Undercurrents are surging

After the banquet officially began, the grand hall fell into an eerie silence. It was as if the earlier commotion was merely a façade, while the true undercurrents stirred quietly beneath the solemn atmosphere. I tilted my head slightly and stole a glance at Savonne. Her delicate, fair face maintained its usual expression, resembling a gentle and obedient white cat. Her gaze was soft and composed, as though indifferent to everything around her. 

"Pay attention to everyone's movements, especially that high-ranking official near the two emperors..." 

Savonne spoke in a low voice, her tone betraying a faint trace of unease. 

"We might not win against them, but we still have to do what needs to be done." 

I nodded and continued to scan every corner of the hall with my eyes. Representatives and leaders from various nations sat along the dragon-shaped long table. Though they appeared polite and respectful on the surface, they were secretly competing with one another. Every glance, every exchange of pleasantries, seemed like a subtle probe, as if each party were seeking out the other's weaknesses. This banquet was far more than a diplomatic gathering; it was more akin to a battlefield without smoke. 

Among the guests seated on either side of the long table, several extraordinary figures caught my attention. Their peculiar facial markings and humanoid-yet-bestial appearances made it difficult to discern their origins or species. Perhaps they were descendants of ancient beast clans or representatives of some enigmatic race. Their gazes were cold and hostile, unreserved in their disdain for humanity. 

"They are Beastfolk..." 

Savonne murmured, once again seeing through my curiosity. 

"They come from the wild southernmost regions of this planet, living in harmony with nature. It's said they possess the power to command life and the forces of nature." 

"Beastfolk? Never mind that for now. This banquet's atmosphere is far too stifling..." 

Just as I was about to ask further, the focus of the banquet shifted back to the high-ranking official. Standing at the center of the hall, he gestured lightly with his hand, and a procession of elaborately dressed attendants entered, each carrying enormous silver platters. The platters bore an assortment of exotic dishes—some seemingly innocuous delicacies, while others contained writhing, live creatures of strange forms. 

The official smiled and invited everyone to begin the feast. Despite the unusual choice of ingredients for such a setting, no one voiced any objections. The attendees picked up their utensils one by one and began to eat. 

Cautiously, I cut a piece of seemingly normal meat and placed it in my mouth. Thanks to my unique ability, I didn't need to worry about poison or any hidden adverse effects in the food. Even as I ate, my eyes remained locked on the three dignitaries at the forefront. 

Gabriel Silva retained his poised and aloof demeanor, as if everything around him was beneath his notice. 

The other emperor seated beside Gabriel, while equally regal in bearing, lacked the same commanding presence. His expression was slightly more affable, yet his eyes betrayed a naked ambition and hunger for power. If there were no surprises, this man was likely the ruler of Changlong Nation. 

As I pondered, the high-ranking official spoke again: 

"Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to introduce a distinguished guest to the gathering. This is to better ensure everyone's safety." 

As his voice fell, the hall's massive doors creaked open once more. All eyes turned toward the entrance. A man in a long black robe with striking features and flowing hair stepped inside. Unlike the resplendent emperors, this new arrival exuded a chilling aura of oppression, as if the very air around him had turned frigid. 

"This is the Fourth Seat of the Nine Dragons Council, Eaglebone, and he will serve as the guardian for tonight's banquet." 

Eaglebone strode forward with a cold and piercing gaze, scanning every representative in the hall. His eyes lingered briefly on a stunningly beautiful female delegate before he allowed himself a faint smile—a smile so menacing it sent a shiver through the room, plunging it into even deeper silence. 

"This situation is far too abnormal..." 

Our true purpose for attending this banquet was to negotiate diplomatic aid with Changlong Nation. They had taken the initiative to offer assistance to the Tianzai Empire, using this banquet as a platform for private discussions. 

Yet, this scene made me question Changlong's true intentions. The glances exchanged by those two high-ranking officials felt predatory, like hunters sizing up their prey. 

I silently heightened my vigilance and continued observing. 

The banquet proceeded, but the tension in the air grew heavier. Representatives began whispering among themselves, occasionally exchanging meaningful looks, as if conspiring about undisclosed matters. The game of intrigue had quietly begun, and the battlefield was already taking shape.