Chapter 61: Kingdom Princess Sophia

Ian followed the sound and looked over.

At a round table inside the shop sat several young people dressed in splendid attire.

The voice that had just spoken came from the person sitting in the center—a girl wearing a red and white princess dress.

Her fiery red hair shimmered in the candlelight, and her crimson eyes reflected Ian’s figure.

“Don’t worry. You need not concern yourself with the points; leave it to me to handle,” Sophia said, seeing Ian staring at her blankly as if he was worried he hadn’t understood her.

Ian furrowed his brows, pondering how he had ended up encountering Sophia here.

And even if he had met her, why would she be helping him?

Aren’t they supposed to be adversaries now?

“Have no fear. This is my personal expense; you don’t need to repay it,” Sophia said, seemingly worried Ian might refuse her kindness.

Before Ian could react, she handed some points to the shopkeeper.

The shopkeeper’s professional smile immediately returned upon receiving the points.

Although Ian didn’t understand why Sophia would pay his points, he still thanked her sincerely:

“Thank you. I’ll pay you back later.”

After speaking, Ian walked toward the shopkeeper to retrieve the key to his room.

“Why don’t you join us and enjoy some food?” Sophia called out when she saw Ian grab the key and head upstairs to rest.

“No, I have matters to attend to tomorrow, so I won’t disturb you all,” Ian politely declined.

“You haven’t eaten all day, haven’t you? Aren’t you hungry?” Sophia asked.

Ian’s steps halted at her words.

A wave of hunger surged through his stomach—just as Sophia said, he hadn’t eaten for an entire day.

But he had already let Sophia pay for his lodging.

If he now mooched her food too, wouldn’t he owe her even more?

Sophia seemed to notice Ian’s hesitation and patted the empty chair beside her, inviting him over.

“Do you perhaps worry I might have ill intentions? There’s an empty seat right here next to me; why don’t you sit here?”

Ian stood frozen, torn between his hunger and his reluctance to owe Sophia any favors.

In the end, his craving for food won out.

“Alright, I’ll trouble you all,” Ian said as he sat down beside Sophia.

Seeing Ian sit next to Sophia, a young man at the round table glanced at him.

“Your Highness, may I ask who this is?” the blond, blue-eyed young noble asked Sophia respectfully.

Before Sophia could answer, Ian introduced himself, “Ian.”

The noble frowned slightly, “I am Kars.”

“Your Highness, is it not somewhat presumptuous for Ian to sit beside you?” Kars couldn’t help but remind Sophia.

Though Kars tried to hide the jealousy in his voice, Ian caught the sour tone nonetheless.

‘Oh, so he’s one of Sophia’s suitors?’ Ian pitied Kars inwardly.

After all, Kars probably still didn’t realize Sophia had green eyes.

Kars was born the wrong gender—no matter how hard he tried, he had no chance.

Especially since Sophia had already taken a liking to Ethelrina.

Just as Ian was about to stand and move to a spot farther from Sophia, she spoke up to refute Kars.

“I was the one who told him to sit here.” 

With that simple sentence, Sophia made her attitude toward Ian clear.

Kars opened his mouth to say more but couldn’t find the words.

“Oh, so this is the recently dismissed butler of Miss Veronica of the Saintess Family?” another person at the table spoke up.

Hearing this, Kars’s expression brightened.

“So you’re the one! I’ve long heard of your name.”

“The feeling of being dismissed by the Saintess must be unpleasant. Don’t worry, if you’re out of work, I can recommend you.”

Kars looked at Ian with smugness, his tone dripping with mockery.

Ian glanced at him expressionlessly and said calmly, “No need.”

Ian was helpless inside.

Even though he had no relationship with Sophia, he still had to endure their subtle ridicule.

If Ian thought Sophia had the wit to do such a thing intentionally, he might have believed it was her plan.

Hearing Kars, Sophia frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and then spoke slowly.

“You used to be Veronica’s butler?”

“How much do you know about Veronica’s situation? For example, the progress of her bloodline development?”

Ian was surprised to hear Sophia ask about Veronica.

Sophia and Veronica were supposed to be on the same team—so why was Sophia asking him about Veronica’s status?

It was clear there was discord within their group.

After all, Sophia and the other two joined Ethelrina’s team with their own intentions; it was only natural for them to be at odds.

“Sorry, I can’t share such private matters. If I’m not mistaken, you are teammates with Veronica. You can ask her directly.” Ian answered.

Sophia didn’t blame Ian.

Instead, she praised him.

“Veronica is fortunate to have you as her butler.”

“Your Highness flatters me,” Ian replied.

After that, Ian began eating, though he wasn’t at ease.

That noble named Kars kept sneering at him in his ear, implying Ian wasn’t worthy to sit beside Sophia.

“I’m full,” Ian said, about to put down his cutlery and leave when Sophia called him back.

“What are your plans for tomorrow?”

Ian was slightly startled but answered slowly, “I plan to leave the city to look for my team.”

“Which direction? If it’s on the way, come with us.”

At those words, Kars immediately protested, “Your Highness, that might be inappropriate.”

Sophia ignored Kars and looked expectantly at Ian.

“I’m going north,” Ian replied after hesitating.

“Perfect, it’s on the way. Travel with us tomorrow.”

“Don’t refuse my suggestion; it’s difficult to cross the desert alone.”

“You must have noticed the difference in the demons here compared to outside.”

Ian nodded, “The demons here seem to have lost their reason, and their size and strength are much greater than those outside.”

Sophia agreed, “Exactly why you shouldn’t travel alone tomorrow. Though we are not on the same team, temporarily banding together is no problem. Once you find your teammates, you can leave.”

After considering for a moment, Ian agreed to Sophia’s proposal and went upstairs to his room.