Athena in Tower Defense Game! [LitRPG]

Chapter 116: The Intrigue of the Banquet

Despite the apparent ease of acquiring incriminating evidence against her, it should have been nearly impossible for someone of Carter's standing to achieve such a feat. The audacity of simply presenting a piece of evidence and daring to confront her in her office seemed uncharacteristic of someone with such limited capability.

Achieving the second-in-command position, aside from Athena, with such qualifications is hard to imagine without considerable backing. This was a pawn on the surface, prominently displayed yet harmless, providing cover for more dangerous moves while simultaneously creating trouble for Athena and her allies.

Even with Carter’s lack of intelligence, entering the Eagle Claw organization required exceptional skill, and his advanced swordsmanship meant he was not a pawn easily discarded. The fact that those behind Carter chose to give him this information indicates they were well aware of his nature. The only possible explanation was that he had become a useless piece, deliberately abandoned by his handlers.

Yet, he believed this to be a reward, a promotion, and came to Athena with genuine enthusiasm. Unfortunately for him, his fate would be as grim as those before him, perhaps even worse. By bringing the matter to the forefront, he would face harsher punishment, serving as an example to others.

Athena could surmise what had transpired. On the eighth day, a significant scandal rocked the city—someone had privately smuggled monsters from outside. The situation had escalated into a city-wide riot, and it was Athena’s subordinates who were investigating the matter. The file detailing this scandal lay prominently on her desk.

Carter was merely a distraction thrown by the opposing side, hoping Athena would cease her investigation in exchange for the abandonment of this pawn. But this was far from sufficient.

The carriage outside had been waiting for quite some time, its understated luxury contrasting with its purpose. Although Athena had no intention of attending today’s banquet, Yuris was not the first to invite her, but the only one who succeeded.

The coachman yawned on the carriage, knowing their director’s typical disposition meant she likely wouldn’t attend. When he saw Athena, he was startled, quickly adjusting his posture.

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The carriage was subtly opulent, adorned with the Eagle Claw insignia. Ignoring the astonished glances along the way, Athena entered the carriage.

“Let’s go,” the coachman said, flicking the reins, but a pale hand suddenly caught the carriage door. Yuris, who had been following closely, spoke up, “Director Athena, I’ll accompany you.”

Athena gave her a brief look and nodded. Yuris immediately joined her inside, seating herself opposite Athena and pulling out her notebook to scribble.

The palace banquet was bustling, with carriages from prominent families lining the castle. Beautiful ladies and well-dressed gentlemen disembarked gracefully. Compared to the gem-encrusted carriages, Athena’s seemed modest. When she stepped out, the air around her momentarily hushed.

Eyes subtly fixed on her, some ladies tried to conceal their faces with fans. Athena ignored them, not recognizing the families and only estimating their status based on attire and demeanor.

Most kept their distance, their gazes tinged with a mix of awe and apprehension. Athena and Yuris wove through the crowd and carriages, ascending the steps into the palace. The gatekeepers stepped aside for her, while the noble ladies behind were halted for routine checks.

Despite the procedure, no one complained, as if it was expected. They moved into the grand hall, adorned with golden splendor. The vaulted ceiling, adorned with intricate carvings, reached dozens of meters high. Sunlight streamed through the massive windows, illuminating the room.

The walls were draped with luxurious silks and tapestries depicting mythological scenes. The floor was polished marble, each inch exuding opulence, a testament to the imperial wealth and power.

Athena surveyed the grandeur with a composed expression, though internally, she was struck by its extravagance. In contrast, she seemed like a pestilence within the imperial circle, casually grabbing a drink and finding a seat, indifferent to etiquette.

Whispers rippled through the crowd:

“Why is this pestilence here today? She usually avoids imperial invitations.”

“Nothing good, I’m sure. This banquet might not go well. Who knows what trouble she’ll stir?”

“What a waste of the dress I specially ordered for today’s event!”

“Indeed! I even spent a fortune on a dress for my daughter, hoping to impress his Imperial Highness!”

“Such lack of self-awareness to appear at such an event. When did she become so bold?”

Athena, though late, arrived as the main guests had gathered. The subtle click of footsteps on the marble captured everyone’s attention, and a hush fell over the room.

The emperor, resplendent in formal attire, descended the stairs slowly. His kind smile belied an unspoken authority, his presence commanding respect and quelling any defiance.

Following him was a young man with striking golden hair and chiseled features, his smile more approachable than the emperor’s. He was the dream of many women.

The emperor took the stage, surveying the silent crowd below before breaking into a hearty laugh. “Ha, ha, ha! Thank you all for attending my son's celebration. Please, relax and enjoy yourselves!”

As his words ended, the crowd began to bow, offering their respect and showering him with praise. Athena, amidst them, gave a casual nod, the gesture fitting her demeanor. The emperor’s gaze shifted away from her.

The elegant waltz began, and guests sought their dance partners, stepping gracefully onto the floor. However, the palace doors, which had been shut, were abruptly pushed open with an incongruous noise.

Barbron Lawrence entered, drawing the attention of all with his impatience. He furrowed his brow and tapped his cane against the floor. “What are you staring at? Continue your dancing!” Yet, no one dared move, their eyes darting between the emperor and Barbron, waiting for the next move.