Deposed Crown Prince: After three years of service on the frontier, the entire court knelt and begge

Nie Bing smiled and said to Okayama Bolton, "King Bolton, welcome..."

After a few simple, mechanical pleasantries, Nie Bing glanced at the people present.

He continued, "Gentlemen, you have come from afar and must be tired from your journey. The Alliance City has prepared a small feast to express our gratitude. Today, we will only talk about friendship and not official business."

Nie Bing's clear and melodious voice echoed throughout the harbor, carrying an undeniable warmth and authority.

Upon hearing this, the king and nobles, who were slightly tired from the long voyage and apprehensive about their first encounter with the place, clearly showed expressions of relief and anticipation.

Led by Ed White himself, a long convoy decorated with the Illuminati sun wheel emblem and the flags of various countries set off, carrying the kings and nobles of those nations.

They drove slowly toward the city center amidst the curious and awe-inspiring gazes of the new residents of the Alliance City.

The banquet was still held at Sun Castle, for no other reason.

It's because Sun Castle is considered the best and most luxurious castle.

Although Nie Bing felt the castle's feng shui wasn't very good, it was still usable for receiving guests...

Furthermore, Sun Castle has also undergone some renovations and repairs during this period...

At this moment, although it was daytime, the entire castle was still brightly lit.

On either side of the massive archway, guards in brand-new uniforms stood like statues, their spears gleaming coldly and solemnly in the lamplight.

What surprised the guests even more was that every few steps, there was a silent, mountain-like iron-man guard standing guard, just like Ah Tie.

Their existence silently proclaimed the unfathomable power of the Illuminati, and made the eyes of some nobles who originally held them in contempt, such as Leclerc, even more profound and unfathomable.

These iron men were actually guarding Nie Bing just now. When they came back, Xiao Ce asked Nie Bing to bring them back first.

Anyway, all these Iron Men look the same, just to make them appear like there are enough of them...

As it turned out, Xiao Ce was right; they hadn't realized that the iron men standing here were the same ones who had stood behind Nie Bing at the dock earlier.

They followed the group inside; it was actually Xiao Ce's first time entering as well.

Previously, the Sun Castle had been under renovation. Upon returning, the interior of the Sun Castle had been beautifully decorated and extremely luxurious.

A huge crystal chandelier hangs from the towering dome, its thousands of crystals refracting a soft yet bright light, illuminating the entire banquet hall as if it were daytime.

The floor was covered with a thick, deep red carpet embroidered with intricate gold patterns, which made no sound when stepped on.

A long, white-clothed main dining table stretched through the center of the hall, long enough to accommodate all the key guests. Scattered on either side were numerous smaller round tables for the use of important accompanying nobles.

At the dining table, a feast for the eyes and the palate unfolded. Crystal glasses and gourds, sterling silver candlesticks and cutlery gleamed under the lights. A dazzling array of delicacies from across the West was on display...

The air was filled with the enticing aroma of food, the intoxicating fragrance of fine wine, and the rich scent of precious bouquets such as roses, lilies, and violets.

A skilled court orchestra plays melodious music in a corner, incorporating both classic Western court dances and the soothing, ethereal sounds of traditional Chinese string and wind instruments, creating a unique and harmonious atmosphere.

Seeing everyone standing, Nie Bing waved her hand, signaling them to take their seats...

Xiao Ce was seated to her right, while Ed White was on her left.

This very seat is proof of Xiao Ce's identity...

At Nie Bing's invitation, the kings of various countries lined up in order of national power and status:

Charles Bourbon of Gaul, von Habsburg of Austria-Hungary, Medici of Rome, Leclerc of France, Vichy Telles of Bavaria, and Okayama Boden of the Boden Empire.

The heads of the twelve families sat behind or next to the kings; for example, Cassivus sat next to the Roman king Medici, while the head of the Rust family sat near the young von Habsburg.

Once everyone was seated, the waiters poured the first glass of wine for each guest!

I saw Nie Bing slowly get up.

The entire banquet hall fell silent instantly, and everyone's eyes were focused on the young but powerful chairman.

The band stopped playing at that time.

Nie Bing raised the crystal glass in her hand, and the golden Spring of Light wine in the glass reflected a mesmerizing halo under the light.

Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried clearly to every corner of the hall.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty the King, Your Majesty the Chieftain, and friends who have come from afar!"

She surveyed the entire room, her gaze lingering briefly on the faces of each distinguished guest.

"Tonight, Sunburg is honored by your presence! The sea breeze of Alliance City is also made exceptionally fresh by the ambition and wisdom you have brought!"

Her polite opening remarks, however, sounded exceptionally sincere and powerful because of her calm yet resonant voice.

"The Western continent has a long history and has produced many heroes. Your kingdoms and families are all indispensable and shining stars in this bountiful land."

However, a storm is brewing in our time, and the old order is no longer sufficient to protect our shared future. Chaos is brewing, and powerful forces are eyeing us. What we need is not isolated towers, but a united, unbreakable mountain range! This is also the original intention of the Illuminati in establishing the Western Alliance: not for conquest, but for shared protection; not for taking, but for sharing!

"I'm sure all the patriarchs of the twelve families have already told you about the situation we face... including the situation in East Asia. You should all be very clear about it..."

After hearing what Nie Bing said, the group nodded subconsciously...

Nie Bing stopped there: "Today, we won't discuss these matters. It's just a welcome dinner for our respective kings and presidents...we're not really in a business setting..."

"Today, the Illuminati is deeply grateful for your trust and determination in gathering here, having traversed thousands of miles of oceans. On behalf of the entire Illuminati, I, Nie Bing, as President, extend my sincerest welcome and highest respect to you all! The gates of Alliance City will always be open to like-minded partners. Here, we will jointly establish rules, share resources, and jointly defend against external aggression, ensuring that the flag of the West flies high amidst the changing winds of the future!"

She tilted her wine glass slightly forward, making a toasting gesture.

"This toast is to our hard-won gathering, which has transcended mountains and seas! To the new era that we are about to create together, a new era for the West! May the light guide our path, and may the bonds of our alliance be as strong as a rock, ever new!"

"Cheers!" Nie Bing's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible excitement.

"cheers!"

"For the Alliance! For the Guild Master!"

May the light endure forever!

A chorus of agreement immediately filled the hall...

The king and nobles rose to their feet, and whether their intentions were genuine or not, they all raised their glasses, their faces beaming with smiles that were either excited, reserved, or inquisitive.

Charles Bourbon gave a seasoned approval; Medici looked solemn; Okayama Bolton downed his drink in one gulp; Leclerc's eyes flashed with approval of this spirit, and he also drank his glass of strong liquor with gusto; von Habs and Tels appeared more cautious, but still took a symbolic sip.

Ed White signaled to the band to play upbeat dance music again.

The melodious music flowed again, dispelling the previous solemnity.

After Nie Bing sat down, the atmosphere at the banquet became noticeably more relaxed and lively. She then looked at Xiao Ce and said, "Mr. Sean, your idea is quite good..."

Actually, this suggestion was indeed made by Xiao Ce.

Xiao Ce just suggested that Nie Bing not get down to business yet, and that everyone should try to create a more harmonious atmosphere since they've just met.

Let's not talk about business; this will give everyone some breathing room.

Therefore, Xiao Ce repeatedly instructed Nie Bing not to say too much, but simply to choose some nice words to say...

The results proved to be very good...

At this moment, waiters bustled about, constantly serving hot food and fine wine.

At Xiao Ce's suggestion, Nie Bing did not limit herself to the main seat, but instead indicated that everyone could freely communicate.

She herself, holding a wine glass, accompanied by Sean (Xiao Ce), went to the seats of the kings and heads of major families of various countries to exchange pleasantries at closer distance.

She first approached Charles Bourbon, the most powerful king of Gaul.

"Your Majesty, the Gallic cavalry is truly impressive. I hope they will achieve success in future battles for the Illuminati, and that the various Gallic specialties will bring new revenue to your Gallo-Pacific after the formation of the Western Alliance..."

Her words were brief but pointed, yet they hinted at huge commercial interests.

"The president has great foresight. The Gallic Empire is naturally willing and happy to achieve a win-win situation with everyone within the framework of the alliance!"

Charles Bourbon smiled politely, his eyes gleaming with shrewdness. The two clinked glasses, everything understood without a word.

Next was the young von Habs. Nie Bing's demeanor softened somewhat: "Your Highness Habs, the Illuminati is deeply concerned to hear that His Majesty the Old King is unwell. The Alliance possesses some unique medicinal herbs and physicians; please do not hesitate to ask if you require them."

Her words, filled with genuine concern, brought a touch of heartfelt gratitude to von Habsburg's gloomy face.

“Thank you for your concern, Chairman. My father… his condition is indeed dire. If the Illuminati has a cure, the entire Austro-Hungarian Empire will be eternally grateful.” Von Habsburg’s voice was low, but his eyes were earnest, even though his father’s condition was, in fact, beyond medical help…

The atmosphere was especially warm when Nie Bing approached King Medici of Rome and Cassivus Aurelius.

Of course, all of this was because of Sean's influence...

"Your Majesty Medici, the historical heritage of the Roman Empire is a valuable asset to the Alliance. The Aurelius family is also a steadfast friend of the Illuminati."

She glanced at Cassies and Kate in the seats behind them, her gaze lingering on Sean (Xiao Ce) for a moment, her expression suggestive.

"And Mr. Sean's abilities are enough to prove how outstanding the Aurelius family has been in supplying the Alliance. Rome's position in the Alliance will undoubtedly become pivotal."

These words not only flattered Rome but also tightly bound Sean's status to the Aurelius family, earning the Cassivs Aurelius family a great deal of prestige within the league.

King Meditie was beaming, and Cassivus bowed deeply in excitement: "We are willing to pledge our allegiance to the Guild Master! The Aurelius family swears to be the cornerstone of the alliance!"

At this moment, Xiao Ce, Cassies, and Kate exchanged glances, though they did not say a word.

But that one glance was worth a thousand words...

Leclerc of France was a key figure that Nie Bing "focused on".

“King Leclerc,” Nie Bing’s voice carried a hint of admiration.

"The reputation of the Lion of France is already legendary. The Alliance needs a sword like yours to protect its lands. Governor Sion Capole of Britain has swiftly quelled the rebellion and stabilized the rear; his decisiveness is commendable."

It is hoped that the sword of France will one day point in the same direction as the will of the Illuminati and the League.

"The rewards we prepare for our allies never disappoint true warriors." Her words were a double-edged sword, carrying both assurance and threat!

Leclerc grinned, exuding the air of a soldier, but his eyes remained sharp: "President, you speak your mind! The sword of France recognizes only strength and promises."

If the Illuminati can deliver on its promises today and demonstrate its strength and authority to France, my sword will naturally point where the Chairman points!

He raised his glass and clinked it heavily against Nie Bing's, the crisp sound carrying a sense of contract.

Facing Bavaria's Tels,

Although Tels seemed a bit pretentious at the port, Nie Bing didn't mind and instead appeared more easygoing.

"Your Majesty Tels, Bavaria's wealth and artistic achievements are truly captivating. The prosperity of the Alliance is inseparable from the embellishment of commerce and art. I hope we can establish closer ties in the trade of luxury goods and the exchange of art."

Tels clearly appreciated Nie Bing's support.

“Oh, dear guild master! You have such discerning eyes! The artisans and artists of Bavaria are always ready to add luster to the alliance! As long as... well, trade routes are open and tariffs are reasonable..."

He rubbed his fingers, which were covered in rings, with a bright smile.

Finally, there is Okayama Bolton of the Bolton Empire.

"Your Majesty Okayama, the Illuminati has long heard of the loyalty and strength of the Bolton warriors. The Alliance needs a strong backing like yours. The vast Bolton Empire contains mineral resources that the Alliance desperately needs. We hope that the Bolton Empire can become the Illuminati's most reliable partner in the North."

When Okayama Bolton heard Nie Bing boast about loyalty, strength, and reliability, he was very pleased and patted his chest to assure her: "Don't worry, Chairman! Bolton people keep their word!"

"As long as the guild leader offers sufficient conditions, the mineral resources of our Bolton Empire will become the Alliance's wealth! Anyone who dares to covet the Alliance will first have to ask if the Battleaxe of the Bolton people agrees..."