Chapter 623: Chapter 419: Royal Family Banquet Chapter 623: Chapter 419: Royal Family Banquet Chen Lun was deep in thought.
Suddenly, a thought popped into his mind, reminding him of something Arno had once mentioned—
“Arno refers to the former Pope of the Sun Church, Martin Gustus, as his uncle. If he truly is a prince, that would make sense, considering the close relationship between the Sun Royal Family and the Sun Church.”
But doubts quickly arose.
“However, if that’s the case, why has Arno, a high-ranking member of the Sun, always stayed at the edge of darkness, unwilling to leave, even losing most of his memory… He seems to have not seen his sister Anna for a long time, his memory of her still picturing her as a child. Moreover, the Sun Royal Family has hardly ever claimed to have two princes. What’s going on?”
Chen Lun’s brows furrowed, feeling that there was some secret hidden within.
Perhaps it was a secret within the Royal Family, unknown to outsiders.
Watching the back of the Sun Princess, Chen Lun pondered thoughtfully. Shortly after, he set aside these mental activities and refocused his attention on the Empire ceremony.
After the award ceremony ended, the Royal Family organized a performance of singing and dancing which lasted until three o’clock in the afternoon before ending. The residents of the Royal City who had come to participate in the ceremony departed gradually with smiles, still longing for more.
But for the dignitaries on the high platform, the celebration was just beginning.
Because Prince Dazlert had organized a Royal banquet and invited these dignitaries to participate. Given the special occasion, Chen Lun asked his subordinates to leave first and only took Floey with him, following the Royal Family’s protocol team to Sun Palace.
The Prince had prepared carriages specifically for the guests, and Chen Lun, holding Floey’s hand, boarded the carriage meant for them alone, the carriage only bearing the two of them.
“How do you feel? Nervous? Up next, we are attending the Royal banquet, where many of the Empire’s real dignitaries will be present.”
Chen Lun opened the carriage’s drink cabinet, took out a bottle of fruit juice and a bottle of milk, poured a glass of orange juice for Floey, and then asked.
Floey was dressed in a purple evening gown today, her golden blonde hair done up, revealing a pair of sparkling amethyst earrings, and with the crescent moon pendant on her chest, she looked impossibly beautiful.
She extended her fair hand to receive the juice, took a gentle sip, and smiled.
“Not nervous, because I have you by my side.”
Floey’s purple eyes gleamed with a smile as she gazed at Chen Lun.
Chen Lun poured himself a glass of milk and exchanged a smile with her.
The carriage traveled north along the main road of the Central District and stopped after approaching Sun Palace; the coachman informed Chen Lun that they would have to walk the rest of the way, as per the Royal Family’s rules.
Chen Lun thanked the coachman, then alighted from the carriage with Floey, ascending the broad white marble staircase step by step.
Around them, many other invited dignitaries, accompanied by various stewards of the Royal Family, walked along the staircase toward the massive golden palace at its end.
The staircase was long, and it took Chen Lun and his companion about fifteen minutes to reach the top.
In front of the grand archway, several teams of Royal Family’s welcoming staff were waiting. On seeing Chen Lun, one of the stewards stepped forward and greeted him.
“Mr. Jack Spett, and this beautiful lady, this way please. The banquet will start in two hours, you may now roam freely inside the dining hall, enjoy the music and snacks.”
The steward moved elegantly, one hand behind his back, slightly bowing and gesturing toward the inside of the door with his other hand.
Chen Lun showed a polite smile, nodded his head in thanks, and walked into the banquet hall of the palace with Floey.
As soon as they entered, they heard the harmonious duet of violin and piano. Numerous men and women in formal attire were mingling inside, either stopping to chat or exploring around.
The place was quite spacious and bright, with the ceiling several meters high decorated with exquisite murals, and nine huge chandeliers arranged like petals. The impeccably polished walls were adorned with various sizes of paintings by famous artists.
There, Chen Lun even saw portraits of members of the Sun Royal Family.
“Is that the Sun King?”
Floey’s beautiful eyes reflected the light of the chandeliers as she turned her head to stare at a massive oil painting in the center of the banquet hall.
Following her gaze, Chen Lun saw a man depicted in the painting, about ten or so meters high and four to five meters wide, sitting on a golden throne adorned with various gemstones and crystals.
His facial features were profound, with a light beard, his expression calm yet majestic. He wore golden armor carved with countless patterns, with lion head decorations on both shoulders of his armor, and a russet cape that fell to the ground, giving him a heroic appearance.
“Yes, that is Emperor Tresor, Sun King Andre.”
Chen Lun whispered, gazing at the painting.
Though he had seen the Empire’s monarch only once from a distance during the mid-period of his previous life version 2.0, the impression was notably profound. At the time, the king had been rallying his forces on the war front, radiating a golden glow like a god descended to Earth, inspiring awe in everyone.
“Come on, let’s go check over there.”
Chen Lun took Floey’s hand and walked towards the east side of the banquet hall, where the walls were covered with portraits of the Sun Royal Family’s members.
Apart from Prince Dazlert and Princess Anna, there were portraits of dozens of men, women, old and young; Chen Lun recognized only a few of them, the rest were completely unfamiliar.
Even though he was known as “Jack-of-All-Trades” in his previous life, he was confined by his level of strength at the time and didn’t have access to such high-level information.