A Beekeeper in a Magical World - Chapter 187: Family Banquet
“I believe in you,” the king’s voice resonated, both hearty and gentle.
At this moment, he was not only a ruler but also a father.
“You have a long journey ahead,” the king turned, leaving behind these final words, his robust form fracturing away like shredded paper.
It seemed the prophetic dream wouldn’t last much longer.
The spectral form of the king and the projection of Prince Brad vanished first.
Soon after, the entire dream became increasingly unstable.
Karen rose from the throne, watching Hua Mi approach. Her face bore a serene smile. “I believe our choices have altered the fate of Turlen.”
“Yes.”
“But I promise you, you won’t regret this decision, and neither will I. Someday in the future, when we look back at tonight’s actions, we’ll only feel gratitude.”
Let’s hope so.
Hua Mi nodded, wanting to compliment her but unsure where to start. After contemplating, he settled on something less crucial. “That kick earlier was quite impressive.”
Karen chuckled, shrugging. “Sometimes I wish I could give my second brother a kick in real life too. He’s just too…”
Rumble—
The entire palace shook, dust and debris falling amidst the vibrations.
“It’s time to leave.”
“Alright!”
—
The sun rose in the east.
A hint of morning light leaked at the horizon, spreading upwards like a fan where the sky met the earth.
Atop the artificial hill of the palace, a raised platform offered a clear view of the sunrise.
Two figures, one tall and one short, stood side by side on the edge of the hilltop’s observatory, gazing into the distance.
Not far behind them stood an expressionless female attendant.
As the light grew brighter, hues warmed, and finally, the sun emerged.
Karen lifted her left hand, as if trying to touch the distant sunrise. Gentle sunlight filtered through her fingers, casting a glow on her face.
“We’re like cargo on the same ship now,” she remarked casually.
“Cargo might not match Your Highness’s noble image,” Hua Mi corrected, “but the meaning is accurate. We are indeed in the same boat.”
Hua Mi translated the idiom “cargo” into a sly and cunning creature from another realm, providing a vivid description.
Karen chuckled at his choice. “In the same boat? That metaphor sounds rather fresh, but it also seems more like a villain, doesn’t it?”
After laughing for a while, she turned serious again. “Are you reconsidering coming to Modu?”
“Um… I hope Your Highness can understand.”
Karen dropped the topic, quietly watching the sunrise for a while before suddenly asking him, “Do you know what image you hold in my mind now?”
Seeing her mischievous smile, Hua Mi suspected a trap. Hence, he didn’t say much, merely shook his head cautiously.
“Like… an elder brother that doesn’t exist in reality.”
“…”
Hua Mi pondered; the three princes would be utterly confused hearing this. What did “an elder brother that doesn’t exist in reality” mean? Like we’re invisible?
Seeming to guess his thoughts, Karen spread her hands, explaining with a somewhat helpless tone, “My three royal brothers, one more unreliable than the next. My second brother, whom you’ve seen, always remains a child. Even playing a game needs my coaxing; sometimes I wish I could just beat some sense into him!”
Hua Mi couldn’t help but chuckle.
So that’s how it is.
It seemed the kick in the dream carried not only the urgency but also a hint of personal grievances.
“My third brother, a crude violent man, with training and battles on his mind. He leads soldiers well, but instead of a prince, he’s more like a general.
“My fourth brother, locked away in his chambers, tinkering with his puppets. I doubt he’d recognize me if he saw me now.
“As for Tisyara… she’s always been distant and opposed to me, since as long as I can remember. I don’t even know why.”
The morning’s rosy light tinged her face, giving her expression a hint of desolation.
“…”
Hua Mi wanted to console her but ultimately stayed silent.
She evidently didn’t need comforting.
“Will you stand by my side faithfully?” she asked.
“Of course.”
As the sun gradually ascended, morning’s brilliance spread across the entire city.
The capital awakened.
—
This was a luxurious banquet hall.
Not vast in size, it housed only a long dining table covered in pristine white cloth.
Exquisite dishes adorned the table, elegantly presented on silverware, sparkling under the lamplight.
All present were members of the royal family.
Seated at the head was the current king.
On either side sat his five children and the queen.
Rarely did they gather like this for a meal.
Such family gatherings only occurred on significant occasions, like important holidays.
Although unspoken, everyone knew why they gathered today.
The king intended to announce his heir during this meal.
Establishing the heir to the throne was not just a matter of state; it was a family affair.
Before the formal public announcement, the king wished his family to know the decision.
Karen sat at the far end, farthest from the king and queen.
But among all present, she was closest to the truth.
The king would announce that she was the chosen heir.
This, she already knew.
She felt a clandestine thrill of having inside information.
Quietly, she glanced at Tisyara seated at the head.
Tisyara remained composed, as icy as ever, her thoughts impenetrable.
She must be confident that the position of heir was hers.
Karen wondered if her expression would change upon hearing the result, revealing something different.
Karen couldn’t help but feel a mischievous curiosity, eager to witness her frustration—a sight she had never seen before!
At this moment, Tisyara subtly sensed Karen’s gaze and glanced in her direction.
Their eyes met for less than a second before Karen swiftly averted her gaze.
Servants continued arranging food and utensils on the table.
Despite being a family gathering, royal etiquette was to be adhered to—the king valued this aspect greatly.
No one would partake until the formalities concluded.
Karen then observed her three unreliable royal brothers.
The second prince sat with crossed arms, head bowed, lost in thought, avoiding looking around.
Only in front of the king did his frivolous nature subside.
The third prince sat relatively relaxed, an air of battlefield bravery about him. He stared at the food, occasionally swallowing saliva.
Maintaining that size, he surely needed ample sustenance. However, did a new wound appear on his face? Must have been from clearing out some monsters again! Still lacking any princely demeanor whatsoever.
The fourth prince remained stiff as usual, sitting there like a puppet, vacant-eyed.
Ding—
A crisp sound drew everyone’s attention.
The king held a wine glass, ready to speak.
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