Instigator and Protector of Violence-Chapter 357: [Family Banquet]

Ethan was about to go home.

But before going home, there were a few people he had to meet.

The first of whom was the Second Prince, Adrian.

Adrian was obviously very pleased with what Ethan had accomplished this time.

So he didn't arrange for them to meet at the Sukani Club again, at least not by the poolside.

He hosted a private banquet for Ethan at his own residence.

This clearly showed how much he valued Ethan.

According to Joseph, so far, fewer than five people had been invited by Adrian for a private banquet, and Joseph was not one of them.

"But you need to be careful. Walking into that house alone is different than going in with a group of people. This time, all eyes will be on you."

All eyes, naturally referring to all the enemies of the Second Prince Adrian.

The Eldest Prince, and those lurking in the shadows.

Ethan wasn't too concerned; ever since he decided to stay in the Royal Capital, he was prepared for this day.

Seeing the Second Prince was still a matter of great importance, so Ethan carefully chose his attire and prepared a gift.

The Second Prince likes fine wine, swimming, hunting, but he loves war and weapons the most.

So Ethan prepared a sniper rifle for him, the same model as Anya's, just without the alchemical modifications.

The weapon was placed in an exquisite wooden box, at first glance, one might have thought it was a violin.

The butler of the Second Prince's residence was very responsible, he checked the contents of the box in advance and apologized to Ethan: "This is a necessary procedure, I hope you understand."

"Of course."

Ethan nodded, taking the opportunity to admire the Second Prince's residence.

His residence was naturally in the Central District, adjacent to the Royal Palace, with the district's river flowing past.

The house was entirely white, appearing classical and elegant, not too different from other buildings nearby, presumably allocated to the Second Prince by convention.

After the gift was examined, Ethan was also checked briefly, and once everything was confirmed, the butler led him into the house.

Passing through the spacious foyer, Ethan arrived directly at the garden behind the house.

In the garden, there was a fountain.

The banquet was set up beside the fountain.

A long table was laid out, and the Second Prince Adrian was already seated at one end.

When Ethan arrived, he was turning his head, talking to someone.

The person was a chef, busy grilling some kind of animal leg right there.

"Oh, Ethan, you're here, have a seat. I was just instructing Philin on how to grill venison. His skills aren't as good as mine. I'll personally grill one for you later; it's all freshly hunted from the mountains, absolutely delicious."

Adrian appeared unusually casual today, even wearing what looked like a nightgown, a home attire.

"It's an honor, my Prince."

Ethan, however, maintained his decorum and attitude.

"Oh, you're too polite, Ethan, it's just a casual meal. No need for gifts, but since you brought one, I must have a look; I'm very curious."

At this point, Adrian also caught sight of the gift Ethan brought, with the butler bringing over the box.

Without needing a command, the butler had already opened the box, displaying its contents to Adrian.

"Wow, Ethan, you always manage to surprise me. This... is the weapon you used to attack my brother?"

No wonder Adrian was a star in the military; his keen observation instantly identified the sniper rifle's features.

His words, however, were somewhat alarming.

Naturally, Ethan could not admit it, he merely said: "It's just a little toy I developed myself, for your enjoyment, my Prince."

"No no no, this isn't a mere toy; it's a true weapon of the Kingdom."

Adrian picked up the gun and toyed with it; suddenly, he gripped the gun handle, aiming at Ethan, his finger on the trigger.

"If ten thousand people pointed something like this at Father, he'd probably have a headache."

These words were even more treasonous.

Ethan hadn't realized before that this Prince was so free-spirited; he could only smile silently.

Even though being pointed at with a gun was not a comforting experience.

"Oh, sorry, I got a little carried away. I didn't scare you, did I?"

It seemed only then did Adrian realize he was aiming at Ethan's forehead, quickly putting it down, still playing with it casually.

"Honestly, if we could equip the military with this thing, I have the confidence to conquer the Old Continent."

Though it was a topic that hadn't been mentioned in years.

Undeniably, though, every generation in the Kingdom harbored a latent desire to conquer the Old Continent, to reclaim the land of their ancestors.

After all, long ago, people from the New Continent were seen as exiled.

"I'd be willing to offer this technology to you, my Prince."

Ethan replied simply.

"No no no, you've already done so much for me, how could I accept this from you? The technology is yours to keep. I know you have a weapons factory in Saint Kuanti; I'll help you get the production license. You go ahead and make them; running this factory well is the best help you can give me."

Adrian seemed generous, and it appeared this was his reward to Ethan.

"Thank you, my Prince."

"Hey, Ethan, you're really great in every way, but you're just too polite; do we really need thanks between us?"

Adrian said this as he got up, walked over to the grill, and dismissed the chef, truly taking over the grilling himself, beginning to cook the venison.

Ethan could only wait.

When the venison released a rich aroma, he picked it up directly with his hands, placed it on a plate on the table, sliced it casually with a knife, and pushed a plate of meat to Ethan, while he gnawed on half a venison leg himself.

"Come on, try it. Eat while it's hot; it won't taste good when it's cold."

Ethan picked up a fork and began eating.

He had to admit, Adrian's grilling skills were excellent, perhaps even surpassing some chefs from upscale restaurants.

"How is it?"

"It's delicious, the best roast meat I've ever had."

Ethan praised sincerely.

"Of course, when it comes to grilling, I compare to no one."

Adrian remarked, while eating, grease flowing from his mouth and staining his clothes, an embodiment of carefreeness.

Alongside the venison, the two drank half a bottle of wine, truly a family meal, with nothing extravagant.

During the banquet, Ethan even felt he might have misunderstood this Second Prince earlier; he seemed quite a decent person.

Until...

Adrian, with a drunken gaze, stared at Ethan and slowly, word by word, said: "Ethan... do you think I can be King?"