Casting requires concentration, and Laine wasn't wrong about that.
After a few rounds of drinking, Villarld gave a command, and the banquet began to free up, with almost everyone standing up, forming small groups, and chatting while raising their glasses. The crowd loudly discussed a series of recent events, ranging from the prices of goods, to what was currently trending in high society, and even the war against the Northern Barbarians.
"There's nothing we can do; it's the custom here in Nord culture. Mr. Villarld wants to show off his set of silverware, so by custom, everyone has to take a sip from their wine glass," Laine was whispering to Teresa. "Don't worry, I know you don't like it."
"Oh~ I've had enough, I really regret coming to this banquet. I even dressed up specially for it," the female sorcerer stood behind Laine with her high heels that were both sleek and tall. "My goodness, such a big room and only three fireplaces..."
"Are you cold?" Laine led her to a fireplace, and the two men who were originally warming themselves there immediately understood and moved aside, giving their spot near the fireplace to the two of them.
"Sometimes it's like this, we need a reason to gather everyone together — a business deal, a transaction, or even some tacit understandings and agreements are made in such an environment," Laine casually tore a leg off the roast chicken on a nearby plate and bit off half in one go. "I'll go take a look over there, you rest."
"I understand these things better than you do!" Teresa watched the man walk away and continued to warm herself by the fireplace. Her body hadn't fully recovered, and today's outfit was somewhat chilly, especially with her legs and feet exposed without boots, merely covered in stockings, which was better than nothing.
But her quiet time didn't last long, soon interrupted: "Beautiful lady, may I offer you a drink?"
The woman looked up a bit annoyed.
Unexpectedly, standing in front of her... well, he could be considered handsome. He had blue eyes, a high nose bridge, and harmonious facial lines. His black hair was parted in the middle and styled into a small ponytail, with one eye covered by a round-framed monocle. He wore a set of Imperial Nobility attire, a loose-fitting shirt, tight pants, stylish shoes, and a hat adorned with a white feather.
Before Teresa could react, he began to introduce himself: "It's an honor to introduce myself — I'm Aik, Aik Albrecht, from the Empire. Just call me Aik."
"Alright, Mr. Aik, my name is Teresa, Teresa Trovik. I appreciate your kindness, but..."
"I feel I must introduce myself properly, Lady Teresa!" Who knew this handsome man wouldn't give the female sorcerer a chance to refuse and continued speaking on his own: "I'm a knight... well, an Apprentice Knight, but I already have my own warhorse and armor, and even a family crest, see!"
With that, Aik showed his family crest to the female sorcerer. On his crest, a dove carries a feathered arrow, flying above a Kite Shield.
"Thank you, Mr. Aik, but right now I..."
"Let me tell you about my glorious deeds! Beautiful Miss Teresa! My stories are quite long, but perhaps the most famous is the battle of Wenle three years ago. I participated in that war, charging along with the White Wolf Knights against those despicable barbarian scum..." The handsome man immediately launched into a tale of his glorious past.
Perfect! She encountered a difficult person! Teresa rolled her eyes, her thin stiletto heels tracing circles on the wooden floor of the room...