Eve of Magic chapter 4 - The Chosen's Banquet
The banquet hall was crowded with guests of nobility from all over the kingdom. The night was still young, however the celebrations had already begun. Long tables covered in white cloths were topped with delicacies from every corner of Kantrellia. The floor in the centre of the hall had been cleared of obsticles and had been waxed especially for the evening. Later that night, the dances would begin.
Arthur sat at the head of the table, ready to welcome the guests once their names were called out. Tenma had already had his name called and was waiting for the rest of the guests to be introduced. Him and Aoi were watching as each guest was called out, made their way to the king's table, bowed, exchanged words and went on their way.
"From the town of Orlaith, General Joan D'Arc," the master of ceremonies read out. Joan had been hanging out at th back of the hall, but came foreward to greet the king. The two seemed to exchange some quick banter before Joan left and went back to her corner.
"From the Shindou manor, Earl Shindou Takuto, Kirino Ranmaru, Yamana Akane."
A wavy greyish haired boy stood up from his place at the table. Behind him, a girl and boy also stood up, following the first boy and stopping before the king. The girl's plaited hair was concealed under a massive maroon pointed hat, whilst the second boy could easily be mistaken for a girl with his long pink hair tied back into two perfect bunches. Both boys wore matching grey swallowtail jackets, though only the first boy sported a bunch of lace at his neck.
"Shindou Takuto," Arthur chuckled at the first boy. "It is an honour to see you again this year."
Shindou raised his head. "It is common curtousy to appear before your Magesty at such an event," he said politely.
"Kirino Ranmaru, i assume you are well?" Arthur turned his attention to the second boy.
"Your Magesty, i am honoured to have this appearance tonight," Kirino responded, bowing his head.
The king then turned his attention to the girl. She was somewhat short, her posture symetrical and refined. Her hat covered most of her face, though the ring of white roses circling the rim was a sight to see. Her mostly purple wardrobe stood out against the golds and whites of the banquet hall.
"Yamana Akane, are you taking care of the earl?"
Akane looked up, directly at the king. "He is my first priority, your Magesty," was her only reply. Once everyone had been introduced, the three turned and resumed their seats. Tenma and Aoi had watched Shindou and Kirino especially as they had introduced themselves.
"Looks like those two came back again," Aoi whispered over to Tenma.
"Yeah, at least i'm not the only Chosen," Tenma replied just as quietly. "I thought they were gonna miss it this year."
The next few guests were called up and Tenma and Aoi watched every single one of them.
"From the Shanyan province, General Shokatsu Koumei, General Liu Bei," the master of ceremonies called out. The two generals stood up and bowed before Arthur.
"I am comforted that you were able to attend this banquet," Arthur almost bowed his own head to the generals. "i realise the issues you were facing must have proved difficult to overlook."
Koumei tensed up at the hearing of her section of the kingdom's failures. Liu Bei glanced anxiously over at her. They both knew that the king meant no harm in his words. He was genuinly concerned for them. However, it had been a long tradition for failure to be considered a dishonor to one's pride, so naturally the leading strategist of the kingdom's generals would feel a stab of guilt.
"I apologise for failing you, your magesty," Koumei muttered, not looking up to face the king.
The two generals re-took their seats as the next names were called out. Tenma and Aoi were standing by a pillar in the corner of the hall. They were deep in conversation with each other when a firm hand suddenly slapped the chestnut haired boy on the back.
"AH!" Tenma spun round.
"Yo!" A round, indigo haired man raised a hand to both of the friends. Behind him, a tanned, plum haired man appeared as startled as Tenma.
"General Sakamoto," Tenma exclaimed delightedly.
"Mr Souji," Aoi gasped. "How is your illness faring, sir?"
Souji sighed, reaching a hand up to feel his chest. "I'm... Coping," he stammered as a reply. "I doubt how much longer i'll be able to serve his magesty though." Souji glanced folornly over to the king. He had been one of the most loyal generals when Arthur had grown the empire, however, he had contracted an illness which caused him a great deal of pain on a regular basis.
"Souji, quit being such a pessimist," Sakamoto chuckled. Tenma and Aoi watched the two generals begin to quarrel playfully with eachother.
"General Sakamoto Ryouma, General Okita Souji."
"Well, that's us," Sakamoto grinned at the two friends, before pulling Souji over to meet with the king. Tenma and Aoi were left poker faced and unsure of what to do next. The two generals greeted the king, shared a brief conversation and went over to their seats.
"From the Kingdom of Mora," the master of ceremonies suddenly called. The room fell silent. No one from Mora had accepted the king's invitation for years. Everyone needed to know who had come to the banquet rather than ignoring the king. Even Tenma and Aoi were quiet. "His Magesty and ruler of Mora, Gouenji Shuuya. Chosen, Tsurugi Kyousuke."
Arthur rose from his grand chair at the end of the table as Gouenji and Tsurugi strode into the banquet hall, proudly soaking in every glance they recieved. Arthur walked formally to greet them, firmly shaking Gouenji's hand.
"Gouenji, it has been a while," Arthur smiled at the ruler of Mora. Gouenji smiled back, though it seemed to be more sly than warm and welcoming.
"I just thought that i should give my own Chosen his time in the spotlight," Gouenji replied, gesturing to Tsurugi. "Bow before his magesty, Tsurugi."
Tsurugi made a sloppy effort of a bow, though Arthur, nor Gouenji cared much. Tsurugi stood leaning on one leg, shifting his weight impatiently. As he gazed around the room, his eyes fell onto Tenma, who had been staring at him the entire time.
"Master," Tsurugi turned back to Gouenji. "I have to go." And with that, he was wandering across the hall toward Tenma and Aoi.
"I say, Gouenji," Arthur chuckled as he watched the boy leave. "That boy has quite some spirit."
"He is only going through a rebellious phase, Arthur," Gouenji replied, his eyes also following Tsurugi. "Say, Arthur, have you any news on the whereabouts of 'you know who'?"
Arthur clenched his fist, staring at Gouenji. "No, i'm afraid not," was his only reply. "Gouenji," he decided to change the subject. "Which God exactly chose Tsurugi then?"
