Son of the Hero King

Chapter 77 CH 68: JOYOUS DINNER

The atmosphere was slightly restrained as the food was served by the servant.

Once this was done, all eyes gathered on Sol.

From what Sol knew, in his old world, nobles generally never ate anything that hadn't been tested by their servant first. This was to prevent being poisoned.

In Gaia, nobles were a little different. Poison simply didn't work the same way. Alchemy and medicine weren't particularly developed for the simple reason that they could basically heal everything either with their own regenerative abilities, with magic, or by asking a priestess to pray for them.

This made it so that poison that could affect people with mana was basically non-existent. Of course, this didn't mean they didn't exist.

Sol, thanks to his dragon physique, was immune to many things even before his awakening. Poison technically being one of them.

But,

"Your highness, please."

Taking a step forward, Milia gave a bow before letting her hand hover over the food in front of Sol. Her hand, shining with a blue light.

This was a form of mana usage that could determine the presence of mana in any substance.

None of the noble's presents frowned at Milia's action. This wasn't a question of trust or doubt. Sol and Lilin were currently the sole possible heir of the throne, with Sol being the only one having activated his blessing. There was simply no way he would take any kind of risk.

Once Milia was done with her inspection and was sure that there was nothing dangerous, she bowed again before taking a step back.

This was something that they had decided in advance.

There was no absolute in this world. He may be immune to poison on paper, but it would be too late to regret if he ever ingested a poison that surpassed his limits. Better be safe than sorry.

Taking his knife and his fork, he gently cut the steaming steak in front of him before taking a bit.

"This is truly delicious."

This was enough as permission, and soon, everyone was now eating.

At first, they were still a little restrained, but as time passed and they saw that Sol wasn't too strict, they relaxed considerably and began to discuss more joyously.

No one observing this table would ever imagine that they were nobles.

It wasn't hard to understand why. Some noble titles could be obtained with enough achievement in war. It was clear that all of the nobles present here were previously soldiers under the order of the Duke.

​ ---

While most of the tables were discussing, the head of the table with Sol, Tyr, Gerald, Athena, and Ares was totally silent.

Athena was observing Sol with interest in her eyes. His earlier display really surprised her and it was hard to think that someone with such a tyrannical aura could be so calm and gentle.

She wasn't particularly interested in romance, but she had to admit that Sol was truly the perfect groom for any woman in Lustburg.

[Is there something on my face?]

She nearly jumped when she heard the voice near her ear. Still, her reflex kicked in and she stayed calm. She also knew what had happened.

"Do you think his highness and the lady are hooking up?"

"Who knows. But they seemed to be really interested in each other."

"Is his highness a womanizer?"

"Perhaps? At least he seems to know how to handle women. Never saw the lady smile like that when discussing with a boy."

"Ohhh. Then perhaps the lady will finally find a husband?"

"Incredible... I had already bet she wouldn't marry before at least her thirty."

"I had bet that she would never marry."

"Hey, don't insult the lady. I had bet that she was into girls."

Such discussion began to fly around. Even though they were murmuring and didn't whisper, when so many people talked at the same time it was hard to not hear them.

Athena blushed in anger about this betting she never heard about.

"You bastard! Who the hell began this betting?"

All the nobles feel silent before directing their eyes on the Duke.

"Ohohoh~! To think my loyal soldiers would betray me so easily."

He slowly caressed his beard while dodging the murderous eyes of his granddaughter.

Everyone else began to laugh while Athena began to berates the Duke.

Looking at them like that, Sol had to admit that he felt envy.

His diners were generally with Lilith and Lilin. Never of which were particularly talkative. He had never felt such warmth during a diner. So much laughter and happiness. It was truly a new experience that he relished greatly.

Smiling inwardly, Sol began to hope even more that the Duke would truly take his side.

[They are interesting right?]

This time, it was Gerald0 who whispered to him. His eyes still glued on the scene, Sol nodded, [Indeed. They are truly a funny bunch.]

Gerald, also looking at this scene gave a warm smile.

[My brother is someone who sees all his soldiers as family. Many of his most trusted generals even call him father or grandfather. He isn't the best example of a noble. But... He is someone truly worth respecting.]

(E/N: White beard. Lol)

Swirling a glass of wine in his hand, he took a sip before continuing.

[Sol, later, if you wish you will be able to discuss alone with my brother. Sadly, even though I wish to support you, I do not have enough power to sway the opinions. So the result will depend on you. I wish you success.]

Sol, hearing this heartfelt advice felt a pang in his heart. He wished, really wished with from the bottom of his heart that there was nothing wrong with Gerald.

'I hope that Milia's investigation will show how trustworthy you are.'

He refused to believe that the one who took care of him all those years could be a traitor. But he refused to leave anything to luck. Letting the goddesses throw the die was the most stupid decision anyone could take.