Chapter 15: The saint isnt that saintly (1/2)

The soft music of a harp sounded in the large room as the people sat around the table.

This was also the sole source of noise. Even though the group currently dining was quite sizeable, they ate in perfect silence

At the head of the table was Camelia, on her right sat Sol and on her left the Duchess.

The rectangular table was clearly divided into two camps, with Sol's camp being quite empty. Still, this did not seem to bother him.

The table was filled with delicious but light food, befitting their status. It wouldn't be a mistake to say that if converted in money, the food put on this table was enough to feed a commoner family for more than 3 months.

One would think that with the obvious dislike the Duchess had, the table would be filled with a heavy atmosphere and they wouldn't be wrong. At least it would have been the case if not for the presence of the Supreme Daughter.

If Carias dislike for Sol was known to all, then the same went for Camelia's love for him.

Some rumors even said that Camelia was most likely the true mother of Sol, but of course, this kind of rumor was only circulated by the populace.

Once the dishes were finished, the Duchess cleared her throat as she directed her stare towards Camelia.

”Your holiness. I thank you for this sumptuous feast. The reason I seeked you today was somewhat sensitive. Would it be too much to ask for a private dinner? We could let the children discuss between them.”

*Ping*

Even the nun playing the harp missed a note and was brought to a halt. The previously calm atmosphere suddenly became a little chilly.

”Setsuna. Stop.”

Sol, who was previously minding his own business, raised his hand to stop Setsuna from unsheathing her blade. He elegantly wiped his mouth with with a napkin and asked,

”Duchess. Please, could you let me understand which authority allowed you to decide anything in my stead?”

”Oh?! I see I am terribly sorry and so?”

He had to hold the urge to not punch her smug face.

This sentence of hers was nothing more than naked provocation. No matter how powerful she was as a Duchess, Sol was still the crown prince of the kingdom. His position wasn't something that should be challenged.

”I am terribly sorry. I mean, you are indeed a child. What more, I did not think that you would be so petty as to not allow an old woman like me to treat you as such. I heard that lord Gerald and you were rather close, could it be that you discriminate against me precisely?”

'Of course bitch. Why the fuck would I put you at the same level as Gérald ?'

Sol was about to try to defend himself but a fair hand covered his. He turned and faced Camelia as she stood while facing the Duchess.

”Sol Luxuria is the crown prince and the future king. There's absolutely nothing I have to hide from him. Duchess, if what you want to speak about is particularly urgent, I can find a private space for the three of us to discuss. What do you think?”

The atmosphere tensed as Caria and Camelia stood in a deadlock. Finally an enigmatic smile emerged on Caria face,

”...I see. Then I will take my leave. This dinner was truly an eye opener.”

Then without further ado, she turned on her heels and walked toward the door while her cohort followed her.

Once she reached the door though, she stopped short before turning to face Sol,

”Your highness, let me say this at least. If you do not want to be treated as a child, you should leave the skirt of your aunt. As you are now, you aren't even a hundredth of the man your father was at your age.”

A shadow swallowed her and her group as she left. Their smirks beings the last thing he saw.

----

*Whoosh*

Somewhere, far from the church in a castle, the shadow around the room squirmed before slowly stretching out as two silhouettes walked out of it.

It was the Duchess and her butler, who also served as a contract. Her family's members were nowhere to be seen.

”Mistress, was it wise to antagonize the heir so openly? If he even has half the talent of his father upon his awakening, he will without a doubt become a powerhouse. Perhaps he will even get a class S spirit.”

A smirk of derision formed on the duchess face,

”Do you think S class is something anyone can obtain and get into a contract? What more, so what if he has the talent? Do you think this fledgling could do anything with just talent?”

”...His father was already a monster at his age…”

”So? He isn't his father. Never will he be. There's only one Mars. Never compare him to that child again. Now, please make me some tea. I need to reassess the situation and plan accordingly.”