**Ducal Palace, Serendity, Westirifer Duchy.**
Receiving the orders of Grand Duchess Mia Velmora, Allen, the head minister of the duchy, with the help of Jasper and Elder Guntor, guided all the people toward the dining hall for a hearty dinner.
As per the previously decided arrangements, this time Allen was not leading them to their regular dining hall—where the people of the Velmora family usually took their meals—but to another one that had been specially prepared for guests.
This dining hall was not the regular one, yet it possessed the same grandeur as the usual chamber, for the ducal palace contained more than fifty dining halls, each of similar structure and size.
As allen led them all along the way, crossing one teleportation portal after another, almost everyone followed him including Delya from Holygrill State and the group of Jeffrey, Fobila, Rkliona, and Fifi, who belonged to Kielname State.
Nearly all the others were confused and flabbergasted, for they had never imagined that something as ancient and long-lost as a teleportation portal still existed in this world.
Although the people from Florence State and Livingstone Duchy already knew that Westirifer possessed teleportation portals deployed upon its ducal grounds, they had not thought that such portals would be cast even inside the ducal palace itself.
Seeing the scene, Duchess Velora of Livingstone Duchy exclaimed, "Damn, this ducal palace has even more teleportation portals than the ducal grounds."
Then she asked Jasper, who was guiding the guests from Livingstone Duchy, "Sir Jasper… just how many more of these teleportation portals are there in your ducal palace, hmm? I have visited the ducal palaces of duchies such as Liliam, Handylove, Hecktor, and Morrgen, and I once visited the Royal Palace as well. Each of them possessed larger and grander halls than the last, yet never once have I seen, used, or experienced travel by teleportation portal.
But here… what can one say? Your ducal grounds and your ducal palace… all of them hold numerous teleportation portals. Just how did you manage to cast this ancient, lost magic everywhere inside?"
Meanwhile, the people from Wielhiem Duchy, Ironford County, and Redbarn State knew nothing of such ancient magic still existing within Westirifer Duchy. Thus Velora's question drew the attention of almost everyone.
Duke Gelvin of Wielhiem Duchy asked Velora, "Duchess, did you just say that the ducal grounds of Westirifer also possess these teleportation portals?"
Velora replied, "Yes. When our delegation and Lady Cinthia's arrived and entered the military area of Westirifer, Lady Veronica, Lady Westeria, and four of the princesses of the Velmora family guided us all into the ducal palace through—I think—about seven portals."
Duke Gelvin repeated, "Seven portals?" He continued, "Duchess, how is that possible? We came by the same path you did. We also arrived first at the military area after entering the ducal grounds. Yet neither I nor the people of Ironford County or Redbarn experienced any such thing."
As Duke Gelvin finished speaking, old Count Goccrek of Ironford County nodded his head, confirming that the duke's words were the absolute truth. Chief Denford, though confused, refrained from saying anything.
When the exchange between Duke Gelvin and Duchess Velora paused for a moment, Allen turned and looked at Duchess Velora. "Well, Your Grace, sir Jasper doesn't know about teleportation portal more then me and for security reasons I cannot tell you exactly how many teleportation portals exist within this ducal palace or throughout the entire ducal grounds.
And one correction, Your Grace: the Hecktor and Morrgen duchies you mentioned earlier no longer exist. They have fully integrated and become parts of Westirifer Duchy… and from the day after tomorrow, the Empire of Westirifer."
Then Allen looked toward the people of Duke Gelvin of Wielhiem Duchy and continued, "What Duchess Velora is telling you is the truth, Your Excellency. Like Duchess Velora, you and everyone else also entered from the military area by using these teleportation portals.
Some moments ago, when all of us arrived inside the military area and Sir Ildrek of Ironford County began to show his insolence toward my master and fell into a verbal dispute with him, the atmosphere grew tense. Because of that, all your concentration fixed upon my master.
Not only you—everyone else began to whisper and murmur among themselves. None of you paid any heed to your surroundings.
Had you focused upon your surroundings at that time, you would have noticed that after every few steps the scenery around you was changing. In truth, there lies a gap of more than thirty miles between the entrance gate of our ducal grounds and this ducal palace."
A minister from Ironford County exclaimed, "Thirty-plus miles? How can that be possible? Do you think I am simply going to believe everything you say?" She scoffed. "Humph… only moments ago, while our entourage was still upon Foxglove Street, I could clearly see your ducal palace from the high grounds. Not only I—everyone else could see it as well. And now you claim that your ducal palace stands thirty miles or more from that entrance gate of yours? How amusing. Is everyone in your duchy and family accustomed to exaggerating things?"
When Allen heard her words, he shook his head in exasperation. "Lady Tuul, did I force you to believe my words? My only duty is to clarify matters. Whether you believe them or not depends entirely upon you."
He continued, "As for exaggerating things, neither this future Empire of Westirifer nor its Velmora family has any need to do so before you. Forgive me for saying it, but you people are truly annoying. See for yourself, Lady Tuul: Sir Goccrek annoyed my master at the entrance gate. The same pattern was followed by his grandson, who also succeeded in annoying my master. Then, in the throne room, Sir Goccrek once again annoyed my master by threatening him, and afterward he annoyed the Grand Duchess by bad-mouthing Young Master Lucifer… and now you are annoying me."
After speaking thus far, Allen took two steps toward another portal. "After crossing this portal, all of us will arrive directly inside the guest dining hall.
You are free to sit with anyone you wish, and dinner will commence once the Grand Duchess arrives."
Just as his words lingered in the air, Allen vanished into the portal, taking with him the people of Holygrill State, Kielname State, and Redbarn State.
Elder Guntor and Jasper, meanwhile, led the people of Florence State, Livingstone Duchy, Wielhiem Duchy, and Ironford County, following Allen from behind.
Following the lead of Elder Guntor and Jasper, the people of Florence State entered the portal without delay.
One by one the guests of Livingstone Duchy followed. Just as the last minister remained outside, he turned and looked at Duke Gelvin, together with the guests from Wielhiem Duchy, and old Count Goccrek with the guests from Ironford County. "Your Excellency Duke Gelvin, what Sir Allen just told you is the truth. Previously, like Lady Tuul, we also harbored doubts. Yet according to what Lady Veronica and Lady Westeria told us while guiding our entourage inside—
Although from outside or from the high grounds people may see the ducal palace exactly as Lady Tuul described, that is not the real structure. It is something called an illusion formation, which Young Master himself has cast and deployed across the entire ducal grounds. There exists another pathway for the citizens of Westirifer to reach the ducal courtroom during assemblies or to consult with the Grand Duchess, the Duchess, or any member of the Velmora family.
It has been cast over the whole of the ducal grounds in order to confuse enemies, should they ever succeed in reaching and attacking Serendipity Town. Yet even if Westirifer possesses far fewer soldiers or knights than a kingdom or any neighboring territory, it holds warriors of superior power."
Having said this much, Khishig paused a moment to catch his breath.
That brief pause was enough for others to raise various questions directed at him.
Taking advantage of the situation, Duke Gelvin asked him, "It seems Lady Westeria and Lady Veronica shared quite a bit of information with you people. It is only my speculation, but I suppose your welcome ceremony must have been far more welcoming than ours.
Well, none of that matters to me. What I am curious about is this illusion formation you mentioned just now. I have never heard of such magic in all my life, nor ever read of it in ancient texts. So what exactly is it?"
From behind, Lady Layuri exclaimed in disbelief, "Your Excellency, do you truly believe whatever nonsense this man is sprouting? Very well… very well, I agree that this teleportation-portal magic is real… but an illusion formation? What nonsense is that?"
She glared at Khishig. "And this unknown, small-time minister of a duchy even dares to claim that Westirifer possesses superior warriors." Layuri's tone flared. "Really? Superior warriors? Then do we possess inferior warriors compared to Westirifer?"
Hearing her words, Duke Gelvin shook his head in disappointment. "Did I ask for your suggestions or opinions? If not, then why are you barking like a damn bitch who has not gotten fucked for a long time?"
He continued, "Who do you think you are, speaking so rudely? The man before you is a minister from Livingstone Duchy—meaning that even if he holds no formal title of count or viscount, he still wields power equal to your own."
Gelvin continued, now genuinely annoyed, "And if Sir Khishig says that Westirifer holds superior power, then he must have sufficient reason behind it. So stop barking like a frustrated bitch and go have sex with your grandson, your husband, and other people to satisfy your desire. Just do not disturb our conversation."
Hearing Duke Gelvin's reprimand, Layuri's face contorted into a grotesque mask, yet she still swallowed her embarrassment.
On the other side, Khishig said, "Forgive me, Duke, but I still do not know much about this illusion formation. To tell you the truth, it was Sir Allen, together with Elder Guntor, Lady Talmora, Lady Westeria, Lady Veronica, and the four princesses of the Velmora family, who welcomed us.
And it was Sir Allen who explained matters such as the teleportation portals and the illusion formations to all of us. From his explanations I know this much: an illusion formation is not some ordinary magical spell, but a formation—created and deployed by Young Master Lucifer himself. These teleportation portals we are using are likewise a kind of runic formation, also created and deployed by Young Master himself."
While Khishig was explaining, Duke Gelvin interrupted him. "Princesses of the Velmora family… why have I not seen any of them in the throne room?"
Khishig explained with patience, "Well, Your Excellency, Lady Westeria forbade them from appearing inside the throne room. Yet it is my gut feeling that they were still present within the throne room at that time."
Khishig continued, "Please, Duke, do not ask me anything further about those princesses, for I know nothing more of them either.
According to what Lady Westeria told us, these princesses of the Velmora family are the daughters of Young Master Lucifer. Most important of all—those daughters are not human, nor are their mothers. Lady Westeria clearly warned us not to approach them, for she said that in the entire duchy only three people can handle them: Commander Vance, Commander Artemis, and Young Master himself."
Gelvin questioned, "What are their ranks?"
Khishig replied, "I do not know."
Intrigued by Khishig's words, Gelvin asked, "Sir Khishig, how about you sit beside me during dinner? I hope you will not decline."
Khishig hesitated a moment, then finally nodded. After a few more brief exchanges, all the remaining people entered the dining hall as well.
---
The ducal dining hall was a large rectangular chamber with pale cream plaster walls framed by dark wooden beams. Tall arched windows lined one side of the hall, while simple burgundy banners bearing the ducal crest hung at intervals along the opposite wall. Wooden panels covered the lower portion of the walls, with iron candle sconces mounted between them.
Several large copper chandeliers hung from the timbered ceiling, each fitted with rows of sunstone bulb holders. Smaller wooden torches stood along the walls, providing additional lighting and warmth.
Two long wooden tables occupied most of the hall, arranged in parallel rows with broad aisles between them. Their surfaces were covered with simple black runners, upon which plates, cutlery, wine cups, and candles had been arranged neatly along their lengths. Large serving dishes and bowls stood at intervals between the individual settings.
The chairs were of dark wood with straight, high backs and lightly carved frames. Red cushions covered their seats.
A broad brown carpet ran down the central aisle from the entrance toward the far end of the chamber. Its edges were decorated with a simple repeating gold pattern.
At the far end stood a slightly raised wooden platform containing a longer table reserved for the host and the family members. Behind it hung a large burgundy tapestry bearing the Velmora family's sigil.
In short, the ducal dining hall was massive and elegant, possessing an intimate ambience, yet it was not excessively grandiose.
At the table on the left side of the dining hall sat the rulers of Westirifer Duchy's constituent states, along with their family members and ministers—including the people of Holygrill State, Kielname State, Florence State, and Redbarn State.
At the table to the right of the dining hall sat the rulers of Lustbound Kingdom's three vassal territories, along with their families and ministers—including the people of Livingstone Duchy, Wielhiem Duchy, and Ironford County respectively.
When all of this had settled perfectly, the grand doors of the dining hall swung open, and a few more people entered and joined the left-side table where their families already sat. These were the ones who had not followed Allen's lead, but had remained behind in the throne room because they wished to learn exactly what was happening with Lucifer from Grand Duchess Mia and the other members of the Velmora family.
Seeing that both of his wives—Jumana and Neria—had come inside and sat before him, Denford asked in a low voice, "So, how is it? Did you obtain the information you guaranteed me?"
Already in a foul mood from hearing of Christopher's vile deeds from the Grand Duchess, Jumana seized the wine cup before her and gulped down the honeywine in one furious draught. With a sharp "thud" she slammed the cup upon the table and glared at her husband, her voice trembling with raw fury..."Yes…sister neria and I learned the reason behind Lucifer's sudden erratic behavior…..and I cannot blame him for it in the slightest!
That young boy has suffered so much…....Damn Christopher! Damn that vile, rotting creature! Damn him to the deepest pits! May every torment imaginable find him!"
Jumana's sudden, blazing outrage directed at Christopher left Denford bewildered. Yet before he could speak, his principal wife Neria also began cursing with equal, venomous intensity...."That vile, inhuman monster…! Damn that man! May the Goddess afflict him with maggots crawling through every inch of his flesh! May his blood turn to poison and his bones crack one by one! Damn him! Damn him a thousand times over!"
Still utterly confused by the behavior of both his wives, Denford lovingly took Jumana's hand and gave her a tender kiss— "slurp-muah-smooch" —to calm her. When their lips and tongues parted, Denford asked, "Honey, what happened? Why are you so terribly infuriated?"
Then he looked at Neria, who continued to curse without pause. "You too, darling—what happened? And who is this Christopher of whom you both speak so fiercely?"
Neria glanced at him but did not answer the question. Instead she said, "Wait a little longer and you will know everything. And do not ask what happened—neither of me nor of Jumana."
Hearing her words, and lost in thought about what could have occurred, Denford could only wait.
---
Time passed like flowing water. After about a quarter of an hour, Grand Duchess Mia entered the dining hall together with Veronica and Westeria. Following the three of them came several serving maids and footmen who had come specifically to serve dinner to the guests.
When everyone saw that the Grand Duchess had finally arrived, all rose from their seats as a formality. Seeing them standing thus, Mia waved her hand. "There is no need for such worthless formalities. I have already told everyone before: Westirifer is different from your Lustbound Kingdom, and the Velmora family is very different from the Royal Lustbound family. Therefore you need not pretend to pay respect or any such thing."
While speaking, her steps never halted. She walked directly toward the table upon the raised platform, accompanied by Veronica and Westeria. When all three had seated themselves, Mia also called Allen and Jasper to dine with them. Elder Guntor joined the left table where the people from Kielname State were sitting.
When everything had settled, Mia raised her cup of honeywine. "Let us begin the dinner."
With that, the various serving maids and footmen began to serve food and beverages to those seated at both dining tables.
At the table on the left side of the dining hall, War Commander of Holycross State—Gothras—sat facing Nad Kevlon, Gloria, Stuart, Nyx, and the other members of the Holygrill family. He stared quietly at his food, lost in thoughts of his own. Time passed, yet he had not touched a single morsel; instead, an expression of loss rested upon his face.
After observing Gothras for some time, Delya asked, "Gothras, what is the matter? Why do you not even eat your food? Is it not to your taste?"
Delya's voice pulled Gothras from his thoughts. "No, young lady, that is not the case… it is only… it is only that I have lost something. I have lost the chance to increase my power further…"
"Increase your power further… lost the chance? How so?" asked Delya.
Gothras answered while shaking his head in confusion and disappointment. "I was unable to find the man-eating sheep… that is how I lost the chance of growing more powerful."
Gothras's words were loud enough for those eating nearby to hear. His phrase—"man-eating sheep"—immediately stirred the curiosity of several members of the Holygrill family.
Nad Kevlon exclaimed, "Dear Goddess!" Then he continued, "Since when have sheep begun consuming men, Gothras? Is it some new kind of monster?"
Gothras swallowed a spoonful of stew. "Sir, I am not joking… and do not take my words as a jest either."
Nad seized a roasted boar's leg, tore it free from the whole carcass, and munched upon it like a hungry beast. "No, Gothras, I am not jesting. Tell me if it is a new species of monster… I shall hunt it down the moment we return to Lumera."
Gothras took a sip from his wine cup. "It is not a monster, Sir Nad… it is a phrase. A phrase coined by Young Master and directed toward the guests who arrived this evening with us. It means… someone among the guests—someone from Wielhiem Duchy, Ironford County, or Livingstone Duchy—is here to secretly record our details and send them to Lustbound Kingdom.
Young Master asked me to find that person. In my eyes, except for Livingstone Duchy, both Wielhiem Duchy and Ironford County appear suspicious… yet I am not certain who the true enemy is."
At that moment Stuart chimed in, "So, Gothras, I understand that you were unable to find that man-eating sheep—or sheep—before today's dinner. Right now we are eating, and you have not yet found them. But how does that mean you have lost your chance to grow powerful? Where lies the connection?"
Gothras continued, "Because Young Master promised me that if I found that troublemaker before today's dinner, he would teach me a spear technique that would elevate my power even further. And now I have lost that chance."
Stuart spoke while draining his sixth cup of wine, "No, you dummy —you still have time until tomorrow morning. The Young Master of whom you speak is sleeping after suffering a sudden seizure and will not wake until morning. Therefore you still possess ample time."
Just as Stuart's words concluded, someone smacked him sharply on the back of the neck. In a half-drunken state he turned around, only to discover that the hand which had struck him belonged to Branson. Seeing Branson's hand upon his nape, Stuart looked at him with resentment. "Father Branson, why did you just strike me? If you do it again, I shall not offer my asshole to you for tonight."
Branson rebuked him, "You impotent bastard! You are suggesting Gothras cheat that boy? And you still dare argue with me? You dickless horse… just you wait. Tonight I shall fucking fill some manners into your asshole."
Stuart shot back, "Old man, if your dick has such strength, then go and fuck Mom and my sisters. Why are you so obsessed with my asshole? I shall never get pregnant even if you pump all your cum into my asshole continuously for a decade. For the Goddess's sake, I am a man—and a man cannot get pregnant. Do you not understand this simple truth?"
From another seat Aria chimed in while smiling, "See, everyone? That is why I call Stuart my cleverest son. He understands perfectly that no matter how much anyone fucks him, he cannot get pregnant."
She gave Stuart a teasing smile and continued, "But Stuart, do you remember that once Delya and I went to Getildamare Town together with Lucifer and the people of the Velmora family?
I believe I forgot to mention a certain incident. You see, my darling son, In his harem Lucifer also has two wives who belong to the Hemis Kingdom—meaning they are elves. One is Silva and the other is Selene. Both of them have Lucifer as their second husband: Silva has Vibrosa as her first husband, and Selene has Samuel as her first husband… while Silva and Samuel are siblings."
Aria paused a moment, which proved sufficient time for Stuart to interrupt. "Mother, why are you telling me all this? If you wish to speak of it, then tell it to—" Stuart pointed his finger toward Branson "—this husband of yours, so that he may spare my asshole and stick his dick somewhere it might actually produce results… such as in your pussy, or in Sister Delya's and Gloria's… or in those of his other wives."
Aria laughed teasingly. "Honey, your father fucks you because he loves you. Having sex with you is simply his way of showing affection."
Stuart shot back, "Mother, he is not the only one who fucks me. In truth, all of your husbands fuck me almost every day. Sometimes I even think their repeated thrusts inside my asshole will stretch my anus so thoroughly that in the future I shall never again suffer from constipation."
Hearing his words, Gloria glared at him. "What are you—a barbarian? Speaking of poop, shit, and constipation while we are eating?"
Stuart replied quite nonchalantly, "What is wrong with it? It is not as though you have never tasted poop yourself, dear sister. Have you ever considered how often you have had anal sex and how often you have given blowjobs to men who fucked your asshole—the same asshole from which your poop comes out? So… do you understand what I mean to say, or shall I explain it to you more properly?"
This time Delya glared at Stuart. "Little brother, that is another matter entirely. While having sex, what matters is the physical pleasure—not facts like these. So do not mention it again."
Before Stuart could reply, Aria continued from where she had paused. "Oh dear, I was speaking of Silva, Selene, Samuel, and Vibrosa."
Aria looked at Stuart with a serious expression that sent a shiver through him. She continued, "So you know, dear Stuart… at this very moment that same Samuel—who is brother to Silva and husband to Selene—is pregnant and currently in his fourth month. Meaning his due date is next month."
Aria's words struck Stuart's ears like an earthquake; he was utterly unable to believe what his mother was saying. Nyx, Paul, Von, Desmond, Nad Kevlon, Delya, Gloria, Gothras, and Synthia all wore expressions of equal surprise. Branson himself was surprised, yet a light of hopeful lust gleamed in his eyes as he regarded Stuart with open hunger.
While the Holygrill family enjoyed their dinner in this lively fashion, the others from the constituent states—the Florence family, the Kielname family, and the Redlife family—were likewise enjoying the hearty meal and conversing among themselves.
On the other side of the aisle, the guests from Livingstone Duchy, Wielhiem Duchy, and Ironford County were also enjoying dinner with equal enthusiasm, for all of them were hungry after traveling a long distance to reach the ducal palace.
Time passed like blowing winds. Two hours went by, and the twenty-second bell of the day rang out. Duke Gelvin rose from his seat and looked around. He found that nearly everyone had already finished their dinner. Without wasting another second, he looked toward Mia and asked, "Your Grace, almost all of us have now completed our dinner. You should tell us exactly what is going on, as you said earlier."
Listening to him, Mia looked at Duke Gelvin and nodded. "Yes… I should. Just give me a moment."