Chapter 178: Chapter 178 : Thoughts about Marriage

Alex immediately noticed the change in Serena’s expression. The usual playful sparkle in her eyes dimmed, replaced with a seriousness that made the air heavy.

’Looks like her condition is even worse than we thought.’

[We should hurry, host.]

“Yeah,” Alex muttered under his breath, agreeing with the system.

Serena, as if sensing his worry, softened her gaze.

“Why don’t you come and eat something first? You must be starving after sleeping for so long.”

Her lips curved into a gentle smile before she winked playfully.

“I promise, I won’t take much of your time.”

[Do as she says, host. She’s a very nice lady.]

Alex exhaled, nodding reluctantly.

“Alright.”

Serena began leading the way, her graceful stride making even the simple act of walking look regal.

Alicia lingered close to Alex, her emerald eyes full of concern.

“Are you sure you’re alright? Your body’s not hurting anywhere, is it?”

Alex shook his head, smiling faintly.

“No, I’m fine now. What about Alden and the others? Are they okay?”

Hearing him mention her brother, Alicia paused mid-step. For a brief moment, her face stiffened.

But then she resumed walking, speaking quickly.

“They’re all fine.”

Alex studied her carefully but didn’t press further. He simply nodded.

“Good.”

The group soon reached the grand dining hall. The doors opened wide, revealing a massive table carved from polished oak, its surface gleaming under the warm glow of chandeliers.

Serena, ever the gracious hostess, gestured gracefully.

“Alex, sit beside me.”

Just as Alicia was about to take the empty chair on Alex’s other side—Reynard smoothly slid into it first.

Alicia froze.

“Father… aren’t you going to sit at the head of the table like you usually do?”

Reynard’s reply was maddeningly casual.

“Today, I feel like sitting here. You should find another spot, pumpkin.”

Alicia rubbed her temples, sighing.

’Of course. He’s trying to keep me away.’

Resigned, she sat across the table from him, sulking like a child denied candy.

Meanwhile, Alex now found himself sandwiched between the Duchess, who was smiling warmly, and the Duke, whose grin looked sharp enough to cut steel.

’One smile says “stay as long as you like”… the other says “eat my food and get out, never show your face again.”

Gods above, what kind of trap have I walked into?’

Alex sighed internally, already regretting every decision that brought him here.

Then, with a clap of Serena’s hands, the massive double doors at the far end of the hall swung open.

Servants streamed in, carrying silver platters piled high with steaming delicacies. Roasted meats glazed with honey, fresh loaves of bread, soups, and fragrant sauces filled the room with mouthwatering aromas.

Even Alex, who prided himself on self-control, felt his mouth water. His stomach betrayed him with a loud growl.

Serena chuckled softly, eyes twinkling.

“You need strength. You’ve been unconscious for days without food. Eat to your heart’s content. Alicia and I prepared much of it ourselves.”

Across from her, Reynard smirked, seizing the moment.

“At least have the manners not to drool when you see food.”

Before Alex could respond, Serena casually conjured a spectral hand of mana. It smacked Reynard across the head with a crisp snap.

“Be respectful to our guest,” she scolded firmly.

Reynard stared at her, scandalized.

“What did I even do wrong this time?!”

With a huff, he looked away.

As Alex picked up his utensils, his eyes flicked toward Reynard.

He could feel it—the overwhelming aura radiating from the man, like a sleeping dragon disguised as a human.

’Even just sitting here… the aura is insane. As monstrous as ever. If he wanted, he could kill me without even lifting a finger.

This was the man who had once brought the elves to their knees single-handedly. The man revered as the King of the North.

Yeah… this guy is not to be messed with.’

Reynard caught Alex measuring him and smiled thinly, the kind of smile that made the hairs on the back of the neck rise.

“What? Do you want to fight?”

Alex’s mouth twitched.

’Yeah, this guy is making it really hard not to mess with him.’

He opened his mouth to retort—

But before he could, Alicia—having already sensed where this was going—snatched a roasted chicken leg and shoved it straight into Alex’s mouth.

Alex gagged, muffled protests spilling out.

“Mmmph—what the hell are you doing?! Do you want me to choke to death on chicken bones?!”

Alicia exhaled in relief, leaning back in her chair.

“Finish the food in your mouth before speaking, you idiot.”

Serena laughed openly, covering her mouth but failing to hide her amusement.

Reynard turned toward his daughter, voice soft.

“His hands work just fine. He can feed himself, you know that, right?”

—

Alicia pouted, her cheeks puffing like a sulking squirrel. Reynard raised his hands in mock surrender.

“Alright, alright—but don’t do it again.”

Alex, finishing the chicken wings still in his mouth, swallowed and muttered dryly.

“I can feed myself, thank you very much.”

The moment their eyes locked again, it was like lightning clashed across the table.

Reynard narrowed his eyes, Alex mirrored the look, and the invisible sparks almost had Alicia leaning back in her chair for safety.

Serena, watching them with an amused smile, suddenly interjected.

“Alex, don’t you like chicken?”

Alex turned toward her quickly, still caught off guard.

“Of course, my la—”

Before he could finish, Serena leaned forward, her voice dripping with authority.

“You can call me Miss Serena… if not, you have to call me Mother.”

Alex froze. His breath hitched.

’What the hell did she just say?’

Alicia’s face turned crimson instantly, hands flying to cover her cheeks. Reynard’s too turned red, but his was the kind of red that came before thunder cracked.

Alex stammered.

“But—”

Serena cut him off, tone sharp.

“But nothing. Do as I tell you.”

Alex let out a resigned sigh, shoulders slumping.

“…Ok, Miss Serena.”

Her smile bloomed like a flower in spring.

“Alright. That’s a good start.”

They all began eating. Alicia, eyes sparkling at the sight of crispy chicken, reached eagerly for a drumstick.

But before her fingers touched it—

Smack!

Serena swatted her hand lightly.

Leaning down, she whispered sharply.

“Do you want to get fat, young lady?”

“Mother, you are—!” Alicia nearly yelled, her voice catching.

But then her eyes met Alex’s, who was smirking at her like he was saying he was right.

Her cheeks burned again, and she glared daggers at him.

Huffing, she shoved her fork into a salad leaf and nibbled it like a punished child.

The sight was too much for Alex and Reynard.

Both of them burst into laughter.

Until Reynard suddenly turned, pointing a finger at Alex.

“And what the hell are you laughing about, brat?”

Without missing a beat, Alex smiled slyly.

“Well, your daughter is quite cute.”

Alicia’s face went bright red again, almost glowing.

Serena’s lips curled into a satisfied smirk.

But Reynard didn’t explode with rage as Alex expected. Instead, he puffed out his chest proudly.

“Of course she is! She’s the most beautiful, most adorable thing in the world! After all, she takes after me—not like Alden, who unfortunately takes after Reyna.”

Serena’s glare sharpened like a blade.

Smack! Smack!

This time, two spectral mana hands slammed down on his head harder than before.

“Ow! Damn it, woman!” Reynard winced in pain, rubbing his scalp, then immediately shot Alex a glare.

“This is your fault.”

Alex gave a small, innocent smile, raising his hands as if to say,

’What the hell did I do, old man? You brought it on yourself.’

Serena’s voice cut through the tension.

“Eat your food, Rey.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Reynard grumbled, looking away like a scolded child.

Alex snorted inwardly.

’Partner… I think marriage is just as useless as you. I don’t ever want to end up like this old man.’

For once, the system didn’t fire back with sarcasm. Instead, a solemn voice replied.

[For the first time, I agree with you, host.]

Alex’s lips twitched.

“What, that you’re useless?”

[You bastard! I meant about the marriage thing!]

Alex smirked and ignored him, returning to his food.

As his starving body begged for nutrients, Alex’s gaze sharpened on the feast.

He picked up the pace, devouring dish after dish.

Not to be outdone, Reynard suddenly began eating faster too, glaring at Alex between bites.

Before long, it became a contest. Both men were shoveling food at lightning speed, servants scrambling to refill plates.

The hall echoed with clattering dishes, loud chewing, and muttered curses between glares.

Even Serena, with all her poise, sighed and pressed a hand to her forehead.

Alicia just shook her head, hiding a giggle behind her salad fork.

By the time it was over, the mountain of food Serena and Alicia had carefully prepared was reduced to polished plates and exhausted servants.

Both men leaned back in their chairs, stomachs full and expressions smug.

Reynard wiped his mouth with a napkin, smirking.

“Brat, I win.”

Alex waved him off lazily, his tone losing all formalities.

“Of course, old man, you win. After all, you need to eat more—you’re getting older. Meanwhile, I’m still young and handsome, so I let you win. Respecting my elders, you know?”

A vein bulged on Reynard’s forehead.

’Did this brat just call me old?!’

But as Serena gave him a death glare, he clicked his tongue and looked away, muttering under his breath.

“Just you wait, you stupid brat.”

Serena, still trying to keep things calm, leaned toward Alex again.

“Alex, do you like chicken?”

He smiled, wiping his mouth.

“Yes, of course I do.”

Serena turned toward Alicia, her tone deliberately teasing.

“He liked the chicken, Alicia.”

Alicia, face still red, pretended to focus on her salad, refusing to look at anyone. But the small smirk tugging at her lips betrayed her.

Then suddenly Serena’s EtherPad lit up with an urgent call.

She answered quickly, her eyes narrowing as she listened. Her cheerful demeanor faded instantly, replaced by grim severity.

When she ended the call, her gaze locked onto Alex. She reached across the table, gripping his hand firmly.

“Alex,” she said, voice heavy. “Lily’s condition has worsened. The doctors say they don’t know if she’ll even live to see tomorrow. We should leave immediately.”

Alex’s heart froze in his chest.

’…What.’

——–

A/N:

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