As with any banquet, most of the guests here were looking to make new connections and associate themselves with powerful people.

So any time a new guest entered the hall, everyone present would turn towards them to size them up.

Judging from Maria's plain clothing, all the guests concluded that she couldn't be anyone powerful or influential. If anything, she looked Like she came from a normal family.

As quickly as they had turned to Maria, they turned away, although a few of the men had to admit that they were awestruck by her beauty. Of course, there was no way they could stoop to talking to a “commoner” like Maria, but they couldn't help stealing glances at her from time to time, either.

The long buffet table, which had been custom-made for the occasion, was lined with mouthwatering dishes.