The Empror's Trap

Ch 40 - The Banquet

"Since both Your Majesty and Duke Anos feel this way, please allow us time to consider. Currently, the Sal Kingdom still hopes to maintain good relations between our countries. I will report this matter to my father for his decision."

"That would be best, as this concerns matters between our two nations. Let me tell you Camelot's conditions now, Princess. You can relay them directly to King Tuwa for his decision."

Kenji finished speaking and stood up.

He exchanged a glance with the old Chancellor, who smiled knowingly and stroked his white beard before taking out a pre-written letter.

Kenji took the letter and handed it to her.

Uheya opened the letter and read it.

Her expression darkened.

"Please..." she took a deep breath to compose herself, "Please allow me time to consider."

...

If there's one thing Camelot was known for, it was their diplomatic banquets.

Sure, many countries had their fair share of social gatherings where the food served was more about presentation than taste. But Camelot's approach? They took their culinary arts as seriously as their politics—perhaps even more so.

Tonight's menu was particularly lavish. The star dishes included deer tendon soup, venison, roasted lamb, and an exquisite stew that masterfully blended lamb and fish. While this wasn't quite at the level of a full state banquet—after all, these were just envoys from Sal Kingdom, a vassal state—the attention to detail would still put most royal feasts to shame.

It was no wonder that in his old world, being sent as an envoy to Camelot was practically equivalent to becoming a food blogger on the side. Most diplomats couldn't help but rave about Camelot's cuisine upon their return.

And here sat Uheya, faced with such a sumptuous feast. Yet she couldn't bring herself to appreciate any of it.

Camelot's diplomatic philosophy was simple: maintain proper etiquette regardless of personal feelings. Despite Uheya being merely an envoy, they'd elevated her reception to royal standards befitting her status as a Sal Kingdom princess. Hence why tonight's banquet was just a notch below a formal state dinner.

"It's been a while, hasn't it?" Kenji studied her.

She was no longer the wild girl who'd once taken him galloping across the steppes. Whether from exposure to Camelot culture or something else, her bearing had transformed entirely.

But Kenji knew better—beneath that elegant exterior still lurked a wolf.

"Indeed. How times have changed."

Uheya savored a spoonful of tender deer tendon, letting its rich flavors spread across her tongue. The complex textures demanded a few extra moments of appreciation.

"Your father must have great faith in you, sending you on this mission," Kenji observed, preferring to avoid the day's unpleasantness with this old friend in favor of personal matters.

But Uheya's cold laugh cut through the pleasantries: "Kenji, what if I told you my father wasn't the one who sent me?"

"Ah, right—I'd forgotten. King Tuwa has been ill since last year, hasn't he? Feeling rather worn down. I suppose he's delegated affairs to his children."

The king's illness wasn't exactly a state secret. It wasn't life-threatening, but it did leave him too exhausted to fully engage in governance. It made sense that he'd start transferring power to his chosen heir, gradually stepping back from the throne.

"My fourth brother, Ban," Uheya's expression remained neutral as she continued eating, clearly not fond of her sibling. "Him inheriting father's position is natural enough. Among father's male heirs, he's probably the most capable. At least, father thinks my fourth brother reminds him of his younger self."

Ah yes, King Tuwa in his youth...

Getting absolutely demolished by Camelot counts as youthful memories, I suppose...

Of course, Kenji kept these thoughts to himself. It wouldn't do to mock someone's father to their face.

"So your brother sending you to handle this shows he values your abilities," he offered instead.

"Kenji, if you're going to mock me, at least be more creative about it," Uheya's gaze turned reproachful. "You know exactly what kind of schemes my brother had in mind when he specifically sent me here."