The End of Your Arrogance - Chapter 14.2

The crowd went wild as they witnessed the knight and the lady, just like something they would read in a fairy tale. For just that moment, they forgot that the lady the knight was fighting for was a Maduse.

Nazz and the other knights’ faces were covered in snot and tears. They ran into the stadium and jumped onto Arthus to celebrate the victory.

“I’m so relieved.”

A small, warm smile appeared on Ilya’s lips. Behind him, a woman in a robe nodded. The woman’s eyes, which had been locked on to Evelyn, narrowed.

* * *

That evening, Ilya invited Evelyn for dinner. Evelyn awkwardly twiddled the hem of her sleeves as she rode the carriage to the venue. She heard there was a celebration dinner for Arthus’ victory. She could not understand why he wanted to have dinner with her instead of with the knights.

The carriage reached the gates of the restaurant. The valet greeted her. “Madam, His Highness has already arrived. This way, please.”

She followed the valet toward the hallway. When she arrived at the entrance of the restaurant, Evelyn paused and hesitated.

The couple ever being seen together like this, much less for a meal, was rare. This was, in fact, her first time being invited to a meal by her husband. Just the two of them. She found herself flustered and nervous and felt very silly for feeling so. She pulled herself together and was about to enter.

“What are you doing there? Why aren’t you coming in?” said a cold voice from above her head. Ilya had gotten up and approached to receive her. He led her to the main seat at a large table.

“Sit here.”

I think I’m going to be sick. Evelyn grimaced. Ilya pulled out a chair for her. She sat down awkwardly. While the maids arranged the silverware in front of her, Ilya poured a glass of wine for her.

“Let’s have wine first,” he said.

The maids and servants were surprised to see the couple being so casual and friendly.

“Bring in the food,” Ilya instructed.

The servants brought in steaming dishes. That must be a roasted turkey, that gross looking thing must be barbecued pork, is that a… pigeon? Evelyn stared at the various meat dishes that filled the large table. Ilya cut the pork himself and placed a piece on her plate.

“Eat this first.”

As she looked at the pork on the silver plate, Evelyn became suddenly worried. The juicy meat seemed too greasy to eat.

“What? You think it might be poisoned?”

Evelyn looked shocked and waved her hand. “Nonsense! I just don’t feel like eating.”

“Eat a little,” he said. “Even if you don’t feel like it You barely ate after… that incident.”

Is he worried about me? She turned to look at him and noticed that the tips of his ears under his dark hair were a little red. Evelyn suddenly felt very hungry. She grabbed her knife and her fork. She cut a big piece of juicy meat and ate it.

“That’s a special dish by the new chef.”

“It’s delicious!”

Evelyn’s hands were busy as she cut and ate her meat. The dishes tasted so much better than they looked. Ilya smiled and placed another dish on her plate.

“I heard this is a famous dish… in your hometown.”

The pigeon with rice and spices roasted in a grill was a Central Coast delicacy. My hometown… he grinds his teeth at Maduse but…

Evelyn felt like crying. She looked up at him. She could not read his mind as his face looked as indifferent as always.

Evelyn turned her attention to her meal again. She cut a small piece of meat and put it in her mouth along with some rice. As the aroma of the spice spread in her mouth, Evelyn smiled.

She felt his gaze on her. She turned to look at him. Ilya’s chin was propped on his hands as he watched her eat.

“Are you not going to eat?” she asked. His plate was empty.

“I ate earlier. There was a celebration dinner for Arthus.”

Evelyn hesitated. “Is Arthus… alright?”

“Yes. He’s great,” said Ilya. “His nose had become longer now with pride. He broke a hand, but he will heal.”

Evelyn’s face lit up with relief and joy.

“Does it make you that happy?”

“Yes, of course! I felt awful because I put him in that situation. But I will feel better knowing he is okay. I cried like a fool back then but… today was different.”

He lowered her eyes and looked at her plate. She cut a big piece of pigeon meat and shoved it in her mouth.

Ilya watched her. “Has this happened before?”

“Your Highness!” The knight who had been guarding the entrance of the restaurant rushed in.

“What’s with the noise? Can’t you see we’re eating?” Ilya glared at the knight.

“It’s just that… Sir Odin is here. He says he must meet you before he leaves.”

Evelyn’s hand on her fork trembled a little.

“Tell him to wait until we’re done,” said Ilya coldly.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The knight quickly closed the door and ran outside. And the uproar began.