Chapter 748: Dinner
The dinner was held punctually in the evening, and Scotti personally directed the servants to arrange it, although it was not as luxurious as the elves of Sodenisra, but it was already quite a high standard for the human world.
Due to its proximity to the sea, fish, shrimp, crab and shellfish are the main food on the table, and the seaweed balls that have been cooked in a special cooking pot look so appetizing that traditional foods such as steaks, roast chicken, and steamed goose are not cared for at all, and everyone tastes the rare delicious seafood.
After all, the traffic situation on the continent of Faren is not very good, meat and poultry are easy to eat for the nobles, but seafood may not be seen several times in a lifetime for people living in the interior.
Looking at the satisfied expressions of the guests, Henry smiled and said to his wife beside him: "Yes, it seems that they like the dishes tonight, it seems that you have a lot of experience in holding banquets." ”
"Of course, I've been holding an average of one banquet a month on the island over the years, and I've long been very familiar with all the processes, so I'll leave this kind of thing to me." Shi Kodi said proudly with a wine glass.
"Hehe, well, after the coronation, you can consider holding more of them, so that officials and nobles can quickly integrate together, speed up the efficiency of the administrative system, and at the same time let other countries know about us." As he spoke, Henry nodded slightly at those who bowed to him.
He was well aware that in order to gain greater political influence, he had to blend into the circle of rulers, of which banquets and salons were the easiest way to do so. Through a relaxed and pleasant exchange, each participant becomes a free promoter and spreads the reputation of the West Hartland royal family for its friendly hospitality. It won't take long for a positive image to be established in everyone's minds.
Silky frowned slightly. He lowered his voice and asked, "Are you sure?" Our financial situation has not been very good in recent times. Hawke, in particular, complained that taxes would be drastically reduced in the coming year, and that he would have to go into debt if he didn't have the support of a lot of trade. ”
Henry smiled and shook his head at his wife's worries and explained, "Don't worry, I've made up for the gap on this trip. You've probably been to the warehouse, right? Those beautiful weapons, armor, crafts, magical items, etc., brought from the elven realm, can be filled with a small portion of the holes. ”
"Oh my God, you're going to sell them?" A look of astonishment appeared on Sycodi's face. "Those are quite collectible things, especially crafts and fine arts, and I plan to decorate some of them for the future palace."
"Don't worry. I have signed terms of trade with the Elven Realm of the South, and every year a shipment of goods will arrive at Baldur's Gate. What's more, I have a lot of decorations here, even including sculptures and paintings from the ancient elven empire, which are guaranteed to have more historical value than those in the warehouse. As he spoke, Henry affectionately hung his wife's nose, and a faint smile appeared on his face.
"Wow! A collection from 10,000 years ago! I think if you bring out one or two pieces at a banquet, it will definitely make a splash, and maybe a lot of artists and bards will come from far and wide to see it. Tell me, where did you put them? Poeti asked excitedly. At this moment, she had begun to fantasize about the admiration, envy, and jealousy of countless people's expressions when the banquet was held, and her heart felt like a fire had been lit, and she wanted to show it to the guests now.
No doubt. This is the typical aristocratic mentality on the continent of Faerun, once there is something good, he is eager to take it out and let the whole world know. In the process of this show-off. Recognition and friendship can be obtained, and the family is closely bound to the whole class.
Henry, though he rarely participates in such activities, does not mind his family doing so, so he whispers in his wife's ear, "They're in my dimensional bag, I'll show them to you later." ”
Just as Sycody was about to say something, she saw the dark elf Solaufen come over dejectedly, with a wry smile and helplessness on her face, obviously excluded from the circle of conversation by everyone.
"My dear, go talk to the ladies and ladies for a while, I need to comfort this guy, after all, he is Allen's savior." As he spoke, Henry kissed his wife on the cheek.
"Go ahead, you must know that it is not easy for a dark elf to live in human society, you need to take care of him." After speaking, Scotti glanced sympathetically at the lonely Solaufen. She has a good impression of the dark elf who is said to have saved her son, so she doesn't mind pulling the other party in relationships.
At the glittering banquet, all the participants gathered in twos and threes, whispering about topics of interest to each other, most of them about the coronation ceremony in a few days, lamenting what impact a powerful kingdom would have on the surrounding area in the future.
However, this qiē has nothing to do with Solaufen, as no one wants to speak to a dark elf who symbolizes evil, and it is easy for others to think that they have a connection to the underworld.
Of course, this kind of discrimination and vigilance is completely concealed in polite language, and there is neither bad language nor big fighting, only chilling indifference and disregard.
"Looks like Trist is right, I'm afraid it's going to take decades to change people's perception of the Dark Elves. Elise, please give me unwavering faith. Solaufen clenched his fists and began to pray silently to the goddess of faith. Even after being treated like this, he still felt that the surface of the earth was better than that of Ust. Nasa is a hundred times stronger, at least no one will think about killing themselves every day and replacing them.
"My baron, you seem to be in some trouble, do you want me to solve it myself?" Henry walked over and teased with a smile.
Solaufen hurriedly raised his head and glanced at it, then shook his head helplessly: "No, thank you, I think I can handle it myself." These people are just wary of my skin color and ethnicity, and they will change their attitude when they understand who I am. ”
Seeing that this kind dark elf was so stubborn, Henry was not reluctant, but just patted him on the shoulder comfortingly: "Then you should focus on other aspects first." What do you think. Have you chosen a territory? If you don't have an idea, I can give you some advice. ”
"Viconia built yì I'm going north. He also said that only the orcs there wouldn't mind being neighbors with the dark elves. With that, Solaufen drank the wine from the cup. venting the depression in his heart.
"North? Also a good choice. The land is fertile, the water is abundant, and only a dozen people can manage a large pasture, but there are more beasts and monsters. If you really want to go, I'd better hang out with the surviving adventurers, buy some livestock and birds to graze first, and then slowly open up the farmland when the population grows. Henry thought about it very seriously and gave it a suggestion.
The Supreme Wasteland is a paradise for beasts, and even doing anything can be done just by hunting, especially a mage and warrior like Solaufen. Maybe the monsters inside can pose a great threat to ordinary people, but there is no need to worry about him coming. As long as you bring a hunting bow, you will return with a good harvest.
Imagining the image described in the language, Solaufen's eyes showed a hint of yearning: "That sounds good, and those adventurers don't discriminate against my skin color and race." Well, I decided, it's the North. ”
"Then you have to prepare from now on. First, buy some cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese according to the proportion, and buy more than a dozen hunting dogs. In addition, arrows, weapons, tools, etc. must be prepared, and I will inform the orcs over there to help me when the time comes, and I will build a wooden castle first. Oh yes. You must also bring enough spellcasting materials with you. Believe me, as long as you get busy, you can quickly put these unhappy things behind you. ”
Henry's words rekindle the dark elves in front of them for the future. The temptation to build a home with your own hands is far greater than attending a banquet, and there is also a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction from the construction process.
Without any hesitation, Solaufen stood up and bowed with joy: "Thank you, I think it is necessary to talk to those adventurers quickly, you must know that I don't even know what those domestic animals look like." ”
"Go ahead, by the way, tell them that if you want to study magic, it's best to report to Angome Island before the beginning of spring next year, otherwise you'll have to wait until the next year. Remember, beware of poisonous snakes in the swamp when clearing the wasteland, as it will die if you bite it. Here, this is the bounty I promised you, the voucher of 100,000 gold coins, and you can go to the merchant alliance in the city at any time to redeem huàn. As he spoke, Henry shoved a dozen golden tickets into the other man's hand.
He knew better than anyone how much investment was needed to build the initial construction of the territory, and it was not enough to throw all the gold coins he received during the adventure, so he fulfilled his promise in advance.
"Thank you so much, I don't even know what to say, maybe I should also take an oath of allegiance like those human nobles." Solaufen said with emotion.
Henry smiled and waved his hand: "No, this is the reward you deserve." Alan is my son, and you helped him in the most dangerous times. If you're really thinking about your allegiance to someone in my family, then maybe you can choose Alan, who will be traveling north after the coronation, very close to your territory. ”
"Alan? A terrifying gift for magic, a mature mind, a calm attitude, and a sincere attitude towards friends, he is really a worthy object of allegiance. Thank you for your advice, and maybe in a few years I will choose an opportunity to offer my loyalty. Solaufen said as he looked at the boy who was chatting with the nobles and officials in the banquet hall.
As Henry's only son at the moment, Alan is one of the protagonists of the feast, especially since he became a full-fledged mage at the age of less than ten, and even those who don't know magic can feel that terrifying talent. Coupled with the polite and appropriate response, every guest instantly knew that this child's future achievements are absolutely limitless.
Of course, there is also a protagonist who is Lina. As a big girl to be married, she is always surrounded by countless young people who feel good about themselves, and even Lily, who is a mother, is constantly choosing a son-in-law, which can be described as very lively, as for herself, I am afraid that she has long regarded all suitors as annoying pests in her heart.
As for Liv and Elenia, the little Lori are scurrying around the table, choosing the food that suits their tastes, and the happy laughter has never stopped.
Seeing that everyone was happy, a satisfied smile appeared on Henry's face. These are the most important people in this world, and they are also taboos in his heart, in order to ensure that there will be no more accidents, he is willing to incarnate as the most terrifying destroyer of the main plane at any time...... (To be continued......)