"Princess Daenerys, please try this mead. The Frey Family's mead, ale, and wine are all quite presentable. The mead brewed by the Penitents on Quiet Isle is the most renowned, but the Frey Family's mead is not at all inferior to theirs."
"Of course, it's incomparable to the dragonflame wine from Holy Flame Island; it's barely palatable."
A female member of the Frey Family, standing by to serve, immediately poured Princess Daenerys a cup of sweet mead in a golden goblet. Mead, an alcoholic beverage made from honey, was highly favored by noblewomen of the Seven Kingdoms.
Princess Daenerys took a small sip. The taste was sweet and refreshing; it truly felt good and was indeed a top-tier mead.
"Hmm, the taste is indeed excellent. It's the best mead I've ever tasted!"
The women of the Frey Family held very low status. Only the Marchioness, Vada, and a few presentable young ladies were allowed to sit at the main table with Princess Daenerys, while all the others served as maids.
The men of the Frey Family ordered them around like common servants, which made Princess Daenerys frown.
Marquis Frey, who was skilled at observing expressions, seemed to notice Princess Daenerys's mood and immediately gave a look to his sister, Vada.
Vada then raised her goblet and loudly toasted Princess Daenerys, saying,
"Welcome, Princess Daenerys! Your arrival has finally made the rigid, stench-filled Luanhe City not so utterly repulsive!"
Vada's words made Marquis Frey's face fall instantly, and the men of the Frey Family in the hall immediately became boisterous.
However, Princess Daenerys appreciated Vada's courage and "bluntness," so she smiled and raised her goblet, saying,
"I've heard too many pleasant toasts. Miss Vada has truly given me a fresh perspective. Thank you!"
After downing the mead in her cup, Princess Daenerys continued,
"Sometimes, for women, being brave and decisive might allow us to experience more of life's joys than living by the rules."
Princess Daenerys's words made Vada's eyes brighten for a moment, and she immediately volunteered,
"Princess Daenerys is absolutely right. If I hadn't practiced riding and archery since childhood and trained twenty female warriors, I would probably have been sent to some ugly great lord's bed like my other sisters long ago."
"I don't want to be like other women, spending my entire life struggling only beneath men and on the birthing bed."
"The dishes here in Luanhe City are truly simple and tasteless. Let my female warriors perform a battle dance we choreographed ourselves to entertain Princess Daenerys!"
Although the men of the Frey Family didn't particularly enjoy Vada's words, seeing that she had gained Princess Daenerys's approval, they had no objections. After all, their biggest goal this time was to establish a connection with Princess Daenerys.
To make enough space for Vada's female warriors, Marquis Frey immediately had about half of the tables in the hall removed, clearing a large open area.
Soon after, eight female warriors, clad in leather armor and wielding steel swords, entered in single file. After bowing to Princess Daenerys and the others, they quickly took their positions.
"Ha~"
"Ha~"
These female warriors had good presence. Their gazes were firm, and their movements were agile and nimble, clearly a result of long-term rigorous training.
Although the battle dance movements were relatively simple, the female warriors' every action was fluid and seamless, performed in one breath.
As for what is called dance in this world, how to put it—its social significance far outweighs the pleasure and emotional release that dance itself brings to people.
When attending a ball, nobles must wear appropriate formal attire. Gentlemen typically wear robes and tights, while ladies wear long gowns and headpieces. These outfits not only display the noble's status but also show respect for the occasion.
At a ball, nobles need to maintain elegant behavior. Gentlemen should display chivalrous demeanor, and ladies should embody ladylike modesty and nobility. During the dance, dancers' gestures and deportment are strictly regulated to ensure the dance's solemnity and elegance.
When inviting a lady to dance, a gentleman must not force her; he must obtain her consent. This demonstrates respect and politeness towards the lady.
Balls are usually led by the host, and servants announce guests' names and titles before they enter. During the dance, dancers must follow prescribed steps and gestures, and the music is typically played by a few instruments, such as the flute, which plays the main melody.
During the dance, ladies need to embody ladylike modesty and nobility, while gentlemen need to display knightly grace and demeanor. After the dance, ladies must curtsy as a sign of politeness and respect.
Of course, whether at various banquets or during harvests and celebrations, people sometimes spontaneously perform an impromptu dance. However, these are also constrained by the strict rules of the church organization; any deviation would result in reprimand from church personnel.
Battle dance is a form of dance that evolved to boost morale and pray for victory. Most are performed by selected warriors before a war. Performing a battle dance at a regular banquet is relatively rare.
After they finished their performance, Princess Daenerys immediately grabbed a handful of gold coins from her satchel and rewarded them.
"Today has truly opened my eyes; I never imagined the women of the Frey Family could be so heroic and extraordinary. Quickly, pour these female warriors some fine wine. I see they have solid foundations, and their fighting prowess is not at all inferior to men."
"They should really find an opportunity to fight men with real swords and spears on the battlefield, so the men of the Seven Kingdoms can also see that we women are no less capable than them."
To Princess Daenerys's words, Marquis Frey only awkwardly echoed,
"Princess Daenerys is absolutely right, absolutely right!"
But Vada, standing nearby, had bright eyes. She suddenly rose and respectfully knelt before Princess Daenerys in the manner of a man, saying,
"Princess Daenerys, although there are no female knights in Westeros, Vada hopes to lead her female warriors to pledge allegiance to Your Highness as knights from now on. To become the sharp blade in Your Highness's hand and the firm shield against your enemies."
Following Vada's action, the female warriors who performed the battle dance, along with other members, also knelt behind Vada.
Although Princess Daenerys had many personal maids and no shortage of skilled knights and male subordinates, she truly lacked female warriors who could always accompany her.
Her great-grandmother, Queen Alysanne, once had a female expert named "Red Shadow" who was responsible for her close-quarters protection. So Princess Daenerys drew her Valyria sword, "Dawn," and said,
"Vada, reveal your sword, and let me see if you are worthy to guard my side?"
Princess Daenerys's action made the already nervous Vada momentarily stunned, because in her impression, although the princesses of the Targaryen Family could ride dragons, besides Aegon the Conqueror's sister and wife, Visenya, no one had ever been able to fight with a sword.
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