Chapter 174
“What?!”
“I’m inviting you to dinner today.”
“I know,” said him, “But why?”
“It will be good if we all sit and eat together,” said Athyst, “He might agree to the duel too, seeing you there.” It’s better for them to get acquainted with each other first.
“It’s really alright,” said Barden, “You don’t have to.”
“Please, I insist,” said Athyst, “Let’s have dinner together.”
“I, uh…” Barden was at a loss for words. He didn’t know how to refuse Athyst.
“You can think of it as a reward,” suggested Athyst, “For teaching swordsmanship.”
“I taught you because I wanted to,” said Barden, “You don’t have to do this. I am fine, really.”
“It is impolite to keep refusing an offer,” teased Athyst.
“Yes…”
“Then I will see you later.”
Barden reluctantly nodded. Athyst smiled brightly and left the training ground.
***
“Why are you here?” Alexcent’s low voice asked. He then turned to Athyst. “Did you just co back?” he asked.
Athyst received him in her drawing room. He glared at Barden, who bowed respectfully. “Greetings, My Lord,” said Barden, “I am Barden Crayson. I am the newly appointed—”
“That was not my question,” said Alexcent, “Is there a reason why you are here?”
“My apologies, my lord,” said Barden, “I was invited by her Ladyship for dinner.”
“Invited?” asked Alexcent as he turned to Athyst.
“Yes, Alec,” said Athyst, “I invited him.”
“Is that so?” said Alexcent.
“Yes,” said Athyst, “During the holiday, Barden taught swordsmanship. So, in return, I thought I could invite him to have dinner with us as a token of gratitude.”
Since when did she began calling him by his na so casually? Alexcent was displeased with the present situation. He observed them. An unidentifiable tension flowed between them.
“Don’t just stand there,” said Athyst, “Co sit down. We can talk and eat.”
Where the hell is Lunia? Alexcent thought. Why is this guy sitting here at all? The current situation wasn’t doing anything to improve his mood. The fact that another man was here at Athyst’s drawing room irritated him to no extent. A man she called by his first na.
Athyst grabbed his arm and pulled him down to a chair. Roman and other maids served the food. If Lunia was here, she would have steeped in to stop Athyst but without her, nobody could stop Athyst.
Roman felt the tension in the room. She was so nervous that she moved very carefully around the table so she wouldn’t aggravate the situation by any of her mistakes. She feared the duke.
“Barden taught really well, you know?” said Athyst, “I think he is very skilled at teaching.”
Athyst thought that praising Barden would help get him on Alexcent’s good side. That would definitely bring them closer.
“Is that so?” asked Alexcent.
“Yes,” said Athyst, “He explains everything step by step, making it easier to learn anything.”
“I see.”
“You’ll be surprised to see my skills later, Alec.”
“I didn’t really do anything much,” said Barden, “Madam had strong foundations, so I simply helped her to adjust a few forms and postures.”
“Aww, how humble,” said Athyst, “You really are skilled and qualified. You graduated top of the class from the Royal academy, and you don’t lack in looks as well as character. How perfect you are.”
Unaware of Alexcent’s feelings, Athyst praised Barden to the skies but would make eye contact with Alexcent occasionally and direct a smile at him. Alexcent felt himself becoming more and more upset. He was getting angry, but he kept himself in check. He wanted this dinner to end quickly so he could go away. Otherwise, I might just snap his neck right now.
Roman, who was carrying the food and serving near them, was at a loss for words as she watched Athyst at the table. She hoped for the dinner to end quickly, otherwise the knight actually might get killed.
Sohow only Athyst seed to be the one unaware of the tension that even Roman had sensed.
“Which was why I was wondering, Alec, why don’t you have a duel with Barden?”
“What?”
“A duel,” Athyst answered curtly.
Alexcent stiffened. “I’m busy.”
“Then you can do it when you are free,” persisted Athyst, “Besides you agreed to a duel with Count Glacia at her request. Why are you rejecting my request?”
“Count Glacia was…” He trailed off. He was speechless. Why did I duel Count Glacia if it wasn’t for you? How can she accuse without understanding why I did it? Alexcent was too upset to explain himself.
“Anyway, I can’t. I am very busy,” said Alexcent. He glared at Barden. He was the reason for all this.
“Madam, it’s really alright,” said Barden, “A al like this is more than enough.”
“I improved a great deal, thanks to you,” said Athyst, “I want to repay you sohow. If there is anything I can do to repay you, don’t hesitate to tell .”
What the hell is she saying? Seethed Alexcent. He was already dissatisfied that two of them were practicing together. But thinking about her so willing to help him personally left a bad taste in his mouth. Should I just snap his neck and make it look like an accident? That sounds like a good idea.
“If that is what you really want, then I will make sure to set so ti aside,” said Alexcent.
“Really?” asked Athyst, surprised.
“Yes,” said Alexcent.
“Thank you, Alec!” exclaid Athyst.
“Thank you so much!” said Barden, gratefully.
Barden was so delighted. He didn’t think this was possible at all. Athyst turned to Barden. “Good luck!”
Nobody knew of Alexcent’s intentions.
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