Chapter 32: Chapter 32: Before the Banquet

    In the King''s Chamber

    Arthur stood before the full-length mirror, scrutinizing his reflection. His hands moved to smooth down his tunic as he took in the changes he''d worked so hard to achieve. Not bad, not bad at all, he mused. Most of the body fat is gone. Sure, there''s still a little belly fat clinging on, but it''s miles better than the sorry state I was in before.

    He tilted his head, turning slightly to examine his profile. My stamina''s not too shabby now either. Jogging five laps without stopping? I never thought I''d get there. Even managing one intense lap at full speed is something I can pull off now. Compare to when I first started training, where I could barely handle 40 meters. Yeah, this is progress.

    Arthur''s gaze shifted from his physique to his posture, standing straighter, his reflection more confident than he felt some months ago. Maybe it''s time to take up swordsmanship. Then again, is that really where my focus should be? My swordsmanship isn''t what''s going to change this kingdom. No, reforms are the real weapon. This place needs economic strength—roads, trade routes, education, industry. A kingdom with a high GDP and strong military. That''s where my energy should go, instead of me soloing every problem with my swordsmanship plus I don''t even know if I can cultivate an aura of stars.

    With a sigh, he turned toward the ornately laid-out clothing on the nearby stand. Picking up the heavily embroidered dress, he ran his fingers over the intricate patterns. Man, these clothes. No matter how much I wear them, I''ll never get used to them. Fancy, restrictive, and a pain to put on. One day, I''ll introduce proper, comfortable clothing here—sweaters, jumpers, something practical. These nobles can keep their embroidered silk; I''ll take a hoodie any day.

    Arthur''s attire today was far more extravagant than his usual garments, a reflection of the significance of the upcoming banquet set to take place tomorrow. Traditionally, lower-ranking nobles and some influential figures would begin arriving a day early to formally pay their respects to the king. After these initial greetings, they would typically return to their lodgings, only to reappear the next day for the main event. This practice served not to display their loyalty but more so to secure a moment of recognition from the king before the banquet''s larger gathering. Because of this, Arthur''s outfit for today was a little more extravagant than usual.

    Arthur carefully slipped on the dress, fastening each ornate button. As he adjusted his cuffs, his thoughts shifted back to the tasks ahead. This banquet isn''t just about food and pleasantries. It''s an opportunity—a stage where alliances will be forged, intentions will be read, and loyalties tested. Every smile and every word will be part of the chessboard I''m building. If I play this right, I''ll solidify my position. If I don''t...

    He let out a slow exhale, brushing imaginary dust from his sleeve. Failure isn''t an option. Not now, not when I''ve come this far. The kingdom depends on this banquet as much as I do. It''s not just a display of power; it''s a demonstration of unity and manipulation.

    Arthur finally stepped back, surveying himself in the mirror one last time. He styled his black hair and exited the chamber.

    Arthur stepped out of his chamber to find his valet waiting dutifully in the hallway. The moment the valet caught sight of him, he bowed deeply. Arthur offered a curt nod in response, acknowledging the gesture without breaking stride.

    Standing beside the valet was Olivia, her posture as composed as ever. Despite the days she had spent observing him, there was a spark of tension in her demeanor—a telltale sign that this arrangement was not entirely to her liking.

    Arthur turned his attention to her and asked with a calm but probing tone, "The banquet is almost upon us, and your parents will be arriving soon. Are you looking forward to reuniting with them? Or would you prefer continuing to shadow me and study my work?"

    Olivia bowed slightly, her expression carefully neutral as she replied, "I am, of course, delighted that my parents will be arriving soon. It will be a joy to reunite with them. That said, it has been a privilege to follow you and observe how you manage your duties with such efficiency."

    Arthur resisted the urge to smirk, seeing through her polite fac?ade. She''s putting on a show, he thought, playing the obedient observer while counting the days until her freedom. Since Duke Richard''s departure, Olivia had dutifully followed him everywhere, silently watching as he navigated meetings, made decisions, and oversaw the affairs of the kingdom.

    "That''s good to hear," Arthur said evenly, his tone giving nothing away.

    After some time, the doors to the great hall creaked open, and the first nobles arrived. They entered in small groups. Some guest wore rich fabrics with understated elegance, while others flaunted more ostentatious designs. Their faces were equally telling, masking curiosity, skepticism, or faint displeasure beneath layers of cordiality.

    Arthur sat on the throne, his posture commanding yet relaxed. He greeted each guest with a nod and a polite smile, his voice carrying an even, authoritative tone. While his words were courteous, they held an undercurrent of firmness that reminded all present of the power he now wielded.

    As more guests entered and departed, engaging in brief exchanges with Arthur, he began to notice subtle yet revealing dynamics emerging from the interactions.

    Some exchanged skeptical glances as they observed Arthur, their expressions a mix of doubt and disdain. Among them were the lower-ranking and less-informed guest, such as barons and knights, who clung to the outdated perception of Arthur as an inept and complacent ruler. To these individuals, his rise in competence was either a rumor to dismiss or a temporary fac?ade that would soon crumble.

    Others, however, noted the sharpness in Arthur''s gaze, the measured tone of his speech, and the confidence in his posture. These nobles, more perceptive or perhaps better informed, recognized that something fundamental about their king had shifted. The realization unsettled them, and their discomfort showed in subtle ways—fidgeting with their cuffs, avoiding prolonged eye contact, or offering smiles that didn''t quite reach their eyes. For them, Arthur''s transformation posed a direct threat to their long-standing privileges and unchecked influence.

    Then there were those who regarded the king with quiet approval, their respect evident in the depth of their bows or the genuine warmth in their greetings. These were individuals who had grown tired of the kingdom''s stagnation and corruption. To them, Arthur''s newfound decisiveness was a welcome change, a long-overdue sign of progress that offered hope for a brighter future.

    Arthur observed every guest with keen interest.

    What intrigued him most, however, was their reaction to Olivia. Almost every guest who approached him wore an expression of surprise or curiosity upon noticing her. The daughter of Duke Richard of the Dukedom of Luke, present in the royal palace without a single guard from her family''s lands, was an unusual sight. Olivia remained quietly observant, her composed demeanor only heightening the guest'' curiosity. Arthur found it amusing to see their poorly masked shock and the occasional whispered speculations exchanged among them.

    As the hours dragged on and the last guest made their exit, Arthur leaned back on his throne, exhaling quietly. The guest had been greeted, the appearances had been made, and the political theater for the evening had concluded.

    Arthur rose from his seat and addressed his council members. "You''re all dismissed. Get some rest—we have a long day ahead tomorrow."

    The King''s Council bowed and exited the hall. Arthur then turned to Olivia, who had remained at her post throughout the evening.

    "This will be it for today," he said, his voice steady but tinged with exhaustion. "I''m heading to my chambers to rest for the day."

    Olivia nodded, her expression respectful. "Understood. Thank you for allowing me to observe the conversations you had today."

    Arthur gave a curt nod before turning and leaving the great hall.

    Once in his chambers, Arthur let out a long breath, his body finally easing as he collapsed onto his bed. The weight of the day settled on him, but his thoughts remained sharp.

    The real banquet begins tomorrow, he thought, staring at the ceiling. This is just the prelude, but it''s already taken its toll on me. I need to recover my energy. Tomorrow isn''t just about celebration—it''s about strategy, alliances, and making a statement that will shape the future of Keldoria.