The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Chapter 134 The Welcoming Northern Banquet

The grand carriage rolled up to Count Arvis's estate in the Northern Province. The estate was massive, its architecture both regal and intimidating, with tall spires and finely carved columns. As the carriage approached, a group of guards moved to assist, and soon the doors were opened, allowing Queen Elowen, Mikhailis, and their entourage to step out.

Count Arvis, a stout man with sharp eyes and neatly trimmed facial hair, stood at the entrance. He wore a navy-blue suit adorned with the symbols of his province. As the Queen approached, he quickly walked over and bowed deeply, greeting her with the utmost respect.

Standing beside the Queen was Earl Vaelis, acting as an envoy of the royal faction. Count Arvis turned to acknowledge him as well, bowing slightly.

"Your Majesty, we are most honored by your presence," he said, his voice rich and filled with sincerity.

"The delay had us quite worried—we were expecting you yesterday. I'm pleased to see that you are safe."

He then turned to Earl Vaelis, offering him a courteous nod.

"Earl Vaelis, it is reassuring to have you here as a representative of the royal faction...?"

Then the both of them stared to each other for a while.

Of course, it can't be helped as Earl Vaelis is unnecessarily part of the royal faction either.

He's here only to try getting into Elowen's good favor, and a chance to steal her from me anyway. Looks like he's finally getting the backlash of his actions.

He gave a respectful nod to Mikhailis as well.

"And this must be the rumored Prince Consort. It is a great honor to meet you at last."

Mikhailis straightened up and, in an uncharacteristically serious tone, responded, "Count Arvis, the honor is all mine. I hope to be of as much service to Silvarion as you and your men have been in preparing for this looming threat."

The Count seemed pleasantly surprised by the dignified response. He glanced briefly at Vyrelda, whose brows raised slightly, clearly taken aback by the sudden show of decorum from the usually easy-going Mikhailis.

Elowen is smiling sheepishly looking at Mikhailis, but Lira, Serelith, and Vyrelda is thinking of the same thing.

""W-Who is this guy!?"" They couldn't help but think when they saw the charismatic Mikhailis.

With a nod, Count Arvis smiled.

"We are grateful for any assistance you may provide, Your Highness. Your presence here, alongside Her Majesty, means a great deal to the men." He gestured towards the estate's entrance.

"A banquet has already been prepared to celebrate your arrival. It's not just a feast—it will also help uplift the soldiers and raise morale as we prepare for the difficult days ahead."

They all entered the estate, passing through high arches and marble pillars until they reached a grand banquet hall. It was lavishly decorated, with fine silk banners in the colors of the Northern Province hanging along the walls. Golden candelabras lined long tables filled with various delicacies, and a crowd of officials, nobles, and soldiers gathered within, all awaiting the arrival of their Queen.

Ah... This is draining my social energy real quick. I want to go home.

Yes, yes.

Count Arvis walked up to a raised platform at the head of the hall, gesturing for Elowen and Mikhailis to stand beside him. He turned towards the crowd, his voice echoing throughout the large chamber.

"Ladies and gentlemen, brave soldiers of the Northern Province, it is my great honor to welcome Her Majesty, Queen Elowen, and her consort, Prince Mikhailis. Their presence here serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to our safety and the prosperity of our land!"

Elowen gave a subtle nod.

"Of course, Count. We will speak after the banquet."

Once the banquet had gone on for a while, Count Arvis discreetly signaled to Elowen and Mikhailis. He led them through a side door, away from the prying eyes of the gathered nobles and soldiers, until they reached a smaller, more private chamber.

He gestured for them to sit and then began pacing, his expression clouded with concern.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness," he began, his voice lowered.

"The situation here is far worse than I initially let on. The monster outbreak is growing out of control... and we have reason to believe that it's being led by something we've never seen before."

Mikhailis's eyes narrowed slightly.

Something we've never seen before..?

"Something we've never seen before? What do you mean, Count?" Elowen inquired.

Count Arvis paused, then spoke again, his voice heavy.

"There are reports—unconfirmed, but troubling nonetheless—that a Thalorian Goblin Apostle has emerged. We've never encountered such a creature before. It appears to have intelligence, and it's leading the monsters in a coordinated effort. If these reports are true, then we are dealing with a threat unlike anything we've faced."

Elowen's face grew serious, her brow furrowed in thought.

"A Goblin Apostle... That changes everything. We will need to adjust our strategy accordingly."

"We'll do whatever it takes, Count. We'll need to gather more information on this Apostle—find out its strengths and weaknesses, and how best to counter it."

Serelith, who had been lingering nearby, chose that moment to step into the room, her face composed but her eyes filled with determination.

"I overheard," she admitted, her voice calm.

"If this Goblin Apostle is as powerful as you say, then I would like to offer my assistance in any way possible." She turned towards Elowen, her eyes softening.

"Having a monster at a [King] rank to appear, and not just a goblin [King] but it's an apostle, this might lead to a serious danger which I could not ignore, Your Majesty. It would spell trouble if there are a magician ranks that has formed within the ranks of the goblins,"

"Indeed," Vyrelda chimes in.

"If there are magicians, then it will be disadvantageous for us, especially in a defensive battle as they could harm the walls easily.

Count Arvis glanced at Serelith and Vyrelda, then back at Elowen and Mikhailis.

"If we are to overcome this threat, we will need all the help we can get. We must act swiftly and decisively."

Elowen nodded, her eyes steely with resolve.

"Then we shall prepare, Count Arvis. We will not let Silvarion fall. I shall call the reinforcement needed from the capital,"

And with that, the preparations for facing the unknown threat began—a daunting task that would test each of them in ways they had never imagined.