While most people had chosen not to approach the group, probably deciding to watch from a distance and allow someone else to test the waters first, their lecherous gazes caused Elion’s eyes to turn cold.
He had already caused a scene at one inn that day.
He had even heard several stories and conspiracies regarding what people believed had caused everyone inside to suddenly lose consciousness, and he had no intention of ruining an otherwise pleasant evening by creating another incident.
For now, he could only hope that a brief exchange with these people would convince them to leave without forcing him to put anyone in their place.
Cedric froze.
Elion’s unexpected confidence aside, he was far more interested in something Zenith had just said.
His gaze moved between Zenith and Elion several times.
"Hubby?"
Zenith nodded cheerfully, deciding to listen to Elion.
"Yes."
Cedric’s expression became complicated.
He looked towards Mira, who was seated two places away from Elion.
"And you?"
Mira smiled pleasantly.
"I am also one of his women."
His gaze moved towards Aria, seated right beside Elion.
"So am I," she answered before he could ask, pulling herself closer to Elion.
Tessa rested her cheek against one hand.
"I guess you can include me as well."
Cedric stared at them in disbelief.
His companions appeared equally stunned.
Maya took a sip from her glass.
"I am not one of his women."
Cedric’s confidence immediately returned.
"Then perhaps you..."
"But I would still rather remain here."
Yaana giggled.
"I am not one of his women either, but I am also not going anywhere."
Zenovia shook her head before Cedric could look towards her. Cedric’s expression darkened with every rejection.
He finally looked toward Elion, studying him carefully for the first time since approaching the table.
There was nothing visibly remarkable about his appearance that would explain why so many impossibly beautiful women had gathered around him.
His aura was non-existent, and his clothes were of decent quality, but they were nowhere near formal enough for the restaurant.
The only truly striking features he possessed were his height, handsome face, and unusual mismatched eyes.
Perhaps that was all it took.
Cedric had heard plenty of stories about foolish women being captivated by attractive adventurers and wandering swordsmen.
He placed one hand against the table.
"You must be rather proud of yourself."
Elion finally swallowed his food and looked up at him.
"For what?"
"Convincing so many women to follow you around."
"Quite the opposite really; I’d argue that most of them did not need much convincing."
Mira kicked him beneath the table.
Elion’s expression twitched slightly.
Cedric mistook the movement for discomfort.
"Whatever tricks you have used upon them will not last forever. Beauty and charm are temporary. A woman eventually needs stability, wealth, and status."
Elion nodded thoughtfully.
"That sounds reasonable."
Cedric had not expected agreement.
"It does?"
"Yes."
Elion gestured casually towards Mira.
"She is the daughter of a rich merchant."
Cedric’s eyes widened.
He pointed towards Aria next.
"She belongs to the Moon family."
Aria corrected him immediately.
"I do not belong to anyone but you."
"You know what I meant."
Elion gestured towards Zenith.
"She is a... princess."
Zenith smiled brightly.
"Technically, I suppose I am."
Cedric glanced between them, trying to decide whether Elion was mocking him.
Elion continued.
"Isla was a princess once, but now she owns a workshop filled with artifacts that would probably bankrupt your family if you tried to purchase half of them. Maya is one of the highest-ranking young members of the Triad Alliance."
"What about me?" Tessa asked.
Elion looked towards her.
"You are beautiful."
Her lips curled into a satisfied smile.
"That is acceptable."
Her mouth fell open.
Everyone burst into laughter.
Cedric’s face reddened as the attention of several nearby tables looked towards them.
He had approached expecting to impress a group of beautiful women and had instead become the evening’s entertainment.
One of his companions leaned closer.
"Cedric, perhaps we should leave."
Cedric ignored him.
He turned back towards Elion.
"You expect me to believe all of that?"
"I do not particularly care what you believe."
The casual answer irritated Cedric more than an insult would have.
"You should be careful how you speak to me. My father possesses considerable influence within Silvergrove."
"So does everyone’s father, apparently," Elion replied.
Maya finally decided to intervene before the situation became any more ridiculous.
"Lord Valmont’s territories are prosperous, but I would advise against threatening an official member of the Triad Alliance inside an establishment protected by our agreements."
Cedric’s expression darkened when he finally recognised her.
"Lady Maya?"
Maya gave him a polite nod.
His face immediately lost some of its colour.
Maya’s identity was well known throughout Silvergrove, particularly among noble families attempting to form connections with the growing Triad Alliance.
Cedric removed his hand from the table.
"My apologies. I did not realise..."
"That the women you were attempting to lure upstairs were important?" Mira finished for him.
Cedric swallowed.
"That was not my intention."
He took a step backwards.
His confidence had completely disappeared, but some lingering pride prevented him from apologising to Elion directly.
"I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening."
"We were doing exactly that before you arrived," Uta said.
Yaana covered her mouth, but her laughter still escaped in a snicker.
Cedric turned and walked away with his companions following close behind him.
The moment they reached their table, they hastily gathered their belongings and left the establishment altogether.
Elion watched them go before returning his attention to his meal.
"Where were we?"
Mira stared at him.
"You were explaining how you managed to befriend Aeron Tudelig."
"I already told you. We met during the trial."
"And the son of a duke simply decided that he enjoyed your company?"
"Yes."
Aria narrowed her eyes playfully.
"Did you threaten him?"
"No."
"Bribe him?" Tessa asked.
"No."
"Blackmail?" Isla added.
Elion placed his fork down.
"Why is it so difficult for all of you to believe that I can make friends normally?"
The women exchanged glances.
Uta quietly raised his hand.
"I believe you."
Elion gave him a grateful smile.
"Thank you."
"You did spare my life."
Elion’s smile faded.
"That does not help my argument."
Another burst of laughter spread around the table.
Elion sighed and resumed eating, deciding that defending himself would only give them more opportunities to mock him.
Despite the teasing, he found himself enjoying the evening.
Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!
Use arrow keys (or A / D) to PREV/NEXT chapter