That Time I Got Turn Banquet (2)

Scarlett took a slow stroll around the banquet hall, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. The place was filled with finely dressed nobles and important figures—each carrying themselves with confidence and pride. Everyone looked so polished and royal that it was hard to tell who held more power among them.

"I should really learn more about this world," she thought as her blindfolded eyes shifted around the room. "About politics, current affairs… and especially the nobles. Reading might not be my thing, but it’s sothing I’ll need sooner or later."

For now, however, Scarlett had another goal—to find Aoto. He was the only person she felt sowhat familiar with among all these strangers.

As she moved through the crowd, she caught sight of two familiar faces—the rchant Queen Liorra and King Leonidas of Gwarga—standing near one of the wine tables, chatting in low voices.

Scarlett’s steps beca lighter as she approached them. The mont the two noticed her presence, they straightened and bowed their heads slightly, showing respect.

“What were you two talking about?” Scarlett asked calmly, her tone soft yet commanding enough to draw their full attention.

Liorra gave a nervous chuckle. “Ah, actually… we were just talking about you. I an, about the prices of golden apples and how we should handle their supply to other countries,” she said, trying to sound casual but failing to hide her tension.

“Oh?” Scarlett tilted her head slightly, curious but not showing it on her face.

Liorra hurriedly continued, “It’s just that the golden apples are a bit too cheap compared to their effects. With more and more S-rank adventurers appearing lately, the demand is only going up. So I was wondering, why not sell them to other kingdoms as well? It would be good for business, don’t you think?”

Scarlett didn’t reply right away. Instead, she quietly observed Liorra’s carefully chosen words and her fake, polite smile.

"She’s still thinking about profits, huh? rchant Queen indeed," Scarlett thought with a faint sigh in her mind. On the outside, however, her face remained calm and unreadable.

She knew exactly what Liorra was planning. Once adventurers got used to the golden apples, Scarlett could raise the price and earn enormous profits. But when that happened, Liorra would be the one facing the backlash from angry buyers—since she was the only rchant handling the sales.

So now Liorra was trying to convince Scarlett to let her sell the apples to other kingdoms too. That way, she could earn even more as the middlewoman—using Scarlett’s creation while keeping her own purse full, This would be her reward for facing upcoming backlash.

“I’ll think about it,” Scarlett replied coolly, her tone sharp but even. “Besides, other kingdoms are probably already getting golden apples through their own ways.”

She didn’t need to say more. Both Liorra and Leonidas knew she was aware of the smuggling happening behind her back. But Scarlett didn’t bother to stop it—it actually worked in her favor. It was like free advertising for her product.

Her gaze then shifted toward Leonidas, who was standing beside Liorra with a bright, almost goofy smile. His cheeks were slightly puffed, his face glowing like he’d just received good news.

Scarlett raised an eyebrow, smirking a little. “What’s with that happy face? Don’t tell

you got married again or sothing?” she teased.

Leonidas chuckled awkwardly and scratched the back of his head. “No, no, my lady. It’s both good news and bad news!”

Before Scarlett could say anything, he quickly continued, “Actually, the sixth demon king, Xulgorath… hasn’t been seen lately. It’s like he completely disappeared. Scouts from other kingdoms discovered a huge crater where his army used to be. So say he’s planning sothing big, while others think he might’ve died for unknown reasons. But no one really knows the truth yet.”

Scarlett crossed her arms, listening carefully.

Leonidas went on with a faint smile. “Still, if he is planning sothing, then his target will most likely be the weakest among the six kingdoms — the Kingdom of Gwarga.”

Scarlett frowned slightly. “And what’s so happy about that?” she asked, clearly puzzled.

Leonidas laughed softly. “Well, thankfully, the number of S-rank adventurers has been increasing lately. And we’ve also prepared enough mana crystals and other resources to perform a summoning of otherworldly heroes once again.” His expression brightened with hope. “May this ti’s hero be blessed with great talent and courage… and strengthen our kingdom!” he said, almost like a prayer.

But before he could finish smiling, Scarlett suddenly grabbed his shoulder. Her voice turned sharp and serious. “So you’re planning to summon heroes again?”

Leonidas froze, his body stiff as a statue.

“You are not going to do it. Got it?” Scarlett said firmly. Even with her blindfold on, her piercing tone and presence made him feel as if she could still see right through him.

“O-okay!” Leonidas stamred, swallowing nervously.

“Good,” Scarlett said, releasing him. “I’ll be taking my leave then. Enjoy the evening.”

She turned around and walked away without looking back.

She was tired — tired of seeing ordinary people dragged into this world and called “heroes,” only to be used as tools in soone else’s war. Many of them died fighting demon kings, while others gave up and returned ho broken and hopeless.

But what angered her the most was knowing the truth — that the goddesses were using those heroes as a source of power. Every unique skill, every special ability the heroes possessed, would eventually be absorbed by the goddess who had blessed them. Heroes were nothing more than unchained slaves dressed in the illusion of glory.

Scarlett clenched her fist. "If it weren’t for my main focus on Asmodeus, I’d rather kill those goddesses myself."

With that thought burning in her mind, she made her way through the banquet, her long hair swaying behind her. She glanced around, keeping an eye on Reiza, Lunatic, and the others. Thankfully, everything seed fine. A few guests approached them respectfully, while most people were too afraid to even get close.

So beastn, however, were much more open and cheerful, chatting freely with her companions. Even Queen Victoria, the one who had organized the party, had personally greeted them earlier. It made Scarlett feel a little more at ease knowing they were being treated well.

She turned her attention back to the hall, offering polite smiles and greetings to a few nobles along the way. Then, across the room, she noticed the King of Darwitz and his daughter, Ingrassia, sitting together at a round table, sipping wine. Beside them sat a small girl, only about 4'10 feet tall, though Scarlett didn’t pay her much attention.

"If they’re here, then Aoto must be nearby," she thought, scanning the room.

As if sensing her gaze, Ingrassia looked up — and their eyes t. Her golden eyes lit up instantly. She stood and waved her hand excitedly. “Miss Scarlett! Over here!”

Scarlett sighed lightly, her lips curling into a faint smile as she walked toward her. "Where is aoto