The tension that had previously permeated the living room slowly began to dissipate, replaced by a calmer yet still deeply authoritative atmosphere.
In the midst of the silence, Alvin emerged from the kitchen with a stride so elegant it was as if he were gliding across the marble floors of a palace rather than the parlor of a mansion. In his hands, he carried a silver tray bearing a beautifully engraved ceramic teapot, seven neatly arranged cups, and five small plates filled with an assortment of mouth-watering sweet snacks. The soothing aroma of the tea quickly wafted through the air, filling the room and slightly relaxing the strained nerves of those present.
With highly practiced and careful movements, Alvin placed the cups before everyone and began pouring the tea one by one.
"Please, enjoy the tea and snacks, Your Majesty, Prince Felix." Alvin said politely after he had finished serving the refreshments to his guests.
King Nalvon smiled, appreciating the hospitality. "Thank you very much, Prince Alvin."
Slurp!
King Nalvon and Felix lifted their cups, slowly sipping the hot tea. As the warm liquid touched their tongues, the King's eyes widened slightly. The flavor was perfectly balanced. Not too bitter, yet possessing a natural sweetness and a refreshing floral scent.
The two of them lowered their cups and remained silent for a moment, gazing at Alvin, who stood calmly beside Kazien.
"This tea is excellent! It is so soothing and of such high quality." King Nalvon praised sincerely. "Prince Alvin, did you prepare this yourself?"
Alvin gave a thin smile, a polite yet humble expression. "I brewed and blended it myself. Thank you very much for your kind words, Your Majesty."
Felix, who had been enjoying his tea until then, suddenly realized something peculiar in his father's conversation. He set his cup down a bit roughly on the table, causing a soft clink. His eyes darted quickly between his father and Alvin.
"Wait a moment... Prince?" Felix blurted out, breaking the quiet moment with visible confusion. "Alvin, are you a prince?"
Alvin chuckled softly at Felix's innocent reaction. "Yes, that was my status in the past. But currently, I am merely Kazien's fiancé. Hehehe."
The casual answer left Felix stunned. He immediately turned to stare at his father with an expression of utter shock. His mouth hung slightly open, unable to believe that he had been sitting at the same table as a prince from another race without even realizing it.
"Father, why did you never tell me about Alvin's background?" Felix protested. "I feel like a fool for knowing nothing!"
King Nalvon looked at his son with a flat gaze and shrugged nonchalantly. "You never asked me, Felix. Naturally, I wouldn't just bring it up. I assumed you had looked into the people surrounding Kazien yourself."
Felix fell silent, his tongue feeling tied. He tried to find an excuse to defend himself, but his father's argument was too airtight to refute.
It's true! Felix cursed inwardly, his face flushing with embarrassment. I was the one who never asked Father about Alvin. I was so preoccupied with my own affairs that I forgot to investigate the backgrounds of those close to Kazien. This is truly embarrassing for a Crown Prince.
Fortunately, the awkward atmosphere did not last long. King Nalvon, feeling that the matter of the tea and Alvin's status had been sufficiently discussed, redirected the conversation to more serious topics. He looked intently at Kazien.
"Kazien, back to the matter of Marcos." King Nalvon said, his voice turning heavy again. "What exactly are you planning for him? I need to know so I can anticipate the fallout."
Kazien, who was enjoying a biscuit he had made himself, stopped chewing. He looked at the King with an unreadable gaze, a mixture of calmness and hidden ruthlessness.
"I have no specific plan, Your Majesty." Kazien answered calmly, yet his tone made the hair on the back of Felix's neck stand up. "However, I will ask for your help in investigating Samuel Eldebrans. Perhaps... you will end up doing the same thing you once did to that crazy woman."
King Nalvon fell silent. He knew exactly which "crazy woman" Kazien was referring to. Hearing Kazien's cold tone, the King decided he would indeed investigate and dig deeper into Samuel Eldebrans' affairs.
"Very well..." King Nalvon sighed, deciding to change the subject to prevent the mood from becoming too somber. He turned toward Allen, who was sitting on Kazien's other side.
"Allen, by the way, where is your mother? I haven't seen Lady Elisalva since we arrived. Is she still working at the Guild?" King Nalvon asked.
Allen nodded politely. "You are correct, Your Majesty! My mother is still at the Adventurer's Guild. Usually, she returns home toward evening."
The light conversation served as a brief respite before the true storm arrived. Suddenly, Kazien set his teacup down on the table. The sound of ceramic hitting wood was sharp and firm, instantly cutting off the talk about Allen's mother.
Kazien's expression changed drastically. The casual smile and flat face he usually wore were gone. Now, his face radiated a seriousness that made the very air in the room feel heavy. He looked directly at King Nalvon and Felix.
"Your Majesty, Felix." Kazien called in a low voice. "Actually, there is one more thing I wish to discuss. This is far more important than the matter of Marcos or academy affairs."
King Nalvon furrowed his brow, sensing the sudden shift in atmosphere. "What is it?"
"I want to show you both something. But before I do, you must promise—no, you must vowto keep what you see and hear today a secret from everyone. That includes Her Majesty the Queen, the ministers, or anyone else."
The request sounded incredibly grave. However, seeing the dead-serious look in Kazien's eyes, King Nalvon's curiosity reached its peak. His royal instinct told him that this was crucial information.
"Tell us everything, Kazien!" King Nalvon replied firmly. "I swear in the name of Goddess Nirfelia, I will not speak of this to anyone if you wish it to remain secret!"
"What about you, Felix?" Kazien asked, turning to the prince.
"I do too!" Felix replied quickly. "I vow not to leak it."
"Good, I will hold you both to your oaths." Kazien said casually, yet with lingering firmness. "Remember, if you or Felix break your word, Your Majesty, be prepared for the consequences. Especially since you have sworn under the name of the Goddess."