Chapter 339
Chapter 339
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 339
Chapter Title: Chapter 8-1. The Nation of Dragonkin, Reillysa.
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Judah nodded. Upon second thought, that option seemed far better. Since subjugating and acquiring Requiem from Selion, he had only drawn it from the <Bag> once—to face the angels. He couldn't be certain it was safe.
Back then, though he had wielded Requiem's power without issue, it hadn't acknowledged him like Yakal had. He clearly remembered it merely recognizing him as its owner and trying to seize his body.
Why were all these fragments like this?
He didn't know if they were inherently prideful or designed that way. He could understand the few fragments with properly formed egos, at least—they could hold a conversation. But these had no real ego yet still tried to take his body if they didn't like him. It was nothing but trouble.
Naturally, he was certain that the moment he drew Requiem from the <Bag> this time, massive flames would erupt. He couldn't imagine it meekly displaying its beautiful form. A spectacular fire show before dinner might whet the appetite, but he had no desire to play the clown for that.
'Hmm.'
On top of that, he worried what might happen if Requiem tempted the others. Last time, against the angels, there had been no issue, but that could have been because it was subjugated to him or partied up.
In a place full of mana-sensitive dragonkin like Esther Seo, its effect was unpredictable. Of course, as Selion's father, if he judged it had a negative influence, he'd put it right back.
Judah set down his wine glass and turned to the elderly dragonkin, Lumi Ren, approaching with several carts in tow. Surprised to see Judah peacefully conversing with Esther Seo without incident, Lumi Ren's eyebrow twitched upward as their eyes met. He stopped nearby, and the elves pulling the carts halted in perfect unison like machines. Lumi Ren bowed toward Esther Seo.
"Your Majesty, seeing your bright expression, it seems I've brought the meal at just the right time."
"Ah, perfect timing indeed. And what you mentioned was just groundless worry."
"You've already spoken?"
Esther Seo nodded. He had planned to grill him in Lumi Ren's presence to uncover the truth behind Selion's words, but there was no need for such hassle. It truly was baseless. This human even felt worthy of his daughter. Selion already seemed firmly smitten with Judah, after all.
"Mmm, that's truly fortunate."
His face showed no such relief. Even Judah could tell he couldn't accept it. Noticing this, Esther Seo burst into hearty laughter.
"Don't worry. Once you hear the story, you'll understand why I called it groundless. But I can't tell Selion to repeat it, so I'll fill you in later. The key point is you had no reason for such concern."
"…Understood. If Your Majesty says so, I'll believe it. Then, shall we serve the meal?"
"Indeed."
Lumi Ren signaled the elves. Clean cloths were laid before each person first, followed by tableware. A knife, fork, and spoon each—one of everything. Then the elves carefully carried over lidded bowls with both hands.
Watching Lumi Ren from the side, Judah suddenly felt curious.
"Your Majesty, may I ask a question?"
"Of course."
"I understand there's a head servant, so why is Lumi Ren personally leading the attendants like this?"
Esther Seo chuckled.
"I'm wondering the same. Lumi Ren was only supposed to guide you to your rooms. Probably because of what Selion said. To him, she's no different from a granddaughter."
Is that so?
If Selion's claim that she couldn't live without Judah stemmed from some suspicious act, perhaps he didn't want to dirty the king's hands and was stepping in himself? The meal as a last supper... something like that, maybe.
"Having Lumi Ren around would feel awkward anyway. Lumi Ren."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Withdraw. And postpone tonight's banquet—it's too much hassle. Ah, yes. Let's just open the national treasury and hold a festival instead. No point hoarding money with nothing to spend it on. Perfect."
"A festival—excellent idea. Shall I contact Synops and Jin as well?"
"Is that necessary?"
"Father."
Selion cut into their conversation midway. Esther Seo immediately stopped and turned to her.
"Can't we discuss that later?"
"Of course! Why not? You heard him, Lumi Ren. We'll talk separately later. Oh, and don't forget to announce the banquet's canceled to everyone."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"And don't feel too slighted—we just don't have enough seats. We have plenty of time, don't we?"
Lumi Ren acknowledged and waited for the elves to transfer all the food from the carts to the table. Once done, he used magic to remove all the lids at once.
Hot steam billowed out en masse, filling the air with the aroma of glistening meats and fragrant scents. Leaving well-wishes for an enjoyable meal, Lumi Ren withdrew with some elves in tow.
"Now, let's eat. I hope it suits your tastes."
Judah picked up his fork and knife. Dining etiquette among beastkin, including here in Reillysa, was far simpler than that of human nobles.
One knife.
One fork.
One spoon—that's all. Eat as much as you want. No different tools for slicing steak or eating salad.
'Delicious.'
It seemed like duck meat slathered in fat, marinated with spices and vegetables, then grilled—perfectly to his taste. Great texture too. A bit oily was the only drawback, but paired with salad, it was ideal.
No comments on the food, no real chit-chat. When wine or water ran low, they simply called an elf from behind to refill. Empty plates piled up one by one. Arhil and Lime, stomachs full, stopped eating. But Iris and Judah kept going.
Dragonkin ate a lot by nature, but Esther Seo marveled at how Iris matched them. Their digestion must be incredible—they seemed to convert food straight to nutrients on the spot. The sheer volume already surpassed any normal stomach capacity.
'Good thing I ordered generously.'
He'd expected heavy eaters since they were spirit sword owners, but hadn't guessed Iris was one too.
'Four of them?'
Dragonkin ate plenty already. Spirit sword owners ate even more. With Judah and Iris included, the mountain of food vanished in a blink.
"Looks like it was to your liking."
"Extremely delicious. I'd love to take some for the road."
Judah said, wiping his mouth with a napkin.
"Not hard to prepare some. I could even give you a subspace pouch if you want."
"Ah, no need."
"Hm? Food will spoil in this weather."
"No, I have my own subspace."
Judah opened the <Bag> to demonstrate. A black void appeared in the air, then closed. Esther Seo laughed at the sight.
"I see. In that case, I'll prepare enough for a full month's hearty meals. Look forward to it."
"Thank you."
Judah meant it.
"But not lacking? I thought it sufficient, but didn't expect four spirit sword owners. Admittedly, anyone watching us devour this much would think it abnormal."
"We could eat more, but this is enough for today. There's tomorrow and the day after."
"Hahaha! Planning to bankrupt me? Fine. Eat your fill."
Arhil and Lime looked queasy. They couldn't adapt to such appetites. Judah shoveled food in relentlessly, so it made sense whatever the amount. But Selion and Iris ate gracefully with dainty bites, seeming light eaters—until you tallied it up: staggering quantities. Satisfied, they dabbed their mouths with napkins.
Confirming the meal over, the elves cleared the empty plates and magically cleaned the cloths. They served simple fruit desserts.
Once the elves left, Esther Seo popped a fruit into his mouth and spoke.
"Well then, won't you show me that Requiem now? I'm looking forward to it. Just what kind of sword could cause such a thing?"
At his request, Judah opened the <Bag>. As he went to draw Requiem, he glanced at Selion beside Esther Seo. Her face was deathly pale, lips pressed tight, eyes squeezed shut.
Should he say he'd show it later?
But he couldn't accommodate her every time he drew Requiem. Sorry, but out it came.
The gold-embellished hilt emerged first like a blade sliding from its sheath, followed by the double-edged blade glowing red-hot.
"Hooh."
The instant it fully appeared, Requiem erupted in fierce flames. Luckily held point-up, or it might have scorched Arhil and Lime. Fearing greater flames, Judah shoved back his chair, stood, and retreated.