Chapter 58: The Grand Princess

Prince Xalvador wore a magnificent brocaded robe woven from magical threads, embroidered with mysterious runes and dragon crests symbolizing his family’s honor.

His posture was straight as a pine, his features handsome, and his dark, wavy hair draped loosely over his shoulders like a brilliant star. He radiated an irresistible charm from head to toe.

At this moment, he was standing at the entrance, a gentle smile on his face, welcoming the celebrities and nobles attending his birthday banquet.

"The Duke of Treville presents His Highness the Prince with a scroll of advanced magic!"

"The Elven Envoy presents His Highness the Prince with an 'Elven Holy Fruit'!"

"General Hernan presents His Highness the Prince with a dragon-scale divine bow!"

...

Noble after noble arrived in a continuous stream, and the announcements of the gatekeeper rose and fell like a stirring symphony.

As time passed, most of the guests had arrived, and the start of the banquet was imminent.

Yet His Highness the Prince still stood at the entrance, seemingly waiting for someone.

The nobles exchanged glances, realizing that all the dignitaries worthy of the Prince's personal wait seemed to have already arrived. Who could he possibly be waiting for?

Suddenly, the crowd noticed the absence of a breathtakingly beautiful figure among the guests from the "Pale Wings."

Instantly, knowing smiles appeared in everyone's eyes. Ah, of course—there was still one person worthy of Prince Xalvador's personal reception.

With a melodious chime, the banquet officially began.

Prince Xalvador still failed to see the person he wished to wait for, a soft sigh in his heart accompanied by a faint trace of anger.

He had personally sent a private invitation to Isabella, a treatment not even granted to the princes and princesses of various kingdoms.

Being supremely arrogant, he refused to believe that he couldn't even handle a single woman.

Noticing the whispered discussions breaking out across the banquet hall from time to time, Prince Xalvador expertly masked his emotions, gave a nonchalant smile, and addressed the crowd:

"Thank you all for waiting so long. The banquet officially begins. I hope everyone has a wonderful time!"

Just as he spoke, the crisp sound of high heels clicking echoed from outside the banquet hall.

Soon, a stunning woman walked in, though unfortunately, she was not the person Prince Xalvador had in mind.

With her arrival, the gatekeeper's announcements cut off abruptly, and even the smile on Prince Xalvador's face faded.

The woman walked with a light and elegant grace, exclaiming an indescribable charm. Seeing her, the nobles hurriedly bowed in salute:

"Greetings, Your Royal Highness the Crown Princess!"

Grace Tang, the Crown Princess of the Eastern Empire, curved her lips slightly into a captivating smile:

"No need for formalities. Today is not my stage; I am just here to hang out with my best friend. Please, continue!"

All traces of a smile vanished from Prince Xalvador's face.

Yet the Crown Princess of the Eastern Empire acted as if she noticed nothing, wearing a half-smile as she beckoned to Prince Xalvador from afar:

"Oh, my dear cousin, where is my little Isabella?

I heard you personally sent her a private invitation. How is it that I don't see her anywhere?"

A cold flash crossed Xalvador's eyes. This cousin who constantly whispered slanderous words into the Emperor's ear was definitely doing this on purpose.

This woman was just as vicious as her succubus mother!

She must have heard the rumors that Isabella failed to show up and came here deliberately to make a fool of him!

Suppressing his anger, His Highness the Prince smiled warmly and replied:

"Perhaps Miss Vondel is occupied. After all, she has to assist Duke Vondel in managing such a massive family, and our Eastern Domain is so far away from the Central Empire. It is entirely understandable that she could not arrive on time."

Grace gently covered her mouth and laughed:

"Is that so? But the letter little Isabella sent me didn't mention this matter at all... Could it be that you sent the invitation to the wrong person?"

Prince Xalvador replied calmly:

"Perhaps. But you are a remarkably rare guest today, sister. Could it be that you have finally seen the light and wish to find a suitable match at the banquet?

That would certainly relieve His Majesty of a great burden.

Please name whichever noble heir catches your eye today, sister, and I will gladly act as your matchmaker!"

Grace’s expression grew slightly cold. Her delicate hand clenched softly, her knuckles standing out clearly.

Hearing the gunpowder-laced words exchanged between the siblings, the nobles all wore knowing expressions.

On the surface, it seemed the siblings simply had a poor relationship; but in reality, this was a confrontation between the two major political factions within the Eastern Empire.

The aging Emperor of the Eastern Empire had only Grace as a direct bloodline, yet Grace's mother was not of legitimate status, nor even pure human.

Consequently, Prince Xalvador, as the reigning monarch's own nephew, had long enjoyed strong backing as the primary heir.

Furthermore, Prince Xalvador's personal abilities were exceptionally outstanding.

In terms of talent, he was already a powerful Tier 8 [Dragon-Blood Warlock] by the age of thirty. Though still lagging behind those with top-tier innate gifts, he was entirely qualified to be the imperial heir.

In terms of connections, the moment Xalvador stepped onto the political stage, numerous ancient noble families extended olive branches to him.

His relations and social circles spanned the entire continent. Rumors held that he maintained fine friendships with the mysterious [Cobalt Soul Academy], and even had collaborators within the Abyss and Hell.

In terms of strength, he commanded three "special-ops grade" legions and five "elite grade" legions, with an undisclosed number of "sovereign grade" personal guards hidden in the shadows to protect the Prince's safety.

In every aspect, he utterly crushed an eldest princess who hailed from the succubus race, possessed only a pretty face, and had yet to take a husband.

The reason Prince Xalvador cared so much for Isabella was not only because he was captivated by the stunning charm of the Daughter of Golden Wings, but more importantly, to secure the support of the "Golden Wing Family," the wealthiest lineage across the pan-continent.

Once he formed a marital alliance with the head of the five great families of the "Pale Wings," even if His Majesty refused, the nobles of the Eastern Empire would forcibly push him onto the imperial throne.

The plan was flawless, but unfortunately, Isabella was not so easily conquered. Coupled with Grace's interference, the alliance had progressed with great difficulty.

However, the time was drawing near. Once his layout in the Northwestern Continent succeeded, and he seized the lifeline of the Golden Wing Family, she would have no choice but to submit!

Deep within Prince Xalvador's eyes, a gloomy coldness surfaced—an empress regnant? The Central Empire had one, and that was quite enough!

Just as the atmosphere grew increasingly heavy, the excited voice of the gatekeeper suddenly rang out from outside:

"The primary heir of the Golden Wing Family, 'Daughter of Golden Wings' Isabella Vondel, presents a congratulatory gift!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, the atmosphere inside shifted instantly. Prince Xalvador's smile reappeared, entirely ignoring the Crown Princess, whose expression had turned gloomy with a faint hint of puzzlement.

The gatekeeper's voice continued:

"Miss Vondel presents His Highness the Prince with a legendary-tier magical necklace—one string of 'Starlight Blessing'..."

The gatekeeper's voice trailed off. After clearly recognizing the gift presented, he finally realized he had blundered. His voice stopped abruptly, lips tightly sealed, his face turning ashen.

Starlight Blessing!

The gatekeeper suddenly recalled a scandalous piece of news that had swept through the imperial capital not long ago—the usually low-profile Prince Xalvador had spent an astronomical sum at an auction house to acquire a legendary-tier magical necklace, and the name of it seemed to be none other than "Starlight Blessing"!