Chapter 1253: Chapter 932, Banquet

“Alright, I’ll notify them immediately,” the Fifth Princess said directly.

Wu Heng thought for a moment, then said, “Since there’s going to be a banquet anyway, you can invite people who might help you. It’s up to you.”

From the other side came the appreciative voice of the Fifth Princess, “Thank you, my lord.”

“Go prepare then!” He hung up the phone and put it away.

Shanaela grabbed his hand again and said, “So you’re really planning to support the Fifth Princess?”

“Didn’t you say she’s more reliable than the Second Prince?” Wu Heng replied.

“I haven’t met the Second Prince; I’ve only heard some rumors. And back then, Brittany was by my side–how could I talk about someone else?” Shanaela said straightforwardly.

“I thought you’d have actual feelings for her!”

“Of course it’s real. If I had to choose between the two, I’d definitely choose Brittany,” Shanaela said with a smile.

“Then I’ll listen to you; you always have a good eye,” Wu Heng said, wrapping an arm around her waist.

The Second Prince has fallen off the radar; he might be able to fool people outside, but there’s no way he’d ever take the throne.

Hearing this, Shanaela felt even happier and said, “Come on, there’s nothing much to see ahead. Let’s head back and prepare.”

The two started walking back, and Wu Heng sighed, “If I’d known there was going to be a banquet, I would have asked Mini to bring my formal attire.”

The banquet wasn’t part of the original plan.

The family’s banquet attire cost quite a bit to custom-make.

They haven’t been worn much; had he known earlier, he would have brought them along.

Shanaela sized him up and said, “When you’re not the center of attention yet, dressing meticulously can add a touch of presence. But when you truly stand in the spotlight, being more casual makes you seem more natural.”

Wu Heng replied, “I just feel bad; that outfit’s barely been worn. Now there’s an actual banquet and I still didn’t bring it.”

“How come you never attended any banquets I hosted on the island?” Shanaela asked.

“Didn’t go–too shy!”

Shanaela almost choked, but she decided not to press the matter.

She had hosted several banquets on the island, inviting local Chamber of Commerce representatives. At the time, she’d asked him to go, but he always refused.

Now he’s complaining about not attending banquets.

Walking along the road back, they came across three figures approaching–two adults and a child.

The two adults wore leather armor, long pants, and hoods over their heads. The child was dressed in a blue tracksuit and had a small hood as well.

At first glance, he recognized them–it was his three ghosts controlling puppets, out wandering.

When he went to check the church’s location earlier, he didn’t take them along.

Since there was nothing urgent, he let them go out and have fun.

“Xiao Xiao and the others…” Shanaela said, pulling her hand back.

The trio ahead saw them and paused briefly.

Glenda and Bella looked at them, while Xiao Xiao dashed over excitedly. “Uncle, give us some money.”

Wu Heng asked, “Don’t you have allowance money?”

“It’s at home; we don’t spend it recklessly,” Xiao Xiao said.

Wu Heng took a pouch of money out from his Space Ring. “Give it to Aunt Glenda to hold; kids carrying money can attract trouble.”

“Oh, alright!” Xiao Xiao happily accepted the money.

She turned to leave, but Wu Heng added, “There’s a banquet at the City Lord’s Mansion tonight–come back early.”

“Wow, a banquet! We’ll be back early then,” Xiao Xiao cheerfully agreed and ran back to join Glenda and Bella.

The other two waved at them before taking Xiao Xiao into a nearby shop.

“Their bond is quite strong,” Shanaela commented.

“Xiao Xiao gets along with everyone,” Wu Heng replied.

As they chatted, they boarded a horse carriage parked by the roadside and headed straight back to the City Lord’s Mansion.

…

By the afternoon, the City Lord’s Mansion had started bustling with activity.

The entire building was being thoroughly cleaned, and the flags and paintings in the guest hall were replaced–mostly those related to the associations and Gold and Silver Island.

As dusk approached.

The crystal chandeliers in the guest hall illuminated the room brightly.

A long dining table adorned with blue and white table runners was already filled with sumptuous dishes and fine wine.

Several maids continued delivering food to the table, making the feast exceptionally lavish.

The Fifth Princess wore an elegant evening gown–a gemstone-blue base color with intricate patterns outlined in gold thread embroidery.

The neckline revealed her snow-white skin, adorned with a sapphire gem.

She looked more mature compared to her usual image.

Beside the Fifth Princess stood Shanaela in light blue attire. Her beauty was mature and flawless, with a faint smile on her face.

Her dress wasn’t overly elaborate; it seemed like all the grandeur had been reserved for the Fifth Princess.

As time went on.

Carriages gradually entered the courtyard, carrying key association figures and local Chamber of Commerce representatives.

They disembarked, tidied their clothing, and approached the mansion’s entrance.

Being invited to a hero’s banquet was an honor not easily granted–not even to some kings and princes.

The attendees were excited and had prepared valuable gifts.

“Your Highness, which one is Leader Wu Heng?” a group of merchants approached, one of them asked.

The Fifth Princess smiled and replied, “The Leader is upstairs discussing matters.”

The group exchanged glances, and one of them took out a gift box. He opened it to reveal an egg-sized white pearl.

“Your Highness, a few days ago I went out to sea and obtained this rare white pearl–it perfectly complements your noble elegance.”

The first merchant spoke, and the others began chiming in.

“Your Highness, I also have a Frost Moon Crystal here–you’ll surely like it.”

“I brought Dragon Blood Fruit, which would be greatly beneficial to your enhancement.”