"Plus, I do feel hurt when my snakes get hurt… They are a part of me and I treat them like my little girls…" answered the happy girl as she patted her hair.
"I'm not sure if that's Gorgon or Mavislin speaking…" murmured Mattheos as he thanked the servant for cleaning their cups up.
"Both."
Zenos and Matt exchanged a glance before letting out simultaneous sighs, a gesture of shared resignation. As they neared the dining hall, the doors were opened by two attentive servants, revealing a scene that Matt could only describe as a culinary paradise.
The feast laid out before them was nothing short of breathtaking—a lavish spread that seamlessly blended Valokian and Akhaten cuisines into a single, extraordinary display.
The table was a mosaic of vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas, each dish meticulously prepared to showcase the finest elements of both culinary traditions.
From the Valokian side, there were elegant sushi rolls arranged with precision, their fillings a burst of fresh seafood and crisp vegetables.
Beside them, delicate tempura, with its light, crispy coating, promised a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
On the Akhaten side, hearty dishes dominated the spread. Plump sausages and rich, golden schnitzels were accompanied by generous portions of savory sauerkraut and creamy potato salads. Freshly baked pretzels, their salty crust inviting, added a rustic touch to the table.
Matt's eyes widened in awe as he took in the feast. It was a harmonious celebration of both cultures, each dish a testament to the artistry and tradition of its origin.
The fusion of flavors and textures created an unparalleled dining experience, making the prospect of the meal even more enticing.
As for Mavislin, her reaction was markedly different from the previous night. A wide, genuine smile spread across her face, lighting up her features with unrestrained joy.
With enthusiasm, she gently but firmly tugged the stunned rabbit towards the table, eager to share in the splendor of the feast.
The Viceroy shook his head and let out a weary sigh as he observed the eager little creatures before him, their enthusiasm barely contained as they set about devouring the simple meal laid out before them.
After Mattheos had exerted his best efforts to teach the little dragoness the nuances of dining etiquette with cutlery, dinner finally came to a close. With the meal concluded, it was time for each of them to wind down and prepare for the night's rest.
"Oh yeah, before I forget…" said Matt as he reached into his satchel to pull out a bundle of items to hand over to Mavislin.
"You left your items when you pursued the female of the Fontaine Couple. Thought it'd only be right to return these trophies to their owner," explained the rabbit as the girl took the bundle.
"Thank you, Mattheos. Additionally, unlike me, the bunny actually needs to sleep or else he might snatch our souls and not let go. I'm sure you've got an extra room for him, right?" asked Mavislin, facing the Viceroy.
"Of course," agreed Zenos as he snapped his fingers to summon a beautiful servant, wearing red and pink robes.
She then stepped forward, her movements graceful and deliberate as she gestured for Mattheos to follow her. Her attire was reminiscent of an Eastern courtesan, adorned with flowing silks and intricate patterns.
The rabbit felt a wave of unease as her gaze lingered on him, her eyes filled with an intensity that made him shift uncomfortably.
Meanwhile, the dragoness beside him was summoning all of her willpower not to laugh at the rabbit, even stealing some from Gorgon.
"Oi! Why a lady?" asked the confused Matt, trying to make sense of what Zenos planned to imply.
"Why not? Every male guest who has stayed here has always appreciated this particular luxury. I thought it only fitting to extend the same courtesy to you."
"You're working alongside me now, and with two hazardous missions lined up, you'll need all the comfort you can get," replied Zenos, with a hint of amusement in his tone.
"I pleasantly decline!" yelled the rabbit, turning beetroot red at what the Viceroy wanted him to do.
"Oh? Are females not to your fancy? Then I shall-"
"You shall just ask her to bring me to my room and nothing more!" exclaimed Mattheos Sin Rosenberg, his voice ringing throughout the near-empty halls of Arcadia.
Mavislin couldn't contain herself, bursting into hearty laughter that left both men momentarily stunned.
Her laughter echoed through the corridors, and even as she and the Viceroy returned to his chambers, she was still giggling uncontrollably, tears of mirth streaming down her cheeks.
"Is it truly that amusing?" questioned the Viceroy, slowly peeling off his armor.
"Yes, because I've never seen the usually composed bunny be so shy around a beautiful woman like that servant."