Meanwhile, the wedding banquet at the Quinton family''s residence was buzzing with excitement.


    To make an effort to uphold the third branch''s reputation, the head of the Quinton family, Malcolm Quinton, who was also the current Civil Minister and the father of the queen, invited all the influential officials and nobles of the capital. This included the Warren family.


    Although the Warren family was now on the decline among the powerful, their ancestors had indeed produced a great general. Otherwise, how would they have Valor Estate? As a key official in court and the king''s father-inw, Malcolm was naturally expected to treat everyone fairly.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    The Farrell family members were also among the guests.


    On the third day after the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team returned, a royal edict was delivered to every member. Thomas was promoted to third-rank major general, while Felix was elevated to fourth-rank general. As for Lawrence, he was granted the title of Earl of Dunewind, and his wife, Ka, was awarded the rank of a third-rank countess.


    The special promotion was a recognition of Lawrence''s role as the chief strategist for the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team. After his capture, he had endured severe torture without betraying a singlerade, standing firm against the brutal interrogations. Salvador needed such spirit to bolster morale among the troops. Furthermore, since Lawrence was now disabled in one leg and would never see battle again, granting him an earldom and a title for his wife ensured he could enjoy afortable life for the rest of his days. As for the other members of the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team, Salvador would undoubtedly continue to rely on them, especially Thomas, Felix, Homer, and the two sons of the Cooper family. Even the rest of the team, who had all been ordinary soldiers, had been elevated in rank, and were awaiting orders from the king.


    This was Thomas'' first banquet since returning to the capital, as well as his first time being among so many people again. The Farrell family had initially nned to host a banquet to celebrate his return, but Thomas felt too drained to engage in socializing. Alice was concerned about her son''s dazed state, so she took it upon herself to cancel the event.


    Thomas wasn''t in great spirits. Since returning to the capital, he had been gued by nightmares every night. He dreamt the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team was still teetering on the edge of danger. After waking, he found it hard to drift back to sleep.


    He hadn''t sought news about Vi, subconsciously avoiding the subject. Also, he hadn''t intended toe to the banquet today. It was Felix who had insisted on dragging him along. Felix was very fond of Logan. Although they didn''t share blood, the bond between them was truly strong.


    Amidst the festivities of this joyous


    banquet, both Felix and Thomas felt an overwhelming sense of contrast, as if they were out of ce. They


    were often lost in thought. As a


    result, the members of the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team


    gravitated toward each other, findingfort in their shared presence.


    Lawrence hadn''t attended, but


    members of the Marquis of Elderglen''s family were there with Ka. Previously, she had seldom attended social gatherings. However, her husband had expressed a desire to attend this


    one He had exined that it was Felix''s brother getting married andmented his inability to go, urging his wife to represent him instead.


    Thus, Ka made her appearance.


    Freshly bestowed with the title of a third-rank countess and having a royal edict in hand, she was met with great enthusiasm. Everyone gathered around to inquire about Lawrence''s health. Even Eleanor came over to ask a few questions before congratting her on finally seeing the light after the storm.


    As Ka basked in the attention, Vi couldn''t help but feel as if she was being roasted over an open me. Even though no one had directed a single question her way or cast her any disapproving nces, the embarrassment and anger simmered within her.


    She regretteding to this


    gathering. She hadn''t wanted to


    attend, but her mother-inw had insisted that since the Quinton family had sent an invitation, it would be disrespectful to not attend. With the constant buzz of praise for Ka ringing in her ears, Vi felt increasingly agitated and decided to take a stroll outside.


    Noticing her sister-inw''s unrest, Zoey discreetly sent a maid to follow her. Vi had been particrly irritabletely, and Zoey didn''t want her causing any trouble at the Quinton family''s banquet.


    Vi wandered alone into the garden, whereughter echoed from the asional passing guests. The sound only heightened her irritation, and she unconsciously moved past an archway adorned with cascading flowers. It wasn''t until she heard a man''s voice that she abruptly halted.


    Beyond the archwayy the front courtyard, where the male guests gathered. Bluenterns and silk ribbons hung from the branches, filling the air with a festive atmosphere.


    Lifting her head, Vi saw several men standing in the courtyard under the shade of the trees. One of the men happened to look up just then, locking eyes with her. A jolt coursed through her and she froze, unable to move. He... he had gotten darker, but he still looked as handsome and confident as ever, his figure tall and poised.


    Thomas regarded Vi for a moment, then steadied himself and quickly averted his gaze before briskly walking away.