Chapter 24: Probing at the Dinner Table

Sophia pushed Selim Nutrisk’s wheelchair, following behind Steward Eric as they moved through the corridor toward the dining hall.

“Miss,” Eric’s voice was calm and respectful.

“During the years you’ve been away from the Rhine Territory, it was Prince Charles who poured his heart and soul into this land, allowing it to gradually prosper.”

“His Lordship has long awaited your return.”

“I’m not looking forward to it,” Selim’s voice was exceedingly cold.

Eric was not at all surprised by her indifference and continued, “You are the most distinguished Marquis here. In the future, you and His Lordship will need to govern the Rhine Territory together.”

“As for making friends…”

He glanced at Sophia beside Selim, a trace of barely perceptible disgust flashing in his eyes.

“If you wish, I can arrange a grand banquet of Rhine Territory Capital for you, instead of these…” He paused, ultimately swallowing back the word “commoners”.

“…childish games with civilians, which will bring you no benefit.”

“Eric!” Selim straightened, placing a single hand over Sophia’s, whose veins had bulged with anger, and offered her a simple comfort before saying in a deep voice, “Do I need you to teach me what I can or cannot do?”

“I wouldn’t dare.” Eric bowed slightly, but his tone carried a hint of warning. “I only ask that you restrain your willfulness and shoulder the responsibility befitting a Capital.”

The heavy, ornately carved wooden doors of the dining hall were pushed open by servants on both sides.

A long table covered with a white tablecloth came into view, adorned with a dazzling array of delicacies.

At the far end of the table sat a blond youth in a scaled-cloak—Charles.

Seeing them arrive, he rose, the perfect smile on his face as he greeted them.

“Selim, my dear sister, it’s been so long since we parted years ago.”

With that, Charles spread his arms, as if to embrace Selim.

“Tch!” Selim turned her head away with open disgust, emitting a clear sound of displeasure.

Charles’ movement stiffened, his smile freezing awkwardly on his face. He had no choice but to lower his arms. “It seems my dear sister is in poor spirits? Why not enjoy some fine food to ease your mood?”

He turned and sat back at the head of the table, clapping his hands lightly. At once, the maids waiting at the side filed in with exquisite dishes.

“We’ve just hunted a Unicorn Deer, the meat is extremely fresh—you simply must try it.”

The venison on the plates was an inviting color, the aroma mouthwatering. Yet Selim only made a show of moving her knife and fork, wholly uninterested.

Everything she did at this moment was only to play the part of the spoiled, ignorant Miss who vented her anger on others after being attacked.

For now, she had not gathered enough strength to resist them. Thus, she must not reveal her true self; vengeance could not be rushed.

The clinking of cutlery sounded continuously as the group enjoyed their meal in silence.

Seemingly to break the awkwardness, Charles spoke up first: “Sister Selim, what made you suddenly want to return to the Rhine Territory?”

“What?” Selim looked up, her gaze sharp. “It’s my land. Can’t I return?”

“If you wish to come back, of course you may do so at any time.”

“But if you’d let me know earlier, I would have personally come to escort you home.”

“Hmph!” Selim suddenly slammed her palm onto the table, making the cups and plates rattle. “Are you disappointed I’m still alive and returned?”

Charles’ hand froze, a perfectly-timed expression of surprise appearing on his face. “How could that be? When I heard you were attacked by monsters on the road, I was terribly worried.”

“Now that I see you’re safe and sound, I can finally be at ease.”

“Heh, then those Guard Corps of yours really died in vain.” Selim looked at him with a gaze filled with resentment.

Hearing this and seeing the look in her eyes, Charles felt even more at ease.

In his mind, the total annihilation of the Guard Corps during Selim’s attack was simply an accident. After all, the Guard Corps he had left by her side to keep watch weren’t that powerful.

If she only resented the Guard Corps’ failure to protect her, then it was a simple matter. He merely had to use Soul Lure Water (Blue) to keep poisoning her, and eventually, she would be forced to submit.

Until they produced an heir and secured a complete claim, Charles had no desire to use harsh measures against Selim.

But if she had seen through his ambitions and returned to compete for power, then he would have no choice but to resort to more extreme means.

After thinking it over, Charles said, “They failed in their duty to protect you, Sister Selim. Their deaths are not worth grieving.”

“Hmph~” Selim’s expression seemed to ease a little.

Seeing her look, much of the vigilance in Charles’ eyes faded away.

Selim had concealed her own plans as an accident. Seeing that he believed her current attitude was simply out of frustration over the attack, she was satisfied.

“This time, we really must thank Miss Sophia,” Charles changed the subject, his gaze landing along with Selim’s on the other end of the table.

“Hmm?” Sophia was burying her head in the delicious venison, cheeks stuffed full, and was caught off guard by suddenly becoming the center of attention.

She thought she was just here for a free meal. Missing a bite of a rich family’s food would be a huge loss.

If she couldn’t earn money, she’d just eat her fill to make up for it.

The Unicorn Deer’s meat was indeed delicious—a rare treat for her. Sophia was working hard to chew through the delicacy before her.

Suddenly called out, she choked on her food.

Selim looked at Sophia’s reincarnated-hungry-ghost manner, wolfing down her meal, and felt a wave of helplessness inside.

While the mighty dragon and fierce wolf fought for dominance, the greedy pig closed its eyes and ate.

Selim handed the water at her side to Sophia, watching her grab it and down it in one go.

“Cough, cough! Really? How much are you paying me?” Barely recovering, Sophia’s eyes lit up at the mention of gratitude, and she blurted out her demand for payment.

“Haha, Miss Sophia is certainly straightforward.” Charles, seeing this, grew even less wary, and smiled as he turned to the Steward.

“Eric, haven’t you paid this Demon Hunter lady her reward yet?”

“Prince Charles, the reward was handed to this lady last night,” Steward Eric looked at Sophia—whose manners were crude and greed obvious—with even more disdain.

“Is that so? I thought you’d neglected to settle her reward, and that’s why she’s lingering here.”

At this, Selim spoke in Sophia’s defense, “She’s my friend. Don’t I have the right to invite a friend to my home?”

“No, that’s not what I meant. Naturally you may make friends as you please.”

“Sister Selim, I apologize for offending your friend.”

He removed a gold ring from his finger and got up, walking over to Selim and Sophia.

“It’s not a rare treasure, but it’s worth a little something. Please take this as a gift.”

Hearing this, Sophia happily accepted the ring, barely glancing at it before tossing it into her Wallet, intending to find a chance to cash it in later.

“Does this make up for my rudeness a little?” Charles said, as his right hand naturally landed on Selim’s thin shoulder.

『Charles is using Magic Detection on you.』

Even without the data panel’s warning, Selim sensed a sinister stream of magic energy searching through her body.

She felt a chill inside, but dared not show she had noticed. She could only say, “It’s barely acceptable. And—don’t touch me.”

Charles probed Selim’s body with his magic, but found no other source of magical power.

At her words, he could only withdraw his hand.

“Very well. Now that I see you’re safe, Sister Selim, I am relieved.”

“I have matters to attend to, so I won’t disturb you ladies’ meal any further.”

“Steward Eric, come with me for a moment.”