Chapter 390: Ballroom Conflict
During the remainder of the evening, Li Meng and Reese continued to dance and chat.
For the most part, Reese was the one asking questions, while Li Meng provided brief answers.
"This woman clearly has an agenda."
Li Meng narrowed his eyes as he studied her.
Though their conversation seemed casual, she kept prying into his background.
Given that she was Baron Priss's wife, it wasn't unusual for her to be gathering information.
"What's so special about the Chester family? If you want to dance with the princess, you'll have to get through me first!"
A sudden dispute erupted in the ballroom.
At the foot of the throne's steps, two groups of young men stood face to face in confrontation.
Each group wore matching uniforms—one in gold, the other in blue.
Their shouting drew the attention of the entire ballroom, even causing the orchestra on the second floor to stop playing.
The dancers cleared the floor, making way for the conflict.
Li Meng and Reese also stepped aside.
"It was a pleasure dancing with you, my lord."
Reese gracefully lifted the hem of her gown and curtsied.
Because Avinsa had returned.
Li Meng smiled and placed a hand over his chest in a courteous gesture.
"I hope we have another chance to dance, madam."
Reese smiled seductively and nodded lightly.
"We will."
With that, she turned and walked away, swaying her hips.
As she passed Avinsa, the two women exchanged brief, knowing nods.
"Boss, should I not have let her approach you?"
Returning to Li Meng's side, Avinsa clung to his arm.
Li Meng glanced at her slightly jealous expression.
"Why?"
Avinsa pouted and turned her gaze toward Reese's curvaceous figure.
"That woman isn't clean."
Her comment made Li Meng chuckle.
"All women have their time of the month. It doesn't matter. Avinsa, what's going on over there?"
He gestured toward the feuding young nobles.
Avinsa followed his gaze.
"The ones in gold are from the Chester family, also known as the Golden Lions. They hold significant influence in the principality and even have two god-tier warriors among them."
"The ones in blue belong to the Barton family, another major power in the principality. Their long-standing rivalry with the Chesters has led to constant tension. Though slightly weaker, they also have two god-tier warriors."
"Families?"
Li Meng's curiosity piqued.
Though he had traveled extensively, he was still unfamiliar with human societal structures.
He never stayed in one place for too long, making it difficult to learn certain things.
"Avinsa, are noble families a major force in the principality?"
"Yes. Families are a deeply rooted power structure in human society. This world is governed by the law of the strong. Nobles remain in power because they possess great strength. To ensure their status endures, family-based power structures became the norm."
"The Irisis Principality has four dominant factions: the royal family, the Chester family, the Barton family, and the Gilbert family. The royal family holds the most fertile land. The Chesters rule the north, the Bartons control the south, and the Gilberts oversee the east. Most lords are actually vassals of these noble families."
Li Meng fell into deep thought.
So the principality wasn't as unified as it seemed.
It was no wonder the kingdom hadn't reacted when the Garrison Fort was attacked.
For the noble families, if their own interests weren't at stake, border conflicts were of little concern.
"Which family governs the borderlands?"
"The borderlands? Technically, the royal family. Most border lords were once adventurers who earned their land and titles through service to the crown. Over generations, they formed smaller noble families tied to the royal house."
"Avinsa, do you know about the Garrison Fort?"
Despite being a significant city, it had no noble presence.
Count Maurice didn't even have children, let alone a noble lineage.
"Yes, it's a frontier stronghold."
"Which family controls it?"
"A minor one, I believe. The Karn family. But ten years ago, they were wiped out. Only Count Maurice survived, thanks to the temple's backing. That's how he secured his position as lord."
Li Meng hadn't expected Maurice to have such a tragic past.
"Wiped out? Avinsa, do you know why?"
Avinsa shook her head.
"Not really, but I suspect the Demon Cult was involved."
The Demon Cult?
Li Meng frowned.
He was familiar with them, having encountered them in Obenlo City.
Their goals seemed tied to the World Stones.
But were they trying to open a portal to the Abyss, or were they simply obsessed with the stones themselves?
At that moment, the conflict escalated.
"Your Grace! Let us young men put on a display for the princess. Only the strongest should have the honor of dancing with her. Princess, please grant us this opportunity."
The Chester family's young leader knelt before the throne.
His followers quickly followed suit.
The Barton youths did the same, unwilling to be outdone.
"I will never allow a weakling to touch you, Princess!"
The leader of the Barton group declared firmly.
Seated beside the throne, Princess Angela hesitated.
She glanced at her father with uncertainty.
Duke Ferrandy chuckled heartily.
"Ah, the vigor of youth! Very well, let's make this an entertaining event for the ball. What do you think, daughter?"
Angela looked between her father and the eager noble youths.
Blushing slightly, she nodded.
"No weapons. Settle this with fists."
The two noble groups stood and glared at each other.
Only swordsmen stepped forward—mages weren't suited for duels like these.
Even a mage of a higher tier wouldn't fare well against a swordsman in close combat.
"Alright, I'll go first!"
The Chester family's leader strode forward confidently, his gaze filled with disdain as he sized up the Barton warriors.
The ballroom was spacious, providing ample room for the young nobles to test their strength.
The onlookers gathered eagerly, watching the conflict unfold with keen interest.