The Demon and the Hero - Chapter 8- Dinner~2

It was…a comfortable dinner with the Prince.

There are several things in common between them. They both were aware of the political situation of the Kingdom and also, about the aftermath of war.

William is a mature person and someone with great social skills, so he never allowed their conversation to stagnate.

Lenora was naturally, responding to his questions and actively conversing with him. She has to admit that the Prince she has met several times in the past and the one in front of her was quite different.

The young man who was sharing the table as her was no longer holding back his feelings when complaining about people. He told her how difficult it always feels when he has to spend hours hearing arguments over trivial things, just because they give it national importance.

On that subject, Lenora also agreed; however, thanks to her status as the Hero, she usually excuses herself whenever she feels the discussion is going in no definite direction.

“You are so damn lucky that Father never says anything to you. If I decide to leave a discussion for whatever reason, believe me, he can scold me like a child even at this age.”

Lenora chuckled upon hearing that, “Well, he is affectionate of you, and clearly desires to see you succeed his throne.”

William sighed, “But I don’t think I am worthy enough.”

Lenora raised her brows, “Oh, but I think you are the perfect candidate to become the next ruler.”

William was stunned as he stared at the lady and heard her saying, “You have the skill to pacify a situation, make sound judgment and your sword skills aren’t half bad.”

William sighed with a smile, “Hearing it from you makes me feel honored.” Raising his glass, he added, “Cheers to your approval. Now I might be looking forward to the coronation a little.”

Lenora raised her hands defensively, “Don’t blame me for brainwashing you into it, tho…”

That earned her a chuckle from the Prince as they were finally served the main course.

It was a beautifully decorated steak with green peas and a thick sauce on the meat that made it look rich and delicious.

“Oh my~that’s some craftsmanship the chef has shown.” William complimented as he stabbed his fork into the meat and slowly sliced it into a perfect cube.

On the other side, Lenora just sliced a rough piece and brought it on her tongue.

They both chewed the meat, and their eyes sparkled in delight.

‘This is…even better than what Hera makes…’ Lenora thought.

While the Prince openly praised, “This meat is perfectly cooked and this sauce … .ah, I love it. I have never had something so well-balanced and spicy at the same time.”

Turning to look at the smiling waiter, William said, “Whoever cooked this, please call them. I want to meet this great chef.”

The waiter instantly nodded, and after giving them a soft bow, he turned around and walked toward the kitchen.

William’s eyes turned towards the lady, and he found some sauce had smudged at the corner of her lips, urging him to pick a tissue paper and extend it towards her lips—out of habit.

Lenora’s eyes parted in surprise as she was about to stop him when suddenly her body froze.

Her eyes caught the figure of a familiar person coming out of the kitchen as he stepped toward them.

His steps never paused nor slowed down as he advanced towards the table. And because of her shock, William wiped the sauce off her face.

The cook stood before their table and said, “I cooked the steak. Is there something missing in it, dear guests?”

There was a soft smile on his face as he looked at William and Lenora alternatively.

The silver-haired Hero was struck at her place as she stared at Riphez with her eyes still widened.

She knew that he got himself a better job….but she never thought it would be the same place where she came to have dinner with the Prince.

She was immature when it came to romance but she wasn’t completely clueless. She can tell how it must be looking, from his perspective. After refusing to date him, Lenora was having dinner with the Prince while being all dressed up.

“Ah, there is nothing bad about the food; rather, it’s so perfect that I want to hire you as my personal chef.”

Riphez held his hands in front of him as he softly shook his head and said, “Ah, I am greatly honored by the offer but I don’t usually cook like this. I prefer to work in a bakery…but it doesn’t seem I will be working in the bakery anymore either.”

His last few words came in a hush, exposing his emotions for the first time. But like it was all an illusion his smile returned.

“Hmm? Are you leaving the Capital already? You do seem like someone from a foreign land.”

Hearing the Prince’s words, Riphez smiled, “Yes, I don’t belong here. I had a motive to come here…but it seems I failed in it, so I rather return home.”

Only Lenora was the one who could understand what he truly meant by those words. And each of his words were gripping her heart firmer passing each second.

Not so long after, Riphez said, “Enjoy your dinner,” before he glanced at Lenora and returned to the kitchen.

After he departed, what William said, she didn’t register. All she could think about was Riphez and that expression he had.

When he was leaving…when he glanced at her, she was met with the grave sadness he carried.

Her mind was occupied by Riphez alone. It almost felt like she betrayed him.

‘What should I do….’

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A/N:- Damn…thanks for reading.