Yarra's Adventure Notes-Chapter 1297 - 83 Nothing Was Said

"Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend this banquet," Marquis Snape said from the small balcony on the second floor of the villa, looking down at the assembled guests on the lawn. The Illusionary Sound Array, already prepared, amplified his deep voice several times over so that it could be clearly heard throughout the entire courtyard outside the villa. As soon as the Old Marquis had stepped out onto the balcony, guests who were dancing on the dance floor and those dining in another area had already noticed and the message quickly spread around. Soon, more and more guests from other directions gathered, and even some of those enjoying the play in the far-off private theater left to return below the balcony. After all, as the richest man in Yarra, no matter the status or position of these guests, they all hoped to meet with the Marquis, knowing that this meeting might bring significant benefits to their future. Seeing the crowd below increase, the Old Marquis exchanged glances with a few specific individuals in certain locations before raising his glass and saying, "Your presence is an honor to me. To express my gratitude, allow me to offer a toast to welcome you all."

The Old Marquis tilted his head back and drank the bubbly spirit in his glass in one gulp. The green lotus root liquor, with its spicy harshness mixed with the rich fragrance of fruit, flowed down his throat and charged straight to his head, dispelling all fatigue with just one cup. This liquor was one of the three most expensive spirits on the Yarran Continent and the only one that not only caused no harm to the body, but also made one more clear-headed the more one drank. Even those who didn’t drink could consume a full cup without getting drunk, but would instead feel more excited and full of vigor. However, everything comes at a price, and should one exceed their drinking limit of green lotus root liquor, the ensuing weariness and intensified hangover would be an experience one would be loath to repeat in this lifetime.

The guests below, all dignified and knowledgeable individuals, recognized the special green spirit in the old man’s hand and understood its significant implication. Obviously, the Old Marquis was feeling weary due to his age, and that was why he needed such a special drink to stimulate his spirits. At regular banquets, the host’s switch to this kind of drink often subtly suggested it was time for the guests to leave, but this large dance party was different. The green lotus root liquor didn’t signify an end to the festivities but indicated the host lacked the energy to continue entertaining, thus hoping the guests would enjoy the rest of the evening’s program while he excused himself for a while.

This was a very tactful gesture, a hint only the most prestigious and capable of the wealthy could afford to use. Several guests exchanged surprised whispers, seemingly taken aback by the Old Marquis’s early departure, but considering his age and the fact that the Old Marquis, as the chief commander of the logistics division, had recently been busy, no objection arose. Soon, someone in the crowd raised their glass high, loudly responding, "Marquis is far too modest. It is our honor to be invited by you. Ladies and gentlemen, I propose a toast for the Marquis’s health and long life." freewēbnoveℓ.com

"Yes, to the Marquis’s health," the guests below, without a second’s hesitation, raised their glasses toward the balcony. "Cheers."

"Heh heh heh, thank you, my friends, for your blessings," the Old Marquis said with a restrained smile, taking off his hat and placing it over his chest as he nodded in acknowledgment to the crowd below. "In all fairness, the entire Yarran World is facing a global conflict, and the warriors at the front line in the Sighing Desert are also preparing for battle during this crucial time. It’s not really appropriate to hold such a dance party, as it may seem disrespectful to the war and the warriors. But on second thought, being overly tense is not beneficial, and relaxing a bit can be advantageous for the stressful preparations for war. Therefore, after discussing with representatives from various parties, we’ve decided to take this opportunity of my arrival in the City of Knowledge to host this banquet. It’s not only to have more opportunities to interact with new and old friends but also to celebrate in advance, so to speak."

"Marquis," a voice asked from somewhere within the crowd below, "What do you mean by ’celebrate in advance’? Could it be that you’re referring to celebrating the victory of the war beforehand?"

"Heh, one mustn’t speak so presumptuously," Marquis Snape’s smile was subtle as he shook his head and said, "Let’s just say we’re celebrating the smooth preparation of the war for now, and save the victory celebration for the near future. When the time comes, I promise it won’t be as hasty or simple as this time."

"It seems that Your Excellency is very confident about this war," another voice came from a different corner, speaking up before any of the guests could react, "May I ask Your Excellency, do you really view the outcome of the war so optimistically?"

"Sir, it seems you’re not on the guest list, your way of questioning reminds me of the reporters from our City of Knowledge. However, no matter how you got in, now that you’re here, you are my guest, and I hope you enjoy the banquet," the Old Marquis smiled in the direction of the questioner, "As for your question, I’m sorry, but I don’t understand military affairs and can’t give a definitive answer about whether we will ultimately win the war. But from a logistical standpoint, everything is under control; manpower, arms, supplies, everything. I can’t find any possibility of failure."

"Tsk, tsk, after all, he’s been fighting in the world of commerce for decades," Pannis, holding a plate of food in a corner of the lawn below, pursed his lips and said, "He seems to be saying a lot of impressive things, but actually hasn’t said anything useful."

"However, Grandpa Snape, though he hasn’t given any definitive conclusions, has successfully left everyone with the impression that the war has a high chance of success," joy was barely hidden in Catherine’s expression, but she still tried to maintain a calm facade as she said, "Isn’t that the purpose of the banquet?"

"Hehe, yes," Pannis sneered, "If it weren’t for the fact that I just heard them fretting over supply issues, I might have really believed that ’everything is under control’ line of your Grandpa Snape. Tsk, tsk, so it goes to show, these big businessmen must have a lot in common with those freaks from Shadow Hand."

"Pfft." Catherine laughed as she elbowed Pannis, "Your sarcasm is a bit too much."