Moonlight Ball - Chapter 148

Naturally, Sidrain did not abandon his subjects like any ordinary king would. He, or rather, his mage, dutifully erected a protective barrier to ward off the menacing monsters. In front of that translucent barrier, demonic creatures loomed, casting the realm into a nightmarish predicament where they had to dismantle the remains of 118 of their own kind. It was a daunting task, and nobody knew how long the barrier would hold.

How could three nobles and wealthy men, who had never engaged in such gruesome undertakings, dismantle the corpses of 118 monsters? That was their personal hell, an uncharted territory they were forced to navigate.

Half a year later, the trio eventually returned to the capital, yet Sidrain, on his homeward path, did not hesitate to vanquish any monster that dared cross his way. The pursuit of witchbeast hunting was a pursuit where ease was achieved effortlessly, while difficulty posed its own treacherous path to tread.

“Pay up, you rascal.”

Mutharion, the loyal retainer, declared triumphantly as they bid farewell to the king, returning from a sacred hunt. He turned to Pow as soon as he confirmed the departure of three Surahs.

“Look there. Could he be on his way?”

“What’s the matter? You must have misplaced it. If you hadn’t spared me, you would have shown mercy.”

Retendon said with a triumphant smile. Pow requested a bit more patience, but ultimately acknowledged that the three servants had vanished and clicked his tongue, as if he had lost a wager. The two of them had placed a substantial bet on whether the king would bring along the count’s third son or not.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please calm yourselves.”

Melanie, amidst Mutharion’s momentary victory, cleared her throat lightly. Despite the couple’s tendency to engage in lively banter, there was always a positive rapport between Melanie and Retendon. It wasn’t unpleasant that her husband had emerged victorious in the wager. Melanie grinned and playfully nudged Retendon’s arm. What had they bet on? She meant ‘she’, but her expression was brimming with sweetness, revealing her delight in her husband’s triumph.

During Sidrain’s absence, there had been some changes in the position of the queen’s maid. Directly behind the queen stood Elena, the Duchess of Sethang, and Rose, the Marquis of Lasian. Immediately following them was Rosalyn Taverin, a noblewoman without any formal title.

“Sid!”

The moment Iris caught sight of Sidrain, she dashed towards him.

Iris couldn’t help but worry if Sidrain had sustained any injuries during the monster hunt, or rather, if those monstrous creatures had managed to harm him. It was a relief to see him back, but she wanted to make sure he was unharmed. Any injuries had to be tended to immediately, even if it meant utilizing his magical abilities.

As Iris stumbled while running, a cry of concern rang out, and His Majesty hurried over. Sidrain swiftly moved to her side, grasping her waist. The hem of Iris’s dress fluttered like delicate petals.

“Ris, you’re being reckless!”

Despite Sidrain’s bruised appearance, Iris remained undeterred. She scrutinized his face and asked directly,

“Where are you hurt?”

The royal knights, who had witnessed the king’s extraordinary feats during the beast hunt, were left perplexed. Ah, one had to possess immense strength and a touch of madness to capture a dragon. In other words, a human couldn’t possibly catch a dragon. It was a natural conclusion. How could an ordinary man achieve such a feat?

And now, the queen was genuinely concerned for a king who pretended to be human when he was anything but.

“It’s nothing.”

Sidrain welcomed Iris’s concern with a smile and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. The fragrance of flowers emanating from her enveloped him, leaving him slightly dizzy. He was consumed by a strong desire to carry her to their bedroom.

“My lady, how have you been?”