Love At The Wrong Table

Chapter 2264 A New Year, A New Era

Meanwhile, on the other side, Santiago had been missing for an entire day.

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Emmanuel had yet to hear any news of him. On the morning of New Year’s Eve, after sharing an early celebratory dinner with Mackenzie and the others, he set out to meet up with Ethan.

His task was clear: to ensure the safety of Ethan and the congressional officials accompanying him to Divine Mountain’s Chapel of Oros.

At that very moment, countless forces and influential figures had already arrived ahead of them, having made their way there a day earlier.

That same day, Gwain led Wyatt and several elite warriors of the Lannister family up the mountain. After all, once Ethan completed the blessing ceremony for the new year, the true spectacle awaited–a clash that had seized the attention of the entire nation.

It was the battle hailed as the ultimate showdown on Divine Mountain. A duel that would determine the honor of the nation and the dignity of Shoiya–Yorick’s challenge against the leader of the Eight Supremes, the Zen Master.

Wyatt gazed up at the towering peak, its slopes veiled in mist, and murmured in quiet awe, “The rumors didn’t exaggerate. Divine Mountain truly lives up to its legendary name.”

Though Gwain was proud and ambitious, he did not dismiss the sentiment. Instead, he let out a cool, confident laugh. “Divine Mountain… A fitting place for me to claim the pinnacle of martial arts.”

“Hah! Exactly!”

“This new year will mark the rise of the Lannister family, led by none other than Mr. Gwain!”

“In the years to come, even if the people forget the name of their leader, they will all remember this- Gwain is the strongest warrior in the land!”

The loyal retainers wasted no time in showering him with praise.

Wyatt said nothing, but anticipation burned in his eyes. Tomorrow, he would finally witness just how powerful Gwain had become.

“Hmph. Not just the strongest in this nation.”

The moment Gwain spoke, the sycophantic voices fell silent. Some exchanged uncertain glances.

“I will be the strongest in the world.”

With that declaration, he lifted his chin, his expression unreadable.

A brief pause stretched between them, and then, as if on cue, his retainers erupted into agreement.

“Yes! The strongest in the world!”

“The greatest under heaven!”

“The mightiest in the universe!”

Chapter 2264 A New Year, A New Era

Only then did satisfaction flicker across Gwain’s face..

Just as they were about to begin their ascent, a honeyed playful voice called out from behind.

“My, my… what a coincidence, Mr. Gwain.”

They turned, and what a coincidence it was indeed.

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Standing there was none other than Chiara. She had come alone, save for a single handmaid trailing behind her. noveldrama

Wyatt’s tone was smooth as he asked, “Chiara, why are you climbing the mountain by yourself? Where is the Zelinsky family?”

She let out a soft sigh, avoiding the question.

Whispers rippled through the Lannister ranks.

“Didn’t they say Maxwell really died this time?”

“I heard Magnus is set to inherit the family now.”

“That means Miss Chiara is about to be cast aside, isn’t she?”

Before the murmurs could grow louder, Gwain spoke. “Chiara, since we’ve run into each other, why don’t you come with us?”

“Yes, we’re all Lannisters at heart.”

“The Zelinsky family isn’t worth your time!”

“If things don’t work out for you there, you can always return. By tomorrow, when Mr. Gwain stands victorious at the peak, the Lannister family’s prestige will eclipse even that of the nation’s leader. When that happens, the Big Four will have no choice but to bow before us.”

Their voices swelled with flattery.

Chiara hesitated for only a moment before offering a faint smile. “Alright. Thank you, Mr. Gwain.”

Chiara accepted the invitation with a graceful nod, eager to join the group on their mountain trek.

Divine Mountain had long been one of the most renowned ranges in Zovince, its towering peaks stretching skyward in a display of majesty and grandeur.

That day, a light dusting of snow clung to the mountainside, transforming it into a silver expanse that shimmered beneath the sunlight.

The ridges rose and fell like rolling waves, some jagged and steep, others sloping gently into the distance.

Over the years, the area had been developed with lodges and restaurants nestled among the rugged landscape, catering to travelers drawn by its breathtaking views.

Today, many of those establishments remained open, welcoming visitors despite the cold.

The Lannister family made their way un the winding mountain nath surrounded by the soothing

17:36 Mon,

Chapter 2204 A New Year, A New Era

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murmur of clear streams weaving through the rocky terrain. Water trickled over smooth stones, its gentle melody filling the crisp air with a quiet serenity.

Chiara found herself captivated by the scenery, pausing now and then to take it all in. Yet each time, she hesitated, reluctant to slow Gwain’s pace. She kept her thoughts to herself, unwilling to voice her desire to linger.

Wyatt, ever perceptive, soon spoke up. “Gwain, since it’s still early, why don’t we stop at a hotel partway up the mountain? We can enjoy the view, and I’d also like to hear from Chiara about the grand hunt the Zelinsky and Tanner families have been organizing.”

Gwain considered for a moment before nodding. “Fine You take care of it.”

“Yes.”

Wyatt gestured toward a modest establishment just ahead before turning to Chiara. “That place looks decent. The window seats should offer a perfect view of Divine Mountain. What do you think?”

Chiara offered a gentle smile. “I’ll follow your lead.”

Without further delay, they entered the establishment and settled into their seats.

Once their orders had been placed, Wyatt wasted no time in asking, “Chiara, you didn’t take part in the grand hunt? How many people did the Zelinsky and Tanner families gather?”

She let out a quiet chuckle, tinged with bitterness. “I’m nothing more than a widow of the Zelinsky family now–a rootless wanderer. How could I possibly have a say in their affairs? But didn’t Gautier send an invitation to our family?”

In truth, her absence stemmed from something far deeper. She had once sworn vengeance against Emmanuel, believing him to be Maxwell’s killer.

But now, with the truth laid bare–that Magnus had been the one responsible–her need for revenge had faded. And yet, even as her own resolve wavered, those around her had only grown more determined to see Emmanuel dead.

“He did.”

Gwain was the one to answer, his tone laced with disdain. “But why go through all this trouble just to kill Emmanuel? I alone am more than enough.”

“Exactly!”

One of the family retainers wasted no time in offering flattery. “Now that Mr. Gwain has mastered the Dragon Tome, no one can rival him! If he still needed help dealing with the Northern Wolf Warrior, wouldn’t that be laughable?”

Chiara gave a small nod, as if in agreement, but inwardly, she found their arrogance absurd.

She had never believed Gwain to be far more gifted than she was. The only real difference lay in their circumstances–he had been born into a world where the Lannister elders had nurtured his every step, training him relentlessly since childhood. Had she received the same unwavering support, she had no doubt she would have been his equal.

If he was so convinced of his own invincibility, there was no point in arguing. If he lost to Emmanuel in

Chapter 2264 A New Year, A New Era

the end, the only one to suffer disgrace would be him.

Just then, a burst of laughter rang out near the entrance

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The group turned toward the sound, their gazes landing on a burly man standing at the threshold, his expression laced with amusement–Aora.

The sight of him darkened Gwain and Wyatt’s expressions at once. For Gwain in particular, the name carried weight–after all, they had fought in Ancient Woods before, neither able to claim victory.

Now, however, Gwain believed himself to have grown stronger. In his mind, dealing with Teddy’s right- hand man would be little more than an afterthought.

Aora clearly thought the same, smirking as he mocked, Gwain, you’re such a joke. Dragging your lackeys around, making them sing your praises at every turn–do you not feel even a little embarrassed?”

His voice rang clear, drawing the attention of other patrons in the restaurant. Though few had taken much notice of the Lannisters before, they did now.

Ah, so that was the golden couple of the Lannister family.

Wyatt and the others were just about to retort when Gwain lifted a hand, signaling them to hold back. He smirked coolly, his voice cutting through the air.

“So, you’re still alive? Emmanuel hasn’t finished you off yet? Looks like today, I get to deal with you before the Northern Wolf Warrior does.”

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