Inside the grand city of Xiangyang was a large and formidable stone wall around a lavish palace. The courtyard was lined with marvellous stone sculptures depicting ancient warriors. Many elite-level soldiers manned the walls and guarded the courtyard.
The palace was a multi-story building that almost looked like a castle. Its vermillion walls and golden roof tiles were vibrant, they exuberated wealth and prestige. The steps going up to the palace entrance were lined with a luxurious red carpet. The Luxenberg delegation had never seen such splendour before.
Wang Jun proceeded to escort them into a spacious throne room. The room itself was extravagant. The walls were decorated with intricate pieces of artwork, each one recounting a story from their history.
Two rows of pillars were placed almost making an aisle towards this majestic golden throne. The pillars were made of redwood and were carefully carved with gold embroidered into the crevices. This was the ultimate display of wealth.
Many courtesans clamoured on either side, spectating the foreign visitors. They all were dressed in fine silks. On the throne was King Gu Tian, he wore a purple silk robe with a luxurious dark silver hairpiece that kept his hair in a fashionable ponytail.
At the feet of his throne stood two imposing figures, the first was the eldest son of the King, Crown Prince Gu Lintian. He was well-defined and was practically identical to his father. Not even Gu San-Tong shared such a close resemblance.
The other imposing figure was someone Larys Cassell recognised straight away. It was none other than Stetson Fontaine. He looked virtually the same as he did all those years ago during the war between the Fontaines and the Luxenbergs. The only difference was that he looked a lot more rugged and imposing.
As soon as Wang Jun and the Luxenberg delegation arrived in front of the throne, Wang Jun prostrated himself and greeted his king. Seeing this, Larys and his companions offered a simple bow. It would be improper to do anything more than that. Gu Tian was not their king, and they would not lower themselves to act like his subjects.
King Gu Tian offered a slight nod of approval before speaking. This was quickly translated by Wang Jun. "Greetings Luxenberg envoys. I am King Gu Tian. Welcome to my home, I hope your journey was not difficult. I'd like to introduce my son, Crown Prince Gu Lintian. He was most curious to meet you all."
Larys Cassell offered a warm smile and slightly bowed towards the crown prince. He then in turn replied to the king through his translator, Ernst Augustine. "Thank you, Your Majesty. It is an honour to visit this grand city and your home. I am Larys Cassell, uncle to King Victor Luxenberg"
"Thanks to your hospitality, my men and I have had a pleasant trip throughout your realm. It is truly amazing. I would like to compliment you on your son, Prince Gu San-Tong. He seems to be a promising young man with a lengthy naval career ahead of him. Thank you for having him escort us ashore."
King Gu Tian was most pleased with Larys's words. The first impression seemed to be a success in the delegation leader's eyes, but he could not get complacent. With the pleasantries out of the way, the King hopped straight into the thick of it and asked the most important question straight up.
"So Larys Cassell, why has your nephew sent you all the way to my palace? I doubt he has sent you, just for a simple meeting to improve relations. If so then I am disappointed in him. I have been most intrigued by his progress. Stetson over there talks of Victor as a cunning bastard who is blessed with many talented commanders."
The Luxenberg delegation was taken aback by the King's words. Not only was he blunt with asking his question. He showed little respect for King Victor. Captain Matthias was irked by the lack of respect shown towards his King, nevertheless, he gritted his teeth and kept quiet.
Larys had to carefully construct his answer. If he tried to walk around the real purpose and was exposed, it would be a great insult to the King of Gu. If he responded with the same level of bluntness, he ran the risk of acting arrogant.
When Larys finally conjured the words he wanted to say, Ernst Augustine promptly translated it. "I will not beat around the bush, Your Majesty. My King has sent me here to discuss an incident that happened a few months ago. One of our fleets was sunk guarding the Bulgar-Simbar Straight. He was hoping you would have some information about it."
The King looked annoyed and shook his head, all he could do was let out a small sigh. Larys and Captain Matthias were visibly upset with how the King was behaving. He lacked respect and was basically brushing them off.
"I am severely disappointed in your nephew, Larys Cassell. Not only has he wasted my time, but he had the gall to send a whole delegation for such a trivial matter. Perhaps the rumours about Victor Luxenberg are inflated. To think he would make a fuss about a few sunken ships," King Gu complained.
Wang Jun was hesitant to translate it, but Ernst Augustine beat him to it. Larys and his men were disgusted with King Gu's lack of respect for their king. Outraged by the King's dismissive behaviour towards Victor, Larys Cassell blurted out what he truly thought.
"King Gu Tian. It is unacceptable the way you talk about our King. We have travelled a long way to meet you. I apologise if this is rude, but I can not accept the blatant disrespect of my nephew, a man equal to you. On behalf of my King, I would like to know if you have any information about our sunken ships."
Ernst Augustine lost all colour on his face, he was terrified to translate that word for word. Even Wang Jun looked scared to do so. Stetson who had remained quiet, could not help himself and even let out a small laugh, even Crown Prince Gu Lintian let out a small chuckle.
The Luxenberg delegation was surprised by the reaction, but soon they would come to realise that they were not laughing at Larys's outburst.