Author's Note (*Please read this first*): Hey guys, it's been a while, hasn't it? Almost two years, since I started this fic and now I'm already in college (I do hope that my English had improved). My heartfelt thanks go to icecoldprincess for her sudden encouragement that I continued this story. Furthermore, I am currently having my holidays so I will be able to work much faster.

Anyways, I went through my earlier chapters and came to a conclusion that my English grammar was terrible, not that it is any better now but still…Therefore, I would be improving my chapters (hopefully) while updating the new chapters. Moreover, I fear I might be changing small parts of plots as they are not as detailed or not explained properly as how I wanted it to be and readers may be confused over these small details. As starters, I have already edited and will be uploading Chapter 1 maybe tomorrow perhaps?

Oh right, I might change the age of some of the characters such as Jenos, etc. I do hope that it won't confuse the readers, if not please let me know.

One last thing, for readers who doesn't like new characters such as Michael and Elizabeth, I apologized as this chapter seems to focus a lot on them, although embarrassingly (chuckles). But don't worry; the main heroes and heroines are still Train, Jenos, Eve and Rin. Charles and his family are here to provide more events and a potential sequel if needed.

Chapter 31:

And small jokes and insults were shared among them as they returned back to the palace.

"You sure you don't need help?"

"Shut up."


After changing into a new set of clean clothes, both of them advanced towards the girls' room. With a knock, Jenos barged in and promptly ignored the girls. Spotting Eve's bed, he immediately flopped on it and snuggled the pillows. In response, the girls spared Train a questioning glance in which he answered with a victory smirk. "He lost."

Train immediately dodged a pillow that flew from the bed. "You don't have to tell them!" The girls smiled in amusement. "The previous battle ended in a tie, right? Looks like you have to work harder, big brother."

Jenos immediately straightened up. "This was my first loss for years, Eve, give me a break!" With that, Jenos collapsed on the bed again. "Should I let Sephira know?" Jenos stood up quickly and cast a shocked expression at his sister. "No! She'll make my life a living hell!"

Rin couldn't hold back the urge to smile. "You lost to her once, didn't you?" Jenos' pouts were more than enough. "It was a tough battle, wasn't it?"

The Chronos member reopened his eyes and waved his hand tiredly. "Somewhat. If I recalled correctly, she finished the battle within minutes. I twisted my ankle pretty badly and couldn't walk for days. It was a nightmare, I tell you. To make it even worse, she insisted that I go for more training right after my injury heals."

Train chuckled and plopped himself heavily in the sofa, located opposite of the girls. Rin gave him a look. "Are you all right?" Another smirk surfaced. "Not as bad as someone else."

Jenos pouted. "How could you, Train?! Of all the places, you had to choose the face! Oh the horror! Imagine the big bruise that will appear on my face tomorrow morning! Girls will avoid me!"

Train gave him a skeptical look. "Hey, cuts are obviously worse than bruises. Don't make such a fuss over it." With a chuckle, Train added. "Besides, girls constantly avoid you like a plague anyway. The bruise will give them a hint, I'm sure."

Eve gave him a worried look in which Train immediately waved it off. "I was careless and the wires went straight for my shoulder. Don't worry; it's just a small cut, nothing serious."

Jenos gave a victory pose. "Hah! That's payback for punching me! You should be grateful that the wires weren't any thicker; otherwise you would probably have a gaping hole at your shoulder, and no! Girls adore me, they don't avoid me! That's your job, not mine!"

"If that's the case, I would have realized the trap immediately. Fat chance, Jenos." Train retorted.l

The Chronos member slumped in defeat. "Alright, alright, the battle's yours. By the way, Eve, what time is it?"

Eve glanced at the decorated clock, hanging on the wall. "Ten past five. They would be arriving at six."

Train stretched and folded his legs neatly. "Are you positive that we aren't imposing on you? Maybe Rin and I should return later when dinner is over."

With a mock-indignant look, Jenos retorted. "And let you escaped Elizabeth's clutches while I suffer alone? No way in hell is that going to happen! You are going to be a good friend of mine and suffer the whole ordeal with me. Therefore, both of you are staying for dinner. End of story. And if by chance that you are not convinced, Train, I have to let you know that I am currently equipped and you're not."

Train merely chuckled at Jenos' not-so-threatening outburst. "Well, you caught me. That was the whole point. That girl scares me."

The girls broke into laughter with the boys glaring at them. "I was right, wasn't I, Eve? By tonight, they would have parthenophobia!"

Seeing their clueless' expressions, Eve took pity on them. "Parthenophobia. The fear of girls. To be more precise, young virgin girls."

Jenos shook his head immediately. "Never! Aside from Elizabeth, girls are such lovely and adorable creatures! I don't believe anyone would hate girls in the first place."

Train thought for a while. "Well, with her around, I'm not surprised if I developed that fear in the near future." Train ended with a chuckle but stopped upon feeling the sudden change in the atmosphere.

Eve suddenly felt a pang of jealously came upon her and quickly push the feeling away but to no avail and her attention was turned back upon Jenos' question. "Who is she?"

Train made a move to reply but stopped abruptly when he felt glares directed at him and regretted looking back. Rin held a mocked-glare; silently threatening his senior to even dare mentioning her name while Eve tried to control her jealousy but to no avail. Feeling their heated gazes, Train felt himself subconsciously shrink and was inwardly hoping that the sofa would swallow him. Without delay, he back away when both girls slowly advanced towards him in a menacing way. He understands Rin's reason perfectly but what's with Eve? Did he sense jealousy? But that's impossible, right?

"Train, who is 'She'?"

The girls asked him simultaneously in which Train immediately snapped away from his musings and almost shriek due to the sudden close distance between them. "Err…"

Jenos tried to help. "Uh…girls?"

"Quiet, Jenos!" But failed miserably. He sulked childishly and retrated into a corner.

The girls had again answered in unison and Train briefly wondered if they knew telepathy.

"Kyoko." The girls' turned back to him so fast that Train was worried for an instant that their necks might snap and he resumed to repeat his statement. "I'm talking about Kyoko."

The girls held dumbfounded looks for a while before Rin started smiling, the previous dangerous aura dispersing quickly. "Oh, you were talking about Kyoko. I should have known, sorry about that."

Eve was still very much confused as she witnessed Rin smile embarrassingly at her and explained. "Kyoko, a talented junior and also a good friend of ours. Bubbly, cheerful, cute and childish are terms that suit her perfectly. She's been chasing Train like a school girl with a crush ever since he saved her from some thugs years ago."

Eve relaxed but deep down, she couldn't deny what she had felt earlier, even though there was nothing going on between her and Train. Jealously of an unknown girl and anxiousness of Train's feelings. How would she have cope if Train is really seeing another woman. Would she be filled with sorrow and devastation? She had a feeling that yes; she would be, along with a sense of emptiness. He was after all, the one man that had perked her interest since their first meeting. She glanced at the topic of her thoughts who sat there with a hint of blush dusting his cheeks while trying to shove the Chronos member who was busy making fun of him.

Train was strong. Incredibly strong. Abandoned at a tender age, he had seen a life worth of blood spilled, understood the cruelty of life better than anyone and had suffered countless betrayals from the ones he thought he could trust. These aspects had forged Train Heartnet into a man whose will was stronger than Death itself with icy emotions as companion but people often fail to see his true personality and instead choose to avoid him like he was a monster. Silent fury burn within Eve as she wondered how people can be so blind.

He is cold to the core to protect himself so that no one would be able to take advantage of his weaknesses and he is strong so that he can still protect his few loved ones, but unbeknownst to everyone and even himself, he was still a child at heart, a frail and frightened one that still needs guidance, support, comfort, assurance and a pillar of strength in times of need.

And Eve realized that maybe from their first meeting, one part of her live just to see him smile, bounded by no worries and fears. If that time ever comes, no matter how long she have to wait, Eve swore she will be there to receive it and return an even greater smile.


"They'll be there too?!"

"Hush, children! Don't be rude to your uncle!"

"Is quite alright, Martha. I understand."

Michael and Elizabeth stared at the King surprised.

"Yes, Train Heartnet and Rinslet Walker will be present for dinner tonight."

Martha Tempest Barnett, mother of Michael and Elizabeth, gently placed her hands on her laps after making sure that her children weren't misbehaving. "Train Heartnet? The golden-eyed man who approached you at the party?"

Sven nodded. "And Rinslet Walker, his friend."

"I don't mean to be inquisitive but why would they be joining us for dinner?"

The King readjusted himself before answering. "Train and I have some important matters to discuss and Ms. Walker is accompanying him."

Charles Leopold Adolph, head of the Adolph family, raised an eyebrow. "After dinner?"

Sven turned to his brother. "You are of course, welcome to stay on for dinner but I would not be able to accompany for a time period. I apologized for the inconvenience."

Charles chuckled. "We're blood brothers. What's there to apologize? You don't have to worry about us. Remember, your duties come first."

"Your brother is right, my dear." Tearju who had been silent for the entire ride suddenly spoke up.

Sven grasped the Queen's hand and smiled warmly. "Thank you for your constant encouragement, it always prevents me from falling under the pressure of being a King. Knowing that my loved ones are here waiting for me is what makes me strong."

Tearju kissed her husband on the cheek and laid her head upon his shoulders, sighing in content. The other couple smiled fondly at the loving scene before them; the children, on the other hand, were busy with their own hushed conversation.

"Train will be dinning with us!!" Elizabeth said with glee, while clapping her hands silently.

"What is so great about that fool anyway?" Michael smirked at his sister who was glaring at him. "Besides, the main point is that Eve and Rinslet would be there!" He posed with a victory gesture in which Elizabeth smirked in response.

"You are no different so don't act mighty with me, and why are you still so interested with Rinslet Walker anyway? Did she not give you the cold shoulder previously? Besides, I'm only interested in powerful and mysterious men, don't put me on your level."

Michael wore a haughty look. "Listen to yourself, I am surprised that oaf, Jenos didn't break up with you sooner, not that you were in a relationship in the first place if I recalled. However, like you, I too, seek strong, intelligent and mysterious women, there's a pleasant feeling that I cannot shake when I am with them, especially Eve and Rinslet Walker. They are intelligent and sensible woman, much different from you, my dear sister. But even saying that, I failed to see what is so mysterious and powerful in Jenos and Train Heartnet or so you claimed."

Elizabeth folder her hands crossly. "With a mind like yours, dear brother, of course, it's understandable that you won't be able to grasp my meaning. Though they had hidden it carefully, don't you sense their aura? Authority and power practically oozes out from them and I could especially feel the strong murderous aura coming from Train Heartnet, it sends shivers down my spine just thinking about it but alas, I have sworn myself to Jenos. For his happiness, I shall preserve."

"His happiness? Don't make me laugh! Jenos would probably kill himself first than wed you!" Michael chuckles were thickly laced with arrogance.

Cheeks burning with embarrassment and anger, Elizabeth raised her hand high with the obvious indication to slap her brother while Michael readied himself with fists in position; it was interrupted quickly, however, when they were both pulled further apart.

Michael and Elizabeth could only prepare themselves upon seeing their parents' expressions. "Michael and Elizabeth Charles Adolph, behave yourself! To act so immature at your age and even worse, in front of your host and hostess, you should be utterly ashamed of yourself!"

The children glared at each other angrily before turning to the opposite direction, huffing in annoyance.

Sven and Tearju chuckled. "It's all right, after all, they always says that relationships improve over time when there are arguments involved."

The siblings couldn't help but shot a disgusted look at Sven.


"Well, I see the royal carriage coming up to the castle's gates. Prepare yourselves, ladies and gentlemen."

Jenos and Train could only groan in distaste. "Rin, I know you like to make our lives difficult and all but, reminding us every minute of their arrival is a bit too much, yes?"

Rin dropped herself heavily onto the floor with a wearied look. "Oops, sorry about that. I was preparing myself for the encounter between Eve and me with Michael."

Train spared her a questioning glance. "Didn't you brush him off the other day?"

The junior bandit gave a loud yawn. "I did but it's obvious that he won't give up so easily, look at Eve's predicament. I dared say that I would be in the same situation with all of you. Fair and square for everyone."

"I never knew you had a twisted side in you, Rin." Jenos was unable to hide his amusement.

With a smirk plastered on her face and a thumbs-up in her senior's direction was all Jenos needed as an answer in which Train scoffed.

"Where's Eve anyway?" Jenos said while pocketing his weapon, delicately.

Rin shrugged. "She said she was going to get ready and left."

"And I am back, sorry for the wait." Eve opened the door to reveal herself.

"No problem." Rin raised an eyebrow and gestured at Eve's turquoise dress decorated with white frills. "Formal attire?"

Eve walked over to the window to glance at the approaching carriage. "It's proper manners of a Princess to be dressed in formal attires, no matter greeting related-guests or not." She shot a disapproving look to her brother and shook her head in pity. "Of course it applies for the Prince as well but since when had Jenos bothered?"

At this, Jenos posed his signature victory pose but huffed in mock-annoyance when the others look away.

Turning to Rin, "He was much worse when he was still a child. Even after finishing playing in the mud, he refused to bath and went ahead to greet the guests in his mud-soaked clothes, which of course embarrasses us to no end. Surprisingly, after a few years, he finally had some common sense to at least put on clean clothes and the Chronos coat but other than that, nothing else." Eve ended with a heavy sigh.

Jenos held a guarded look. "The formal attire which includes the accessories was very stuffy and heavy. I am not going to wear something that restricts my movements, unless it's really an important event, then that's a different case. Anyway, my parents were relieved too when I didn't wear the formal attire clothes because they were afraid that when I ran around too much, I might lose those expensive accessories. So, I guess it's something like hitting two birds with one stone."

The bandits gave Jenos a sarcastic smile before Rin went to the tall mirror located at the corner of the room and checked her reflection.

"Eve, are you sure it's all right to dress like this? I mean, Train and I really aren't dressed appropriately for a dinner, now that you mentioned it."

Dressed in their usual attires, Rin wore a checkered spaghetti strap with a low enough neck line that is capable to make men stop breathing and a short tight black skirt. To protect herself from the cold, she had a maroon coat that reached to her knees with fur decorated at the collar, sleeves and its' ends. To top it off, Rin wore her knee-length black boots and her signature necklace, a heart pendant. With her excellent sense of fashion, beautiful looks and personality, her popularity obviously skyrocketed among the bandits.

Train, on the other hand, was dressed black from head to toe as usual, with his slacks and long-sleeved shirt plus his trademark coat.

Jenos walked over to Rin who was still inspecting herself. "You know, isn't it dangerous to walk around in your headquarters with your clothes showing so much skin?"

Rin gave a confident thumbs-up. "Don't worry; I'm strong enough to beat back their advances and they know it. Besides, I got Train with me." At this, Rin bounced over to her senior and hugged his arm to her chest.

Jenos could almost imagined Train glaring at anyone who came close to Rin and started laughing. He threw himself on Train who staggered under the new-found weight. "An overprotective senior, I see…"

"Oh beat it. You could have imagined the first day she put on those outfits, I swear, the men were prowling everywhere!"

Jenos scowled. "The men were everywhere? For the whole day?"

Detecting Jenos' undertone of jealousy, she rebounded back to Jenos with gay laughter. "Don't be like that, Jenos! They were having fun and it lasted for a day only, right Train?"

An evil plan slowly formed within Train and with a wicked smile, he pretended to ponder heavily. "Now that I recall it, I think it was almost a week, no?"

Rin gasped in mock-horror between him and Jenos. "Train!"

With a skeptical grin, Jenos eyebrow twitched. "A week, you say?"

"Jenos, don't bother with those small details, besides we're steady as a couple right now, right?" With puppy eyes, she clings to Jenos even tighter.

Unable to resist her charms, Jenos blushed heavily and Rin could almost squeal at the cuteness before her. "We're a couple now, for sure?"

"But of course! And here's a proof of it!" Wrapping her arms around Jenos' neck, she pecked him on his stuttering lips.

Train, who was sure that Jenos is currently in cloud-nine, swiftly turned to ignore the lovey-dovey couple. "For goodness' sake people, get a room and Rin, though I congratulate you for escaping the mess, please spare Jenos. He's going to be attending dinner shortly and we don't want him having a major case of nose-bleed now, do we?"

Rin pouted before sticking her tongue out at her senior. "You're just jealous! Besides, it's fun, you know. Anyways, Eve, about the attires…?"

Suppressing her laughter at the amusing scene in front of her, "It's all right, Rin, it doesn't apply to both of you so just be your usual self during dinner." Eve said while straightening out a few wrinkles on her dress.

"Of course it's advisable to stop if you guys are suddenly overcome with an urge to kill everyone." Recovering quickly from his previous case, Jenos burst out laughing and before the bandits could produce a smart comeback, a timid knocking was heard.

Without entering, the maid announced in a loud voice. "Prince Jenos, Princess Eve, Mr. Heartnet and Ms. Walker, the King and Queen as well as the Adolph family had arrived. Please head to the dining room when you are ready."

Eve nodded. "Thank you, we will come down shortly."

Making sure that the maid was out of earshot, Jenos grinned at the rest. "So, are you guys ready for the worst?"


As the party walk towards their destination, Rin couldn't help but worry. Compared to the previous party, this was much different as they would be coming face-to-face with the royal family. And even though she was not afraid of Michael's advances and Elizabeth's frequent glares, their parents was an entirely different matter. Quickly latching on to Train's hand, she ignored the said person's questioning glance and braced herself as the majestic doors before the small group open slowly to reveal the royal family.

Rin knew that having dinner with royalties would be stressing, and despite Eve's earlier assurance, about being their usual selves, it was really easier said than done when everyone looked up as they entered. She took a small tentative step back when she felt several pair of eyes studying them but had to smile when she felt Train grabbed her hand instead and tightened his hold, silently offering her reassurance and encouragement.

"Like what Eve said, be yourself. Pretend this is a Bandits' Meeting." Train whispered with a small smile and that was all Rin needed.

They quieted down when Sven stood with a broad smile. "Ah, Jenos, Eve, what perfect timing. And greetings to both of you, Train and Ms. Walker. I apologized that I wasn't here earlier to welcome both of you as guests to our humble home but I am confident that Jenos and Eve would have been more than capable of doing so."

The bandits gave a quick bow before Train answered. "Our own greetings to you and your family; please be at ease as they had been an excellent host and hostess themselves, we have enjoyed ourselves tremendously." Without looking, Train and Rin knew their royal friends were blushing with pride.

"That's good to hear. Come, sit anywhere you like and make yourselves at home." With a smile, Sven gestured to the remaining empty seats.

The head of the long rectangle table is obviously occupied by Sven and the other end by Tearju and with the Adolph family taking up the seats between the royal couple, the only remaining seats left were the ones on the other side of the table. Making their way to their seats, Michael and Elizabeth's not-so-genuine smiles didn't go unnoticed by the group.

Accustomed with seating next to their parents during meal times, Jenos and Eve instantly sat beside Sven and Tearju respectively and the cousins couldn't help but smirk mischievously when the bandits seated themselves in front of them.

"We are going to have so much fun." Their previous argument all forgotten as they are filled with glee and could hardly sit still.

Ensuring that everyone was comfortable in their seats, Sven got up again. "Before dinner, for the convenience of Train and Ms. Walker, let us go through introductions first."

"That would be much appreciated, Sven." Train said, facing the King.

A round of gasps sound through the table and it was all Sven and Train could do but to raise an eyebrow in confusion at everyone's shocked expressions. Shocked at Train's bravery, Jenos and Eve was speechless.

Rin with a blush, hastily tugged Train's sleeve. "Train, what's wrong with you?! Addressing the King so familiarly?!" Before his senior could reply, Rin quickly pulled him back to his seat.

"Is something the matter?" Sven asked in alarm, worried something was wrong.

Charles was the first one to collect his composure and turned to Train hesitantly. "I do not wish to offend Mr. Heartnet but to address the King by his first name…"

Upon hearing his brother's answer, Sven couldn't help but laugh. It didn't help when his family was staring at him in puzzlement.

"Be at ease, everyone, for I requested Train to call me on a first-name basis from our previous meeting. I'm sure all of you are aware that one of my biggest wish is having my subjects addressing me by name, instead of my title. Train is just assisting me by setting an example, isn't that right?"

"It's an honor, Sven." Train nodded while glaring at Rin, Jenos and Eve who smiled sheepishly back at him.

"Nonsense. I am grateful that you are willing to do it." Turning to the rest who were quickly recovering from their previous shock, "Now, since the misunderstanding had cleared. It's time for introductions; as everyone knows, my name is Sven Vollified, King of Valdemar." Gesturing to Tearju, "And my beautiful Queen, Tearju Lunatique."

The gorgeous blonde woman, who is more than capable in posting as Eve's elder sister, was dressed in an elegant violet dress and stood from her seat with a big smile. "Really dear, we're in front of guests but I'm flattered, all the same. Good evening, Mr. Heartnet and Ms. Walker, please call me Tearju. We rarely have guests staying for dinner, it's not much but I do hope that both of you will enjoy your dinner tonight." She again smiled cheerfully as the bandits nodded their thanks.

Sven continued, with a wide grin, he faced his children who rose simultaneously, "And of course, my children whom both of you know very well, Jenos and Eve, Prince and Princess of Valdemar respectively."

Eve and Rin exchanged secretive smiles while Jenos ruffled Train's hair, who scowled in mock-annoyance. They faced a beaming Charles as he stood.

"Before my family's introductions," he turned to Train who was mildly surprised by the sudden attention "I would first like to apologize for my rudeness earlier and ask for Mr. Heartnet's forgiveness concerning the matter."

Train waved his hands defensively. "There's no need to be apologetic, sir, it was a simple mix-up that anyone could make."

"My heartfelt thanks, Mr. Heartnet. My name is Charles Leopold Adolph and since you are already on a first-name basis with my brother, please address me by name too but for an entirely different reason though. I do always feel older when people addressed my by 'Sir'."

Laughter erupted and died down when Charles took the woman's hand who sat beside him, fondly. "Martha Tempest Barnett, my lovely wife."

Dressed in an aquamarine dress, the beautiful yet petite woman rose gracefully to join her husband with a jovial smile. "Oh, how you jest, love. Greetings to everyone and is my greatest pleasure to meet Mr. Heartnet and Ms. Walker tonight. For future convenience, please call me Martha."

Charles swiftly pecked his wife' cheeks before sitting her down. "And finally, my children, Michael and Elizabeth Charles Adolph, aged 19 and 18 respectively."

Michael immediately stood with an arrogant grin plastered on his face. "Greetings, Mr. Heartnet and Ms. Walker. It's definitely a pleasure meeting both of you, don't you agree with me, my dear sister?"

Soon enough, the younger lady, who some might considered attractive but with her excessive make-up, it may be different for others; rose with an air of self-importance and smirk at the two individuals in front. "Indeed, big brother. I do hope both of you enjoy this dinner to your hearts' content, after all, with your current ranks in the society, you should be thankful that you are here tonight since it's a rare opportunity to dine with the royal family."

Rin growled but was quickly stopped by a hand grabbing her own. She whispered through gritted teeth, "Train, they just insulted us! Are you going to let them do that and get away with it?! Royal family or not, they are so busted!"

Train drew a finger to his lips, trying to quiet down his short-tempered junior. "Shh, be quiet, Rin. Do you want to embarrass both of us as well?"

The female bandit quickly relaxed. "I'm sorry, Train, I lost my cool."

Train let go of her hand when he was certain that his junior had collected her composure and waved off their friends' apologetic and uncomfortable looks understandingly before turning back as Rin's mumbled.

"But Train, I…I…"

"You can't forgive her, right?"

Train smile warmly at Rin's solemn nod. "It's all right, Rin. There are many ways to get back at them."

Rin swiftly looked up and couldn't help but feel comforted at the slowly growing smirk on Train's face. In situations like this, Rin was confident that Train had something up his sleeve and whatever it was; it was going to be bad for the cousins, if not, embarrassing.

"They are going to regret saying those words but now is definitely not the time. Trust me on this, Rin, I guarantee your revenge will be sweeter if you wait."

His junior shot him a questioning glance. "Wait? Till when?"

Train winked with a mischievous, yet evil smile. "The opportunity will present itself. But for now, let's just enjoy the show."

"The show?" Rin blinked confusingly but understood when she heard Elizabeth's mother reprimanding her.

Shocked at her own daughter's words, Martha was quick to act. "Hush Elizabeth! How could you say that in front of His Majesty's guests?! Have you no shame at all?! Now sit before you do any further damage! That goes the same for you, Michael! Anymore of this rude behavior, I'll make sure both of you finish your dinner in the royal kitchen. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, mother." The cousins answered in unison and sat down reluctantly with scowls decorating their faces.

Charles, looking quite embarrassed and apologetic, hastily stood up and bow. "Please forgive my children for their rude behavior, Mr. Heartnet and Ms. Walker. They didn't mean what they said earlier. Isn't that right, Michael, Elizabeth? Apologize at once!"

Train and Rin couldn't help but snickered as the cousins straightened abruptly. Michael's scowl deepened when he saw their expressions, trying to change the situation's tide as a final attempt, "But father…!"

Charles' glare silenced him at once.

"I apologized for my rudeness, Mr. Heartnet and Ms. Walker." Without waiting for a reply, he quickly sat down and glared at the opposite wall.

Charles nodded satisfied and turned to his daughter. "Elizabeth, you have to apologize too!"

With a sniff, Elizabeth stood stiffly. "I apologized for my rudeness, Mr. Heartnet and Ms. Walker." And she too, furiously sat down without waiting for any response.

Taking his cue to speak, Train stood with an innocent but mocking smile. "It's all right, Rin and I are not angry. I'm positive that they didn't mean what they had said, right Michael?"

Michael was losing his temper at a fast rate but with a warning glare from his father, all he could do was glared spitefully at Train who still held that mocking smile and nodded stiffly. At this, Jenos, Eve and Rin couldn't help but stifled their laughter despite the heated glares they were receiving from their cousins, across the table.

"Well, allow me to continue with the introductions then. My name is Train Heartnet, but Train will do. And…" Rin quickly rose from her seat and bow as her senior continued. "Rinslet Walker. We are both friends of Jenos and Eve. Our heartfelt thanks goes to the royal family for letting us have dinner here."

With a quick nudge from Train who sat back down, Rin took her chance. "Erm…hello everyone. I'm Rinslet Walker but please call me Rin. Thank you for having us for tonight." The blushing Rin quickly dropped to her chair, wanting no more to do with the conversation, earning a fond smile from her senior.

With that, Sven finally stood up again and addressed everyone. "Alright with the introductions done, let's proceed with dinner, shall we? I'm sure all of you are starving already."

Clapping his hands, several servants carrying loads of food immediately entered the dining room and it was all the guests could do but wait in earnest.

-End-of-Chapter-

Reviews:

icecoldprincess: Here you go, a brand new chapter!XD I had this on my laptop for a while now but there too many errors in it. Thank you so much for your constant support for this story, I'm really grateful! =D