Chapter 82: Zone vs intent(1) (1/2)

(AN: Using the terms beast-kin or beast-men is frankly awkward sometimes. I like the term were-beasts more. So from now, beast-kin will be werebeasts. For example, Wolfmen will become a werewolf. They aren't traditional were creatures but it's enough.)

The dinner went as well as possible. The atmosphere was bright and friendly. Even though they did not forget their manners and weren't rude to Sol, he knew that he was already much closer to them.

The truth of the matter was that, at his current level, it was impossible to win a war alone. He needed soldiers. He needed generals. He needed many things and this was but the first step out of many.

It didn't take long for the dinner to end and the guests to go away. Each of them presented themselves to him by giving their titles and name in the utmost respect. They had seen what he was capable of and didn't underestimate him.

In the end, the only ones still present were the Highland family and Sol with Milia and Setsuna.

”Your highness, how was the dinner?”

At his right, the Duke asked with a tranquil smile.

”I must admit that it was refreshingly interesting. I thank you for this invitation.”

”Ohohoh~! This old man is truly happy if it pleased you.”

Sol returned an affable smile and waited for this old man to finish his thoughts.

”Then, your highness, could I ask for a meeting between the two of us, I would like to discuss important matters.”

Saying so, he rose from his seat and bent down slightly.

Having no reason to refuse since it was his goal, Sol nodded without worries and indicated to Milia and Setsuna to not follow him before standing and following the Duke.

It did not take long for the two of them to leave the zone.

Now alone, Athena turned to Setsuna and Milia who stood still without movement. Squinting a little, she asked, ”Setsuna, was it? I would have never thought that you were the gladiator king. I remember having invited your fake persona to serve the army. But I was coldly refused. I  think I understand now why.”

She wasn't the only one. Setsuna, the gladiator's queen, was an exceptional individual. She clearly had the talent to reach close to the highest level possible without much difficulty. Only time was necessary. As such, she had received invitations from basically all Dukes and Marquesses.

Despite that, she rejected them all. No one knew why and some even tried to eliminate her because of this, but they were all unable to determine her true identity.

Now though, Athena understood. How could a warrior of such caliber accept working for a noble when she was already the knight of the future king?

Setsuna, hearing this had to search her memory before remembering what Athena was talking about.

”I do not really remember your letter in particular. I was and will always be loyal to his highness. So I simply refused all those invitations in batches.”

Of course, she hadn't always been this loyal to him. At first, she was simply thinking of using him and obtaining the protection of the royal family and a springboard for her revenge.

But, that day when they met Edea for the first time. That time when he stood in front of her while she was crippled with fear and unable to move. That moment, that instant, as she watched his small, shivering but steadfast back, he became her sun.

He became the light that would illuminate her path that was shrouded in darkness and hatred.

From then on, she began to observe him, his actions, his thoughts, his words. Everything was dazzling for her. Her crush slowly transformed into a fierce love and loyalty over the years.

Wolves were one of the most loyal creatures ever and werewolves weren't any different. This was also one of the reasons the treason of her uncle took everyone by surprise.

Wolves do not betray.

”... Setsuna…?”

She was brought back from her thoughts by Milia's voice. Giving a weak smile, she motioned that everything was alright.

Athena looked thoughtfully at Setsuna for a while before smiling brightly.

”I like you. If I still had enough capacity to accept a new partner, I would certainly fight over you with Sol.”

Her smile was pure and shining without an ounce of sarcasm or ill intentions. Watching her like that, Setsuna also gave a smile of her own.

”Even if you had enough capacity, I would have never chosen you. My sole and only master is his highness. No one else.”

This was her heartfelt thought and Athena, hearing those words, did not get offended but rather began to laugh out loud. A laugh of pure happiness.

In her mind, if you wanted to judge someone, then you should observe the people that surround him. After all, birds of a feather flock together. She could already judge that the maid next to Sol was also fiercely loyal to him.

If someone could obtain such a pure devotion, either they were masters in manipulating people or they were people worthy of befriending.

'Your highness, I am becoming even more curious about you.'

This was the first time that she expressed interest in someone of the opposite sex. If he knew about it, the Duke would cry tears of joy while cursing at all the money he would lose because of the bet he made.

----

While the discussion was ongoing in the dining room, the Duke, unaware of his possible future loss, was pouring in one of the most expensive liquors in his possession to Sol before finally taking a seat as well.