"Thank you. I needed to be at my best for this particular occasion," Orion responded, arriving by the Princess of the Garden's side and firmly holding her hand, "Shall we?"
The Princess of the Garden nodded, "Let's go," she responded, smiling brightly.
…....…
About three thousand high-ranking Pixies gathered within a large hall for their celebration banquet, marking the return of the god Aerendir's divine artefacts. These were the leading families and households conversing in groups—some seeking to resolve grievances and start anew, while others forged new connections and strengthened existing ones.
Suddenly, a resounding bell echoed through the vast hall, silencing everyone's conversations.
"What's happening? Why did they ring the bell again? I thought everyone had already arrived," a woman quietly asked her friend, furrowing her brows in confusion.
Her friend looked at her in bafflement. "What? Don't tell me you didn't know that Mr. Orion, the architect of the Orion's Cities, and the Princess of the Garden, the most important living individual in the Garden apart from the Aegis of the Arctic Deity, will also be attending the banquet today," she responded, raising a brow at her friend.
The woman widened her eyes in shock at the unbelievable information. She attempted to speak but quickly sealed her lips, shifting her attention towards the entrance door as it was slowly pulled open.
However, it wasn't just her; all those across the room unaware of Orion and the Princess of the Garden's arrival were instantly shocked after being informed. They all focused on the door, their eyes blazing with anticipation.
Zik stood beside the door, standing straight with his chest puffed out.
"The architect of the Orion's Cities, the liberator of the Prismerion and the Pixie race, and one of the strongest warriors within the Orion's Cities, Mr. Orion, along with his partner, the renowned Princess of the Garden, have graced us with their presence at the banquet," Zik announced loudly.
The vast hall's entrance door swung wide open, and time seemed to slow down as Orion, accompanied by the Princess of the Garden, stepped into it with elegant and graceful strides.
The hall fell silent, every eye fixed on Orion and the Princess of the Garden as they made their way in. They stopped before High King Eldric and High Queen Rowena, who had personally arrived, to welcome them to the event.
"Mr. Orion, Princess of the Garden, we are delighted you could join us for our celebration. Please, make yourselves at home, and if there is anything you require, simply summon a maid, and they will be at your service," High King Eldric said, his smile warm and welcoming.
Initially, he had contemplated introducing Orion and the Princess of the Garden to the high-ranking members of the Pixie Kingdom. However, upon reflection, he realized the futility of such an action. Orion and the Princess of the Garden surpassed any Pixie Kingdom member in authority and strength.
He understood that proceeding with such an introduction would yield no benefits and might even provoke unnecessary tension, potentially harming the Pixie Kingdom more than benefiting it. So, he resolved to let them enjoy the celebration without any unnecessary formalities.
"Yes, certainly. Since you're here for the banquet, take the chance to relax and enjoy yourselves. Just be cautious about who you engage in conversation with. Despite their status, everyone here is eager to meet and speak with both of you," High Queen Rowena added, her words carrying a subtle undertone.
Orion nodded in understanding. "Understood. We'll make the most of this opportunity to enjoy ourselves. If you need us, you can find us in the fruits and wine section," he replied, offering them a smile before guiding the Princess of the Garden forward.
Throughout the conversation, the Princess of the Garden remained silent, absorbing her surroundings with a glint in her eyes. She felt herself gently pulled along by Orion and offered a calm nod to High King Eldric and High Queen Rowena as she followed Orion's lead.
Observing Orion and the Princess of the Garden leave, High King Eldric sighed wearily. "Do you think I made the right decision? This could be our only opportunity to strengthen our bonds with them and elevate the Pixie Kingdom's standing in the Orion's Cities," he pondered, turning to his wife.
"There's no need to worry too much, dear. According to the records, this is the first time the Princess of the Garden has been downsized to Pixie size. Considering her reluctance to leave the Garden, it's likely her first time attending a banquet, especially one as grand as this. So, instead of burdening them with politics, we should let them enjoy themselves fully."
"Who knows, perhaps if she enjoys today, we might see more frequent visits from the Princess of the Garden in the future," High Queen Rowena reassured, glancing at Orion and the Princess of the Garden, who had already arrived at the fruits and wine section.
"You are right; it's wise to let them enjoy themselves fully," High King Eldric agreed with his wife's insight.
He promptly summoned a guard and instructed them to keep a vigilant watch over Orion and the Princess of the Garden, ensuring no one disturbed their peace and comfort during their stay. Although he trusted most attendees to behave, he couldn't discount the possibility of troublemakers.
The guard hastened to relay the High King's orders to the others.
High King Eldric and High Queen Rowena then welcomed other esteemed guests.
….......
After downing her second drink, the Princess of the Garden slammed her wooden cup against the table. Her expression twisted in displeasure as the sour, tongue-tingling aftertaste lingered before dissipating.
"You don't like it?" Orion asked, arching a brow. He had allowed her to drink, knowing her constitution would nullify any adverse effects.
The Princess nodded. "It tastes just like the previous one," she replied.
Suddenly, the sounds of instruments filled the air, and gradually, all the Pixies around them found partners and began to rise into the air.
......
Author's Note:I know, allow her to enjoy her moment.
