It was as if he was saying that he had memorized their faces and knew what they were thinking at that moment.

The hall fell silent for a moment.

He spoke, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone's ears:

"Thank you all for coming here despite your busy schedules. I apologize for keeping you waiting.

I just had to handle some last-minute affairs, which took up some time."

His tone was calm, without much self-explanation, yet it appeared all the more measured and tasteful, even causing several nobles who were slightly dissatisfied to nod in approval.

He cracked a joke: "I know, the castle in Red Tide Territory is not quite refined, some places even can be said to be... crude."

Some nobles below responded with dry laughter, glancing at each other awkwardly.

"But I hope tonight's banquet will allow you all to eat well and drink well."

He spread his hands, his demeanor relaxed and generous: "Demon Beast Meat, Spice Soup, Snow Eagle Wine... These are things I ordered to be prepared three months in advance. For today, for you all, should there be any neglect, please bear with us."

After Louis sat down, the banquet resumed, with music flowing softly and candlelight shining brightly. The nobles raised their glasses, and the atmosphere seemed to ease considerably for a moment.

Most people accepted his explanation for being late.

Affairs of state are indeed understandable in the Northern Territory right now.

Moreover, the grandeur of the banquet was indeed impeccable: the aroma of spices wafting through the air, the demon beast meat roasted to crisp perfection, even the wine was specially brought from the distant South.

Many nobles gradually relaxed amidst the fine wine and food, and even grew to appreciate this young Prefect.

Young in age, yet poised and gracious, not sparing any expense in hosting.

This somewhat swayed their hearts.

But there were always some who didn't come just for food and drink.

Joseph held his wine glass, a smile on his face, but his eyes grew cold as he cast a subtle glance, not needing words.

Several nobles who had been quietly eating and drinking suddenly became lively.

"Oh dear, delayed by affairs... how arduous. We have become like servants waiting for food?"

"Can't blame the Prefect, young people, being busy is good... just wonder which lady's affairs he's busy with?"

A few sarcastic remarks immediately broke the superficial harmony of the banquet.

An elderly noble near the high platform slowly put down his wine glass, his tone amused, but deliberately raised his voice: "The Prefect is so diligent, perhaps we could share some of his duties?"

"Quite right." Another middle-aged noble in a gray-blue suit agreed, "Red Tide Territory is becoming more complex, should we consider... forming a Noble Council? Taking turns to host, aiding the Prefect in relieving his burdens, wouldn't that be better?"

These words were spoken with great precision, seemingly for Louis's benefit, but in truth, every word was intended to undermine.

The scene was silent, many instinctively looked towards the high platform.

Joseph lowered his eyes, a faint and almost imperceptible smirk gracing his lips.

This was the "finishing blow" he had prepared for days.

Even before the banquet, he had arranged for these people to propose this seemingly fair "Noble Council" proposal at this moment.

He even had the details planned out, just waiting to present them publicly.

Entirely aimed at this young newly appointed Prefect; if he remained silent and yielded, it would imply weakness, and if he fought back and refused, it would imply arrogance.

No matter what, after tonight the state of "Louis holding sole power" would no longer exist.

And he, Joseph, would become the actual leader of the "Council."

He held up his wine glass, smiling lightly, waiting to see the young man caught in a dilemma, embarrassed and humiliated.

Louis, however, did not pay attention to the aggressive questioning.

Smiling, he raised his glass and said to the crowd: "Everyone, let's discuss the affairs tomorrow. Today I just want to share a drink with all of you, celebrating my official appointment as Prefect of New Snow Peak County. Eat well and drink well, no talk of business."

His attitude seemed relaxed but was interpreted by many as weak and evasive.

Several nobles exchanged glances, their faces carrying undisguised cold smiles: "Buying time? Is he just stalling for time?"

The words, though not explicit, grew sharper, even tinged with mockery.

The atmosphere in the room became increasingly tense, and Joseph couldn't hold back any longer, he spoke up, his voice not loud, yet cut like a blade: "It seems our new Prefect's understanding of governance is as shallow as his enthusiasm for banquets."

As his words fell, the table went silent.

This was not only a challenge to Louis's authority, but also a public questioning of his competence.

Joseph's lips curled slightly, a hint of unabashed satisfaction flashed in his eyes.

This move had long been arranged by him.

From the beginning of the banquet, he deliberately showed weakness, allowing others the opportunity to question.

He let those impatient nobles probe first, pressure first, heat up the situation first.

Meanwhile, he stood by, like an experienced Hunter, waiting for the prey to show weakness.

Now the prey had shown weakness.

Louis chose to evade, chose to smile and raise his glass, unwilling to confront, which amounted to an admission of weakness and incompetence.

This statement wasn't heavy-handed, but very precise.

He intentionally lowered his voice, putting on a rational but disappointed appearance, which, in turn, could resonate more with those around.

Indeed, it was clear for anyone to see, he "could have remained silent," but "for the greater good couldn't help but speak out."

Tonight he wanted everyone to understand: the new Prefect is not trustworthy, not even deserving of this power.

And the real person who should be in charge, was present at this table, someone who understands governance, dares to speak out and doesn't fear offending others.

Like him, Baron Joseph Kaladi.

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