Chapter 203

Upon hearing this, Lizzie shot Fermin a withering glare. She glanced around to make sure no one was nearby before speaking, "I brought her in to broaden her horizons. Do you think I’d ever mistreat anyone under my care?"

With her eyes shining with adoration, the maid dipped into a slight curtsy before Lizzie. Observing her, Lizzie gave her chin a gentle squeeze and cooed, "Good girl."

Just then, all the palace lanterns along the eaves of the Grand Hall illuminated simultaneously. Hundreds of palace lanterns with cracked–ice patterns brightened the interior, turning the hall into a breathtaking galaxy of light and creating an utterly magnificent scene.

Joyous music flowed from within the Grand Hall as officials and their families began filing inside in an orderly procession.

Fermin cast a glance toward the Grand Hall and said to Lizzie, "Aunt Lizzie, shall we head in?"

"Sure," Lizzie replied as she rose gracefully. Her maid immediately stepped forward to offer careful support at her arm. No one knew what the maid whispered into Lizzie’s ear, but it had her giggling uncontrollably. In a rare display of affection, she even rested her head briefly on the maid’s shoulder. Still, mindful of the difference in status, Lizzie only tilted slightly before correcting her posture.

That maid had some serious nerve, nothing about her tells others that she’s a "servant." Fermin couldn’t help but sigh deeply. Our unconventional Aunt Lizzie had always flouted all conventions. Emboldened by the Queen Mother’s favor, Lizzie often pushes boundaries with her outrageous behavior. Sometimes, even the King found himself powerless to rein Lizzie in, and this was precisely why she acted so boldly.

Fermin followed behind Lizzie into the Grand Hall. He was seated at the lower left, while Prince Xander and Athena occupied the upper right seats. Pamela was chatting with a group of noble ladies at the tables when she noticed Fermin’s entrance and immediately fell silent.

The palace gala dinner was packed with guests today, but Athena recognized only a handful of faces. While Arthur had many children, only his most favored were in attendance today. The only ones Athena recognized were Fermin and Lizzie; the other princes in the Grand Hall were mostly strangers to her.

Xander noticed Athena’s curious eyes darting around. Leaning in, he lowered his voice and said, "From front to back, that’s the Third Prince, Evander Cavendish, and the Fifth Prince, Fabian Cavendish. You’ll get to know the other princes and princesses in due time."

Xander’s pointed mention of these two instantly clicked for Athena. "What’s so special about them?" she asked.

Xander explained in a low voice, "Evander is earnest and a bit naive, and his mother is a low–ranking consort, so he’s not in the King’s favor. Fabian’s mother is favored by the King, but the Queen keeps her suppressed, making it hard for him to rise to prominence." Leaning in, he added, "But don’t be fooled by what you see on the surface; some real drama will unfold during tonight’s gala."

Xander spoke while swirling his wine glass, and his demeanor exuded effortless aristocratic charm. Between casual banter, Xander had effortlessly mapped out the relationships here for Athena. Athena listened carefully, but the lively chatter in the Grand Hall made it difficult to hear, so she leaned a bit closer to Xander. Even such a slight movement instantly drew the watchful gazes from every faction in the hall.

Lost in thought, Ferris had been holding his wine for quite some time without bringing it to his lips. Seated in the middle, at an area quite far from Athena, Michael could only see half of her figure from where he was. As such, he could barely make out her face. While Michael was attentive to Willow, he couldn’t rein in his wandering heart. The moment Athena made even the slightest move, his gaze would instinctively dart her way.

“Michael,” Willow called out softly.

Michael snapped out of his daze, a fond smile spreading across his face as he turned to Willow. “What’s the matter, sweetheart?” he asked gently.

“Nothing in particular, I’m just a little nervous,” Willow said, gazing up at Michael with puppy eyes. But inside, jealousy was consuming her alive. Even though I’m already Michael’s woman, why is he still hung up on Athena? Willow thought bitterly.

Michael squeezed her hand reassuringly as he gently murmured, “Don’t worry, I’ve got you.”

On the surface, everyone in the Grand Hall seemed relaxed, yet each had their own agenda. Athena sensed that she had become a target. If looks could kill, she’d be completely pierced by now. Just then, Athena noticed Lizzie flashing her a taunting smirk from across the hall.

Lizzie raised her wine glass in a mock toast from across the hall. Athena picked up her own glass and returned the gesture with equal poise. Lizzie downed her wine in one gulp and set the glass down on the table with deliberate force. Noticing this, the maid who was standing nearby promptly refilled her glass.

On the other hand, Athena set her glass down on the table, paying no heed to Lizzie’s provocation. Athena even gave Lizzie a faint, cool smile, as if to say, "Your little games don’t bother me at all."

Athena’s nonchalant attitude genuinely infuriated Lizzie, and the mere thought of having to address Athena as her “Royal Aunt” made Lizzie wish she were dead.

At that moment, Arthur and the Queen made their entrance into the Grand Hall. All attendees rose to their feet in greeting, then dropped to their knees in a thunderous chorus of acclamations. Only after Arthur and the Queen had taken their seats did the gala officially commence.

The music and dance began, filling the Grand Hall with merriment. When the performance concluded, Fermin rose and bowed respectfully to Arthur. “Father,” he said, “I’ve specially prepared a gift. May I invite Your Majesty and the Queen to step outside the Grand Hall to see it?"

Athena suddenly realized that Fermin’s gift was the much–hyped fireworks display everyone had been talking about. Of course, Arthur was well aware of this. He, too, had been eagerly anticipating this for a long time.

Arthur nodded approvingly in response, “Very well. That is very thoughtful, my son.” Arthur and the Queen exchanged a delighted smile, then, arm in arm, stepped out of the Grand Hall, with the eyes of the court upon them.

The ministers and their families followed in procession, all eager to witness the spectacle. Fermin wore a smug expression as he thought, If this fireworks display could win the King’s favor, I would be one step closer to securing the position of the crown prince.

The assembled guests took their positions outside the Grand Hall. Amid the crowd, Athena noticed a smug, triumphant look on Willow’s face. Willow clung tightly to Michael, looking every bit like a delicate and dependent woman. Athena’s heart skipped a beat as she wondered, The Duke’s Estate had pledged itself to Fermin. If this fireworks display goes off without a hitch, wouldn’t that make Fermin even more unstoppable?

As Athena was lost in thought, she suddenly felt her hand gently enveloped by a large, warm, reassuring one. Athena looked up and found Xander’s gaze locked intently on hers. Xander reached out and gave Athena a gentle tap on the forehead. “Focus,” he said softly.

Suddenly, a dazzling firework burst overhead, instantly illuminating the entire night sky like daylight. The fireworks went off with such tremendous force that they bathed the entire Palace in blinding light, turning night into day. It was a staggering five times larger than any ordinary firework–it was absolutely colossal. Moreover, the colors and shapes of the fireworks were utterly unique.

The crowd erupted in gasps and cheers, “This is magnificent! It is so beautiful!”

Arthur nodded his head in satisfaction. Eyes shining in admiration, he exclaimed, “This is truly extraordinary!”

Overhead, the fireworks continued to burst in rapid succession. Arthur turned to the Queen with a face full of affection and remarked, “Our son Fermin has done exceptionally well.”

The Queen smiled modestly and said, “Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. Fermin mentioned that there will be a grand finale.”

“Oh? And what might that be?” Arthur asked, his curiosity thoroughly piqued.

At this moment, as the fireworks ceased, Fermin turned to Arthur with a bow and said, “Father, please wait a moment longer. The grand finale is called ‘Peace Beyond the Throne,’ and it symbolizes our hope for an Era of Peace and Prosperity. May our country and its people enjoy abundant harvests and everlasting peace.”

Upon hearing this, all eyes turned skyward in eager anticipation, each imagining the splendor of this “Peace Beyond the Throne” display. But the crowd waited and waited, yet nothing appeared in the sky.

Fermin’s face betrayed his growing impatience. Just as beads of sweat broke out on his forehead, a deafening explosion erupted from beneath his feet. Immediately after, fireworks exploded directly overhead, instantly bathing the entire palace in blinding light, turning the night into day.

Countless flaming projectiles blazed across the sky, and before anyone could react, they rained down to the ground at a terrifying speed. Suddenly, screams erupted from the crowd, and the chilling cries echoed through the night.

No one had expected the falling flames to explode on impact. With a thunderous blast, the explosion instantly set people’s clothes ablaze, filling the air with panicked, agonized screams.

“Protect His Majesty! Protect the King!” Thanatus cried urgently, shielding Arthur and the Queen as he rushed the pair toward the safety of the Grand Hall.

Overhead, the fiery remnants kept raining down, detonating as soon as they struck the ground.