Chapter 683: Chapter 465: Banquet Night (Part 1)_2

Old Steward Warren Dexter, who was in charge of the venue, stepped forward and bowed to Leo Ray: “My Lord, all the meals have been served.”

“Moreover, the main dishes are served on magic dining plates that are exclusively used by nobles and wealthy merchants. They come with built-in insulation and preservation features. Just by infusing a little magical power, these plates can automatically keep the food warm and fresh for several hours.”

“We can purchase more of these plates in the future when shopping. As for the price, it’s naturally not an issue.”

Raising an eyebrow slightly, Leo Ray looked at the tables filled with various delicious dishes near and far, and then said, “In that case, let’s begin.”

“As you command, my Lord.” Upon hearing this, Warren Dexter continued to maintain his bowed posture and respectfully responded.

Under the guidance of the Tier Third, old steward…

Leo Ray took the seat at the head of the long table at the front of the venue, while his main subordinates and regional leaders also took their seats.

Some sat beside Leo Ray, while others dispersed around the other tables.

At the same time, under the leadership of the commanders, the elite soldiers of the remaining thirteen middle teams filed in orderly, neatly arranged in front of their respective tables.

After a short while, when everyone had entered the venue, Leo Ray took a deep breath and accepted a glass of champagne offered respectfully by Old Steward Warren Dexter.

The next second, accompanied by a surge of energy, a pair of light purple magical wings swiftly condensed behind Leo Ray.

With his wings fluttering, Leo Ray, holding the champagne glass, rose into the air, his gaze sweeping over each person present.

“Tonight, I am delighted to gather here with you all to enjoy this sumptuous feast before us. Before the banquet officially begins, I would like to offer everyone three toasts.”

At this moment, with a smooth hover in midair, Leo Ray slightly raised his other hand, gesturing for the thousands of subordinates below to raise their own glasses…

While also raising his tulip-shaped tall glass filled with amber-colored liquid, he continued, “This first toast is for our colleagues of all races who are still loyally guarding their posts and couldn’t be here. It’s their hard work and dedication that make this forest territory even more safe and peaceful!”

With that, Leo Ray tilted his head back and downed the champagne in one go.

Currently, besides the subordinates guarding the territory, the two Great Swordsman Squad and the Mage Squad stationed in Cyan Town, as well as the two Shadow Squads scattered throughout the Coldflame Eastern Region, five Tier 2 elite squads are not present.

“A toast to our colleagues, may they always have courage and return victorious!”

On the other side, the subordinates at the lower end of the table raised their glasses and spoke in unison.

Following this, they too drank their glasses, their faces full of solemnity.

Seeing this, Leo Ray nodded slightly.

At the same time, Old Steward Warren Dexter, also hovering and holding a bottle of wine, respectfully refilled Leo Ray’s empty glass and then descended back down.

“This second toast is for everyone present here, as well as everyone in the territory.”

Raising his tall glass once more, Leo Ray said loudly, “It’s because of your presence that we have a territory, and it’s because of you that I have no fear and dare to face all the thorns that lie ahead!”

Having said that, Leo Ray tilted his glass and felt a warm sensation as the liquid trickled down his throat.

“Subordinates are willing to die for the Lord, willing to fight for expanding the Lord’s territory, and willing to fight for the Lord until the very last moment!”

Hearing this, the subordinates didn’t hesitate, their eyes steadfast as they all drank down their second toast.

Nodding slightly, Leo Ray looked at his refilled glass and swept his gaze over the subordinates, finally resting on the horizon where the forest met the sky.

Then he raised his glass to each person below, saying, “This third toast is for our future! As disaster approaches and the night grows long, may we become the first rays of dawn before the sunrise, bringing light and hope to this land!”

With that, Leo Ray raised his head, drinking the entire contents of the glass.

“To the future! To the dawn! To our Lord!”

On the other side, the subordinates’ faces were already covered with fervor as they too drank down the exquisite wine from their glasses and then exhaled a long breath.

“Well then, let the banquet begin! Everyone, don’t hold back! Enjoy the delicious food to your heart’s content.”With a slight lift of his hand, Leo Ray landed smoothly as the light purple magical wings fluttered. He then returned to his seat.

Thus, the grand banquet tonight had officially begun.

For a time, the entire venue was filled with laughter, the clashing of utensils, and continuous toasting, making it a lively affair.

At this moment, Leo Ray, seated at the head of the rectangular table, noticed the scene around him.

Seated around the table overflowing with delicacies were his main subordinates.

Red Night, Scarlett, and Bianca were lined up, their eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets.

Taylor, Gideon Black, Serena Clark, Stella Clark, and Joshua Bingaman all wore expressions of anticipation.

However, since Leo Ray had yet to begin eating, the subordinates remained seated with proper posture.

“Let’s begin.”

Seeing the eager expressions of the foodie trio, Leo Ray smiled helplessly. He picked up his knife and fork and began cutting into the sizzling steak before him.

On the other side, the other subordinates followed suit and began eating as well.

As Leo Ray sniffed the appetizing aroma, he cut a large piece of steak and gently lifted it with his fork, putting it into his mouth to chew.

The next second, an explosion of rich and fragrant meat juice burst forth in his mouth.

At this moment, he was pleasantly surprised to discover that the steak was incredibly tender and soft, almost melting on his tongue but still maintaining a satisfying texture.

Moreover, the rich and savory taste of the meat was accompanied by only a hint of saltiness.

Such simple seasoning created an explosively delicious combination in his mouth, leaving every hair on his body standing on end.

In short, this dining experience could only be described as marvelous.

Immediately afterward, without any hesitation, Leo Ray cut another large piece of steak and put it into his mouth once more.

“My Lord, this is a rare Tier 4 demon beast, the Silver Emperor Snow Buffalo, found exclusively in the remote icy lands. This is the tenderest part of its back.”

At this moment, an aged voice chimed in. The Old Steward Warren Dexter, who was standing nearby, explained, “This demon beast only emerges to feed after the first snowstorm of the year and returns to its hidden lair to hibernate and meditate before the second snowstorm arrives. It’s extremely rare.”

“In addition to its Tier 4 Ice Magic Master level strength and armor-like hide, ordinary powerhouses would avoid it even if they encountered it by chance.”

“Therefore, its value naturally increases, and even ordinary nobles may not get a taste of it in years.”

“I see.”

As Leo Ray raised his eyebrows and glanced at the foodie trio, whose eyes were welling up with tears from the deliciousness, he shifted his attention to a plate of exquisitely arranged fried fish chunks next to the steak.

Upon seeing this, Leo Ray used his fork to pick up a fish chunk, dipped it in the accompanying sauce, and put it into his mouth.

The next second, as he tentatively chewed on it, checking for fish bones, a wave of oceanic flavors surged into his mind like raging waves.

The crispy outer layer and tender interior of the fish, combined with the boneless meat and perfectly sweet and sour secret sauce, created a delightful symphony in his mouth. Even after swallowing, the lingering taste made it difficult to forget.

“My Lord, when it comes to this fish dish, it can only be described as extraordinary…”

On the other side, Old Steward Warren Dexter bowed slightly, removing the empty plate as he began to introduce the dish once more.