[The Royal Palace]
[Dining Hall]
'Urgh, why do I have to sit here?'
Eeden couldn't help but wonder as he looked at the foods that were being served in front of him.
It was a lavish dinner that was filled with different types of cuisines.
And why would it not be?
Eeden glanced to his side as he saw the king sitting at the head of the table.
'Kayan Velmont Astoria….'
Eeden thought.
'He looks kinda funny.'
He mused as he noticed how the king was focusing way too much on the food.
But he quickly averted his gaze as soon as the king glanced at him.
Osmund sat on his side who looked a lot more relaxed than he expected from a baron.
On the other side of the table sat the angel class girl, Eris Gilma Rowena.
Along with her father, Duke Kargil.
'....'
Eeden couldn't help but notice the glare the girl was giving him.
'The fuck did I do?'
[
'Can you shut up.'
[
Eeden rubbed his temples as Sana's voice echoed in his mind.
Eeden stabbed a piece of meat with his fork a little harder than necessary.
'This is torture.'
He lifted the food halfway to his mouth, then slowly lowered it again.
The king was eating happily, humming under his breath as if the world outside didn't matter.
There were only six people in the room, including the prince who stood on the side.
"I must say, it was a pleasant surprise." Duke Kargil spoke to Osmund.
"I wasn't expecting much for your child after last year's disaster."
Osmund clenched his fist, twisting the spoon in his hand.
Still he smiled nonetheless.
"Abel wasn't at fault for what class he got, sir." He spoke gently. "Please don't bring him in this conversation."
Duke Kargil raised a brow, clearly amused.
"Oh? Did I touch a sore spot?"
Osmund's smile stayed, but the pressure around him shifted.
He really looked like he wanted to flip the table.
Eeden watched the exchange quietly.
'…So that's why Father told me not to show off.'
Last year, Abel awakened as [Classless], the weakest and most looked-down class.
That would've been humiliating in a place like this.
Duke Kargil leaned back, sipping his wine. "No offense meant, of course. I simply assumed your second son would follow the same pattern."
Osmund kept smiling. "And yet, he didn't."
The duke nodded. "Indeed. Your younger boy is… unexpected."
His gaze shifted to Eeden.
Eeden met his eyes for half a second before looking back at his plate.
'I am not getting involved. I am eating chicken.'
But the duke wasn't done.
"Tell me, young Eden," he asked, voice smooth. "What does it feel like, being someone with… Divine Class?"
The fork in Eeden's hand paused mid-air.
Osmund slowly turned.
Kargil smiled strangely. "You took all the spotlight from my daughter."
The king didn't even look up.
He just said while chewing, "Let the boy eat, Kargil."
Duke Kargil didn't look offended. "My apologies, Your Majesty. Curiosity slipped out."
Eris, meanwhile, was still staring at Eeden.
But now… it wasn't a glare.
It was the look of a researcher who had just found a rare glowing lizard.
The rest of the dinner got better than expected as all focused on their food.
When the dinner was over Kayan the king leaned back with a smile. "That was some good food."
Eeden nodded just for formality as his gaze shifted towards the Prince.
'…Come to think of it, why is this guy just standing there?'
His question was answered in just a second as the prince walked towards the king.
Dorian bowed towards his father. "I have a humble request as the crown prince, father."
Kayan turned to look at his son and so did the others. "Speak."
The prince pointed at Eeden. "I want that boy under my command."
Eeden blinked.
'…Huh?'
The room fell completely silent.
Osmund slowly turned his head toward the prince, his eye twitching.
The king, Kayan, stared at his son like he just asked for a pet dragon.
'Oh.' Eeden thought. 'So that's the kind of prince you are.'
"…You want what?" the king asked, eyebrows raised.
Dorian didn't hesitate. "I want Eden Idris Ramsey to serve under me."
"Puhahaha!!"
The king laughed at his son's words as he leaned back.
"You really are my son, aren't you!"
Dorian smiled as he asked. "So can I have him serve me from today—."
"No." The king said, his voice turning cold. "You aren't worthy enough to have a divine class servant."
"But father—."
"I said no." Kayan spoke, coldly. "Don't push your luck, I have more sons."
"…More sons?" Dorian repeated, voice tight.
Kayan didn't even bother looking at him. He leaned back, still licking sauce off his fingers.
"Yes. If you annoy me enough, I'll just make another one."
Eeden blinked.
'…This king is either a genius or a complete menace.'
Sana cackled in his head.
[]
Dorian lowered his head, fists clenched, his pride shattering loud enough for everyone to feel it.
"Then can I just give him a personal mission?" Dorian said softly. "Just one mission father."
"Granted." Kayan said, waving his hand. "You don't have a problem with that right, Eeden."
"No, your highness." Eeden quickly said, his voice firm.
Kayan finally wiped his mouth with a golden cloth and stood up.
He stretched, cracked his neck, and started walking away like nothing.
"Osmund, Kargil and Eeden, come with me." he said after walking a few steps.
Eeden and the others stood up and walked behind him.
Kayan took them to the balcony as he looked down at the kingdom of his.
"I have a few things I would like to talk." Kayan said, looking at them. "I would like it to be a secret."
Kargil frowned. "Did something happen?"
Kayan let out a sigh.
"A lot happened." He turned serious. "The slave market is growing once again."
Kargil's eyes narrowed and Osmund's expression stiffened.
Only Eeden blinked in confusion.
'…Slave market? Seriously? We're doing this now?'
Kayan placed both hands on the marble railing and stared out over the glittering capital.
"The nobles have started buying and selling people again," he said quietly. "Illegally. Under my nose."
Kargil lowered his head slightly. "Do you know who is involved?"
Kayan scoffed. "Half the damned high council, probably. But I can't accuse anyone without proof."
He turned his head just enough to look at Osmund. "There has been this activity around your territory isn't it?"
Osmund nodded his head. "Yes…."
Osmund's jaw tightened. "I've been tracking it for months, Your Majesty. But every time I get close, the trail disappears."
Kargil crossed his arms. "And you're certain it's not just local criminals?"
Osmund shook his head. "No. Ordinary bandits don't move that cleanly."
Kayan nodded slowly, as if he already knew that answer.
He slowly turned as he looked at all of them.
"Do you know who Sir Tosin is?"
Kayan asked as he looked at Eeden.
To Eeden's relief he knew who he was.
"Sir Tosin is the strongest knight within the kingdom." Eeden said, with a smug look on his face.
"Yeah…." Kayan mumbled softly. "And he has been missing for days now."
Eeden's smile dropped instantly.