The Talentless Inheritor

Chapter 100 - Royal Banquet

"..."

"Hahaha…"

When the guard gave him a cold stare, Sebastian could only laugh and avoid his gaze. Yesterday, he had already caused quite the commotion yet he already returned first thing in the monring.

"...inform Her Highness."

The guard told his companion to report to the princess about Sebastian's visit. A few minutes later, the guard told him it was okay to pass and Sebastian was led to Euphea's study again.

"Sebastian," Euphea called out to him after the door closed. "This is your second unscheduled visit to the royal palace. Keep this up and I'd think you might've fallen for me."

"Please don't joke about that, Amy will kill me."

"Haa… Anyway, what do you want today? I'll tell you this in advance but I can't exactly accomodate you for long."

"Umm… Can you allow me to roam around the palace?"

"..."

Euphea looked at Sebastian as if he was an idiot.

"Of course, I won't go to the forbidden sections, I'm just here to meet someone."

"Is it another woman? If you continue down this path, I'm afraid I'd have to inform Amira."

"It isn't! Or… actually, I don't know."

"...? You don't know?"

"I'm looking for someone who can manipulate shadows."

Euphea knit her brows.

"There's nobody in this palace who can manipulate shadows. Are you really sure that person is here?"

"Yes."

Because of Sebastian's serious answer, Euphea couldn't help but take him seriously. She straightened her back and continued.

"If what you're saying is true, then there's going to be a problem."

"Huh? Why?"

"Because we don't allow anyone to enter the royal palace without knowing their abilities. And, as far as I know, there isn't anyone with such an ability."

"Couldn't it just be a visitor?"

"Even then, we ask them for their abilities. The only reason you weren't questioned is because your abilities are known. It appears that we have to conduct an investigation."

Sebastian blinked a few times. His simple matter turned into such a big deal.

"Are you able to tell if that person is close?"

—I can.

"Yes, I can."

Sebastian waited for Balanos before answering. If he had agreed and Balanos belatedly informed him that she would only be able to tell the person's general location, he'd be in trouble.

"Cynthia."

"Yes, Your Highness?"

Sebastian jumped out of his seat. A maid had suddenly appeared beside the sofa he was sitting on.

"What…?"

Euphea and Cynthia ignored Sebastian's shocked gaze and continued.

"Get him into formal clothes, he'll be attending the banquet as my escort later."

"As you will."

Cynthia turned her gaze away from Euphea and coolly looked at Sebastian.

"Please follow me, Sir Sol."

"Eh? Ah? Okay…"

Sebastian was caught up in their pace and ended up following Cynthia to a different room.

…

"Hey, who was that?"

"My personal maid and my most trusted subordinate, Cynthia. We've been together since young and she shows loyalty not to the royal family, but to me."

"I see…"

That likely meant she knew Euphea was in Blue Rose.

"The reason I said I couldn't accomodate you today is this. My father, the king, is holding a banquet. Everyone in the royal palace, whether they be visitors or servants will be here. If the person you're trying to find doesn't apppear here, then it's likely that they're a guard."

Sebastian nodded. He understood what Euphea was saying. He was going to attend this banquet and scope out the guests and servants.

"As my escort, you'll attract a great deal of attention. It's the best opportunity we could ask for. I'll even help you explain this to Amira."

"Alright, thanks."

"That's my line," Euphea took hold of Sebastian's arm. "Let's go. The princess can't be late to her father's own event."

Sebastian took a deep breath and walked with Euphea to the banquet hall doors. He ignored the surprised gazes that the guards gave him and walked confidently.

The moment he stepped through those doors, everyone is an enemy. Enemies he couldn't attack. He had to be on guard against all of them, that's what Amy had told him before.

Events in high society only looked peaceful on the surface. They were riddled with lies and deceit, even more so for a party hosted by the royal family.

"Entering is Her Highness, the second princess, Euphea li Aurora."

Chattter.

As soon as they stepped through the banquet hall doors, Sebastian heard chatter. It wasn't the type of chatter that you'd hear being exchanged casually. They were talking secretly amongst themselves about Euphea and Sebastian who had just entered.

—The person is here but because of the number of people here, I can't point them out. Get closer to the north side, near the king's table. That's where I sense the presence of the shadow ability user.

Sebastian internally cursed. North side of the banquet hall near the king's table? There's only one place that could be.

"Your Highness."

Duke Anton bowed.

"Greetings, Duke Anton. How are you?"

Euphea talked like they hadn't clashed just the day before.

"It graces me to know that Her Highness is personally asking about my condition and well-being. Both the duchy and I are doing very well. My son has also been eager to see you again."

Duke Anton stepped to the side and revealed his son who had been waiting behind him.

"Your Highness."

The duke's son bowed and reached out his hand.

"Lord Reiss. It's a… p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e to see you again."

Euphea answered but didn't take his hand. Sebastian took a glance at her expression and was sure of it, she was absolutely disgusted.

It's not like Reiss was ugly, in fact, he could even be called handsome. However, he emitted a certain aura that made even Sebastian who had only seen him for the first time sick.

He suddenly felt pity for Reiss.

Reiss turned his head and frowned once he saw Sebastian locking arms with Euphea.

"I don't believe we've met."

"He's my escort, Sebastian Sol. Sebastian, he's Reiss Anton, the son of Duke Anton."

"It's nice to meet you."

"I'm sure."

Sebastian shook Reiss' hand.

'Hm?'

While they shook hands, Reiss tightened his grip to try and crush Sebastian's hand but let alone break, he didn't even feel the slightest pressure.

It was a bit comical seeing Reiss struggle.

"Is something the matter?"

"...no."

Reiss retracted his hand and looked at it as if there was something wrong with it.

"We'll be off then."

Euphea took advantage of Reiss' distraction and quickly moved away with Sebastian. Once they were a certain distance away, they stopped locking arms.

"I can see why your engagement has been delayed."

Euphea immediately stomped on his foot with her heel.

"Ouch."

"It may seem comical to you who already has a partner, but it's one of my biggest sources of headache. Nearly everyone in my age group had already found a partner or are already married. And, despite being praised for my beauty, I've yet to find a suitable partner."

Sebastian shrugged.

"The target is here, though I can't tell exactly who it is."

"Where are they?"

"The table on the right, beside the king's table."

"..."

Euphea wanted to complain, but it wasn't like Sebastian had the power to magically make the person switch places. The table beside the king's table was one where the dukes and duchesses sit.

That meant, if they wanted to find the person, they'd have to encounter Duke Anton and his son again.

"I understand… I'll find an opening later. For now, go ahead and sit on the table opposite the duke's table."

Sebastian followed her words and sat at one of the seats. The table was empty, so there was no reason for him to feel embarrassed.

"Entering is His Highness, the crown prince, Reaire li Aurora. His Highness, the second prince, Cowell li Aurora. And Her Highness, the first princess, Irasiel li Aurora."

Sebastian turned his eyes toward the banquet hall doors.

He saw the princes and princess walking in a line. The crown prince took the lead, Sebastian had seen his face in many events before. Behind him was the second prince. Compared to the crown prince, he looked plain, but there was an unknown fierceness hidden deep within his gaze. And finally, the first princess. She bore little resemblance to Euphea and although she wasn't plain, she wasn't overly beautiful either.

If the four princes and princesses were put in a line wearing commoner's clothes, one would think that they were two pair of siblings with the crown prince and Euphea being one paiir and the second prince and first princess the other.

Of course, Sebastian knew that they only had one mother. The king was a faithful man who wouldn't take a mistress.

"Entering is His Royal Majesty, King Magnas li Aurora!"

Silence descended the banquet is the doors to the hall opened.

King Magnas was alone. It was a well-known secret that Her Majesty, the Queen was ill. She hadn't shown her face in any of the recent events for the past few months.

However, though he was alone, his dignified aura wasn't lessened in the least. Sebastian felt it even from his spot and felt chills.

The king continued to walk amidst the silence. At that time, the princes and princess who had entered just a few moments before the king had arrived at Sebastian's table. They looked at him curiously but turned their attention back to their father after a few seconds

Once the king reached his table, he cast Sebastian a glance along with a raised brow butr he didn't stop his steps and continued walking to his table. Once he sat down, the atmosphere began to lighten and the guests began to talk again.

"Who might you be?"

Irasiel—the first princess asked Sebastian.

"This one's name is Sebastian Sol. I am sorry for greeting you late, Your Highnesses."

"Hm…? The second son of the House of Sol? Then, why are you seated there? That's Euphea's escort's seat."

"Though it may be presumptuous of me, I attended this banquet as Her Highness Euphea's escort."

Luckily, Sebastian knew how to talk formally. He hadn't received formal training so it was a bit rough around the edges, but, at the very least, he wouldn't be seen as disrespectful.

"Hooh…"

Irasiel scrutinized Sebastian.

"That picky sister of mine actually had a man she wanted?"

"Irasiel, watch your words."

"My apologies."

Irasiel backed down after Reaire warned her.

"While I may not know of Her Highness Euphea's preference, I can assure Your Highness that she and I are not in any sort of secret relationship. We are simply acquaintances brought together by my fiancée. Because Her Highness had yet to get an escort and I was in the royal palace for business, she asked me to accompany her."

"I've heard about this. The heiress of the House of Luna is yor fiancé, isn't she?"

Cowell who had been silent all this while asked.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Sebastian."

Sebastian turned his head to Euphea who had called out to him.

"Accompany me to the duke's table."

"With p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e."

Sebastian stood up from his seat.

"Your Highnesses, I'm sorry for having this talk cut short but I must take my leave now."

"Go, go."

Irasiel waved her hands as if to shoo him away. He didn't detect any ill-intent, it seemed that's how she really acted.

—He's using his ability.