Dressed in formal attire, Huggins busied himself handling all the arrangements for the banquet.

The one who runs errands for him is Edgar, who has the "speed" ability; the one who does the physical work is Jerry, who has the "rage" ability.

The former, through his military achievements and recommendations, had become a trainee knight in the Twilight Knights; while the latter, having lived on North Island for more than half a year, was elected as the vice-commander of the North Island Knights due to his honest nature and boundless strength, and returned to Twilight City.

After leading a renowned scholar from the Twilight Academy and his wife to their seats, Edgar, sticking out his tongue, plopped down at Huggins' feet and complained pitifully, "I'm exhausted! Why are there so many guests tonight?!"

After reviewing the menu once again with the head waiter in the kitchen, Huggins smiled and pulled an apple from his pocket, tossing it to Edgar.

Edgar took the apple, wiped it with his sleeve, and took a bite. Then, he mumbled to Huggins, "It's been years, and you still haven't broken the habit of hiding food in your pocket!"

Harkins gave Edgar a sharp rap on the head and then kicked him in the butt: "When you're eating, move back a bit, don't let your eating habits affect the guests' appetites!"

Edgar rolled his eyes at the other person, then turned to the pillar and focused intently on the apple in his hand.

Standing nearly two meters tall and with a muscular build resembling a giant bull, Jerry walked up to Huggins, scratched the back of his head, and said with a sheepish grin, "I've helped the theater troupe set up the stage."

Huggins patted his arm, pulled another apple from his pocket, tossed it to little Jerry, and then busied himself coordinating other matters related to the dinner party.

The banquet inside the venue had not yet begun, and His Majesty the King and the delegation had not yet arrived, so people's attention was focused more on the guests present.

Men compare status and position, while women naturally compare beauty and temperament.

After a series of open and covert struggles, the first beauty contest of Muxi City's high society has secretly determined two winners.

One of them was none other than Mary, the "Princess of the Holy City" as people called her. She wore a moon-white evening gown that she designed and tailored herself. Her naturally beautiful and radiant appearance was made even more stunning by the jewelry and clothing.

The other winner was a complete surprise. He was Dion, the royal chief swordsmanship instructor and the chief judge of the Twilight Court. This man, whose gender was shrouded in mystery, had long, pale gold hair braided and hung quietly to one side of his chest. Granted the king's special permission, he always carried a slender sword. His petite, graceful figure and fair skin contrasted sharply with his rumored superb swordsmanship, creating a unique and captivating beauty.

"His Majesty has arrived!"

At the messenger's shout, everyone in the hall stopped talking and turned their gaze to the far end of the hall.

With a sincere smile, Todd entered the hall, followed by Cumberland, who had a serious and imposing expression.

Amid cheers, Todd approached the throne, gesturing for everyone to relax and move around freely. He then looked around and whispered to Cumberland, "The Holy Guard delegation doesn't seem to have arrived yet."

The latter solemnly said to Todd, "Your Majesty, I have dealt with the people of Holy Guard City before. They are brave and skilled soldiers, as well as arrogant and unruly warriors. Therefore, when communicating with them, try to be careful with your words and actions."

Todd nodded, indicating that he understood.

A few minutes later, a report came from outside the door: "The Holy Guard City delegation has arrived!"

All the guests turned their attention to the entrance of the ceremonial hall, each with a different expression on their face, ranging from curiosity and doubt to unease and worry.

King Todd rose from his throne, his mind now focused on only one thing: the army Cumberland had described as the strongest in the church's territory, the kingdom renowned for its brave warriors and powerful soldiers.

Soon, five figures appeared at the gate.

Before Todd could even get a good look at the newcomer, the head of the delegation had just stepped into the hall when he collapsed onto the carpet with a thud, unconscious.