister, have you seen the King of Winter?”
Howard wore a proud smile on his face.
“I’ve already told you what kind of person the King of Winter is. Marrying him is your fortune. Not to mention becoming queen, even being a mere lover would be a blessing. I was afraid he wouldn’t take a liking to you.”
This time, Jessica wholeheartedly agreed with her brother’s thoughts.
The King of Winter likely wouldn’t take a liking to her.
In terms of background, she was merely a princess of the small Medon Kingdom with no real power. Although she had invented some small items that were appreciated by the public, it only made ordinary citizens aware of her existence.
In terms of beauty, she felt she couldn’t even compare to the little girl serving by the King of Winter’s side, even though that girl appeared younger than her.
In terms of talent, she knew how to draw a bow and shoot arrows, and could perform simple sword moves. However, killing an enemy would be a joke. It would only be for display at banquets to add a touch of humor. The ministers would say: “Look! The princess of another country can dance, but our princess is different; she wields a sword like a brute and hacks away aimlessly!”
She suddenly remembered she could play the harmonica. She carried it with her, but she only knew how to play one tune. What a useless “princess.” Jessica felt sadness for her life.
“Smile! You must smile!”
Howard’s low growl reached her ears. Jessica felt a sharp pain in her palm; her brother was pinching her hard. She broke free from his grasp, putting on the mask of a smile again. A maid took her wrist and led her into the banquet hall, as if guiding a true princess.
“Oh! What a beautiful princess!”
“I like her collar~”
Cheers erupted from the officials in the banquet hall. However, these cheers were not filled with reverence for the princess but rather with discussions about a fine gift. Jessica felt lost and bewildered under their peculiar gazes.
In a daze, her eyes met the man seated at the head of the table. What kind of eyes were they? Jessica didn’t know how to describe them, but in that instant, she thought of a lion on the plains.
“Your Majesty Winter, this is my sister, Jessica. You won’t find a more beautiful girl in all of Medon.”
Howard stood respectfully before the King of Winter, bowing. It was as if the King of Winter were the true master of the Medon Empire. Then, he pulled Jessica forward, presenting her before the King of Winter’s throne as if she were an offering.
Xi Wei examined the princess of the Medon Empire from head to toe. Her silver-smoke-like long hair cascaded smoothly down her back, slightly curled at the ends. Her purple eyes resembled crystal grapes. Her nose was delicate and upturned, her lips were warm and moist, and her skin was smooth and fair. Though not yet fully mature, her beauty was striking. Her waist was slender, yet her chest rose proudly. By all accounts, she was a rare beauty.
Unfortunately, the princess merely glanced at him before lowering her head. She appeared to be very afraid of him. Her nature was timid and shy. Was such a person truly suitable to be a pawn in his hand to control the Medon Empire? Xi Wei doubted Alence’s judgment for the first time.
“Your sister is very beautiful,” Xi Wei praised indifferently, withdrawing his gaze from Jessica. This attitude made Howard extremely uneasy. He thought the King of Winter was definitely not pleased with his sister, so how could he then ask for the King of Winter’s help?
“Look up!” Howard gave Jessica a threatening glance. He clenched his fists tightly, veins bulging, and a killing intent that terrified Jessica began to fill his eyes. She could only look up, trying her best to maintain a bright smile.
“Your Majesty Winter, Jessica is just a little shy. After all, she is meeting such a heroic figure as yourself…” Howard chuckled dryly. He suddenly noticed the girl beside the King of Winter staring longingly at a plate of roasted chicken. He seemed to have found a breakthrough and said with a smile:
“Since everyone is here, let us begin the banquet! This banquet is to welcome our King of Winter!”
The music in the banquet hall became lively and stirring once more as servants began bringing out the pre-prepared dishes one by one. Roasted meat, pies, cakes, fruit salads, and the Medon specialty of whole fish feasts… These delicious foods were a sight to behold, and Connie’s eyes were already wide with wonder.
Jessica was seated to the left of the King of Winter, opposite Connie. A stiff smile was plastered on her face, her small hands clasped together, her body sitting rigidly upright, her gaze lost somewhere far away. “Keep smiling,” she told herself. It was the only thing she could do now.
After several rounds of drinks, Howard, who was “terrible yet loved to drink,” was already flushed red. His courage had also increased significantly under the influence of alcohol. He stood up, raised his cup to the King of Winter, and said:
“Your Majesty Winter, the Medon Empire is but a small nation, far inferior to the vast and resource-rich Wintery Empire. If there are any shortcomings in our hospitality, I beg your forgiveness.”
Xi Wei knew the main event was about to begin and followed Howard’s lead: “King of Medon, there is no need for such humility. You have done very well, and I can feel your sincerity.”
“Your Majesty Winter,” Howard’s expression suddenly turned sorrowful and despondent. He placed his wine cup on the table and swayed back to his seat, his face downcast: “I respect heroic figures like you, and I am willing for all of Medon to follow your lead… However, not everyone in the Medon Empire thinks this way. I fear that after you leave, I may no longer be able to serve you.”
“Why do you say that?” Xi Wei asked, feigning ignorance.
“It is because there are treacherous rebels who wish to usurp the throne!” Howard clenched his fists, grinding his teeth: “My father is dead, and no one can suppress them anymore. They see me as a weak prince and will march north at any moment. When the dynasty changes, these greedy individuals will not only cease to serve you, but they will also regard you as a thorn in their side!”
Changing his tone, Howard bowed deeply and pleaded with Xi Wei: “Great King of Winter, I am willing to offer you the most beautiful princess of Medon. I do not ask that she become your queen; even as a servant or a slave, to be at your mercy for life and death, I only beg that you lead your troops to quell those treacherous rebels. This way, in the future, I can continue to serve your Wintery Empire.”
Upon hearing this, Xi Wei subconsciously turned and glanced at Jessica. The princess, used as a political pawn, sat there with her head held high and chest out, like a sculpture. A smile still lingered on her face, but that smile, no matter how you looked at it, was filled with sadness and pain. Did she not wish to be a sacrifice? Xi Wei stroked his chin. If this princess had appeared submissive or obsequious, he would have unhesitatingly abandoned the idea of cultivating her as a chess piece. But now, having reached this point, this princess was still making a silent resistance. Although cowardly, her will was at least firm. If such a person were to suddenly gain power, she would undoubtedly transform and become a sharp sword.