147: Unexpected

Looking up at Liane, all I got out was, “I can use wine in cooking?”

“Trevor, that’s great, did you hear me?” Liane said, frustrated with the response.

“Oh sorry, I’ll cook another steak. It’s okay,” I said, waving it off, still looking at the plate that Lily was now clearing off.

Liane just looked at me, mouth open.

“I’m no fan of the royals, but just a steak, really?”

“Yeah? It’s what I’m making tonight,” I responded, a bit confused why Liane was surprised by this. Luis is a prince, sure, but he’s invited himself to dinner, so he clearly wants what the others want… right?

“I don’t know why I’m surprised by this, but you’re right. I’ll let everyone know you’re getting it all ready then,” Liane laughed.

Not having anymore skywolf cut up for an extra steak, rather than butchering more, I pulled out one of the buvul chunks, and after getting a look from Lily, I proceeded to cut two thick buvul steaks as well.

Seasoning them the same as before and using a grill that Crisplet created, I put them on, taking the others out to the people sitting at the table. Now, I could have stored them all and then brought them out all at once, but I figured I’d buy myself time if I took it out slowly.

What I didn’t expect was that when I came out with the first two plates, the house staff went to enter the kitchen to get the other plates.

“Careful when you go in there, Lily is eating,” I said, watching them all halt in their tracks.

In the end, only Archie went inside and helped bring out plates of food.

Everyone was already seated with Luis, George, and Darren all looking a little roughed up, but still smiling despite it.

“Apologies, just basic meals tonight,” I said, setting down the food.

Heading back into the kitchen to find Crisplet had already finished the two steaks, I quickly finished it with a small bit of jus, then for Lily’s piece I added the last of the sauce, infusing it again just to be sure, which she happily ate.

I took my seat at the table and felt bad because I hadn’t prepared food for the staff. Was I supposed to feed them?

“It smells great! Thanks for having me; it’s such a relief to leave the palace grounds sometimes…” Luis happily said.

He was interrupted by the kitchen door opening, as Lily made her way out.

Luis leaned forward. “Is she always so terrifying?”

I was about to protest when Jen spoke up. “Yes.”

“It’s not that bad,” I muttered.

Hari laughed. “You only say that because you cannot feel her presence like the rest of us, but she’s not bad compared to the others.”

“This sauce is so good, Trev!” Liane said.

I had been feeling that it had been odd that the prince stuck around, even going as far as to join us for dinner. I had to ask.

“So why didn’t you want to go back to the palace? Surely you’d get better food there?” I asked Luis.

He seemed to consider the answer for a moment. “Honestly, I assume they sent me because they want us to get along, but truthfully, I just enjoy leaving the palace. I’m rarely allowed, so if I don’t return quickly they’ll think we hit it off, and I’ll get more freedom,” Luis said with a chuckle.

“So I apologise for using you like that. I did actually have a blast training today, though. It’s nice to train with someone other than palace guards and my tutors.”

I waved off the last comment. “It’s fine. What do you mean they want us to get along, though?”

Luis shrugged. “I’m not really involved in a lot of decisions, but delivering those documents is something my sister would normally be tasked with, which means they had another goal, so it was my best guess.”

“Politics,” Liane muttered.

“Exactly, that’s why it’s refreshing to come to a place where your every move isn’t under scrutiny—well, not as much anyway,” Luis said with a laugh.

“Sorry, I’ve not had a good run with people in power,” I added, feeling embarrassed.

For some reason, Lily’s attention was drawn towards the foyer, where she was gazing at the wall.

“No, no, you’re fine. I half expected you to kick me out hours ago,” Luis added, his eyes drifting to Lily, who was moving.

“I’d like to spar with you again if you come back!” George added happily.

“I’d like that, but it’s not my choice normally,” Luis said.

“What can you tell us about this shop they got for Micca?” Milo asked.

Lily got up, sitting right behind my chair. She was now staring at the door. Attracting everyone’s attention at this point.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

“Uh… I’m not really sure, honestly. It’s in the upper noble district, so depending on what you’re selling, it might not be much help,” Luis said, shrugging, clearly very distracted by Lily.

A moment later, Archie rushed back into the dining room.

“Uh, I’m sorry to bother you during dinner, Trevor sir, but, well, there is another guest. She’s rather persistent in seeing you, and she said her daughter as well?” he said, sounding confused and worried.

“Daughter?” Hari asked, looking around.

A moment later the door opened again, and a lady walked in so gracefully it appeared that she wasn’t even walking on the floor. She wore the most elegant emerald green dress I had ever seen; it looked to be lined with emeralds.

As for the lady herself, her skin was pale, almost ghost-white, and her eyes held the same weight as Lily’s.

Lily, who was now approaching the lady.

“Hello Lily dear, I thought I felt you in the city here,” she said, her voice sounding ethereal.

She reached down, patting Lily behind the ears, and had everyone in the room stunned.

“Trevor, you wouldn’t mind if I stayed? I won’t be a bother,” she said softly.

Again, silence. I just looked on, not sure who this was or what to say, but something was familiar, and the only person I had seen call Lily daughter was…

“Sylverith?” I asked.

“Oh good, you recognised me,” she said gleefully.