Chapter 125: Banquet
September 29, Year 1428.
Holmes Mansion, 6 P.M.
The sound of horse hooves on the stone road stopped as a shiny black carriage arrived at Holmes Mansion's entrance. Gilded lanterns cast flickering light upon the polished wood, highlighting the family crest of House Humphrey emblazoned on the door.
As soon as the carriage stopped, a footman came from the mansion entrance and opened the door for the guest.
Then, a young man with blonde hair, amber eyes, and a round face stepped out. He wore a neat black tailcoat over his formal attire and also put on a bowler hat on top.
The young man was none other than a member of the Humphery Household, Adolf Humphrey.
"Welcome to the Holmes Mansion, Young Master!" The footman said with a bow.
Adolf Humphrey stepped out of the carriage with practiced grace, his sharp eyes taking in the sight before him. As a Knight Household scion, he had been raised in privilege and discipline, molded by tradition and the unshakable belief in nobility's superiority. Yet, as he surveyed the mansion before him, a trace of skepticism flickered in his gaze.
In his eyes, the Holmes family had always been a minor household—one of meager influence, plagued by financial struggles. Even the only heir was kidnapped a few years ago and became the laughingstock among the noble circle.
He glanced toward the carriage house and noticed something unusual—only a handful of carriages were parked inside. His brows furrowed. A banquet hosted by a supposed Knight family should have drawn a far larger crowd.
"This way, please, Young Master." The footman guided him.
With a measured breath, Adolf adjusted his coat and strode toward the entrance.
After walking inside the Holmes Mansion, he was greeted by two maids on both sides. They gave him an elegant bow and greeted him.
"Welcome to the Holmes Mansion, Young Master Adolf!" Both said in unison.
"Humph!" He gave them a cold look and started walking ahead.
The moment he crossed the threshold, Adolf's gaze swept across the interior of the Holmes estate. To his surprise, the mansion's décor did not resemble that of a crumbling noble house.
The entry hall was spacious, adorned with elegant chandeliers, their crystals catching the light and refracting it in dazzling patterns. The walls were lined with dark oak paneling, polished to perfection, while a grand staircase with intricately carved railings led to the upper floors. Oil paintings hung with quiet dignity.
But as he looked at them, his eyes widened.
'Red Girl painting? Is it original? I heard it was put up for sale in the Museum, though. Moreover, Flaming May? Lady of the Dark? Aren't they the paintings of famous artists?' For a whole minute, he just stood there and was mesmerized by the beauty. Like him, a few other ladies and noblemen also looked at the paintings and admired their beauty.
"How much did he spend to buy these famous paintings from the Museum? Didn't your father say the Holmes House is almost done for?" A rough voice came from his side, causing Adolf to wake up from the daze.
He hurriedly turned towards his left and saw a fifty-year-old man in a formal black suit. He had grey hair and blue eyes and wore a pince-nez.
He straightened his waist, placed his hand on his chest, and spoke with a bow.
"It's an honor to meet you, Sir Gunner!"
Gunner nodded at him and started walking up the staircase.
"I was hesitant to even attend this banquet at first. But after hearing the strange rumors, I decided to come and look for myself."
"Rumors?" Adolf touched his chin and soon recalled a strange rumor among the locals.
"Are you talking about the appearance of Lady Anastasia in Giaris City, Sir? Please don't believe in those baseless rumors. She must have come here for another purpose." Adolf said while following him closely.
"You wouldn't be talking like this if you had attended the Spade Council meeting a few years ago. Well, let's see if this Thomas Holmes is a foolish brat or a tiger cub." Gunner moved to the second floor's corridor and soon entered a grand hall.
"Young Master Adolf of Humphery House has arrived!" A guard standing in the banquet hall suddenly made an announcement.
"Sir Gunner of House Montclair has arrived!"
At the same time, a young man with black hair and azure eyes greeted him at the entrance.
"Welcome, Young Master Adolf and Sir Gunner; we are honored by your presence."
"The honor is mine." Adolf and Gunner greeted him and quietly walked past him to enter the banquet hall.
As Adolf stepped into the banquet hall, the murmurs of conversation surrounded him. He also heard a mild melody from afar and noticed four musicians playing. The first was a pianist, the second was a violinist, the third was a cellist, and the last was a flutist.
Chopin's Nocturnes played at that moment, giving a light, welcoming feel.
After a swift look at the musicians, Adolf started looking around at the banquet hall.
The hall was lavishly arranged, with round tables draped in velvet cloth and polished silverware glinting under the warm glow of wall-mounted sconces. The air carried the rich scent of succulent meats, spiced wine, and freshly baked bread.
Here, Adolf encountered familiar faces—young men from other Knight Households dressed in their finest evening attire. They exchanged knowing looks and smirks, indulging in idle gossip about the hosts. Some still carried an air of condescension, but Adolf could already sense the subtle shift in their expressions.
"It seems your friends are here already," Gunner commented and then added with a chuckle.
"Go on. This old man will be fine on his own."
A smile appeared on Adolf's face.
"Then, I'll take my leave, Sir Gunner." He gave the elderly man a respectful nod before striding toward the gathering.
As Adolf approached the group of young nobles, their conversation quieted slightly. Their gazes flicked toward him, some with mild amusement, others with calculated curiosity. It was an unspoken game between the scions of knightly houses—evaluating strengths, measuring influence, and masking intentions beneath polite smiles.
"Adolf," Leonard Fairburn called out, lifting his wine glass in a casual salute. "I was wondering when you'd make an appearance."
"I wouldn't miss it," Adolf responded smoothly, picking up a goblet of wine from a passing servant. He swirled the liquid idly before taking a measured sip. "Though I must admit, I expected something far less… extravagant."
Gilbert Vance, a tall young man with a lean build and sharp features, scoffed. "Extravagant indeed. The Holmes name has been a joke for years, yet look at this display." He gestured around, the candlelight reflecting in his cold gray eyes. "Imported wine, fine silverware, paintings worth a fortune… either Thomas Holmes has acquired a benefactor, or he's made a desperate gamble."
Ever the observant, Theodore Elwood adjusted his coat and spoke in a measured tone. "Regardless, the rumors have stirred interest."
"The rumors of a member of the Ravenshield arriving for this banquet?" Adolf narrowed his eyes.
"Yes. And the House Spade does not publicly appear lightly, yet here we are." Theodore pointed his finger at a pale-skinned young lady in her elegant blue empress gown.
At that moment, she quietly stood in the corner of the banquet hall and observed the surroundings.
What was strange was that no one approached her.
"Lady Daisy is here?" Adolf was startled.
"Hmm? Who is that young man?" He noticed the same black-haired young man, who greeted him at the entrance, walked past him and approached her.
'Wait! He looks more like a High-class noble.' He could tell the coat, shoes, and even his accessories looked expensive and branded.
"Who is he?" He couldn't help but ask.
"Oh? Him? You don't remember his face? That's Thomas Holmes. Look at his clothes and accessories; I can tell with a glance that he spent more than thousands of gold coins on his dresses." Gilbert said with a trace of jealousy and looked at his coat.
At that moment, Raven had already approached Daisy and greeted her with a smile.
'What? Is he Thomas Holmes? A fool from a ruined Knight Household dares to casually talk to the Lady of the Count House?' Adolf badly wanted to teach that young man a lesson.
"Don't mind them. I know you have a thing for Lady Daisy, but getting yourself involved with Lady Daisy will give an unfavorable impression on Young Master Collin. I heard he is on bad terms with the Lady." Theodore warned him while glancing at another group of young men standing a few meters away.
"Young Master Collin also came?" Adolf asked in surprise.
"Yes. There is a high chance more Spade Family members might come." Theodore added.
"Will Count himself come for this banquet?" Gilbert asked, causing Adolf to raise his eyebrows.
Meanwhile, Raven took a glass of wine from the passing servant and greeted Daisy while bowing.
"It's an honor to meet you, My Lady."
At the same time, he adjusted his monocle and looked at her information.
'Oh, she already became a Radiant Walker, huh?' He felt glad that his friend wasn't lagging in strength.
"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Holmes." Daisy gave him a nod and kept her face cold while continuing.
"We were disappointed and reluctant even to attend this banquet. But this wine, the food, famous portraits, music, and even this mansion look extraordinary." She paused momentarily before taking a sip of the wine and adding.
"You seem to have invested a lot in this Banquet, Mr. Holmes."
"I'm glad you liked this banquet, My Lady. And I indeed invested a bit in it, " he said with a smile, and then asked.
"I heard you have been enrolled in the Zenith Knight Academy and have already become a Radiant Knight. Are you planning on becoming a Royal Knight in the future?"
"I still haven't decided, " she said solemnly, walking towards the nearby table.
'She doesn't like talking too much as usual, huh?'
He was well aware of her character and took a letter from his coat before giving it to her.
"My Lordship has told me to pass this letter to you, My Lady."
"Your Lordship?" Daisy raised her eyebrows in suspicion.
"Open the letter when no one is around," he said, turning around and walking towards the entrance to greet the newly arrived guests, leaving Daisy stunned.
At that moment, another announcement attracted everyone's attention.
"Young Master Finnegan of Spade House has arrived!"
Adolf and others, as well as other noblemen and women, stopped talking and turned their gazes towards the banquet entrance.
Meanwhile, Raven hurried towards the entrance and greeted him respectfully.
"Welcome, Young Master Finnegan. We are honored by your presence!"
Finnegan gave him a sharp glare and asked.
"And who are you?"
As Raven was about to do self-introductions, he pushed him to the side and started walking.
Finnegan didn't even care about him and moved toward the direction where Collin and the other Noble kids were gathering.
"Serves him right for trying to get close to Lady Daisy," Leonard smirked.
"But something is strange. If the young master Finnegan isn't here to see Thomas, why did he come? Could it be?" At that moment, Gunner's earlier words echoed in Adolf's head.
"Count might also come?"
Leonard chuckled. "Or perhaps they came to watch a sinking ship. If this is Holmes's attempt to re-enter noble society, he'll need more than paintings and a grand feast."
Adolf said nothing, but he agreed with the sentiment. His earlier skepticism was now mixed with curiosity. If Thomas Holmes was as weak as rumors suggested, what was he playing at?
Their discussion was interrupted by a sudden hush that swept through the hall. The idle chatter of guests died down, replaced by an air of quiet expectation. A deep voice rang through the chamber.
"Viscountess Rowena of the House Stormwatch has arrived."
"Now a viscountess?" Adolf's face turned stiff.
The weight of those words settled upon the room, and all eyes turned toward the grand entrance. A pair of uniformed guards pulled open the heavy doors, revealing a silver-haired woman in her forties.
She wore a long red gown and covered her head with a bonnet.
After her arrival, Baron Gideon of Frostvale, Baroness Elara of Shadowfen, and Viscount Thorean of Valeheart also arrived.
Although no one showed interest in Raven when he approached them, Adolf felt something was amiss.
"Lord Reynard of House Helbourn has arrived."
"Sir Eamon of House Valtier has arrived."
While listening to the announcements, Adolf retrieved another glass of wine from a nearby server, intending to sip as he surveyed the room further. However, something caught his attention—the food and drinks were exceptional.
It wasn't just exceptional; it all looked more like top quality.
The roasted pheasant was golden and tender, the aroma rich with herbs. Aged wines from prestigious vineyards filled crystal goblets, their deep hues shimmering under the candlelight. The servants, too, were dressed impeccably, their uniforms tailored with delicate embroidery and adorned with discreet yet costly jewelry.
'The amount spent on this banquet should be no less than 20,000 gold coins. The informer told us the Holmes House would soon meet its decline after this banquet. Why do I feel uneasy?'
Holmes Mansion was supposed to be in decline. Yet, everything here spoke of wealth and refinement, not the desperation of a struggling house. Adolf's grip on his wine glass tightened as uncertainty settled over him.
Before he could reflect further, a sudden shift in the atmosphere rippled through the hall. The murmurs hushed, and all heads turned toward the entrance.
The guard at the door straightened before making his following announcement, his voice commanding attention.
"Lord Andres of Spade House has arrived."
A wave of silent anticipation swept through the banquet hall.
A tall, silver-armored young man pushed open the door and made a way for a middle-aged man to walk into the banquet hall. He was around 180cm tall, with short black hair, pale white skin, a celestial nose, and broad shoulders. He wore a black vest and covered his head with a top hat.
Almost all the noblemen and women turned their attention towards him when he entered the hall and moved closer to greet him.
This time, Raven didn't move to greet him.
At that moment, he was fed up with the nobles' attitude towards him.
As Count Andres started greeting Viscountess Rowina, Baron Gideon, and others, the guard made another announcement.
"Young Master Daley of Findlay House has arrived!"
"Findlay? Which household is that?" Murmurs echoed.
"Where have I heard that name before?" Adolf furrowed.
"Wait… Findlay of the Northern Land? One of the Twelve Ancient Households?" Leonard cried out in shock, attracting everyone's attention.
Even Finnegan Spade, Collin Spade, and Daisy Spade were shocked by the appearance of a big figure and shifted their attention towards the entrance.
Count Andres also froze in shock and turned to see the newly arrived guest.
A snowy-haired young man with bluish eyes stepped into the hall. He was in his twenties, wore a velvet tailcoat, and held a wooden suitcase in his hand.
As soon as he walked in, a pin-drop silence appeared in the banquet hall.
At that moment, Count Andres didn't even mind the surrounding noblemen and fasted his footsteps towards Daley Findlay.
He had heard of the unfortunate situation of this young genius from Daley's father when attending the Royal Banquet. Although Daley dropped out of the Crows' Misery and had a lower status in the family, he was still a member of Margrave House. So, he hurriedly moved towards him.
"It's an honor to meet you, Young Master Findlay!" Count Andres said with a smile as he approached and extended his hand to greet him.
"Pleasure is mine, Lord Count. I heard a lot about you." Daley also greeted him with a nod.
"How is your father? The last time I saw him at the Royal Banquet, he worried a lot about you, saying you have lost motivation and isolated yourself from the main house."
"You know my father?" Daley asked in surprise.
"Well, we were once comrades-in-arms during the Crimson Fort war." Count Andres said with a smile, and soon added.
"But I'm truly surprised by your arrival, Young Master Daley. It's the first time for a mere Knight Household to attract guests from the ancient families."
"You shouldn't call this house a mere Knight Household anymore, Andres." A silvery voice came, causing Andres to look around. After all, no one in their right mind would call him by his name unless it was someone powerful.
Simultaneously, the guard made an announcement, causing another shock.
"Anastasia of the Ravenshield House has arrived!"
A silver-haired lady in her long, blue gown entered the banquet hall and smiled politely.
"It's been a while, Lady Anastasia!" Daley hurriedly greeted her as he identified who she was and bowed his head.
"I never knew you were also acquainted with Sir Thomas." Anastasia gave him a nod and turned her attention towards Count Andres.
Meanwhile, Andres snapped out of the shock and greeted her.
"It's an honor to meet you, My Lady. I was expecting your arrival, " he said, placing his hand on his chest and bowing.
"Pleasure is mine, Count." Anastasia nodded in greeting and then looked at Daley.
"Strange… That brat never shows interest in someone who has less talent."
She calmly released her spirit power and soon showed a surprised look.
As far as she knew, Daley Findlay was an heir who lost the game of succession because he was kicked out of the academy. To the whole Empire, he was nothing more than a loser.
But she realized the young man before him wasn't a loser.
'No, this kid is hiding his strength!'
"From what I've heard, young master Daley failed to construct his third spell model and was expelled from the academy by his teacher a few years ago. But why do I sense your spirit power is as high as Radiant Wizard?" Her words surprised Count Andres.
"Young Master Daley is a Radiant Wizard?" He looked at him in shock.
"What a frightening talent you've been hiding! If someone realizes," She abruptly paused and then asked.
"Is this your father's idea?"
A smile appeared on Daley's face.
"It seems I can't fool an Expert Wizard." He said with a chuckle and shook his head.
"My father doesn't know about my current strength, My Lady."
"You shouldn't pry too much into other people's business, My Lady," Raven said as he walked closer to them.
Anastasia froze for a second and turned towards the side with a smile.
"It's been a while, Mr. Holmes. I thought you would hold a grudge against me after that incident, but I didn't expect you to send me an invitation."
"It truly has been a while." Raven smiled at her and waved his hand.
"It isn't your doing, so I forgot about that matter long ago."
"Good to see you again, Mr. Holmes." Daley Findlay also greeted him with a smile.
Raven nodded at him and spoke.
"I'm glad to see you again, Mr. Findlay. You've grown a lot in the past few years.
"I'm." Daley nodded and opened the suitcase hurriedly.
"Although I didn't have enough money after my family cast me out, I managed to get this using the money I had." Saying so, he took out a golden bracelet from it and presented it to him.
"It's called 'Guardian Bracelet-'"
"It's a set item. To be precise, it's a rare rank artefact set item." Anastasia interrupted him.
"Set item?" Raven furrowed.
"Yes. It's a rare rank set item created by the Sterlinghart Family. The Sterlinghart Family and the other Wizards from the Wizard Alliance and the Wizard Union always create Rune Set armors for Walkers. These set items mostly comprise rings, amulets, bracelets, boots, armor, weapons, and helmets or hoods. When a Walker equips all these set items, he can even take on a same rank Magical Beast." Anastasia explained.
While listening, Raven took the gift from Daley and thanked him from the bottom of his heart.
…