"Well then," I took my seat.
After cleansing my mouth, Lucia and I returned to finish my meal, which most probably was cold by now.
All though I could no longer taste dirt in my mouth, I naught mind overlaying my taste buds with a layer of delicious curry.
I shall replace those memories...
I delivered spicy veggies in my mouth. To my surprise, it was warm.
I looked at Princess, who had been grinning broadly all this time, sitting in front of me and asked,
"You sure about not consuming this delicious meal? You might end up losing weight,"
"Fret not. It's not like I work anyways,"
Privileged huh... Did you not roasted yourself with that?
"Sure," I continued devouring dishes presented to me as Lucia just kept smiling, lost in her own world.
After duel, I asked her if I could continue with my meal. She was fine with it but also tagged along. I did not inquired but guess she really not have anything to do.
Speaking of duel, Neulon's performance was outstanding. There were, not major but, variables and I had misjudged his abilities. My evaluation of him was not on point. He surpassed it.
If anything, I was surprised by his strength and honestly, did enjoyed throwing hands with him. Considering that fact, the first time I saw him, fighting demons, he was tired. Now, he did not thought twice before his next move. It was all the fruit of hardwork and determination that he fought most of his battle on instincts. Only time he bothered to think, it concluded the match.
That move was not unexpected though I considered it to be performed later. He came at me sooner than I imagined, which may contemplate as his ability to adapt.
Humans grow, even in the toughest situation they can grow. It does not matter what circumstances they may found themselves in, there is always a room for growth.
Only exception is if one is incapable of any action.
Neulon, with certainty, a battle maniac never spare any opportunity to fight. He must be in love with that adrenaline rush he get whenever he step up for a bout. Individuals had always been easy to give into cheap provocation. They hit first and inquire later.
There was nothing for me to bother about for the time being since Lucia seem pleased. I had my doubts about Demons. Not to mention Lufi Empire itself was a big issue. I was still not aware of circumstances, i.e., the political relationships between two countries.
Whether it's Yudhma Empire or Lufi Empire, my stand as neutral. Though, behaviour Lufi Empire should in the past does have quite an impression on me but that not makes me biased.
When I was done with my meal, we left the place and got followed Lucia's daily schedule. She was pleased, if anything, when she walked, her shoulders were bouncing.
We, for the most part Lucia as me standing guard outside the door, attend guests as usual. They were all nobles, young ladies. Often Lucia called me in only to ask things that one might not even bother to pay attention to.
"Did you see anyone around?" Or,
"You are not slacking, right?" Or,
"How is weather outside?"
All the stuff that seem not unreasonable but unnecessary.
At first, I was on alert. Assuming some intrusion without my knowledge... But I soon realised it was all nonsense.
As I left the room, I could hear their giggles.
Mood swings...?
Are all of them at the same time...
But I threw those thoughts in bin as I realised it was rude of me.
If anything, I was, what they call, a sacrificial lamb.
As I passed time, standing ideally, I saw familiar figures passing by.
"Are you bored? Why not take a break," As if sensing my boredom, Nerisa made a proposal. Of course she was messing around.
"You know I cannot do that,"
"Aw, poor thing,"
I raised my hand to greet Leon who was walking by her side and he returned a nod.
"What are you to up to?"
"We are free. We just returned from an expedition so it's time for some rest." Leon explained.
On his words, I turned to Nerisa.
"What?"
"You too part of the expedition?"
"Yep... You looking down on me?" She did not liked my speech and gave me a disgusted look.
"I see, you must be there for cooking."
"You—!" She surely never see that coming.
"You think this is a joke! Allow me to pull that filthy tongue out of your mouth so you can taste food better!" She grabbed me by collar, ready to knock my teeth.
"If it was not funny, why are you laughing Leon?"
Nerisa turned her glare to Leon, making him stiff in reflex.
"*Cough* *Cough*, A-Am not laughing. Allan, you should not make such offensive jokes in front of a lady." He reminded me.
"Jokes?... This is joke to you?!" She let go of me and turned to Leon.
" ! "
"Tell me. Do you guys make such misogynistic, belittling... Disgusting jokes behind our back?!"
Now Leon was what we call... A Sacrificial Lamb.
Hehe
Leon was taken aback as he raised both his arms, signalling his surrender.
"N-No no! That's not what I—!"
"Then what is it that you mean?!"
As Nerisa went on Leon, the door I been guarding opened.
"Allan, what's this noise— Oh Nerisa, and Leon too. Why are you here?" Lucia inquired.
"H-Huh ah, Greetings Princess?" Feeling her presence, Nerisa turned to greet her.
Leon did the same.
"G-Greetings Princess."
"Why ruckus?"
"Y-You see, Leon and Allan are harassing me!"
"What?!" Astonished, Lucia looked at me. Then Leon.
"T-That is not—! We dare not to Princess!"
Indeed, the choice of words were excellent. Nerisa definitely is a certified —
Lucia turned at me yelled.
"Allan. Explain!"
"What Nerisa just said is partially true, Princess. This man, Leon... He is such a misogynist!"
"Mhn mhn!" Nerisa also nodded in agreement.
Lucia then turned her head at Leon. Now furious.
"T-That's not! Y-You— Allan, why you doing this to me?!"
"Leon. As you can see, I have few guest to entertain. Would you mind explaining so we naught waste any more time..."
"I-I—,"
"We are just messing around."
Leon seem to be in a tough spot. I had to explain Lucia everything.
"Leon and Nerisa were passing by so I thought why no exchange few words. Though I could not restrain myself from teasing Nerisa. What can I say, she reacts exactly how you want her to."
Nerisa grunted at me.
See, I told ya.
"I see... So you think women belongs to the kitchen?"
Exactly!
"Exactly!" Leon announced.
Both ladies gave him sharp glare so he rephrased himself.
"E-Exactly, I-Is what Allan think..."
I shook my head in disagreement.
"Lady Nerisa is a fine, generous woman. I love food. If Nerisa and Leon were on expedition, and Leon, by any chance, get to taste her cooking... I'd be envious."
"Hah! So you d—"
"It's a universal truth that there is no better cook than a generous lady. I heard from Prince that Lady Nerisa's cooking is elegant."
"I know what you do—," This time it was Lucia who interrupted Nerisa.
"Whatever. You guys are just dumb, doing dumb things. I have guest so dare not to make fuss." After saying so, Princess directed a disappointed look at us and returned to entertain her guest.
"You owe me one. For saving for skin," I told Nerisa.
"Who owes you?! Whatever, I'm leaving. I don't want to waste anymore time with you idiots!" After throwing tantrums, Nerisa left.
After giving me a nod, Leon to followed her hurriedly.
"Guess I'll just stare at ceiling for now," I mumbled to myself.
I enjoyed the view of the boring ceiling as the sound of footsteps slowly fainted.
. . . . .