Note : Sorry for not updating the chapter for almost 3 months. I've been very busy lately. I needed to prepare for graduation and take part in my school's internship program. I've been extremely, extremely busy. I'm really sorry, but now I'm free. I'll update every day from now.
The meeting finally ended, resulting in various important decisions that would influence the future of the Kingdom of Avalon.
By the time the meeting concluded, the sun was nearly setting, painting the sky a beautiful and breathtaking shade of orange.
Unfortunately, no one could enjoy the view, as the entire kingdom was mourning in sorrow.
As the Black family was about to leave the meeting room, King Augustus suddenly stopped them.
"Hey, William, wait a moment," King Augustus said.
"Augustus, we're still in front of the nobles. You should remain formal," Father replied.
"Don't worry about formality. We're friends, after all. All the nobles know that," King Augustus responded.
"Suit yourself. So, what do you want?" Father asked while sighing at his friend's behavior.
"Let's have dinner together. I want to express my gratitude," King Augustus said.
"Huh? Gratitude for what?" Father asked, confused.
"I'll explain later. Let's go to the dining hall first," King Augustus replied.
Seeing the behavior of the King and his friend, their spouses simply smiled faintly.
"How are you holding up, Victoria?" Empress Elizabeth asked.
"I'm doing alright. Just a little dizzy from looking after the twins," Mother replied, glancing at Oliver, who was asleep on Van's back.
"I understand your pain," Empress Elizabeth responded, looking at her daughter Vivian, who was hiding behind her.
- - - - -
The Royal Family and the Black family arrived in the dining hall. On the table, there were various rare and luxurious foods and drinks. The aroma of the dishes filled the room, making Oliver drool.
Both families then sat and prayed—except for one person who didn't. Van, who didn't pray, simply observed everyone else who was.
Unlike other kingdoms, the people of Avalon had religious freedom. That meant they were free to believe in any [God], as long as it wasn't an evil one.
For example, the Royal Family of Avalon believed in the [Hero God], while the Black family believed in the [Sword God].
After everyone finished praying, Oliver immediately shoved a piece of meat—almost as big as his face—into his mouth.
As a result, he choked, and his face turned blue. Van poured a glass of water into Oliver's mouth, and his condition slowly improved. He then continued eating as if nothing had happened.
Crown Prince Caesar Julian von Avalon looked around and eventually spotted a bottle of wine. His eyes sparkled like stars upon seeing it. He poured himself a glass.
"Don't drink too much. You still have work tomorrow," King Augustus said.
"Yes, Father," replied Prince Caesar as he sipped the wine.
Unlike the prince, King Augustus and Father were already partying with the wine, drinking straight from the bottle without pouring it into glasses.
Seeing the wine, Oliver wanted to try some. His small hand reached out for the bottle, but Van swatted it away and gave him a glass of orange juice instead. Oliver looked at Van in annoyance.
As Oliver glared at Van, he felt a tap on his shoulder from Olivia. He turned to her and saw her pointing at someone.
A chill ran down his spine as he turned back to see Mother smiling at him as if to say, "Go ahead and drink if you want to sleep on the grass tonight."
'Hehe, take that, kid,' Van thought as he drank a glass of water.
"The reason I invited you for dinner is to thank the Black family—especially you, Van Black," King Augustus said, his face slightly flushed.
Hearing the sudden statement, Van choked.
"Cough cough."
After regaining his composure, Van looked at King Augustus with a blank face, though his red eyes were filled with confusion.
Seeing Van's expression, King Augustus and Empress Elizabeth chuckled.
"I'm thankful because you saved my daughter when she was kidnapped by a cult during the attack on the capital," King Augustus said, glancing at a nervous Vivian. "This naughty girl escaped from her guards and ended up being kidnapped."
Hearing the explanation, Van finally understood the reason for the king's gratitude.
'So that's it. Thanks, Arthur. I'll treat you to fried chicken when we get home,' Van thought.
"Luckily, Van was there. Otherwise, Vivian might have been found lifeless," King Augustus said, frowning at his daughter.
"Let it go. What's important is that our daughter is safe," Empress Elizabeth said as she gently stroked Vivian's hair.
"Don't be too harsh on your daughter, Augustus. Kids are always mischievous," Father said with a chuckle.
"Looks like you've had similar troubles," King Augustus replies, noticing his friend's reaction.
"Pretty much. My little son and daughter once ran off into the [Forest of Life]," Father said, glancing at Oliver and Olivia who had turned pale. "Fortunately, Van brought them back—though their bodies were swollen from being stung by a swarm of [Fire Hornets]."
"Van must be a very caring older brother," Empress Elizabeth said with a soft smile.
Upon hearing this, Oliver and Olivia shook their heads internally, 'Not at all!'
"I'm merely fulfilling my duty, Your Majesty," Van replied calmly.
'Liar!' Oliver and Olivia thought, glaring at Van.
'We didn't run into the [Forest of Life]. It was you who threw us there in the name of training,' Olivia cried internally.
'What kind of brother throws his siblings into a ravine, drowns them in a river, leaves them among wild beasts, and uses them as punching bags?' Oliver remembered Van's inhumane treatment vividly.
"I also thank you, Van. If it weren't for you, I don't know what might have happened to my little sister," Prince Caesar said gratefully, though his eyes showed deep hostility toward Van.
'What's with that look? Damn siscon,' Van thought as he noticed the prince's hostile glare.
"By the way, how about we arrange an engagement between Van and Vivian?" King Augustus asked, dropping a bomb during dinner.
*PUFF
Van and Prince Caesar simultaneously spat out their drinks at the king's statement. Vivian blushed and quickly covered her face, red as an apple.
'Huh? Engagement?' Van couldn't process the words.
'Damn you, brother,' Oliver thought as he wiped his wet face.
'She's the same age as me. She's going to be my sister-in-law?' Olivia stared at Vivian in disbelief.
Van and Oliver exchanged glances, as if communicating telepathically.
'You're getting married?'
'Don't ask me. I don't know either.'
'I'm doomed. Someone's going to kill me,' Van thought, sensing the prince's murderous siscon gaze aimed directly at him.