The banquet guests were mostly those who navigated the intricacies of officialdom, deeply versed in its ways, and thus the atmosphere was exceptionally convivial. Only Agamemnon exuded an aura of aloofness, as if a pure lotus emerging unstained from mud, appearing distinctly out of place amidst the prevailing mood.
Most present were self-aware and avoided provoking him. However, Leithai's gaze grew increasingly displeased. He let out a cold snort and signaled to a nearby attendant. The attendant leaned in, and Leithai whispered a few words into his ear. The attendant nodded repeatedly and withdrew.
Amidst Leithai's banquet, a palpable killing intent permeated the air. Gortreggai, seated beside Agamemnon, rejoiced in his heart as Agamemnon became visibly enraged.
By seniority, Agamemnon was his junior. Yet, since Tydarell's ascension, Agamemnon had risen meteorically to become a high general, while Gortreggai remained stagnant, fostering a natural envy.
Seeing Agamemnon falter, Gortreggai, fearing no chaos, sarcastically remarked, "General Leithai, you too! Everyone knows the High General is corpulent. When speaking to a short person, one doesn't mention shortness. How could you bring up fat people in front of the High General?"
His words, once uttered, somewhat diffused the tension, and some couldn't help but chuckle.
Yule, sensing the atmosphere easing, felt a moment of relief and began to sing in rhythm, "Fat General, don't be cross, don't be mad..."
He had intended to sing words of flattery to pacify Agamemnon's anger. However, Agamemnon, already incensed by Gortreggai's words, became even more furious upon hearing Yule's lyrics. A glint appeared at his waist, and the sound of his blade cleaving the air was like lightning. The gleaming edge pointed directly at Yule, "Sing one more word, and I'll split you in two right now!"
Yule had never expected Agamemnon to move so swiftly despite his physique.
The thick killing intent made him tremble, and the fierce battle intent caused his legs to buckle, making him kneel instantly and kowtow repeatedly, "My lord, spare me! My lord, spare me! I know my transgression! I know my transgression!"
A crisp "crack" sound came from the head table. The guests looked in its direction and saw Leithai slamming the sword at his waist onto the table, scattering food and wine. He said coldly, "Agamemnon, who gave you the audacity to cause trouble in my home? Others may fear your damned High General status, but I hold it in contempt! In my eyes, you are merely meat on a chopping block."
No one had anticipated that this seemingly delicate and effeminate man could emanate such powerful battle intent. The heavy killing aura was no less potent than that of the battle-hardened Agamemnon.
Suddenly, the banquet was filled with a crisscrossing killing intent, causing the agitated void to ripple, and a chilling wind arose.
The banquet was filled with royalty and nobility who had never witnessed such a scene. In an instant, they rose to leave, fearing being caught in the crossfire should the two sides clash. They also wished to avoid being entangled in the vortex of governance between two of the Winter's most powerful ministers.
Only Gortreggai, experienced in battle and not one to stir up trouble, remained seated, observing impassively, pouring himself drinks, unafraid of attracting trouble.
Agamemnon sneered, "Leithai, are you deliberately looking for a confrontation today? If so, I can only accept your esteemed challenge!"
As he spoke, his killing intent flared, so potent that even Gortreggai, startled, lowered his food and looked towards the center of the hall.
"The Emperor arrives!"
A sharp voice rang out, followed by the synchronized sound of marching feet. The Royal Guard arrived as if descending from the heavens, and Tydarell's figure emerged from amidst the dense ranks of guards.
Several individuals at the banquet and their attendants rose and prostrated themselves, chanting in unison, "Hail Your Majesty!"
Tydarell strode into the banquet hall, went directly to the head table, surveyed the scene with a progressively grim expression, and declared, "As ministers of the court, what sort of conduct is this?"
Leithai and Agamemnon simultaneously responded, "This minister knows his error!"
Tydarell glanced at Gortreggai with displeasure, "They are making a scene, and the Cavalry General allows it?"
Gortreggai, unfazed, retorted sarcastically, "Your Majesty, my rank is low and my words carry little weight. How can I restrain the High General and General Leithai?"
A cold glint flashed in Tydarell's eyes as he swept a gaze over Gortreggai.
Gortreggai faltered slightly, involuntarily straightening his posture, unable to ignore the Emperor's attention. Tydarell stared at Gortreggai for a long moment, but ultimately remained silent, stating coldly, "The court strictly forbids martial combat. Should this be violated again, there will be no leniency!"
With that, he rose and departed.
Outside the mansion, as Tydarell was about to board his carriage, something seemed to catch his attention. He raised his eyes and looked into the distance.
Following his gaze, he saw Gortreggai's white jade carriage.
Tydarell did not linger on the carriage but gave it a fleeting glance before entering his own imperial carriage.
Though his imperial carriage was drawn by six horses, it paled in comparison to Gortreggai's five-horse chariot.
Sailorpes picked up a letter and reread it before placing it on the desk. The letter was signed by Duker.
Every time Sailorpes read this letter, he could not suppress the intense sense of oppression in his heart. The sadness conveyed in Duker's words flowed like the ceaseless Yellow River, constantly stirring him.
The blood feud of the Brilliant Flame family was laid bare on the paper. This gnashing hatred had not vanished with his father's burial but had accumulated over time, weighing down his body. Otherwise, with Duker's cultivation, how could he have died young?
It was a pity that, due to his solitary fate, he had kept Duker confined in Zhenyang, leading to such a hero meeting a regrettable end. The thought now evoked sighs.
Duker's death was naturally linked to his own unfulfilled ambitions. What Sailorpes did not know was the inner turmoil Duker experienced, his helplessness at being outmatched, which led to the annihilation of his branch of the family, leaving only himself and Pelisa as the sole survivors.
The most painful aspect was that he had left behind descendants for the family and even named his child Duk Jiah.
To his dismay, this child was ultimately harmed by beasts and died prematurely, preventing him from even seeing the child one last time.
Only Sirup remained, but his aptitude was mediocre, and his health frail. His entire cultivation, alas, had no successor.
Fortunately, his sister Pelisa had inherited much of his true teachings. It was a pity she had not married and had children, and he could not witness the continuation of the family lineage before his death.
Duker had intended to recommend Pelisa before his death, hoping she would achieve something, but he feared this last ember of the family's bloodline would be extinguished on the battlefield.
Before his death, he did not recommend Pelisa but instead recommended Ogarte, stating that Ogarte had inherited his true teachings.
The letter also specifically mentioned that out of two hundred family members, only Pelisa remained, and she would inherit his ducal title.
Sailorpes had always known Pelisa to be resourceful and highly cultivated. He had intended to send Pelisa on the northern campaign this time, but remembering Duker's concern for Pelisa even at his deathbed, he ultimately abandoned the idea.
Since Pelisa had such a karmic connection with Duker, and he was entrusted with Duker's dying wish, how could he fail him? Therefore, Sailorpes treated Pelisa with special consideration, placing her on par with Xiao Xun.
Sailorpes certainly hadn't expected a civilian official to receive such special attention from Duker, let alone personal guidance. Upon investigation, he discovered that it was this very Ogarte who had protected Duker in those years.
If Duker hadn't mentioned it, Sailorpes would likely not have recalled such a person.
This person did possess some genuine talent, and it seemed he might be useful in quelling the northwest.
In the imperial study of the Winter Palace in Guidu, Agamemnon stood before Tydarell's desk, expressing his displeasure, "Your Majesty, although I made a mistake, the fact that General Zhenwei disregards the noble kin of Winter is undeniable!"
Tydarell looked at Agamemnon and smiled faintly, "Yesterday was not your fault; I understand."
Agamemnon was taken aback, staring at Tydarell blankly. Tydarell suddenly asked, "I heard Lywait dotes on his concubine and neglects the Deyang Princess. Is this true?"
Agamemnon was puzzled why Tydarell had abruptly changed the topic to Lywait. However, ever since the last campaign against Saint Romanni, Agamemnon had harbored significant resentment towards Lywait. Hearing Tydarell mention it, he quickly added, "Reporting to Your Majesty, it is true. Lywait even takes that favored concubine with him on campaigns."
Tydarell let out a cold snort, "The Deyang Princess is, after all, a noble kin of our Winter. Lywait's actions are indeed excessive! Then let him be executed!"
Agamemnon stood stunned, silent for a long time. After a while, realizing Tydarell's intention, he quickly bowed and said, "This minister thanks Your Majesty on behalf of my sister!"
Tydarell then said, "I intend to personally lead the expedition against the beast tribes. What do you think?"
Agamemnon was startled, assuming Tydarell was referring to the matter of reconciliation between the two factions. He quickly responded, "This minister believes that if the two sides reconcile again, their intentions must be malicious. Your Majesty should act preemptively! However..."
"However, what?"
"Banturadel has been quite unstable of late."
Tydarell nodded, "Very well, you may withdraw."