830: Chapter 95: Nicholas’s eting 830: Chapter 95: Nicholas’s eting Nicholas Kal Falar, twenty-seven years old this year, was the second imperial prince of the Falar Empire, and the first heir recognized by the Emperor.
He had the empire’s royal family’s distinctive gray hair and was cloaked in a knight’s half-armor over his tall and burly fra, with a splendid one-handed sword hanging at his waist.
Having not seen him for two years, Nicholas appeared even more mature and steadier than when they first t at Marquis Snape’s ball.
At that mont, the imperial prince was surrounded by more than twenty people, wearing a very standard smile as if he had just asked sothing.
One of the citizens among those surrounding him was standing before his seat, answering solemnly, at a very fast pace, without any hesitation or pauses.
Aside from the sweat continuously beading on his forehead, there was no sign of nervousness to the point of being speechless; however, the fluent response felt incongruent.
Behind Nicholas sat two people, one of whom was a middle-aged man about fifty, whom Catherine had not t, but his presence felt familiar.
Two years ago, during that eting, this Legendary Rank powerhouse had been hidden among the crowd, protecting his prince.
The other unfamiliar face seed to be an Upper Gold Rank shield warrior, which made it clear that after their unpleasant encounter at the Holy City’s ball, Nicholas had once again made an effort to strengthen his personal defenses.
Upon hearing the rattle of a door opening, the shield warrior’s body shifted slightly to one side, deftly blocking all the potential attack paths from the entrance.
The middle-aged man of Legendary Rank whispered a few words into the prince’s ear.
Nicholas first gestured with his eyes for the citizen representative, who was answering questions, to continue, then turned his head while listening, giving Catherine a polite nod to indicate that she and the others should wait aside for a mont.
His expressions and movents did not display the slightest awkwardness, as if nothing had happened between them two years ago.
“Hmm, he’s becoming more like his father,” Catherine chuckled and shook her head.
She wasn’t upset about waiting to one side, pulling her companions to sit down in a corner and whispering, “But I have to admit, he’s not as annoying as before.”
“That’s probably because it looks like he won’t bother you anymore,” Pannis said in a low voice, teasing, “If it were two years ago, he’d probably have run over to curry favor by now, unlike now, where he can still sit patiently and listen to others speak.”
“Such hypocrisy,” Vivian finally took a few seconds out of her own world, glanced over at the dozens of people on the other side, and snorted with a sneer, “They’re obviously rehearsed answers, rehearsed countless tis, answers that they know in their hearts, and the questions are also clear in the questioner’s heart.
It really amazes that they can still sit there seriously and play this aningless question-and-answer ga.”
“Don’t be too hard on them,” Freya gently patted Vivian’s soft hat and said in a low voice, “Politicians are all like that.
Moreover, many tis these performances are necessary, whether for the speaker, the listener, or even those outside who aren’t qualified to enter the room, and even for all the people of the Falar Empire, these insincere performances are essential.
So, even though everyone knows it’s fake, they still perform earnestly for those who need to see it.”
“Waste of ti, waste of life,” Vivian huffed coldly.
While she continued to be sarcastic, she had already put away the disdain and disgust on her face, acknowledging Freya’s explanation to so extent.
“Alright, thank you everyone for your enthusiastic participation tonight,” Nicholas said with a composed smile, standing up to bow deeply to the crowd around him.
He shook hands with everyone in turn, “I’m very sorry for taking up everyone’s entire evening.
Your opinions and suggestions have greatly enlightened .
After I return to the capital, I will definitely report every one of your statents in detail to my father and will do my best to fulfill your hopes and requests.
Please rest assured.”
“Thank you for Your Highness’s rcy,” Nicholas had only risen halfway when everyone had already stood up.
Over thirty people gathered around him, eagerly extending their hands to shake hands with the prince.
So even held the prince’s hand with tears streaming down their faces, choking up as they said, “I really hope that Falar will forever have heirs as benevolent and wise as the prince, for then our nation will surely beco the strongest one in the Yarran World.
Your Highness, you must take care of yourself, for the future of the Empire still needs your support.”
“Thank you, thank you,” Nicholas’s smile was nothing short of perfect as he patiently shook hands and bid farewell to each person, “I appreciate everyone’s blessings, but I would rather follow behind my father all my life and assist him in making the Empire even stronger.”
The farewell ceremony continued for over twenty minutes.
Once both sides believed that the performance was sufficiently convincing, the representatives of the common people gradually dispersed, leaving only Nicholas and his two bodyguards in the center of the tavern’s great hall.
It was not until then that the prince allowed himself a deep sigh, wiped the beads of sweat off his forehead, straightened his slightly askew collar, and walked towards the seven mbers of the adventure team.
It was evident from his calm and mature expression that he was still concealing a hint of unease, belying his inner turmoil, for he had no emotional preparation for the unexpected reunion with Catherine.
Nevertheless, he steadily approached Catherine, paused briefly, and then said with a smile, “I truly didn’t expect to et such honored masters here.
Your presence is a great honor for .
I am curious about the masters’ plans in Falar—if there’s nothing too important, perhaps I could act as a guide and show you around the beautiful scenery of the north of Falar for a few days.”
Nicholas did not ntion the events that had occurred two years ago and even when he looked at Catherine and Pannis, his gaze was no different than that of a common friend.
There was no trace of the fervor he once had in pursuit of Catherine.
To his deanor, Catherine showed no surprise, as if she had anticipated such developnts.
In her mind, it was entirely normal for Nicholas to act this way.
She would have been surprised if he persisted in troubling her as he did two years ago.
Therefore, Catherine responded with the courtesy of a knight, saying in a calm voice, “Thank you, Prince Nicholas.
Although we are looking forward to touring the beautiful Falar, I am afraid it won’t be possible this ti.
We are here on a very important mission.
Our bold visit is also for this significant matter.
I wonder if Your Highness could spare so ti for us to discuss it in detail.”
“Of course, of course, it would be my honor,” Nicholas gestured towards the seat he had just occupied and said, “Please, co this way, let’s sit down and talk in detail.” (To be continued.
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