627 Can You Give Me a Hug? (1/2)

Lola really meant what she said as she completely ignored Ye Qingxuan the moment she reached the venue. She could not be bothered to entertain other people, and single-mindedly headed to the old scholars that were gathered in a corner. She would treat this event as an opportunity to network with a few historians. In the end, Ye Qingxuan was surrounded by so many people that he was almost completely drowned out by the crowd. Fortunately, he managed to find a lifesaver at the very last moment.

Tristan. He was the previous vice-captain of the Knights of the Round Table. After the death of Lancelot and realizing that he has been used, Tristan stepped down from his position and relinquished all his powers to Ye Qingxuan and Christine. Since then, he had been leading a reclusive lifestyle. His appearance was simply a saving grace to Ye Qingxuan.

Tristan was now close to 50 years old, and although his hair might be balding, he was still as fit and strong as when he was middle-aged. He was always known for his stern and unsmiling image. He was the stereotypical knight—reliable, willing to sacrifice his life for the country, and a somewhat boring person that few noble families were fond of. With him around, one would not have to worry about being disturbed by others. A glance of his blind left eye was all it would take to scare away all the ordinary busybodies.

But the awkward thing was that Ye Qingxuan had nothing to talk to him about. Tristan had always been a man of few words and sometimes, it almost inappropriate to make a joke around him. Talk about women? No way. Talk about country matters… Ye Qingxuan did not care much about that. He has already delegated his job to Gavin, matters related to the Religious Court of Inquiry to Shi Dong, and his scheduling duties to Lola.

It was rare that Tristan would try to tactfully advise Ye Qingxuan to focus more on matters related to the country. After all, he was the Queen's Keeper of the Seal so all governmental decrees could only go through with his seal. On top of that, he was also the Prince of Avalon and deputy ruler of Anglo. After commenting about the weather for the umpteenth time, Tristan finally sensed Ye Qingxuan's awkwardness and shook his head before raising his glass. ”If Your Majesty does not mind me being dull and boring, please feel free to spend your time with an old man like me. There will only be peace and quiet here and nothing else.”

Ye Qingxuan could finally breathe easier. ”In that case, I'm going to have to impose on you.” Thereafter, he and Tristan sat on a sofa in a corner of the banquet hall. They quietly observed people passing them by, as they sat as still as statues. After some time, Ye Qingxuan suddenly recalled the report he received a few days ago and could not help but ask, ”Mr. Tristan, will you not reconsider rejoining the knights? The Tristan family has always been the backbone of the Knights of the Round Table. Without your presence, it's almost as if the Knights of the Round Table has lost half of its spirit.”

”I have handed over everything to Geraint. He is a proper knight. With him around, the Knights of the Round Table will be fine.” Tristan touched his fake eye with his metal hand. ”Your Highness, I'm so old that I may die on the sickbed anytime. The last thing I should do is to continue to hold on to my position.”

Ye Qingxuan was silent for a moment. ”Knights should die with a sword in their hands.”

”I know.” Tristan sighed. ”Our ancestors have always done the same, so let me be the embarrassment. I have toiled for so many years. Now is the time to rest. Next month, after the things in the capital have been settled, I plan to leave Avalon.”

”Where to? Back to the manor?”

”Yup, my daughter has built a house for me beside the lake so I can go fishing during my free time. The fishes there are pretty decent and can be made into good soup. Your Highness doesn't have to worry. With half a year's time, my successor will definitely be able to prove that he is worthy of taking over the Tristan armor. Please allow him to assist Christine and serve Your Highness on my behalf.”

Tristan's mind had been made up and he even found a successor. Ye Qingxuan knew that there was no way he could convince him otherwise so he only nodded and sighed. ”In that case, I wish you a happy retirement.”

Tristan finally smiled before emptying his glass of champagne in one shot. The sound of melodies could be heard. It had finally begun.

With the announcement of Mary's arrival, she finally stepped into the banquet hall. Unlike what everyone was expecting, she was not dressed in her usual rigid and formal clothes. She wore a simple evening gown and her golden hair was tied up neatly. It was customary to make a simple speech but once that was over, Mary had no intentions of maintaining a dignified and stern image. She raised her glass. ”When mother was still alive, she was most fond of parties that were free and easy. Everyone, please relax and enjoy yourselves to the fullest.”

Everyone took Mary's cue and raised their glasses as well. Then, all of them looked towards Ye Qingxuan. It was also customary that the person of the highest position in this event should give a toast to the Queen. By right, there should not be anything too special about that. But when the audience's gaze swung between Ye Qingxuan and Mary, there seemed to be a suspicion of an ambiguous relationship between the two of them, for their attires looked very compatible. It was almost as if they had planned for it together.

Ye Qingxuan did not allow such a complicated atmosphere to persist for too long. He took a glass from the waiter and raised it. ”May the heavens bless Anglo and may the king bless me.”

”May the king bless me!” Everyone echoed before drinking up heartily. With his glass of champagne in hand, Ye Qingxuan scanned the area around him and was just about to sneak away when a hand pushed him lightly from behind. As a result, he took a step forward rather clumsily. He wriggled his fingers slightly so that all the alcohol that would have spilled were returned back into the glass instantaneously. He made it look as if he had taken a step forward nonchalantly to drink up his glass of champagne before putting it back onto the tray. He subtly gave Lola a stare for what had just happened.

Lola was not concerned about the fury in his stare and only smiled wider because of it. Mary also sensed Ye Qingxuan's embarrassment, and her mouth curled into a smile. Ye Qingxuan's actions attracted everyone's attention so he was in the spotlight once again.

Ye Qingxuan coughed lightly and showed none of the awkwardness that he was feeling. He continued forward until he reached Mary. Under everyone's gaze, he bowed and stretched out his palm. ”May I have the honor to have the first dance of the night with Your Majesty?”

Mary almost wanted to laugh at how Ye Qingxuan was put in a difficult spot. Just as it was getting a little awkward, she stretched out her wrist and placed them in his hands. ”My pleasure.”