Cycle of Destiny

Chapter 22 The Heart of the Lion King

Harry's father was a warrior who had grown up in real battles, and he didn't say much about his son's almost crippled talent.

Later, upon learning of Harry's magical talent, and despite knowing that Harry could not reach the level of a third-class knight and unleash his aura by the age of nineteen, he was very cautious and did not choose to let his son leave the Knights Academy.

Newly appointed nobles like him tend to be reserved. If other nobles knew that their only son had learned magic, all their efforts over the years would have been in vain.

He had considered having another child to wash away the shame, but he was afraid of the same fate and becoming a complete laughingstock, so he had to give up.

Although Harry understood that he wouldn't make much progress at the Knights Academy and that learning magic seemed like a better option for him, his opinion was clearly insignificant.

However, fate had already paved the way for his future. When Harry was seventeen, his parents were killed by bandits on their way back to the capital.

After his parents died, he left the Knight Academy and Veranika, heading towards Orion.

Harry was puzzled when he saw Veronica's invitation letter.

Aside from Cavill, Harry didn't tell anyone that he was going back to the capital.

Although he also had the idea of ​​seeing Veranika and her mother, how did Veranika know he had returned on his very first day in the capital?

And he even knows where he lives?

These questions can only be answered when we meet Veranika.

I haven't seen Veranika for two years. If I do the math, this year is exactly her nineteenth year, which is her knighthood assessment year.

When Harry left two years ago, Veronica was already a third-class knight. Becoming a full-fledged knight would not have been a problem for her at all. She must be a knight by now.

The letter was written in a very intimate tone, which gave Harry goosebumps when he read it.

Harry was certain that Veronica, just as she had said in the letter, was eager to know about her life at the magic academy.

He still remembered his final farewell to Veranika when he was about to leave the capital.

"I also think you should learn magic, Harry. Although people often say that 'evil communication corrupts character,' I don't think you have that burden, because you and I both know that you've never been a gentleman."

Watching her best friend, the only one in the academy who thought she was being hypocritical, leave the prestigious knight academy to study second-rate magic, Veronica felt an unprecedented joy.

He himself will become a full knight, embracing nobility and glory, while Harry, alas, poor Harry.

But Harry wasn't the type to let a loss go unpunished. His eyes were full of mockery as he looked at Veronica with a playful smirk, responding...

"Of course, I believe you have more authority than anyone else when it comes to 'noble communication'."

Later at the magic academy, Veronica sent Harry several letters—Harry believed that her mother must have been with her when she wrote them.

Because the concern in the letter was so sincere and the longing revealed in the words was so intense, but because his life at the magic academy was not as satisfactory as he had expected, he had never replied to Veranika's letter.

During his most difficult days, looking at those caring letters, Harry thought that Veronica, who wrote them, must have been quite proud.

If she knew what had happened to her, oh my god! Her laughter would surely shake the rooftops!

Every time Harry thinks about this, he feels like someone has poured a bucket of ice water over his head in the dead of winter, and he shivers all over.

What Harry found most strange was the meeting place mentioned above—the Lionheart.

The Lionheart Hotel is located on the Royal Promenade, which is adjacent to the Royal Palace. The founding emperor once held a banquet here to reward the Lionheart Knights upon their return from an expedition, hence the hotel's name.

It has a history of more than 200 years. Each generation of head chefs has to undergo the examination and approval of the royal family before taking office. Its secret recipes are even included in the palace archives and are imperial secrets.

Each emperor would come here to enjoy a delicious meal after ascending the throne, and court painters would record the scene of His Majesty dining and leave it on the wall of the hall.

The royal family of Akanos has been in power for fifteen generations, and there are fifteen paintings on the walls.

There are three floors in total. The first floor is the hall and kitchen, while the third floor is only used for entertaining foreign envoys or for the royal family to entertain meritorious officials. The second floor, which Veranica mentioned in her letter, is where nobles can hold banquets or entertain distinguished guests.

Dining here was considered an honor in aristocratic society, and even though the price of a meal here was terrifying, it was still extremely difficult to get a seat.

The nobles even considered dining here as a "baptism" for entering high society, so those nobles who had just obtained a title or been promoted would come to dine here. If they hadn't eaten here, they would never feel at ease.

Harry couldn't understand why Veronica would make such a grand gesture for a wizard who had just returned from out of town.

Moreover, given her large appetite, Veranika is bound to bleed for this meal.

But Harry knew Veronica well, and he knew that beneath her warm exterior lay a shrewd business acumen.

Harry was certain that Veronica was not expecting anything in return from him.

Thinking of this, Harry's mood immediately brightened.

Whatever she wants, Harry has made up his mind that he will not give it to her.

But these things won't stop me from indulging in a hearty and enjoyable meal.

Harry had only heard about the delicious food there, but had never tasted it.

If Veronica spends a lot of money and then finds that her wish has not come true, her expression will definitely be priceless.

There's nothing I can do; I've never been a gentleman, after all.

……

The next day, Harry arrived at the main entrance of the Lionheart.

Located in the middle of the Royal Road, it is not very tall, only three stories high. It is a stone building, imposing yet solid, with a strong sense of history.

The exterior walls are made of dark gray glacial rock from the northern border of the empire. The huge stones are joined together with fine joints and the surface is not heavily carved, retaining its rough and natural texture. Only the window frames and the edges of the porch are inlaid with warm-colored white jade strips, which are very unrefined and even have a somewhat crude feel.

The two heavy ebony doors are covered with bronze reliefs depicting the original knights of the Lionheart Order.

As you enter the main hall through the entrance, the overwhelming sense of history is almost overwhelming.

The hall floor was paved with single slabs of iron oak from the southern forests, their deep color producing only a dull, solid sound when walked upon. The walls were covered with beige-gray silk-textured plaster, and hung with enormous paintings depicting the empire's rulers dining there.

The dome is also a huge wooden relief, depicting the scene of Acronus I celebrating the victory of the Lionheart Knights. Light streams in from several narrow stained-glass windows high up, filtered into soft bands of light.

The light shone on the portrait, giving the figure a sacred air. A faint, cool fragrance wafted in the air, like the scent of some rare pine wood that had been burning for years, mixed with the natural aroma of the stone—clean and invigorating.

The Lionheart's servants all wore uniform dark blue to black velvet uniforms, neatly tailored and very sharp-looking.

Harry told them who had invited him, and a servant immediately led him upstairs.

The wide, gently sloping staircase leading to the upper dining area is also made of iron oak, with handrails made of warm, black obsidian. The main public dining room, named "Hall of Glory," is located on the second floor.

The ceiling here is incredibly high, but the clever design avoids a feeling of emptiness. The twelve pillars supporting the dome are of a very ancient style, with bas-relief carvings of vines and stars on their shafts. The surface is plated with a very thin layer of platinum, which gleams with a hazy and expensive light, but is not dazzling.

The dining tables are not crowded together; each table enjoys ample space and privacy.

The tabletop is made of polished black agate, on which sits a silver salt and pepper shaker, and a small white jade vase, which always holds a luminous rose picked that morning, still glistening with dew.

Veronica was already waiting for Harry by the window. When Harry appeared, Veronica stood up, a big smile spreading across her face, her tone cheerful.

"Hi Harry!"