Suspicious Banquet, Part 2
Slurp! Slurp!
What is that sound?
Slurp! Squish!
Something...
A wet, squelching sound echoes.
I looked around.
A hallway...
Since when had I been standing here...?
"Ah..."
Only then did it come back to me.
We had come to this mansion at Count Timong's request, tasked with investigating the banquet his missing children had attended.
I had attended the banquet as Elenoar's escort, while Lucrezia went to help prepare for the event alongside the other maids.
Contrary to our expectations, there didn't seem to be any deeper meaning behind our assigned roles.
After that...
What happened?
My memory felt hazy, slipping away.
Elenoar was supposed to dance and mingle at the banquet, gathering information about Count Timong's children from the other nobles, while I searched the mansion for clues. At least, I thought that was the plan.
Slurp! Sucking!
But what was this sound that had been echoing for a while now?
I looked around, searching for its source. Conveniently, a single door stood at the very end of the hallway.
As I drew closer to the door, the sound grew louder, confirming it was indeed coming from inside.
Slurp! Squish!
A strange, ominous dread began to crawl up my chest.
Standing right before the door, the sounds from within became obscenely clear. It was a familiar sound.
The sound of someone vigorously sucking another's cock. Hearing it through the thin wood of the door, I felt a sudden, involuntary heat pooling in my groin.
Rattle!
I tried to open the door, but it was locked.
"...Now... shouldn't we...?"
"..."
Muffled voices drifted from inside, though I couldn't make out the exact words.
Rattle! Rattle!
I tried the handle again, but it wouldn't budge. Then, my eyes caught the keyhole just beneath the doorknob. Wondering if I could catch a glimpse of the inside, I knelt down and pressed my eye to the opening.
Through the tiny keyhole, the interior of the room came into faint, blurry focus.
A man was sitting on the edge of the bed. His lower half was completely bare, and between his thighs, a massive erection stood rock-hard.
As if confirming the wet sounds from moments ago, his shaft glistened wetly with saliva.
And standing over him was a woman.
She was dressed in a maid uniform. Gathering up her skirts, she slowly bent her knees, aligning her wet slit with the tip of his cock.
As she lowered herself until the tip pressed against her entrance, her upper body came into view. Facing toward the door, her slender waist and voluptuous breasts were clearly visible.
"..."
More hushed words were exchanged. I couldn't tell what they were saying, but immediately after, the man's hands gripped her waist.
Then, he pulled her down, impaling her onto himself. The massive shaft was swallowed whole by her tight heat. I could practically feel her toes curling and trembling as she peaked instantly from the sheer depth of the penetration.
As she bottomed out on his length, her face was fully revealed. Short blonde hair...
"Mmm..."
"Kael? Are you awake?"
Clack, clack.
I woke up, rubbing my stiff shoulders. It felt like I had been dreaming, but the details slipped through my fingers, leaving no trace.
"Yawn... I must have dozed off. I guess I was more tired than I thought."
"What on earth were you doing all night to be this exhausted?"
I gave Elenoar a pointed look. The very culprits who had kept me awake all night were sitting right in front of me.
Ever since the three of us had shared that night in Atryge, the two of them had completely abandoned their agreement to take turns with me.
Now, they simply took me together. Of course, it wasn't entirely a bad thing, as it seemed to have brought them closer. It was just that my stamina was being pushed to its absolute limits.
Even last night, despite my pleas to sleep early because of the upcoming banquet, both of them had refused to let me rest.
"Ugh... my shoulders are so stiff."
"Kael, do you want me to massage them for you?"
"Elenoar, Lucrezia worked so hard to get you ready. You'll ruin your hair and dress."
"Well, I suppose you're right!"
Since Elenoar was playing the role of a noble lady attending the banquet, and our mission required absolute secrecy, we couldn't bring Count Timong's maids to help her prepare. The task of getting her ready had fallen entirely on Elenoar and Lucrezia.
The two of them had spent hours sweating and wrestling with a stubborn corset that barely fit, trying to cinch it tight.
"We will be arriving at the mansion shortly. Please prepare yourselves."
A familiar voice called out from the driver's seat. It was Sir Jamal, Count Timong's loyal knight.
Since we couldn't trust an ordinary coachman, the Count had personally requested Sir Jamal to drive the carriage.
While acting as a mere driver might have wounded the pride of a typical knight, Sir Jamal didn't seem to care in the slightest, diligently performing his duty without a single complaint.
"Is that it...?"
We peered through the carriage window at the mansion ahead. During our journey, we had seen nothing but vast, empty plains. And there, right in the middle of that barren wasteland, stood the estate.
Typically, noble banquets were held in grand townhouses within bustling cities. A mansion built in the middle of nowhere, far from any civilization, hosting an exclusive party... It was highly suspicious from the very start.
"Halt!"
We had arrived at the main gate. Following the guard's shout, the carriage ground to a halt. Through the window, I watched a guard stationed at the gate approach us.
"This area is off-limits to outsiders. If you have been invited, please present your invitation."
Elenoar handed the invitation through the window. The guard stared at her for a moment before opening the letter to verify its contents.
"Ah, the daughter of Count Bern."
"Hoho, indeed. This is my very first time being invited to this banquet."
"I hope you have a wonderful time tonight."
Count Bern. This was the false identity Count Timong had prepared for us.
It was a real noble family, but all its male heirs had perished during the Empire's war of conquest, leaving the lineage extinct.
Furthermore, it was an obscure, minor family located in the far northwest, a vast distance from the southwestern region we were currently in.
Even Lucrezia, who hailed from the North, had barely heard of them, so the southwestern nobles would certainly have no clue.
Of course, only Count Timong knew how he had managed to secure an invitation under such a name.
The carriage passed the guard, rolling through the massive gates and onto the estate grounds.
For a mansion built in the middle of a wasteland, the gardens were stunningly beautiful and meticulously manicured, easily rivaling those of any urban estate.
In the distance, the tops of high hedge walls were visible—likely a garden maze, a popular amusement for the nobility.
Elenoar and Lucrezia, who had been laughing and joking moments ago, now had tense expressions as they scanned their surroundings.
The carriage soon came to a stop in front of the mansion's entrance. Standing there was a man in a crisp black tailcoat, bowing politely to greet us. He had a neat, pleasant appearance.
"Welcome, Lady Bern. I am Edgar, the butler of this villa. Please feel free to call upon me for anything you need."
"Hoho, a pleasure to meet you, Edgar. I never imagined such a magnificent mansion could exist in the middle of these barren plains. Though it is my first time attending, I am sure it will be a delightful evening."
"Thank you for your kind words. Now, may I have the honor of escorting you inside?"
"Of course."
Elenoar replied, giving me a subtle nod. I quickly opened the carriage door and stepped outside. I could feel Edgar's gaze sweeping over me, sizing me up.
"Ah, this must be your escort knight. May I ask your name?"
"Max. It's Max."
"Sir Max. A pleasure to meet you. I am Edgar."
I gave a curt nod and extended my hand, offering Elenoar a steady support as she stepped down from the carriage.
"Haha, a man of few words, I see."
"Hoho, indeed. He is my personal knight, but he is so terribly stiff that he can be quite boring at times."
"Do not worry, my lady. We have prepared plenty of entertainment for the knights as well. I am sure Sir Max will find himself loosening up in no time."
"I certainly hope so."
Elenoar bantered smoothly with Edgar as she stepped down, followed closely by Lucrezia. Seeing Lucrezia's attire, Edgar's brow furrowed slightly.
"My lady... did you perhaps not receive the guidelines regarding the banquet's dress code?"
"Edgar? What guidelines do you mean?"
"I am certain the specific rules regarding maid attire were delivered to you."
"Ah..."
Currently, Lucrezia was wearing the modest maid uniform Count Timong had initially provided, not the revealing one that had been sent later.
"Of course, I am well aware. However, as you can see, my maid is exceptionally beautiful. I was worried that some unsavory characters might bother her, so I had her wear something more modest for the journey. We brought the required uniform with us, so would it be possible for her to change inside?"
"Haha, my lady. You truly cherish your maid."
"Naturally. She has been like a dear friend to me since childhood. I only worry that she might have a difficult time here."
"Rest assured, my lady. The maids are only here to assist with the preparations and ensure the banquet runs smoothly. Now, shall we head inside? My staff will assist your maid with her change of clothes. You there! Attend to our guests."
Clap, clap!
Edgar clapped his hands, and the maids standing behind him stepped forward, taking Lucrezia and the uniform from the carriage. I exchanged a brief, tense look with Lucrezia as she was led away, silently praying that nothing would happen to her before we could regroup.
"Now, Lady Bern, please step inside. The banquet is already underway."
"Hoho, lead the way, Edgar."
With Edgar guiding us, we stepped into the mansion. The interior was just as opulent as the exterior suggested. Antique decorations, exquisite paintings lining the hallways, and a carpet so thick and plush it felt like walking on clouds.
"The mansion... is beautiful."
Even as I tried to maintain my persona as a taciturn knight, the words slipped out involuntarily. Edgar beamed at my praise.
"Thank you. I poured a great deal of effort into decorating this estate, ensuring it would satisfy the refined aesthetic tastes of our noble guests."
His voice carried a hint of genuine pride; he was clearly pleased by the compliment.
"Kael, this place is insane. It's more lavish than the imperial palace I remember from my childhood..."
Elenoar whispered into my ear as she looked around. A mansion of this caliber, hidden away in the middle of a barren wasteland. This was no ordinary estate, and whatever banquet was being hosted here was bound to be far from simple.
"My, I must admit I am curious about what you two are whispering. You seem exceptionally close for a mere lady and her knight. Are you perhaps in a deeper relationship?"
"Hoho, heavens no, Edgar. He has served my family since we were children, so we are simply very close."
"..."
I gave a stiff nod as soon as Elenoar finished speaking. To allow her to mingle freely with the other nobles, we had agreed to pretend we weren't lovers for the duration of the banquet.
It had been her idea, but when I agreed without hesitation, she had unexpectedly pouted, and I recalled the slight struggle I'd had trying to coax her back into good spirits.
As we neared the banquet hall, the quiet corridors gave way to a lively clamor, and the foot traffic increased. Servants and maids bustled past carrying trays of food, and men in elegant tailcoats wandered about. They occasionally cast glances at us, whispering among themselves.
Most of their gazes were fixed on Elenoar walking ahead of me—specifically, on her bouncing breasts. Bastards.
Because her dress was a fraction too small, her cleavage was heavily emphasized, swaying provocatively with every step she took. I wasn't the only one who noticed their lingering stares; Edgar offered a wry, apologetic smile.
"Dear me... Lady Bern's beauty is already drawing quite a crowd. However, those lingering outside the hall are hardly worthy of your attention, my lady."
"Oh? Is there a difference? Aren't they all invited guests?"
Edgar chuckled softly, shaking his head.
"Not quite. There are some guests whom even I find difficult to manage. And where there is light, there are always moths drawn to the flame—mere residue. Fortunately, the true guests do not bring them inside the banquet hall, but I cannot prevent them from entering the estate itself. I must ask for your understanding, Lady Bern, even if their gazes seem somewhat impudent."
"...I understand, Edgar."
We walked past the men Edgar had dismissed as "residue." The raw, undisguised lust in their eyes was palpable. Some of them literally licked their lips, whispering to one another with vulgar, greasy smirks.
Yet, none of them dared to approach her directly. Instead, they merely scowled at Edgar, who walked confidently by her side.
What on earth was this mansion? What was the true purpose of this banquet?
"Now, Lady Bern, Sir Max. We have arrived at the banquet hall."
We stood before a pair of massive white doors, adorned with beautiful, intricate carvings.
Click.
The lock clicked open, and the doors swung inward with absolute silence, not even a single creak from the hinges. Instantly, the grand spectacle of the banquet hall unfolded before us.
A brilliantly glittering chandelier hung from the ceiling. Towers of exquisite delicacies were stacked high on long tables. Laughter and lively chatter echoed through the air. We took a step forward, crossing the threshold.
Clap, clap!
Edgar clapped his hands twice, instantly drawing the attention of everyone in the room.
"Ladies and gentlemen! May I present Lady Bern, who is joining our gathering for the very first time tonight. Please, show our new guest the warmest of welcomes and hospitality!"
"Welcome, Lady Bern!"
Following Edgar's announcement, a chorus of welcoming cheers erupted from the crowd.
"Now, my lady, please enjoy yourself. And Sir Max, if you would follow me this way?"
I nodded and followed Edgar. I exchanged one last glance with Elenoar. She glided gracefully toward the center of the hall, immediately swallowed up by a crowd of eager nobles vying for her attention.
"Here we are, Sir Max. This is the waiting room for the escort knights. The others will fill you in on the details."
"Thank you."
"Well then, I hope you have a pleasant evening as well..."
Edgar escorted me to a separate chamber off to the side of the main hall. Fortunately, there was only a wide, open archway separating the two rooms, allowing me to keep an eye on the banquet. Though the view was partially obstructed by various pillars and tables, I could still catch glimpses of Elenoar laughing and chatting with the guests. She looked perfectly at ease, as if she had been attending such high-society events her entire life.
"Haha, hello there. I don't think I've seen your face around here before. I'm Herman."
"Pleasure to meet you, Sir Herman. I am Max."
As I stepped into the room, a man approached and struck up a conversation.
"Hmm. Sir Max, is that popular lady out there your mistress?"
"Yes, she is."
"Whew..."
He let out a low whistle, staring at Elenoar as she stood surrounded by suitors.
"She has easily the most stunning body and face of any noble lady I've seen in a long time."
"...That is a bit forward, Sir Herman."
"Haha, is it?"
Herman merely laughed off my cold response. If anything, he took a step closer, a sly, knowing smirk playing on his lips.
"But just look at them. It's been a while since I've seen the hall this lively. Those high and mighty young lords are practically drooling, their eyes filled with pure, unadulterated lust. There's no way they're letting her go tonight. Well, not that it matters to us. We're just their escort knights; whatever they do is none of our business."
"..."
I turned my gaze back to the banquet hall. The diverse crowd that had initially surrounded Elenoar had thinned out, leaving only young, handsome noblemen in her immediate orbit. They offered her drinks, whispered sweet nothings, and subtly tried to brush against her wrists. Yet, Elenoar handled them with practiced grace, keeping them at a polite distance. I felt a small wave of relief.
Now, she would begin extracting information about Count Timong's missing children. Meanwhile, I planned to slip away and search the mansion for evidence. But before that, I needed to check on Lucrezia.
Creak.
The creak of an old hinge echoed as a door in the corner of the room opened.
"Oh, Sir Abel."
Recognizing the newcomer, Herman greeted him warmly.
"Have a good time?"
"It's been a while since I've had that much fun."
The man named Abel grinned as he approached. He looked distinctly different from the other knights in the room. While everyone else was neatly dressed, Abel's uniform was disheveled, and his hair was damp with sweat. As he drew closer, a wave of cheap perfume mixed with a strange, musky odor drifted off him...
"Ah, the banquet is finally getting started."
Just then, music began to play from the hall. I turned my attention back to the banquet, searching for Elenoar. She was holding hands with a blonde nobleman, slowly swaying to the rhythm.
Come to think of it, I had never shared an experience like this with either of my lovers. I didn't even know how to dance...
Elenoar moved with practiced elegance, her body swaying gently to the music. The man before her smiled brightly, holding her hand. But as they spun behind a large marble pillar and reemerged, their posture had changed.
The man was now pressed flush against her back. One of his hands held her wrist, while the other rested firmly on her stomach, pulling her close as they danced.
"...!"
In an instant, his hand slid upward from her stomach. If my eyes weren't deceiving me, he was cupping the underside of Elenoar's breast.
