The return of the fallen king

Chapter 38: Wine and food

<<''How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach...''>>

--King Solomon

Conradin entered his room after being escorted there and looked around, seeking to identify anything specific. Conradin saw that he was lodging in a lavishly furnished room with tasteful furniture and finely woven rugs. The bed was built with the finest materials, probably in opulent textiles like silk and satin, and the walls were embellished with precious artworks. The room would serve as a symbol of Genoa's prosperity and the value it put on visitors. It would have provided Conradin and his friend with a cozy place to rest up before going to the feast held in his honor.

After having finished his observation of the decoration and luxury of the room, Conradin started to prepare to make himself look presentable for the feast. Conradin took particular care with his appearance and attire. He would probably have put on his finest clothes and jewelry so as to make a great impression at the feast. He has also mentally prepared for the social interactions that he would have to engage in and has rehearsed polite and conversational responses in his mind. Conradin would do all that he could to ensure that everything was perfect for the feast, as he was aware of how important first impressions can be.

After taking the time to prepare for the feast, Conradin was then ready to attend the event that evening. Once he left the room, he was then accompanied by the same servant who had guided him earlier to the banquet hall, so as not to get lost in the palace complex. The servant brought Conradin through the corridors and into the large banquet hall that was set up for the event. Once he joined the banquet, he could not help but be amazed by the ornaments.

The halls of the palace were decorated in luxurious fabrics, with elegantly carved columns supporting the ceiling. The floors were polished marble covered in rich rugs and tapestries. There were paintings covering the walls, depicting glorious and heroic portraits of heroes and ancient generals. The banquet hall would have emanated a sense of opulence and grandeur, with luxury that could be felt in every aspect of its design. The hall would have been the perfect place to hold a banquet, offering guests the ultimate setting to dine and celebrate in comfort and style.

The entertainment in the hall included a band or ensemble providing music for the guests to enjoy while they ate their dinner. There was also live entertainment, such as performers telling stories or performing magic tricks. The entertainment had likely been tailored specifically towards the guests and their preferences, so as to ensure that everyone was entertained and having a good time. It was a lively atmosphere, filled with laughter, chatter, and music.

The food served at the feast was extravagant and exquisite in nature. The dishes have been prepared from the finest ingredients and seasoned with spices imported from afar. The food was both visually and aesthetically pleasing, as presentation is an important factor in high-end dining. The food was an integral part of the feast and would have been a demonstration of the wealth and prestige of Genoa.

Once he entered he noticed his group talking with each other and laughing , it did not pass much time before Conradin entered the conversation and shared laugh with them.

However during the evening while Conradin was talking to Corrado about their respective days, someone came and disturbed them while they were having fun.

Conradin turned his head and saw that the person was a girl of young age, probably 17, who either took enough courage to go and talk to Conradin or was instead pushed by her family to do so. After all, Conradin was a king, and having a royal backer was a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

''Good evening, your highness. Is the feast to your liking? '' The lady asked.

''It has been, it surely has been; may I know this lady's name?'' Conradin asked.

''My name is Isabella Grimaldi, your Majesty, and I have come to ask if you would bless me with an opportunity to dance."

Conradin all of a sudden became anxious; after all, he did not know how to dance; he was never expected to learn, for he was of royal blood known to be adaptable in war, and neither did he want to, since he was more interested in warfare and politics.

''I would have loved to, my fair lady, but unfortunately I am unable because I have a bad injury on my feet, which stops me from dancing."

Conradin said this as an excuse since he was not really a fan of being laughed at or humiliated, as he would have surely been, had he decided to dance.

After hearing that, the young Isabella excused herself and looked down in sadness , little Conradin knew that he would be invited to dance by many ladies. Girls from the Grimaldi, the Fieschi, the Doria, and even other minor families came up to him, trying to gauge his interest. But as the night wore on and the revelry continued, more and more ladies came to his side to request his presence on the dance floor. He was flattered by the attention and the chance to make some social connections, but he was also aware of the other motivations that were at play. Many of these ladies were well-versed in flirting and social etiquette, and they could have even managed to seduce him, but luckily Conradin knew the intentions of his female counterparts allowing him to defend against the infatuation of the body. Conradin thought they were all going to strike conversations with him because he had the opportunity to become king and as such he was a hot bet; however, others knew that that was not the only reason.

While many women came up to Conradin and tried to strike up a conversation, Corrado looked at his liege with childish jealousy in his eyes. Conradin possessed striking features, including fair skin, light blond hair, and striking blue eyes. His features were handsome and manly, reflecting a noble presence. He had high brows, a strong chin, and an air of dignity that commanded respect. Many found him to be an attractive and appealing man, and his good looks would surely have made him a popular subject of conversation amongst the noble ladies. Corrado knew that the beauty of Conradin was a feature descending from his grandfather, Frederick II, that was described during his youth as one of the offspring of Venus.

While Conradin rejected another girl, his eyes turned to his left, where Frederick sat, or at least was sitting. Conradin, alarmed by Frederick's disappearance, frantically searched the hallway. And then he saw that, without alerting him, Frederick had gone and started talking to one of the girls. Frederick sat down and drank some wine after noticing that his friend was preoccupied, grinning to himself about how he had learned something new from his best friend.

Shortly after, rumors of Frederick's exploits began to circulate. He was obviously attracted to the young women of the area and was more than eager to profit from their interest in him. In addition to being youthful, attractive, and well-mannered, Frederick was not afraid to express his interest in women. In order to get what he wanted, it soon became known that Frederick was not above playing with the hearts of young women. His actions drew some criticism from the church and some members of society, but many of his contemporaries admired his skill with women.

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