Namgung Jae-wan guided them to the foremost part of the banquet hall where the grandest table was set up. Seated at this table were six people.

With the expensive-looking clothes they wore, Sam could already tell that they were the most influential people present. He could even recognize a few of them.

However, the most striking person in the group was an old man with long graying hair. He wore a winter wolf-fur jacket over his emerald-green surcoat. His expressionless face was intimidating, making the people around him look visibly uncomfortable.

"Lord Duke, the guests from Sorl are here." Namgung Jae-wan bowed deeply to his grandfather, his demeanor abruptly changing. It was a stark contrast to the easygoing tone that he displayed earlier.

Everyone at the table turned their heads, including the expressionless old man.

"Greetings, Lord Duke!" Sam didn’t dare meet the Carefree Duke’s gaze and quickly lowered his head.

Warrick and Einar gave the duke a respectful salute.

Namgung Ilsun’s face broke into a faint smile, easing the overall mood.

"I have seen you before. Aren’t you Bishop Sam Bartadamen?" He raised an eyebrow as he put on a pondering look.

Sam nodded with a chuckle. "It’s an honor for my name to be remembered by the Lord Duke!"

"I was indeed a bishop of the church, but I have already retired. Now I am the Director of the newly established Holy Sun Orphanage." He explained.

Namgung Ilsun revealed a look of understanding. "I see."

He then looked at the warriors standing behind Sam and asked. "And these gentlemen are?"

"Oh, right! This is Sir Warrick and Sir Einar. They are both Transcendent Knights of House Silversword!" Sam introduced the two with a proud smile.

The people seated at the table were surprised to hear this.

The Venerables in the country were only a few in number. The ordinary civilians wouldn’t even see one in their lifetimes. As for Transcendent Knights, they were also respected individuals. Only the powerful martial and noble houses had experts at this level.

"It’s our pleasure to see you, Lord Duke." Warrick and Einar greeted the duke, maintaining a certain level of respect.

Namgung Ilsun’s eyes flashed with an imperceptible gleam.

"So you are friends from House Silversword! Come and sit with us." The Duke graciously invited, gesturing with his hand.

Sam noticed the awkward faces of the two so he grabbed their shoulders and responded. "Thank you, Lord Duke! It’s an honor to sit at the same table as you! Haha!"

Sam used his glib tongue to chat with the other people at the table. He exchanged pleasantries with them and even conversed as if they were close buddies.

Einar and Warrick were left speechless at his eloquence. If no one told them, they wouldn’t have thought that this guy was a former bishop of the church. From the way he presented himself, Sam was more like a merchant than a bishop. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Half an hour later, the trio had already integrated with the group. Although Einar and Warrick rarely spoke, they answered all the questions posed by the duke and the others.

Is this really just a normal banquet?

Just what is the Carefree Duke thinking?

I can’t wrap my head around his true intentions.

Warrick looked at the old duke’s side profile.

As if sensing his gaze, Namgung Ilsun turned to look at him and let out a smile. "Is the food to your liking, Sir Warrick?"

Hearing this, Warrick nodded, composing himself. "I enjoyed the local delicacies, Lord Duke! I might shamelessly ask the cooks later to give us some to take home."

"Hahaha! You don’t need to do that, Sir Warrick. I have already informed them to give you something to bring back home." Namgung Ilsun laughed heartily.

They chatted about random matters for the next half an hour before the duke changed the topic.

"You must have come to my estate to ask for something. Go ahead. You can tell me what you came here for."

There was an obvious change in the mood the moment the duke shifted to this subject. The people seated at the table knew that they were going to talk about something important so they tactfully excused themselves.

"I still have things to discuss with my friends at the table over there. Please excuse me."

"Me too. I have to greet my friends at the opposite table. I’ll take my leave first."

"I enjoyed our conversation, but I must leave now. Please excuse me, gentlemen."

With these people gone, only the trio, Namgung Jae-wan, and Namgung Ilsun remained at the table.

Sam let out a deep breath and took out a document from his inner pocket. He then handed it to the old duke. "Lord Duke, this is a letter penned by Her Majesty."

Namgung Ilsun furrowed his eyebrows as he took the letter.

After a minute, he put down the letter and stared deeply at Sam. "So you are asking for a donation for the new orphanage?"

Sam felt nervous, but he responded with a nod. "Yes. As stated in the letter, I come here seeking donations."

While they were discussing, Namgung Jae-wan didn’t say anything and just calmly sipped his drink.

Tapping the table with his fingers, the old duke finally replied. "As an official of Veronica, it is my responsibility to donate to the orphanage, but I have a request..."

Sam didn’t expect him to readily agree. "If it’s within my powers, then I will do my best to fulfill your request, Lord Duke!"

With a faint smile, Namgung Ilsun said. "I want to meet Alaric. If you agree to my request, I will double the donation money you are asking for."

Sam was stunned by his words, not because he was willing to double the donation, but because the old duke was showing interest in Alaric.

It was already public knowledge that Namgung Ilsun’s health was declining. He never showed interest in the political matters of the country.

"Uhm, would it be possible to know why you want to meet His Highness?" Sam asked cautiously.