In the banquet hall of the Valencia Family Manor, the air was filled not just with the mingling scents of perfume and fine wine, but with an indescribable tension and anticipation.

Under the golden lights, guests dressed in luxurious attire gathered in small groups. They laughed and conversed quietly, yet couldn't help but focus their gaze toward the entrance of the banquet hall.

Or to put it more accurately—

In every pair of eyes, the same figure was reflected.

"…I didn't expect the Regent King to personally come out to greet us!"

In the corner, an elderly Baron couldn't hide the surprise in his voice. Although he spoke quietly, his words were clearly overheard by many around him.

A noble next to him chuckled softly.

"What's so strange about that? I'm more surprised that Duke Valencia came downstairs as well."

"Forget the Regent King, even Marshal Aber is here… and Julian Corps Commander!" another noble murmured, the astonishment on his face even more pronounced. "That's not like him at all."

"I'm more surprised that he actually got an invitation…" A gentleman, arms crossed, narrowed his eyes slightly, the corner of his mouth lifting in a faint mockery, "When did the Valencia Family Manor start admitting those without titles?"

The Aber family has a title, but Julian Corps Commander is clearly just a civilian with an honorary title… at least in the eyes of the old nobles.

"Don't just focus on the military and the Council of Elders," not far away, a baron's eyes gleamed, unable to help but say, "By Saint Sis, to think I'd see the adventurer guild's Chairman here! In my memory, that guy rarely attends noble banquets."

A partner beside him glanced at him and laughed, saying.

"What's so strange about that? It's obvious the adventurer guild has its eyes on Gana Continent's business too. I've heard a Demon King Territory has recently appeared there."

Another noble interjected.

"What about the adventurer guild's Chairman? The true big shot is Count Casite Hillfin beside him!

The man with a red wine glass in hand chuckled, speaking with deep meaning.

"Indeed, who doesn't know the Hillfin family is a confidant of His Holiness the Pope. The Council of Elders, the military, plus the Church Court… Ha, there will be a good show tonight!"

The open and covert fights among the three major factions in the Holy City are no secret to the guests present. Many guests invited by the Valencia family are members of the Council of Elders or are intricately linked to it.

However, just when everyone was waiting with a mindset to watch the conflict among these big figures who usually couldn't see eye to eye, an unexpected scene unfolded.

The Regent King Granville Pot and Marshal Laco Aber were seen smiling, engaging in friendly conversation with Prince Colin. Not long after, Count Casite Hillfin and Chairman Aibo'er also seamlessly joined in.

The atmosphere among them was harmonious and amiable, with no apparent deep-seated divide.

There was certainly a degree of role-playing involved, as those in high positions cherish their reputations and rarely fall out openly, even if discontented.

Nevertheless, even for a pretense, there was no need to go to such lengths.

After all, if one truly disagreed with the conversation, they could simply walk away, without the need to waste time on meaningless exchanges.

Clearly—

They were interested in the topic Prince Colin laid out!

And this interest was evidently not due to personal preference, but it related to family and factional interests, making it impossible for any of them to just walk away… at least, they weren't willing to hand over such an opportunity to political rivals, preferring to hear the young man out.

This unexpected harmony stirred ripples in the hearts of many nobles secretly observing, pondering whether to find a chance to sidle over and listen to what they were discussing.

"This young Prince Colin has quite exceptional social skills…" an elderly Earl squinted, speaking quietly to his companion standing beside him, "It's been years since someone in the Holy City has managed to gain favor from all three factions simultaneously."

His companion nodded slightly, with a barely perceptible tone of agreement.

"It seems our prince truly is a notable figure. The Council of Elders, the Marshal Mansion, and the Church Court people being able to coexist so peacefully… it's really a rare sight."

Compared to the older nobles secretly observing, the younger nobles who had yet to inherit their titles were much more straightforward.

They gathered in groups, excitedly conversing, their eyes full of admiration for Prince Colin and the distant continent.

"Have you heard? That recently famous Baron Ticky Cosia got rich overnight in Gana Continent! It's said gold and gems are everywhere, with endless wealth opportunities! My good brother Langton told me so!" a young noble eagerly spoke to his companions beside him, eyes full of longing.

Another young man also chimed in excitedly.

"I've heard too! That Cosia, he's recently staying at the Royal Empire Hotel! Now the whole Holy City is abuzz with his stories, and the Holy City Gospel Newspaper seems to be planning to publish his biography, telling the tale of a down-and-out youth who squandered his family fortune, but through devotion, earned the protection of Saint Sis, expanding the empire's borders in a foreign land!"

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