The knock on the lounge door was sharp. They knocked a total of three times evenly.
Anne walked up to the door and opened it to reveal a well-redressed attendant bearing the insignia of one of the noble factions.
Anne muttered quietly but loud enough for her pThornarty to hear. "House of Thorn….what brings a representative from that house here today?"
Nearby Feng Ye, Garen whispered in his ear. "The House of Thorn is one of the prominent noble families known to support the elder brother Prince Eric. Prince Eric is one of the two heirs to the throne currently in a political struggle with his younger brother Eren. It is a fierce political struggle for the throne. Winning meant ruling over Radiant Kingdom."
Feng Ye nodded and whispered back. "Thanks for filling me in."
The attendant in front of Anne bowed slightly. "Miss Anne. As a representative from the House of Thorn, my lord formally invites you and your party's presence at the royal banquet held three nights from now."He then presented Anne with a sealed letter.
Anne took the sealed letter from him with a raised brow. "A banquet, huh?"
"The presence of competent adventurers is appreciated during uncertain times," he continued to explain. "My lord values your record and reputation and hopes you'll accept the invite."
With another bow, the attendant turned around and left.
Anne shut the door and tossed the envelope on the table. She signed. "That came earlier than expected. House of Thorne is harder to decline due to their influence."
Remus frowned. "A banquet? In this uncertain political environment? Sounds like a trap."
"It's definitely a trap," Leo echoed.
Fay pursed her lips. "But a politically correct one."
Anne opened the letter, skimming its contents. "The invitation is formal. Neutral ground, limited guards, no visible weapons. The usual. There's also a guest list here. It's not final, but it gives us some information at least."
Garen nearby frowned. "No weapons? We will be practically living targets."
Feng Ye leaned forward and glanced at the letter that Anne now dropped on the table again. "What's the catch?"
Anne replied with a serious expression after pausing for a brief moment. "This isn't just about drinks and dancing. It's a political show of power. Every major faction is sending someone. If we go, we are essentially going to have to stake a position even if we stay quiet."
She locked her gaze with each of her party members. "We can't say no either. House Thorne has serious influence in Prince Eric's camp. We will need some of these influences especially when the capital falls into chaos and we would burn bridges by turning this down."
She sighed. "This will be dangerous. I want each of you to decide if you like to still partake in this. We can ship out an excuse even if we burn some bridges. Your safety is very important."
Remus was the first to respond. He uncrossed his arms and clenched a fist. "If we decline, we risk losing political cover. But going, is walking into the fire. Let's take a look at the guest list, most likely it won't just be our adventurer group but a few others as well. Regardless, I'll be going."
Fay added thoughtfully, "If everyone shows up and we don't we'll stand out more and risk being political targets ourselves. I'll also go."
Anne nodded grimly. "Exactly. Let's see the guest list." She took the letter from Feng Ye and scanned it again. This is a power play. House of Thorn isn't the host, but he aligns and supports Prince Eric. Prince Eren is his younger brother and will also be there. He is a serious contender for the throne. From the guest list, it seems that each will bring their trusted aids."
Anne laid out the letter and pointed at where the guest list was. "There's a third influence that is also attending. There are rumors that he's the illegitimate son and is backed by lots of foreign influences. His name is Ronald. They might be trouble."
Leo spoke up next, his tone gruff. "If we're going, we'd better prepare. I'm not walking into some noble chaos blind."
Anne nodded. "That would be a given. Even with the restrictions, those are just for show. Everyone would probably be armed. We will as well."
Garen tapped the coffee table a few times with his index finger. "Any allies that are attending?"
"From the guest list, two other noteworthy attendees would be some people from the church who are probably there to act as observers, and various other small nobles and other neutral adventurer parties who have made some fame here in the capital. We know a few of those parties, but they too will be preparing. There are a few foreign guests who I don't know."
Feng Ye nodded at this time. "Who would we need to be most wary of?"
"Just from speculation, the princes would bring their top aides and personal guards. Eric will likely have Grandmaster Ruth with him. She's a powerful caster and a former war hero. He was long won over by Prince Eric. We wouldn't want to offend her."
Fay asked quietly. "And Eren?"
"Eren will probably have the former army commander who left to serve him personally. It's General Wilheim. He's also someone we can't really offend due to his former connections in the military. He had numerous achievements in battle and once was a peer of General Krum."
Garen muttered. "Sounds intense, but if we get good impressions from either of these factions, our party's political status will soar. Only if we bet right though. Okay, I'll also attend."
Fay asked again. "How about the third influence? Ronald? Any news about his influence?"
Garen nearby answered this time. "I've heard rumors during our time at the capital here waiting for you. That one is trouble. This third faction is backed by foreign coin. They've propped up Ronald as a surprise candidate. Many speculate he is just a puppet and that the real power behind them are Otherworlders."
"Otherworlders…?" Remus frowned.
Anne nodded. "They are probably very dangerous. We will need to be very wary of them as well. I heard that it's a mixture of Otherworlders and foreign countries. They aren't trying to claim the throne through influence, but their goal might be to destabilize it."
Fay leaned forward slightly. "You mentioned the Church would be there as observers, do they align with a particular contender?"
"Neutral. Officially." Anne's lips curled into a half-smile. "But we all know how long that lasts. They're watching. The moment things get messy enough to justify intervention, they'll move in. Either to 'purify corruption' or secure their stake."
Garen nodded again. "I heard the Church faction prefers the younger brother, Eren. His policies would be more favorable for the Church."
Leo nearby thought for a brief moment before nodding as well. "That's the capital…"
Anne turned to Feng Ye. "You are new to our party, so don't feel pressured to join."