Meanwhile, Orion observed as a new seat was arranged for him near Princess Crystalia, and he was gestured to return to his position. Catching Flintor's jealous expression as he moved to stand behind Princess Crystalia's seat, Orion couldn't help but snort softly as he settled comfortably into his seat, grateful that he wouldn't have to stand throughout the banquet.
As the crowd gradually quieted down, King Brylon cleared his throat and said, "Ahem, that's all I have to say for now. Clan Head Jadeus will take over from here."
At that moment, Clan Head Jadeus rose from his seat, crystal-clear glass cup in hand, and declared loudly, "First of all, this toast is to the bright future of the Prismerian Kingdom. Our generation will finally see the day when we can leave these mountains, and we toast to Naka for watching over us, showing us that we have not been abandoned."
After his words, he downed his drink in one swift motion and handed the empty glass to a nearby servant. Then, he continued, "While I'd love to see the banquet start right away, unlike previous banquets where the heirs from all five major clans tested their intellect by solving the kingdom's crises, I believe doing the same now might dampen the mood."
"So, I have a suggestion. Why don't we see how much our young heirs have grown? Let them engage in some friendly competition with each other. This will maintain the festive atmosphere, allow the young heirs to measure their strengths, and, most importantly, keep us entertained. I'm sure everyone here is eager to witness the prowess of the major clan heirs."
As Clan Head Jadeus concluded his speech, several voices immediately voiced their support.
"What a brilliant idea!"
"I've been curious about the strength of the young heirs as well. Hopefully, we'll witness an exciting display of their abilities and see just how much they've grown."
A chorus of voices echoed from the seats where the guests from the minor clans and city families were seated, along with several important clan members from the five major clans. Whether this had been preplanned or not, one thing was clear: everyone was eager to see the young heirs showcase their strength on stage.
It was an opportunity for them to determine who among these young heirs was truly superior and who might not be worth keeping an eye on in terms of strength. In response to Clan Head Jadeus's words, all nine heirs of the five major clans rose gracefully from their seats.
Observing their enthusiastic response, especially his sons who had also risen from their seats, Clan Head Jadeus continued with a smile gracing his lips. "Very well, since the young heirs have stood up and all seem to be in agreement with the suggestion, why don't we proceed?" His voice rang out as the crowd buzzed with approval.
"But since it was I who made this suggestion, I'd like to kick off the battles with my Quartzwraith clan. Lazurian, the oldest heir of the Quartzwraith clan," he added, directing his attention to his eldest son standing beside him, "you may begin. And please remember to show courtesy to the other clan heirs during your address."
"Of course, father," replied Lazurian Quartzwraith, the twenty-one-year-old eldest heir of the Quartzwraith clan.
As Lazurian confidently approached the stage, all eyes were fixed on him. Those unfamiliar with his appearance took this opportunity to study him. He possessed short, vibrant purple hair, tied up with a thin thread, and displayed a slim, well-toned physique, evident from his attire.
Upon reaching the stage, he casually brushed his hair back with his hand, stealing a glance at the clan heirs who had returned to their seats.
Lazurian then greeted the guests with a bow and introduced himself, saying, "I am Lazurian Quartzwraith. While I could call out my fellow clan heirs, I'd prefer if they stepped forward willingly to face me." Concluding his words, he unleashed his magical pressure, allowing his energy to radiate outward.
At this, many of the elders and heads of smaller minor clans and city families raised their eyebrows in surprise as they observed the light cyan aura enveloping Lazurian, picking up traces of his potent magical energy.
This young man was only twenty-one years old, and according to their previous investigations, he was supposed to be at tier one in the Crystal Adept rank. However, judging by the vibrant cyan glow and the formidable magical pressure emanating from him, it was blatantly evident that they were witnessing a twenty-one-year-old tier-two Crystal Adept!
All the younger heirs from the smaller clans and city families, who had been brought along to witness this banquet take place, took in a deep breath. They were still at the Crystal Initiate rank, which was one rank below the Crystal Adept rank, and this display of power left them in awe.
However, Zephyrion Gemheart couldn't help but snort in annoyance at Lazurian's ostentatious display. 'He's only a rank two Crystal Adept, and he's flaunting it like that,' he thought, casting a side eye around the audience.
To his surprise, none of the other clan heirs had shown any interest in taking up the challenge. It seemed they were either hesitant to face Lazurian as the first opponent, preferring to gauge their peers' abilities first, or they simply weren't keen on going first and were hoping someone else would step onto the stage.
Zephyrion snorted again, unwilling to let the opportunity slip away. Regardless of the reason, someone had to step forward.
So, he abruptly rose from his seat, determined to take the initiative.
But as he did so, Garnet, his father, reached out and restrained him, whispering some words into his ear.
Listening to his father's words, Zephyrion nodded with a mischievous grin spreading across his face. He focused his magical energy into his legs, and with a surge of power, he leapt from his seat and onto the stage.
'Impressive,' Orion thought as he watched Zephyrion confidently stride toward Lazurian after effortlessly executing such a high-intensity jump.