"His lordship has arrived!"
An attendant's voice rang out as Zhou Zhou walked toward the platform at the center of the banquet ground.
Everyone rose to their feet, offering their respect to the one who had given them the opportunity to surpass their limits.
Reaching the central seat at the table, Zhou Zhou sat down.
From an observer's perspective, seated from left to right on the platform were:
Vivian, Oman Pyius, Douma, Bao Xiu'er, Wu Tu, Carter Jim, Bai Yung, Zhou Zhou, Hui Teng, Zhao Changshou, Ashburn Hall, Qin Guang, Luca, Miriam and Obadiah.
Vivian represented the Tailors and Fashion Designers.
Oman Pyius represented the Medicine Cultivators.
Douma represented the Farmers.
Bao Xiu'er represented the City's Financial Institutions.
Wu Tu represented the Cartographers and Scouts.
Carter Jim represented the Blacksmiths.
Bai Yung represented the Military.
Hui Teng represented the City's Administration.
Zhao Changshou represented the Architects.
Ashburn Hall represented the Alchemists and Technicians.
Qin Guang represented the Chefs.
Luca represented the Shipbuilders.
Miriam represented the Doctors.
And Obadiah represented the Builders.
.
Stepping onto the platform, Remiel kick started the program.
"It is my honor to host such an event, and I would like to thank the lord for creating an environment that made this possible."
He turned behind him before bowing towards Zhou Zhou.
"This was originally meant to be a party celebrating my colleagues and I for getting promoted to the First Army, but as fate may have it, it became something greater."
"Tonight, we gather to celebrate an astonishing victory against the army of an opposing faction."
"Under the leadership of the lord and Commander Bai, our forces eliminated 100,000 enemy troops, leaving none alive."
"Let us raise a toast - to the lord and to the military - for protecting our city once again."
His voice rang out with energy and pride as he raised his glass.
Picking up his glass as he stood up, Zhou Zhou raised it as he waited for Remiel.
"To victory!"
Remiel declared, his face bright with a smile.
"To victory!"
The citizens of Blazing Sun City echoed the toast, taking a sip of their wine in unison.
.
Stepping down from the platform, Remiel made way for the city's sole musician, Shun Be.
Performing a slow, melodic piece that matched the evening's celebratory mood, the audience fell silent, their attention drawn entirely on him.
Rising from his seat, Zhou Zhou attracted many gazes as he walked towards Bao Xiu'er.
"Care to join me for a dance?"
He held out his hand as he asked.
"It would be my pleasure."
Bao Xiu'er blushed softly she placed her hand in his.
Watching the pair, Shun Be smiled as he added a touch of elegance to his music.
Stepping down from the platform, Zhou Zhou held Bao Xiu'er close to his chest as they swayed to the rhythm of the music.
Seeing their lord dancing with a partner, the subjects got bold as they called out to their partners.
Rising from his seat, Sun Can headed to a table in fourth row as he took his partner's hand.
"This is your chance."
Hui Teng nudged Zhao Changshou with an elbow, gesturing toward Miriam.
"...Fine."
Zhao Changshou sighed as he rose to his feet.
Approaching Miriam, he extended his hand.
"Would you mind sharing a dance?"
"I don't mind."
Miriam smiled as she accepted, taking his hand.
"So, this is the guy."
"Not much of a big deal."
Dai Lui muttered as he stared at the waitress and her fiancé.
"Your words reeks of jealousy, Dai Lui."
Michael said as he rose to his feet.
"Where the hell are you going?"
Dai Lui turned to his friend.
"To ask Vivian for a dance."
Michael replied as he walked toward the platform.
"Don't get crushed by the competition, Michael."
Dai Lui said before taking a sip of his wine.
"Have a little faith in him."
"He's a promising talent."
Xiao Hou said to Dai Lui as he admired the dance in front of him.
When Michael approached Vivian, he held out his hand.
"May I have this dance?"
But he wasn't the only one reaching out.
"I'm not feeling well tonight, so I'll have to refuse."
Vivian smiled politely as she turned down their invitations.
"Another time, then."
Qian Du quickly recovered as he replied with a smile.
"O-Okay."
Still a little disoriented by both Qian Du's interference and Vivian's refusal, Michael stuttered before heading back to his seat.
"Don't expect a peaceful time ahead."
"Accepting one of them might have spared you that."
Oman said to his neighbor.
"They should be able to understand that I don't need any distraction at the moment."
Vivian said as she watched her friend dancing with the lord.
"I did warn you, though."
Dai Lui said as Michael returned to his seat.
"Hurray! You must be a prophet."
Michael said sarcastically before gulping down the rest of his wine
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