n

n

nAfter the soup, was the main course and Jane readily served two pipping hot platters of grilled rainbow fish and golden rice seasoned with various herbs.

nThough the dishes might seem ordinary, the rainbow fish was in fact a third-grade magical beast and the golden rice was almost equally nutritious.

nBoth of them are mana-rich nutritious items that cleansed one's body and mana core, the energy center both beasts and human beings relied on in order to cast magic spells.

nAfter she finished serving the dishes, Jane stepped back and awaited the verdict, and the middle-aged woman only relaxed on seeing the guest smile.

n

"Absolutely delicious as always!

" Lady Priscella smiled and gave Jane a small nod.

nHer gaze then flitted to fall on the young woman standing next to Jane and momentarily lingered there with a subtle hesitation before returning back to the charming prince sitting in front of her.

n

"Your highness, I almost forgot.

" She coyly chuckled.

"Father sends you his thanks for your help with the Dukedom's taxation restructuring.

"

n

"Of course. Anything for Duke Renolds.

" Mikel raised his wine glass with a warm smile.

n

"We have been friends for generations now. This is nothing much.

" He added with a twinkle in his eye.

nThe two then began chatting about the various issues in the Dukedom and how Mikel's 'small' help had taken care of a big chunk of it.

nSylvia had to admit, the devil sure was talented. The man could be really charming when he wanted to.

nThe woman sitting in front of him was endlessly flirting and fawning over him in the name of expressing gratitude.

nShe kept continuously singing praises and was no doubt smitten by Mikel from head to toe.

nAny other man would have by now accepted her feelings or rejected her. Otherwise, the atmosphere would have turned very awkward.

nBut Mikel somehow persevered!

nThe man managed to remain patient and neutral, neither encouraging nor discouraging the smitten woman.

nHe humbly accepted all her adoration without giving her any sort of concrete hope.

nThis devil was the King of sitting on a fence! Sylvia rolled her eyes.

nBut then again perhaps all royal family members were like this, very diplomatic and polite. She sighed, continuing to observe the fake charming prince in action.

nThe two carried on with their flirtatious banter and the main course was also about to come to an end, when suddenly Priscella started coughing loudly, sounding as if she was choking on the meat.

nShe abruptly stood from her seat and clutched her throat. She looked extremely anxious and in a lot of pain.

nThe two guards and the maids who had accompanied her immediately came forward, rushing in a panic.

"My Lady. My Lady. What happened?

"

nMikel as well shot up from his seat, coming to her aid.

n

"Are you alright, Lady Priscella?

" He asked, his voice dripping with concern that did not extend to his eyes.

n

"I… I… can't breathe… Mikel…

" She intimately called out his name, leaning on the man for support.

nShe looked extremely shaken and frail as if she was about to collapse at any given instant.

nSylvia gawked at the scene with her mouth wide open, wondering what in the Lord's name was going on.

nJust because of Jane's repeated reminders, she couldn't help but wonder if something fishy was going on.

nBut the lady really seemed to be choking? At least Sylvia couldn't tell the difference by just looking.

nShe continued curiously watching as the woman held on to Mikel like a leech, her body clinging to the man.

nAnd Mikel as well did not push her away.

nHe patiently supported her with his one hand and signaled for Jane with his other hand.

nWhat a casanova! Sylvia rolled her eyes.

nThat small action did not escape Mikel's attention and the man paused, his hand now obviously waving at Sylvia rather than Jane.

n

"Don't just stand there. Get over here and help Lady Priscella.

" His voice reprimanded her.

nHuh? Sylvia blinked and reluctantly obeyed him. She didn't like being pulled into this weird little drama.

nShe hurried over to the suffocating woman and hesitated for a couple of seconds.

nShe knew how to respond if someone was really choking, but she was not sure how to treat someone who could possibly be faking it.

n

"What are you looking at? Quick! Don't you even know how to do this simple thing?

" Mikel once again reprimanded her.

nThe man was the perfect picture of a caring considerate suitor.

nIf you so concerned, why don't you do it yourself! Sylvia cursed the man inwardly.

nShe then balled up her palms into a fist and hit the woman's back forcefully.

nWHACK!

nWHACK!

nWHACK!

nPriscella's eyes bulged in surprise and her face twisted in pain.

nThis bitch! She cursed the damned maid who had totally ruined everything.

nShe had wanted Mikel to hug her stomach and intimately help her relieve the choking but now she was being pounded by a freaking maid.

n

"Cough! Ahem. Ahem. You can stop now. I am quite alright.

" Priscella turned around and caught Sylvia's hand midway before she could land another blow to her back.

nPriscella glared at the woman who had ruined her plan, but she couldn't help noticing how beautiful and elegant the maid in front of her was.

nShe had already met the other two young women who worked in Mikel's castle but she was not that threatened by their presence.

nBut this maid standing in front of her was different. For some reason, she made her feel extremely nervous.

nThe soulful blue eyes that stared back at her anxiously were unsettling.

nBreaking their moment, Mikel's voice casually chimed in.

"Jane. Take this away. Serve the Lady some other dish.

"

n

"Are you feeling better, Lady Priscella?

" Mikel asked, patiently waiting for the woman to release him from her grasp.

n

"Ah… Ah… yes, your highness. I apologize for that unsightly display.

" She awkwardly smiled and took a step back, leaning away from Mikel shyly.

n