On the way to the banquet, Artoria walked along a straight, tree-lined path, her feet treading upon thick, lush grass that had been neatly trimmed along the way.
Perhaps due to Scotland’s philosophy of valuing nature, the ponds that should have been square and orderly were nowhere to be seen.
Instead, winding channels were visible everywhere, and clusters of trees growing freely looked as if they had formed naturally.
The palace was constructed on a massive and expansive scale; had it not been for the King of Scotland leading the way ahead, she surely would have lost her way.
Artoria very much liked Scotland’s landscape gardening.
Compared to the Royal Gardens of Britain, which were trimmed perfectly and where every tree looked more or less the same, Scotland’s sense of natural harmony felt much more comfortable.
‘Perhaps after returning, I can remodel the original geometrically laid-out gardens into Scottish-style gardens.’
That was truly a good idea.
Artoria nodded silently and made a mental note of it.
Turning corner after corner.
Suddenly, the lush and dense gardens came to an end.
The greenery gradually faded, and what entered Artoria’s sight was a massive palace composed entirely of a blend of gold and white.
Every brick and stone exuded an air of romance and solemnity.
The grand gates were already before them, and the circular arched windows and corner stonework displayed pure elegance and luxury.
They entered through the main gate and, after some winding paths, arrived outside a grand hall.
Before even entering the hall, Artoria could hear the low hum of conversation and laughter from within, accompanied by beautiful music flowing into her ears.
Inside was a court ball, which was precisely the banquet the King of Scotland had prepared to welcome the arrival of King Arthur.
After all, given their status as royalty, it was impossible for it to be as simple as a few people gathered around a table for a meal like an ordinary family.
Since Artoria’s coronation, such banquets had been held many times in Britain as well.
Therefore, she did not feel surprised by this.
As the king of a nation, it was impossible for the King of Scotland to enter directly through the main doors like an ordinary noble.
He had his own exclusive passage.
“King Arthur, please come this way.”
After speaking, the King of Scotland continued to lead the way considerately.
Artoria followed him into a side hall next to the main hall.
Upon entering, she was met with a high-ceilinged doorway.
Six attendants stood on either side of the door.
When they saw the two of them enter the side hall, they bowed respectfully.
“We shall enter from here.”
The King of Scotland said to Artoria with a smile while gesturing for the attendants to open the doors.
The golden Great Hall was decorated dazzlingly.
Amidst clusters of flowers, there were countless fine wines and delicacies on both sides of the hall, with a rich and diverse variety that was dizzying to behold.
The guests coming and going were dressed in luxurious formal attire; as far as the eye could see, they were all of Scotland’s upper class.
They conversed or toasted with one another, and occasionally, following the melody of the music, pairs of noble men and women would glide onto the dance floor together.
Perhaps because they were hosting a foreign king this time, it was to show the importance placed on the guest, or perhaps to display Scotland’s abundant wealth.
This court banquet could be described as incredibly extravagant and beautiful, enough to show that the King of Scotland had indeed put in a great deal of effort to welcome King Arthur.
“His Majesty and King Arthur have arrived!”
As the attendant’s announcement rang out, it was like throwing a stone into water, stirring up a thousand ripples.
The music and conversation in the hall seemed to be hit by a pause button; in an instant, the entire venue became so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.
Artoria entered the hall alongside the King of Scotland, and all the nobles present bowed in their direction to show respect.
They walked to a high platform at the far end of the hall, where two chairs were placed, each exuding an air of luxury and solemnity.
The King of Scotland took his seat in the central and most magnificent chair, and he gestured for Artoria to sit in the second chair beside him.
“Please be seated, my friend.
I hope you will enjoy today’s banquet.”
Upon hearing this, a smile spread across Artoria’s face.
“With beautiful music and delicious food, I don’t think anyone could fail to enjoy it.”
“As long as you are satisfied.”
After the two were seated, the music once again filled the hall.
The nobles slowly returned to their previous state, continuing the topics that had been interrupted.
The King of Scotland picked up a glass of fine wine from his side and handed it to Artoria.
He spoke with a tone of pride:
“Try this, King Arthur.
This is the fine vintage that we in Scotland are most proud of.”
Artoria herself did not like drinking, but not liking it did not mean she couldn’t do it.
Furthermore, in this social setting, with a drink personally handed to her by the King of Scotland himself, this glass of wine absolutely could not be refused.
Reaching out to take the gold-inlaid wine glass, Artoria gently swirled the pale rose-colored liquid.
A scent unique to wine—whether it was mellow, fruity, or fresh was hard to say—wafted up, refreshing her senses.
Taking a small sip, the fragrance lingered in her mouth.
She felt the mellow liquid glide smoothly over the tip of her tongue, moisten her throat, slide down into her gullet, and settle warmly in her stomach. Read this novel at novelping(.)com for the best experience.
This was indeed a fine vintage worthy of Scotland’s pride.
Seeing the satisfied expression on Artoria’s face after she finished the wine, the King of Scotland couldn’t help but laugh heartily with joy.
“King Arthur, it is wonderful that you like it.
If you are willing, please allow me to give you some as a gift before you leave Scotland.”
“That would be wonderful.”
Artoria set down the empty wine glass with a smile.
“I can hardly wait to receive them.”
This was, of course, an exaggeration, but such words could make both her and the King of Scotland feel more cheerful.
So, why not?
The King of Scotland looked toward the southeast corner of the ballroom, where a handsome young man stood.
Like stars surrounding the moon, he was crowded by many nobles.
While beckoning the young man to come over, he turned and explained to Artoria:
“Let me introduce you.
That is my eldest son, Howard, the next King of Scotland.”
Very quickly, the Prince of Scotland, having been summoned by his father, arrived at the side of the two kings.
He performed a bow to his father and Artoria.
Then, he praised Artoria with a sincere tone:
“Respected King Arthur, meeting you today, you are indeed as magnificent as the rumors say.”
“Thank you for your praise.”
Artoria nodded to him.
“I must say, Prince Howard is truly distinguished in appearance.
It is truly enviable that Scotland has an heir like you.”
These words were from the heart.
Ever since entering the hall, Artoria had noticed this young man with thick flaxen-brown hair and blue eyes.
His deep eyes always held a sharp intelligence, his nose was high and straight, and his lips wore a perfect smile.
He possessed something that set him apart from the other nobles around him.
The young king in his luxurious attire smiled, his emerald-like eyes full of bright color.
Howard and the King of Scotland could feel the sincerity in Artoria’s words, and that genuine tone once again won their favor.
“It is truly enviable that Britain has a king like you.”
Prince Howard spoke with a tone of admiration and then gave a heartfelt smile.