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Naiye’s carriage slowed to a stop; the wheels rolled from the ordinary road onto the cobbled stones, emitting a faint creak.
He gently lifted the curtain, and what met his eyes was the majestic castle of the Skywing Knight Family!
If the Dragon Palace was a proud, imperious palace, then the Skywing Castle resembled a golden, dreamlike citadel that seemed unreal in this world!
This single castle already reflected the characteristics of the Sky Wing Knights.
Pride, perfection, splendor, elegance—utterly dreamy and luxurious.
The castle sat atop the core area of the Sky Wing Knights, looking down over the bustling district.
Moonlight spilled across the glazed tiles, reflecting a cold yet noble glow.
At this moment the interior was brightly lit; even from the outside one could tell it was lively, the castle was hosting a grand banquet!
The carriage stopped before the Skywing Castle gates; Young Master Naiye adjusted his black formalwear inside—the suit was free of excess ornamentation, perfectly fitted and handsome.
Having finished, his calm gaze flickered slightly.
He looked toward the main gate of the castle, and yet the guards who should have been standing watch were nowhere to be seen?
But it wasn’t that nobody was present; when Young Master Naiye opened the carriage door…
Two figures stood there—two knights of the Sky Wing Knights, two top female knights awaiting him—Naiye Lycoris, the Skywing family’s special guest for the evening.
In the very center of the gate stood the Golden Knight Nia Skywing; her bearing was beautiful, noble and elegant like a princess-knight.
Unlike other noble daughters, she possessed unparalleled dignity and pride!
She was the captain of the Sky Wing Knights.
She wore a silvery white gown; her full chest casually revealed a sweep of pale skin, the hem rippling like a moonlit lake, a side slit revealed a long, healthy thigh, and a pair of beautiful golden wings unfurled slowly behind her in delight!
Her golden hair was swept up, revealing an elegant neck adorned with a glittering sapphire necklace that complemented her deep blue eyes.
Even attending a banquet, the captain of the Sky Wing Knights had not forgotten her identity.
Despite the beautiful gown, her left hand still wore a sturdy gleaming vambrace, and a sword hung at her waist to denote her knightly status.
The captain of the Sky Wing Knights, one of the top-ranked at the Auriel Knight Academy, and the Golden Knight who faced off against the Fire Elemental Knight Fire Lina—Nia Skywing.
“Young Master Naiye Lycoris, welcome,” Nia smiled faintly; her voice was delighted and refreshing to the ears.
“Miss Nia Skywing, thank you for the invitation,” Naiye bowed his head slightly and replied politely.
When faced with an invitation, the first thing is to respond politely to one another—that is basic etiquette.
After greeting Nia Skywing on the carriage steps, Naiye turned slightly to look at the other female knight.
Xiya Blackwing, a collateral branch of the Skywing family, leader of the Black Wing, and the second-in-command of the Sky Wing Knights.
Unlike Nia’s joyful greeting, Nia maintained perfect etiquette and a composed, elegant smile as she welcomed Young Master Naiye.
If Nia was the noble, stately blonde princess-knight, Xiya was like the most beautiful doll—every movement and expression flawless.
She also wore an elegant ink-black gown; equally full-chested, casually revealing a swath of pale skin, the fabric swayed gracefully, a side slit showed a long healthy thigh, and behind her were excessively beautiful black wings!
Her long straight black hair lay neatly behind her, appearing both noble and beautiful; a deep ruby necklace rested at her throat, echoing Nia’s attire and matching her own clear ruby eyes.
Likewise, she wore a right vambrace and a sword at her waist, marking her status as a knight.
One could say Xiya Blackwing was almost identical to Nia Skywing—the two looked very much alike!
Same height, same figure, same gestures of etiquette, same wings—practically identical like twin sisters!
But no one would confuse them, because they were entirely different!
Different temperament, different colors, different status. Different strengths.
“Long time no see, Miss Xiya Blackwing. When I returned to the academy you didn’t seem to come greet me?” Young Master Naiye smiled, his crimson pupils watching Xiya.
A barely noticeable smile touched Xiya’s lips, as if mocking Nia; she bowed slightly with one hand across her chest, her black wings unfolding slowly.
“My apologies, please forgive me for not meeting you. I was busy with official duties that day and couldn’t come personally.”
Nia glanced at Xiya with mild surprise, the corner of her mouth twitching into a quiet smile.
Because Xiya Blackwing was very proud, treating many people—even herself—with indifference or arrogance.
Yet toward Young Master Naiye she showed such respect.
And between the two of them the atmosphere was… good?
They had clearly come together to welcome Naiye, and Nia would not allow herself to be edged out.
Seeing that Young Master Naiye had not yet alighted, she stepped forward first.
She extended her right hand to assist Naiye down.
However, on the other side, another immaculate left hand reached out.
Xiya did not look at Nia, but her whole being emanated a refusal to yield, an unwillingness to be beaten!
Two noble female knights together received Young Master Naiye as he descended the carriage—a rather impressive scene.
“……..”
However, Young Master Naiye sensed something off between them, as if a fierce clash was brewing…?
Yet Naiye’s action surprised them—he simultaneously and gently took both of their hands!
And then he slowly stepped down from the carriage.
That two important female knights personally welcomed Naiye already indicated that this banquet had something to do with them.
One golden and one black elegant female knight flanked Young Master Naiye, neither willing to yield to the other!
The two hadn’t exchanged words with each other from the start; they only spoke to Naiye, yet somehow they seemed to have communicated everything wordlessly?
“……..”
Young Master Naiye was squeezed between the two tall, graceful female knights, his expression calm.
Not only did he not mind, he enjoyed it.
Because his reason for attending the banquet was to enjoy the food! Other matters simply did not concern Young Master Naiye.
Upon entering the banquet hall, one would notice that the Skywing Knight Family’s wealth far exceeded that of ordinary people!
Looking up, the hall’s dome rose into the clouds, painted with the Skywing family’s crest and portraits of generations of Sky Wing Knights; light streamed through the glass, bathing the hall like a dreamlike wonderland.
But Young Master Naiye was used to such things; he preferred a decoration in the center of the ceiling.
At the center of the hall hung a huge crystal chandelier, set with countless diamonds that gleamed dazzlingly under the lights!
Directly beneath the crystal chandelier was a strikingly polished floor, cleaned to a shine.
However, there was nothing placed on the central floor—no objects at all.
There was only a massive circular pattern surrounding the floor, as if a special emblem had been laid there.
That pattern carried no specific meaning; its purpose was merely to distinguish the interior from the exterior.
A glance told Young Master Naiye what the giant circle on the floor was for, and he sighed helplessly.
He only wanted to enjoy the food; he had no interest in contests of this sort.
But—Naiye’s crimson eyes lit up immediately, because he saw his favorite thing!
The main reason he had come here: the food!
On either side of the hall were long banquet tables draped in white cloths, laden with a dazzling array of dishes and drinks!
Seeing his target, Young Master Naiye immediately composed himself and straightened his appearance.
He couldn’t eat yet; the important ceremonial formalities had to be completed first.
After entering the hall, countless female knights and noble ladies turned their gaze toward the three at the gate.
These beautiful and elegant knightly daughters each had wings of various colors behind them—though somewhat ethereal, appearing like shadowy silhouettes.
In the hall they surrounded one another like angels, very beautiful!
They smiled toward that direction with every expression—passionate, alluring, excited, sultry, surprised, yearning, joyful, innocent—doing their utmost to present their most beautiful appearances.
Whether toward the Golden Knight or the Black Wing Knight, or toward Young Master Naiye, they held the same attitude!
Yet faced with such excited, restless gazes and atmosphere…
Young Master Naiye very coolly averted his eyes in front of everyone and looked toward the food at his side.
He had never forgotten his purpose.
Naiye was already hungry; for this banquet he hadn’t had dinner yet.
And lately he had been focused on his Magical Automaton knights—now he only wanted to gorge himself.
After Nia and Xiya repelled the stares of others back.
Though not looking at each other, they still—by tacit agreement—released Young Master Naiye and stepped away.
They moved off in different directions.
Nia went to the dais in front; she was the host of the banquet and the leader of the Sky Wing Knights.
Xiya Blackwing, however, went in the opposite direction to an area of the banquet where countless people with black wings clustered around her, waiting.
She had her own status and circle, and she was not part of Nia Skywing’s sphere!
Alright, this more or less made the situation between the two clear.
After glancing at the two, Young Master Naiye confirmed this impression.
Dong〜
With a crisp bell, the banquet began.
Nia Skywing, leader and captain of the Sky Wing Knights, stepped to the center, raised her goblet, and said with a smile.
“Thank you all for coming. Tonight, we Sky Wing Knights have specially invited Young Master Naiye Lycoris to celebrate this beautiful evening with us. Let us raise our cups—for friendship, for the future—cheers!”
This instantly and unquestionably made Young Master Naiye the focus of the banquet.
Everyone raised their cups toward Naiye, and he symbolically raised his glass in return.
He blinked calmly, with no airs or affectation—almost indifferent.
“Let the banquet begin! Please enjoy yourselves!”
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