Chapter 225: Grand Dining Hall

Words : 1353 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

Chapter 225: Grand Dining Hall The air was suddenly tense. Though the manor had been a picture of elegance and grandeure, there was now an unsettling stillness that permeated the walls. For this was after word spread like wildfire. The banquet was about to begin. Vassals, servants, and guards who had yet to hear the news quickly abandoned whatever task they were doing, in a rush to get to the grand dining hall. It may have been a long time, but the people still knew that it was practically unheard of to keep their Lords waiting—not to mention the importance of this event. But none of them were prepared for what was about to unfold. Honestly, many of the vassals, particularly those who had been away for far too long, were unsure of what kind of banquet they were attending. It’s been so long since people had anything to celebrate, and most could only remember tales told by their ancestors. So, many barely had any expectations. However, they’ve never heard of any banquet that started like this. For when the Duke and his party entered, and the heavy double doors sealed shut, something unexpected occurred. There was that loud whirr that echoed through the grand hall that had everyone standing in attention. Then, the large windows that earlier showed the manicured lawns outside were suddenly concealed behind thick metallic plates. *CLANG!* Luca almost jumped at the heavy slabs that suddenly barred the door they had just entered and couldn’t help but panic. However, the heir wasn’t the only one. This was a lockdown, and although many battle-hardened soldiers were retired, they still carried their wits and instincts with them. And that was why many started clutching at their own ceremonial pendants while looking expectantly at the Duke to give the orders. The silence was palpable, and the tension was running high, so Luca, the skittish heir, had to lean toward his father to ask. "Papa," he whispered, his voice soft yet anxious. "Are we...In danger?" Duke Leander, however, remained composed. This was a very serious matter and a huge yet necessary risk. Although there was no need to scare his son, so the Duke leaned back against his chair while reassuring him. "No, my son. This is simply a precaution." "???" Luca was confused. However, he seemed to be the only one among his friends, as even Ollie looked like he totally understood. And even Xavier nodded in agreement. "Host, maybe there is an expected attack?" Asked D-29, who had actually started scanning around but found nothing amiss. Obviously, the prospective diners overheard such conversation, which caused them to exchange glances of unease. The situation was absurd, but as people who had been with the Duke for a long time, they knew just how absurd he was. And it wasn’t helping that the manor servants were acting a bit differently. It actually looked like an execution, and for bad eggs, they would’ve likely thought that they were going to die here, but these people had no such misconceptions and only focused on the possibility of being attacked. Maybe it was because their Duke was suddenly healed now? Or maybe it was because the heir that had been figuratively lost had come back? There were admittedly many reasons why they could all be in danger, but no one probably thought of the right answers save for the prepared servants. All because they’ve been through this before. But the murmurs began to settle as the side doors of the dining hall creaked open. Butler Gary entered with perfect poise, accompanied by a procession of maids who carried large, gleaming metal serving trays. They moved with disciplined precision as they placed the covered trays in the center of each table. Now, they were really baffled. So, were they under attack or not? Or was the plan to eat even while under attack? But in the first place, was all this needed when eating nutrient solutions together? However, the servants looked like they were hyping themselves up, and even Head Maid Gloria clutched at her space button like it was a lifeline. Then, without fanfare, Butler Gary gave a respectful bow and removed the lid. And the world changed. The smell erupted from the dish—a divine wave of savory richness that seized the senses with no mercy. It was warmth. Comfort. These inexperienced people couldn’t find words to describe it, and only those people like Jax knew what that was. It was the scent of baked fish infused with fragrant herbs and buttery goodness. And it invaded every inch of the sealed hall. The air thickened as the aroma settled in, leaving a visible effect on the diners. And it wasn’t just the aroma as several people with visual resonance gasped at what they were looking at. This was impossible! A low, guttural growl escaped from somewhere in the crowd. Whether it came from a nobleman or a servant, no one could tell. Even the vassals, who prided themselves on their decorum, had their eyes locked on the platters, their mouths slightly agape. It was...maddening. Head Maid Gloria visibly shivered, her fingers twitching toward her space button. Just in case. For it really seemed like that old geezer was right. And Luca, the good son, looked at everyone and realized what this looked like. It was like a battlefield. This reminded him of the time when the prisoners would fight over the food that the guards left, as though it was amusing. For there was never enough, and so someone was likely going to get hurt. And at this, he remembered something he had initially forgotten, and the little animal could only stiffen. Oh no! Xavier, who sat beside him, raised a brow as he noticed the changing expressions of the little chipmunk. "What’s wrong?" "I—I forgot something." Luca’s face flushed in embarrassment as he forgot the things they prepared. "I was supposed to bring these out earlier but got distracted..." He trailed off as he held onto a space button. It was Butler Gary who noticed the heir’s jumpy movements and decided to come close, only to rush out like he was on fire after thanking the blinking heir. The Butler practically dragged Steward Han as they looked at the contents of the button. They were familiar with the vegetables used but hadn’t tasted them except for the fruit platters and the lemonade. Their Young Lord was the absolute best. The two oldies stared at each other before signaling to the Duke about this sudden change in plans. And the added dishes had an instantaneous effect. The new aromas mingled with the lingering scent of the previous dish, intensifying the unfamiliar hunger that had already begun gnawing at the guests. Time felt like it had stopped as the Duke refused to do anything but stare at them pointedly. Then he started. "There are three rules in this House." The Duke’s voice suddenly boomed, which made everyone salivating flinch in attention. "One, I better not see blood in this dining hall." The Duke said as he began counting with his fingers. "Two, there is no killing here and outside." "Three, pick opponents of the same caliber." It took a moment. But it woke everyone up. If they had missed the signs earlier, they now understood. The servants were prepared. Oh hell. Luca, now red-faced, could only watch as his offerings were eyed like priceless treasures. And at long last, Duke Leander picked up his utensil. The entire room held its breath. It was the official signal. And the battle had begun, Cutlery clashed, and Luca stared dumbly as cries of victory and defeat echoed throughout the hall. There was no concept of nobility as even the nobles fought with surprising agility, dodging rogue elbows and narrowly avoiding overturned empty goblets. And the servants who were normally meek and obedient moved with innerving speed as they secured their own portions. But through it all, one undeniable truth rang clear. The Duchy of Kyros would never forget this day. Especially Steward Han, whose training finally paid off.

Chapter 225: Grand Dining Hall

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