Chapter 02: Dragon Valley (2)_2
As he spoke, the Black Cat looked at Catherine.
Catherine glanced at the Black Cat, then at the busy Dragon Clan members in the courtyard. She just sighed and didn't say a word.
At that moment, Richie, who had already shed his armor, stumbled in from outside. He put his hands on Gray's bed and gently climbed up, sitting obediently with his big eyes rolling around.
Everyone turned to look at him.
"Father, Aunt Catherine, Aunt Vivian, Uncle Black Cat, please continue. I will just listen in and won't disturb you!"
...
As night fell, the Dragon Clan members lit rows of candles on the long table in the courtyard, filled it with dishes and fine wine. An extra large table was also arranged for large dishes.
What counts as large dishes? Like a whole roast cow.
The dwarves were delighted, laughing heartily.
"Wow! This is delicious! I never thought the Dragon Clan could cook so well!"
"Honestly, I thought they ate everything raw. After all, their mouths are so big."
"What is this sauce? My goodness, I've never tasted anything like this in my life!"
The scene was like a battle.
In stark contrast to the dwarves' two tables, the Silver Moon Knights' table was almost utterly silent.
After all, what sound could you expect? Apart from the Lich, there were only Undead Knights. Over a hundred people sat at the table, but the only ones who were able to enjoy the meal were Vivian, Catherine, the Black Cat, and Richie. The rest couldn't even drink—they didn't have stomachs.
On one side, the dwarves eating like they were in a fight, some even climbing onto the table to dance. On the other, the undead sitting so still it was almost an understatement to call it daydreaming. Frankly, it was a bit awkward.
Even more awkward, no one knew how long they were supposed to stay.
Archil Norman came over with a glass of wine, personally refilled Gray's glass, and then filled his own, raising his glass high. "On behalf of the Golden Dragon Clan, I once again welcome our guests from afar. Welcome, our esteemed Lord of the Lich King."
Gray was stunned.
"Are you joking?" Vivian couldn't resist frowning and muttering, "Has no one told you the Lich King is a Lich, who neither eats nor drinks?"
"That is precisely the point of this banquet," Archil Norman smiled. "Lord of the Lich King, please raise your glass."
As he spoke, he had already picked up Gray's glass, bringing it to him.
With no choice, Gray stood up and took the glass.
Archil Norman clinked Gray's glass lightly with his own, took a small sip, and motioned for Gray to drink.
Gray was bewildered, not knowing what to do.
Archil Norman raised his hand slightly again.
Everyone around watched quietly, full of curiosity.
With no choice, Gray pushed up his mask just a bit, threw back his head, and drained the small amount of wine.
In an instant, Gray stared at his empty glass in shock.
"This is..."
"The taste of wine," Archil Norman smiled. "Your first time, right? It's specially prepared for you, wine the undead can drink. We have food too, that even the undead can eat."
The undead were in an uproar.
Some Silver Moon Knights quickly poured themselves a glass and drank it down, some hurriedly cut a piece of beef and put it in their mouths, others stuffed salad into their mouths.
"Oh my God! It really has flavor! It's really going down!"
"How did they do it?"
"Wow! My... God, I never thought I'd be able to eat again!"
Instantly, the undead's table became more lively than the neighboring dwarves'. The dwarves fell silent, staring in confusion.
"Can you tell me your secret?" Lucy asked excitedly. "I mean, the magic. This must be some kind of spiritual magic, right?"
"Um... it's not entirely spiritual magic, actually. To be precise, it's a combination of spiritual and sealing magic. It breaks down the food while giving you the taste and tactile sensation. We are more than willing to share our secret," Archil Norman said, turning to Gray and shrugging. "Satisfied, Lord of the Lich King?"
Gray silently raised his glass, poured a glass for Archil Norman, and then filled his own again. "Thank you. You've fulfilled a long-time wish of mine."
"Your pleasure is our honor," Archil Norman humbly accepted the glass and respectfully nodded.
This was probably the most festive banquet the Silver Moon Knight Order had ever experienced. After all, it was the first time they could participate in a banquet.
Not only could the undead drink, but they could also get drunk. A few Undead Knights were already on the table, shouting. They even thought about dancing belly dances with the dwarves, only to be surprised they had no bellies.
Amidst the noise and commotion, even Gray joined in their madness.
At this moment, they didn't know that many pairs of eyes were secretly watching them from afar.
...
"Is he drunk? He's actually drunk. This might be a good opportunity."
"I don't think so. Even if he is drunk, the two old Liches and the Angel, and the Succubus next to him are unlikely to be affected. A little wine can't disturb their powerful spiritual power. Even for him, I don't think he's truly drunk. He hasn't had that much. Maybe he's just... happy?"
"Happy?"
"I wouldn't believe it without seeing it for myself, that the so-called Lich King is actually just a hundred-year-old Lich. It's utterly absurd."
"Yes, it is. But it's true. This is the result of the Heaven folks, now even they can't control him. As the Lich Council joins, he's becoming the most unstable factor in the entire Keltos world. It's like a card game. We thought he was joining, but he flipped the table over."
"This is indeed bad."
"Terribly bad. He is trying to change all the original rules. The moment he stepped in, he declared enmity with Hell, differences with Heaven. At the same time, he declared war on the Black Dragon... Liches are powerful, but clearly, they aren't strong enough to challenge everyone at once."
"So he hopes we will stand by him. It makes sense."
"But should we really stand by him? I'm not speaking for the Black Dragon. In fact, I find the Black Dragon very annoying too. But I think besides the Black Dragon, we should consider the movements of Heaven and Hell more. These two are truly powerful. He has almost no chance to negotiate with them."
Another voice fell silent. After a long pause, it softly replied, "You're right, but we still have no need to stand against him. After all, the table he flipped isn't ours. We have never participated. Opposing him doesn't serve our long-term interests. Let the Grand Elder decide. He'll meet with them soon. Tomorrow, they will meet, so don't worry and don't make any premature conclusions."
Sighing, another voice said, "Alright, then we'll wait."