By now, everyone had left the hall. A team of horses was coming their way, dressed in exotic clothes that stood out here in United Continent.
Thousand Island Country was situated in East Continent, and as their name suggests, they were a collection of a thousand one thousand islands. The difference in customs was obvious from the way they dressed.
Feng Ziyong and the others stepped forward to speak with the ambassador of Thousand Island Country. Just then, an extravagantly dressed young woman alighted from one of the carriages.
This young woman was escorted by many female guards. Lavish clothing enveloped her slender figure and a veil covered part of her face. As she walked over, a gentle fragrance wafted their way. In terms of etiquette, she was well-trained. Only a princess could be taught to display such a high degree of decorum.
No doubt, this must be the Thousand Island Country’s princess here for the marriage alliance.
Judging by her enchanting eyes which were unprotected from the veil, she must be a divine beauty.
However, the relationship between man and woman would surely grow awkward if the driving factor for their marriage consisted of reasons other than love.
Anyway, Lin Jin would dislike marriages of this sort if he was in their position.
The three princes were putting in the effort to present themselves in a good light. Even the first prince, who seemed untrained in speech, was chattering non-stop, making sure their guests weren’t neglected.
Lin Jin shifted his gaze from the princess over to the metal cages. Looks like the rare beasts from Thousand Island Country were being locked inside these cages.
However, all cages were covered by a silver cloth to prevent anyone from peering inside.
Thousand Island Country’s ambassador was an eloquent figure. He was able to converse merrily with all three princes, maintaining an ardent atmosphere.
“Ambassador Liu, please don’t hold yourself back. This banquet is considered a private event, so we can close the doors and enjoy the feast to our hearts’ content. There’s no need to be too reserved,” Feng Ziyong offered readily. His voice carried a unique tone of dominance.
Ambassador Liu didn’t forget his mission here, so he chuckled and said, “We can feel Your Highness’ genuine hospitality. We’ll be in your care then. Of course, our princess is grateful for your hospitality.”
Ambassador Liu was trying to convey that he wasn’t the main character here but the princess of Thousand Island Country.
As the group entered the great hall, Shu Xiaolou who was sitting alone there became strikingly visible. Ambassador Liu was stunned at first, confused, and then subsequently annoyed.
Everyone had come out to receive Her Highness, the princess, so why was this person sitting here alone?
How rude.
However, they couldn’t voice it directly since they were guests.
‘Could this be Heavenly Spiral Kingdom’s State Preceptor?’ Ambassador Liu thought. The man’s age seemed to match the description he received, so although annoyed, Ambassador Liu pretended to overlook the situation. After all, Heavenly Spiral Kingdom’s State Preceptor was too distinguished for a mere ambassador like him to provoke.
Everyone took their seats.
Lin Jin’s role since the beginning was a bystander. Since just now, he had been talking to Appraiser Yan. Then, after returning to their seats, he started talking to Shu Xiaolou instead.
Only a handful of people were listening to the princes’ joyful conversation with Ambassador Liu. Most of them would intermittently drift their gazes over to Lin Jin and Shu Xiaolou.
“To think Appraiser Lin is so familiar with Senior Shu!” Appraiser Lin looked envious.
“Yeah. It’s a pity we don’t have that kind of opportunity,” Appraiser Yan said, lowering his head.
Then, palace maidens began bringing in fine wine and scrumptious food. The atmosphere instantly livened up with everyone toasting and engaging in joyous chatter. The princess of Thousand Island Country started talking to the three princes too.
All three princes were trying to present themselves nicely in hopes of leaving a good impression on the princess
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Meanwhile, Shu Xiaolou had a taste of the wine and then shook his head. “The wine’s nothing much and the dishes are average. I thought it’d be interesting but didn’t expect this to be so boring.”
Shu Xiaolou wouldn’t possibly say this to anyone else. Only in Lin Jin’s company would she reveal her actual personality.
“Shu Xiaolou, are you here for the food?” Lin Jin retorted without holding back. “We’re here mainly to support Feng Ziqian and take a look at those Thousand Island Country’s rare beasts. If you’re aiming for good food and wine, I’ll take you to a restaurant next time. The food there is definitely better than what they have here.”
Shu Xiaolou’s eyes lit up. “It’s a promise then.”
Lin Jin smiled. “Don’t worry, I won’t deceive you.”
Just then, Ambassador Liu had his men move the three massive cages into the hall. Then, he got up and announced, “Our emperor, His Majesty of Thousand Island Country, has bestowed with us three rare beasts to accompany our princess here to Heavenly Spiral Kingdom and serve as part of Her Highness’ dowry. We have long heard of Heavenly Spiral Kingdom’s proficiency in beast appraising and knowledge of all beasts known to man. Her Highness would like to invite all three Majesties and all appraisers to evaluate these three rare beasts.
It was finally time for serious business.
Lin Jin and Shu Xiaolou stopped talking, shifting their attention to the three large cages.
The other appraisers did the same.
Ambassador Liu was about to continue when Thousand Island Country’s princess abruptly got up and had Ambassador Liu step down. She strode to the center of the hall and said, “Your Majesties, respected appraisers, my name is Ruo Li. I have learned back at Thousand Island Country that Heavenly Spiral Academy is a sacred place for beast appraisers and has since desired to visit this special place. This time, my father has decided to pick one of his daughters to be married off to Heavenly Spiral, so I offered myself. In fact, this banquet is also a place for me to choose my future husband. I’m sure Your Majesties are already aware of that.”
Everyone froze up.
Of course, they all knew this, but none of them dared to say it out loud. It surprised them that the princess was able to announce it so boldly in front of them.
She seemed to be quite the bold character.
“Since my husband is to be chosen, it is only natural that I should make that choice. Among the three rare beasts, one is my blood contract companion. I will marry the prince who can guess it correctly. From then on, I shall aid him in every endeavor. Till death do us part.”
Right after her declaration, all three princes produced mixed reactions.
They were shocked.
They didn’t know they’d get married after tonight. Maybe even their father didn’t know about this too. Wasn’t this too quick? Weren’t they supposed to get to know each other first?
Before the small talks even ended, she had decided to lay down these rules.
Whoever could correctly guess which pet beast belonged to Princess Ruo Li would get to marry her.
Simple and straightforward.
However, the hurdle didn’t seem too high. All contracted pet beasts are connected to their owners via their blood contracts. Any appraiser should be able to finish that job relatively quickly.
So it wasn’t that hard a process.
Is she testing to see who would answer the quickest? Or perhaps this would be a snatch trivia?
The three princes weren’t fools. The easier the task, the more challenging it would typically be. They were ninety percent sure that this was a trap.
All three princes turned to look at the appraisers they invited. During this round, the appraiser would be the key to their success.
It was here that First Prince, Feng Ziyong felt most helpless. He was beginning to get aggressive because of State Preceptor’s absence. Had he been here, Feng Ziyong would have definitely secured first place.
But now, he only had Appraiser Yan left. Although Appraiser Yan wasn’t weak, he was still just one person.
Feng Ziyong glanced at his third brother, Feng Ziqian, with visible fury.
It was all because of Senior Shu whom Feng Ziqian invited. If it weren’t for him, he wouldn’t be in such a passive position. On second thought, with Senior Shu around, wouldn’t Feng Ziqian have a greater chance at winning?