Chapter 154: 154 Banquet

Translator: 549690339

Since Han Dong was not of noble status, he would not be able to travel to the third layer without an appropriate reason.

So, Cass made a special trip to meet him.

At the side gate of the Knight Academy.

When female students walked past this spot, their gaze would linger for more than five seconds in front of a steam carriage.

The carriage was not ordinary. It was inlaid with copper and even bore the special mark of the Martini Family.

Dressed in formal attire, Cass stood upright in front of the carriage.

With a neat and stacked front placket,

a white shirt paired with a deep blue swallow-tail coat that’s short in front and long in the back,

light gray high-waisted trousers,

Cass’s height and appearance, combined with his unique noble air, were suitable enough to utilize 120% of this outfit’s potential, attracting the gazes of 99% of the female students.

Every so often, he would glance at the pocket watch in his hand, but most of the time, he was looking attentively at the academy’s side gate.

During this time, Cass’s gaze never lingered on any member of the opposite sex… He was just scanning the crowd at the academy gate for Han Dong’s figure.

When he saw Han Dong, dressed as a crow, walk out of the side gate, Cass immediately greeted him with a knowing smile.

“What about Miss Sophia and Koslin?”

“Fiya lives on the third layer, and Koslin, being a member of the Steam Machinery Association, has already arrived… By the way, why did you reply to my message just now, Valen? I thought you weren’t able to make it,” Han Dong responded.

When Han Dong came around from his state of exhaustion, it was already past four in the afternoon. Indeed, quite late.

“I’ve been busy in the stargazing room all day, didn’t pay much attention to your message,” he replied.

“I can understand, considering you’re a student of the Crow Prophet. The daily learning pressure must be great… Otherwise, you wouldn’t possess such a high level of power,” said Cass.

Deliberately getting closer, Cass put his arm on Han Dong’s shoulder and gave it a light squeeze.

“Hey    Has your strength increased a bit since the last time?”

“Probably.”

Han Dong didn’t really want to reveal the secret of his right arm. The bell tower incident was confidential, and explaining it was troublesome.

“Let’s go! If we leave now, we should be just in time for the feast… Feel at ease, tonight’s banquet is specially set up for our team, so please feel free to enjoy the food,” Cass urged.

Bowing slightly, he let Han Dong board the carriage first.

With the rise and fall of several steam pistons inside the carriage, the steam carriage immediately sped towards the noble residential area on the third layer.

Despite his father only being a viscount,

the area of this mansion was at least twice the size of the former ‘Beke Family’ house on the second layer.

The hollow white-steel metal gates adorned with floral carvings,

at least three gardeners responsible for maintaining the garden,

a kerosene lamp standing every five meters along the path,

walking past the fountain garden area, a medieval noble mansion in dark gray was revealed to Han Dong. The surface of the walls were filled with metal pipes transporting steam, providing twenty-four hours of heating and hot water each day.

“Cass… With your financial status, you could easily buy a complete set of high-quality Fate Equipment, couldn’t you?” Han Dong asked.

“It’s a matter of principle. I won’t seek such things from home.

Besides, having more equipment isn’t necessarily a good thing. Simply having a conveniently used weapon is enough.

During apprenticeship as a knight, one should focus on physical training… After all, equipment can break. In a life-or-death situation, only your physical body is the most reliable,” explained Cass.

“Mmm.”

Time was running late.

Under Cass’s guidance, they arrived at the grand banquet hall.

Crystal chandeliers, iron fireplaces, animal head trophies and other decorations.

Every meter apart on the long marble dining table, there was a metal candlestick. Various delicious and extravagant foods were continually brought to the table.

Aside from team members, Cass’s three sisters, who were all extremely beautiful and elegant, having already married into powerful families, were also gathered there.

However,

there was one special person whose presence overshadowed everything else.

Upon seeing this person, Han Dong’s face turned awkward.

“Nicholas, you seem to have been very busy lately, haven’t you?!” She asked, her tone seething with a lethal sharpness.

Han Dong quickly explained, “Well… I’ve been busy in the Stargazing Room all the time, with no spare time. I just finished with stuff there in the afternoon and rushed over.”

The visitor was none other than Sophia’s cousin.

The Punishment Knight – Vino Silist.

At the end of [The Return of the Clown (Surface Chapter)] incident, Silist stationed herself in front of the Bell Tower and gave Han Dong a pointed look, hinting that he should contact her privately when he had time.

Yet, Han Dong did not contact her at all these days.

This was the second time this had happened.

Today, Silist, who should have been with her cousin, heard that Cass had invited the entire team to dinner, including Han Dong… She immediately decided to come as well.

With Silist’s presence, the entire banquet was upgraded by a notch. Cass’s mother was especially amiable, and was eager to discuss matters regarding Cass and Sophia.

“Nicholas, that seat was specifically reserved for you… Please, take your seat there,” Cass suggested.

The direction Cass pointed to was an empty space next to Silist – a spot specially arranged for him.

“Please don’t mess with me,” Han Dong thought with a sense of dread, but he dared not voice it.

Only once he had taken his position, did Han Dong notice that Knight Silist was wearing special banquet attire today.

Her outfit consisted of a restrictive bodice and a white lace dress. She also wore dazzling crystal head ornaments, exuding a different aura… However, Han Dong had no interest in it at all, appearing rather uncomfortable, and was careful while eating.

“What? …Afraid I’m going to eat you?” Silist’s voice sounded in Han Dong’s head during the meal.

“No.”

Then, Silist spoke in an almost commanding tone, “I’ll be staying here tonight. You will stay back too.”

“What!?” Han Dong was taken aback, sensing a certain ambiguity in her words.

“I only asked you to stay, not to stay together! There’s no hidden meaning… When I came in today, I felt a slight difference compared to the last time I came to the Martini’s house, even Holy Light was fluctuating slightly.

Considering the strange events that have been happening in Holy City lately, and since Cass has been taking special care of Sophia, I decided it’s best to stay for the night,” she explained.

“Hmm.” Han Dong nodded. Remembering the words of Mr. Black White, he agreed.

“Also, I have something to discuss with you privately… Around nine o’clock tonight, remember to come to my room. Don’t let anyone know.”

“Eh… Alright.”

Han Dong took a longer look at the blond Knight Silist, who was beautiful and had an excellent temperament. However, he himself showed no emotional fluctuation or physical signs that a typical man ought to have.

The thought of dealing with Silist always seemed like a hassle to him.

Despite this, Han Dong was very concerned about the situation at Cass’s house.

From Han Dong’s perspective, without the use of the Little Demon Eye, he temporarily could not detect any unusual problems.