Author's Note:
Chapter 32:
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.
A variety of beautifully decorated food was lay down, dish by dish and the table was soon covered to an extent that some dishes were sent back to the royal kitchens. The perfect combination of the sophisticated cooking on the table along with the expensive-looking dinnerware was absolutely pleasing to one's eyes.
Taking a side glance, Jenos chuckled as Rin brightened considerably at the amount of food before her and could almost imagine her squealing inwardly. Perhaps it was true that bandits had less to eat, considering that his friends look so slim. Train, on the other hand, didn't react as much as Rin did and regarded the food with just a hint of eagerness on his features, not that Jenos was expecting him to be more animated with strangers around.
Jenos turned to his father who coughed for attention. "Then, without any further unnecessary delay, I do hope that everyone will enjoy tonight's dinner."
The sound of several utensils being handled soon surfaced throughout the room as they helped themselves and not long afterwards, light chattering quickly erupted throughout the table as everyone started relaxing.
Jenos was soon drawn into a discussion with Sven and Charles, about matters concerning Valdemar in politics and economy. Out of many things, Jenos prided himself on the fact that he is always updated with the city's welfare. Compared to Eve who is well-known for her intelligence, Jenos is even more knowledgeable in this aspect, surprising everyone, including Sephira.
Being best friends, Martha had previously shifted her seat towards Tearju and both were soon chatting happily with each other, not long after, Eve and Rin were also pulled into the conversation. Giggles immediately fill the dining room as they share private jokes with each other.
Michael and Elizabeth were, as usual, within their own world, and although they were very sociable in parties, it was different in situations like this, and unless it's for their own personal gain, they wouldn't associate with anyone if they could help it, aside from their parents when needed.
Train was quiet and did not seem to be bothered at all by his inactiveness in conversations; instead, he seems to prefer it that way, even Rin wasn't put off by her senior's silence. With his arm on the armrest and a hand supporting his head from falling, to others, he seemed detached from the conversations around him but Jenos knew better, it was obvious that he was listening to every word that was spoken across the table.
The Chronos member then redirected his attention back to the discussion.
"There is a rumor circulating around the other countries that there might be a huge event held for the leaders to attend in the near future but for what reason I'm still not entirely sure. Are you aware of it, Sven?" Charles said, absently watching the contents of his wine swirl.
Sven readjusted his napkin before looking up. "Yes, I heard about it from a close friend of mine but I can't say that I'm absolutely pleased about it. Huge events like these tend to bring unwanted trouble with it but nonetheless, it would be a good opportunity to socialize with the other states. What's your opinion, Charles?"
The younger brother offered a timid smile. "I'm glad to say that my thoughts are with you, brother. It is however, still uncertain whether the event will be carry out as planned though. Truth to be told, I find it quite sudden and busy leaders won't appreciate the thought of it, I'm sure."
Sven was thoughtful before an enthusiastic look was displayed. "If this event was a success, there's a chance that I will be able to offer alliances with the other states."
"Let's hope so. It will definitely be good to make alliances, instead of enemies." Charles said with a chuckle.
Jenos' attention slowly slipped away as Charles updated Sven more about the other countries' activities and chose to focus on the girls' conversation, as he couldn't catch what his cousins were whispering about, nothing good that's for sure.
"Both of you look exactly alike! Definitely can pass as sisters!" Rin exclaimed.
Tearju and Eve shared a smile before Martha answered, with a sigh. "You can say that again, dear. I was tricked once but that was a long time ago."
"I didn't have the intention of tricking you, Martha, but really, you just happened to walk in on us at a very terrible moment." Tearju laughed cheerfully.
Rin's curiosity was perked as Eve tried to suppress her laughter but to no avail. "What happened?"
Martha started blushing. "It's really nothing, dear, just an embarrassing mistake. It was Tearju's birthday and both mother and daughter conveniently decided to put on the same dress just for fun. They were getting ready when I entered and I mistaken Eve as Tearju and hug her instead. If I recalled correctly, Eve was pretty dumbstruck, to say the least."
Rin still didn't get the whole picture yet. "But you would have noticed their height differences, wouldn't you? No offense, Eve." At this, Rin bowed apologetic to the smiling Eve. "But Her Majesty is one head taller." Rin was definitely not ready to call the Queen with her first name yet.
Taking a sip of her wine, Martha smiled. "But of course, I would have noticed, being her best friend. I forgot to mention that Tearju was lying on the bed reading a book while Eve was fixing her hair in front of the mirror. Of course it didn't help that Eve was standing a stool which was again conveniently blocked by the table."
Rin started to giggle as she imagined Eve's expression when she was suddenly hugged by her mother's best friend.
"Eve was gorgeous that day. Of course, she's still as beautiful as ever. But when I saw her, I couldn't help myself and hugged her. Tightly." Martha set her glass down and laughed.
Eve let out a shy smile. "Of course, I was pretty shocked and it didn't help that my mother was giggling at the sight of us on the bed."
Tearju failed to stifle her laughter as Rin burst out laughing and was soon joined by Martha and Eve.
Jenos was glad that Rin wasn't having trouble with the others, after all the Adolph family did not know of his friends' occupation and he was grateful for his parents' silence and being discreet about it; in any case, as a host, he did wanted his guests to have fun, instead of sitting mutely, feeling awkward or bored. Speaking of that, he had almost forgotten Train, who sat in a relaxed position with closed eyes and Jenos took that as an affirmative that said-person was enjoying himself in his own way.
With a sudden urge to annoy the senior bandit, Jenos inched towards his guest and nudged him hard enough to earn a frown from the other. Train open an eye and stared silently at the Chronos member, waiting for whatever reason that had make the grinning man nudge him and when seeing none, he readjusted himself before changing his previous stare to a glare this time.
"Yes, Jenos, may I enquire what had propel you into jolting me?" Train mumbled, accompanied with a sarcastic tone. "And if you intend to present an invalid or otherwise, an illogical answer, I recommend you to rethink that for I can't guarantee your safety."
Jenos grinned even wider. "I couldn't help myself; you were just too tempting to be ignored." His grin however started twitching when he saw Train reaching for Hades. "On a second thought, just ignored me, Train."
Train smiled with a not-so innocent look. "Ah, have you changed your mind? I'm glad that you have seen things in my way. I was torn between the two decisions of ignoring you or shooting you and the latter choice seems so much more tempting and promising."
Jenos raised his hands in surrender. "Right, I'm backing away. I can see how tempted you are with your fingers twitching and moving to Hades as we speak."
"Again, I'm pleased that we came to an agreement." Train was definitely smirking now. Deciding he had enough fun with the poor Jenos, he took a bite of his bread before looking at Jenos. "So, what do you need?"
Jenos plucked a piece from Train's bread and nibbled on it. "Nothing much, you didn't seem very talkative so here I am."
Train sent Jenos a disapproving glance. "I must say that nudging someone is not a very successful way of making small talk with the said-person." And the senior bandit resumed his chewing.
The Chronos bandit threw his arm across Train's shoulder; effectively bring the younger man's chair closer. "But it worked, didn't it? We are, in fact, talking right now."
"True." Train threw Jenos off him and finished his bread before he continued. "I appreciate your effort, Jenos, but you should know that I won't speak if it isn't necessary, unless I can make fun of you then that's different."
Jenos pouted. "Hey, I resent that! I am a year older, you know! Making fun of people, namely you, is my job, not yours! As well as charming other girls, of course!"
Train made a move to reply but was interrupted by a loud high-pitched shriek. Alarmed, everyone turned to the wide-eyed Elizabeth who was staring at Jenos in shock, except for Michael who was glaring at his sister.
Noticing that Elizabeth was staring at him with a bewildered expression, the Chronos member got up from his seat slowly. "Eli…Elizabeth, is something the matter?" When he didn't get a reply from her, Jenos reached his hand out as though to steady she and he and he tried again. "Elizabeth?"
And Jenos got the shock of his life when Elizabeth started screaming, albeit in Train's view, very comically. "Jenos, how could you say that?! I'm your future wife; you're supposed to be loyal to me only and no one else! You can't go charming other girls as you pleased, you hear me, Jenos?!"
Eve frowned disapprovingly while Rin just outright scowled, irritated with the dramatic Elizabeth. Train was taken aback at how absurd the girl was behaving in front of everyone but the gun-wielder was even more surprise when he took in Jenos' smile as though the scene was very common. "Ah, sorry about that, Elizabeth. I'll watch my words next time." He answered cheerfully and the satisfied girl sat back down. Seeing that it was not a serious issue, the parents continued with their conversations.
Train shot a curious look at his friend. "You seem to be awfully cheerful about this, aren't you? I was expecting you to be irritated or annoyed."
"Train, as a best friend of mine, I'll give you a piece of valuable advice, seeing that you're somewhat in my predicament. Whatever Elizabeth accuses you off, just apologized with a smile, in your case, minus the deadly glares." Noticing the bandit's confused look, Jenos continued. "Take for example, if I had argued with her just now, the argument would have last for several hours instead of a few seconds. Now, you understand?"
Train could only note mutely. Satisfied, Jenos pat his head as though to reassure him before talking again. "By the way, I haven't asked, but is the food to your liking?"
"It's delicious, Jenos. Thank you for asking."
"I should hope so." Train and Jenos immediately turned to the speaker who was playing with his food.
Although confused, Jenos continued on. "Michael, what are you trying to say?"
Michael full-blown smirked, turned to Jenos. "Royal food is always the best and it takes a long time for someone to get bored of it." He looked at Train from the corner of his eyes as though mocking him before continuing. "No offense, but for someone like Train, it's hard to get food like this outside, no?"
By this time, the girls were already listening to their conversation and Rin had immediately reacted. "What did you say?! I dare you to repeat that! And who gave you the right to call Train by his first name?!" She whispered hotly as she didn't want to attract any unwanted attention to herself from the adults who were still busy chatting.
Michael grinned at Rin as though expecting her to react first which pissed the junior bandit to no ends. "Oh, didn't both of you mentioned it when you introduced yourselves before? I recalled that we were to call you by your first name, no? And please don't take me wrong, Rin, I don't have the intention of insulting you but this is a matter between Train and I so there's no need for you to answer for him, after all, he's a grown man capable of answering for himself, right?" He smirk was once again directed back to Train.
To add insult to injury, Elizabeth started giggling as though finding the whole scene very funny and Rin burned in embarrassment. She stood but stopped abruptly when she saw Train frowning at her. "Sit." Rin glared at the cousins before reluctantly sitting back down.
Knowing that everyone was waiting for his response, he slowly smiled at Michael as though finding the whole situation amusing. "He is right, Rin. You should just relax and watch the show. Isn't that right, Michael?"
Surprised that Train was agreeing with him, Michael stared at Train and Rin who pouted for a moment before smirking again. "Of course, we shouldn't have ladies interrupting issues between men. As I was saying, it's hard to get royal food in the city and I can't help but pity you when I imagined what kind of meals you have on a daily basis. You're so thin that I won't be surprised if you search rubbish piles for food sometimes. "
Eve knew at once that Train and her cousin were involved in a verbal argument and stared uncertainly at Jenos who caught her worried gaze and smiled cheerfully; trying to reassure that nothing bad was going to happen. He could predict what was going to occur but decided to keep silent and watch the show with perked interest.
"Of course, our meals aren't glorious like yours. There are many mouths to feed out there and we have to make sure everyone is well fed, unlike someone who doesn't need to work and can eat whenever he wishes. I guess it's not a surprise that said-person is physically bigger, or plump might be a better word. " Train ended with a sly grin, daring him into a challenge.
And Michael fell for the bait immediately. "How dare you…! I have you know that I worked too! And I'm not plump!"
"Strange, I didn't recall saying that a certain 'someone' was you." Train grinned victorious as he watched Michael's face turned purple, while playing his food.
Silence reigned for a while before laughter erupted. The adults stopped chatting and saw Jenos, Eve and Rin laughing before turning their gazes to the angry Michael and grinning Train. Elizabeth, however, was staring at Train admirably.
"You! How dare you trick me?!" Michael banged a fist on the table.
Everyone, including the adults, was paying attention to the argument this time but Michael was too angry to know that and Train was just having too much fun.
The bandit shrugged casually. "I have no idea what are you talking about, I did not bring your name up but you, yourself admit it and yet you accused me of trickery." Train held his head as though shocked. "Seriously Michael, what a letdown."
Michael clenched his hands tighter as everyone started giggling again but suddenly let go. He breathed in deeply as though to calm himself down and the familiar confident smirk came back to his face. "I must say, you're quite a challenge Train. It has been a while since I lost my temper and I apologized, after all, I was the one who started the fight first."
Not letting his guard down, Train continued. "Don't be, I'm pleased to let you know that you had done a fine job in entertaining me tonight."
Ignoring the jibe, Michael did his best to put on a pleasant expression. "I'm glad to hear that, after all, my parents did teach me some manners."
This time, Jenos, Eve and Rin paled considerably as they knew where the conversation was leading to. They glanced at Train who still had a smile on; if he knew, then he didn't show it as Michael, not noticing anything, continued. "I mean, your parents would have taught you some manners too, right? Oh sorry, I forgotten, they're dead, yes? I mean, if they are, they would be here right now with you, won't they? It's quite a pity for losing your parents at such a young age; I wondered what kind of childhood yo-Wha!"
A knife was suddenly impaled at Michael's chair, barely missing the royal cousin's face. Everyone was shocked as they saw Train wiping his fork with the napkin slowly with an innocent smile. "Oops, sorry about that. I was absently cleaning my utensils and the knife just so happened to slip out of my hand but it's all right because I noticed a very irritating bug had been flying around you for a while so I thought of doing you a favor but as you can see, my aim is very poor."
The room went very quiet with everyone staring between Train and Michael who was visibly trembling with obvious fear. Finished cleaning his fork, he flipped it expertly within his hand before grinning again. "Are you quite all right, Michael? I'm apologized for disrupting you earlier, you may continue, of course, once you are ready." The sentence was left hanging but everyone could feel the unspoken "If you dare." within the atmosphere.
Train's grin widened when Michael jumped in his seat. "It…Its okay, Train. I forgot what I said earlier." Glancing worriedly at Train who continued flipping the fork, he quickly got up while mumbling. "Erm, excuse me, I need to use the washroom."
The gun-wielder brightened as though very pleased. "It's all right, Michael, take your time. I must say that I did enjoy our conversation."
Michael nodded hesitantly before hurrying off.
Train placed his fork down as soon as the door closed before glancing at Charles and Martha, "I deeply apologized for taunting your son but I felt that he needed it."
The still-stunned couple was speechless for a while before Charles quickly spoke. "Nonsense. Truthfully speaking, I was glad that you managed to slap some sense into my son. I must say that I'm not entirely pleased with the way he was behaving till now so don't worry about it. I can say that he deserved it."
"You were magnificent, Train. I had never seen such a move before." Martha chuckled.
"Train, you were just too cool!" Rin hugged her senior.
Jenos ruffled his hair. "Damn Train, that was simply amazing! Never mess with Train Heartnet when he's smiling!"
"I'm sorry Jenos, but I'm not as merciful as you. If someone fallen for my bait, it's hard not to strike." Train's sneaked a glance at the Michael's empty seat.
Jenos grinned broadly. "That's okay; I think your way is more effective when you're trying to get your point across. Now let's just hope you can do that to Elizabeth as well."
Train gave him a skeptical look and turned to Eve when she walked over. "You were calm and acted indifferently even though Michael approach a sensitive topic. I'm impressed, Train, really I am." Train blushed and glanced sideway, embarrassed.
Eve smiled gently before bending lower; avoiding Jenos and Rin's attention. "But are you really okay? I don't think anyone noticed but I saw you twitched for a moment. Michael must have really hit a nerve."
The bandit was dumbfounded. "Did I? I wasn't aware of it."
"I'm confident that I saw it. I read about cases like this, it must have been part of your subconscious mind that causes it. Nonetheless, it must have been tough on you." Delicately placing a hand on his shoulder and Train knew Eve was trying to comfort him. Really, the bandit never regretted meeting the Princess; ironically, she is the one that understands him the best.
"I'm truly glad for your concern, Eve, it really means a lot to me but don't worry, I'm strong, right?" Train grinned.
Eve smile broadened. "Indeed, you are. I'm glad you're all right."
Train nodded his thanks before turning back to Jenos and Rin who were laughing about Michael and as Eve returned to her seat, she risked a glance back and couldn't help mumbling, "But Train, even the strongest can fall…" And as her mother shared a joke with her, she wondered if that day is coming.
Elizabeth skipped over immediately and grabbed Train's hands. "Wow, Train, just wow! Seriously, poor Michael got a shock of his life."
Eve glared with Rin scowling and Jenos hastily backed off, trying to avoid unwanted attention. Train stared at Elizabeth awkwardly and tried to pull his hands back but the girl did not budge at the slightest. "I mean, you were magnificent! You didn't even blink or hesitated when you threw the knife and goodness, your eyes were like, piercing into my very soul, and yo-!"
"Excuse me, what right did you have to interrupt our conversation?!" Rin glared at Elizabeth, unable to stand the obnoxious girl any longer.
The cousin gasped, as if she was very surprised. "Why Rin, I didn't see you there! Excuse me for not noticing you; I didn't know that you were having a conversation!"
"Maybe that's because something stuck in your eyes, making you somewhat blind! Besides, with your excessive make-up, it's not surprising that guys are fleeing from you at first glance." Rin sneered and Eve couldn't stop her giggling.
Elizabeth fumed and before she could reply, her mother shot her a stern look, silently daring her to speak. "First it was your brother, now you? What's the matter with both of you? Can't you go through dinner without picking any fights? Besides, you're in the wrong for butting into their conversation. What had I taught you for these past years? You don't barge into someone's conversation as you pleased, royal relative or not, do you hear me?"
Martha's daughter stubbornly nodded.
"Then return to your seat immediately. And Michael that goes for you too." Michael, who just came back, glanced between his mother and Elizabeth in surprise before nodding albeit slightly stunned, and sat in his seat. The brother looked up and caught sight of Train's smiling gaze and quickly looked back down with a shudder.
Jenos frown mockingly and turned to Train. "So now is Rin against Elizabeth? Like senior, like junior. Are both of you magnets to arguments or something?"
Train shrugged and Rin grin cheekily at Jenos before facing his senior. "By the looks of it, Elizabeth most likely won't stop here, so any tips to fence her off?"
"Use words." Eve responded casually while chewing on a cabbage leaf.
Rin blinked and glanced at her friend who suddenly spoken. "Words?"
"Eve is right." The senior reconfirmed and continued. "Remember that words are one of the greatest weapons at your disposal. But to use and control them requires an amount of skill, and against…" Train trailed off as he glanced at Elizabeth who was chatting with Michael, and the bandit bet on his life that the girl was relating what had happened when he was away. Noticing Train's gaze, Elizabeth blushed and it was the bandit could do but to wince and quickly look away at the sight. "What am I talking about, I nearly forgotten that your opponent is Elizabeth. You know what, Rin; forget about using words, just stay calm and the match will be yours."
Jenos burst out laughing and nudged the bandit. "Train, are you actually implying that Elizabeth is unintelligent?"
Train leered at the Chronos member. "Dense would be a better word. I mean if she can't get a hint that you had been rejecting her all these years then yeah, I think dense is an appropriate enough word."
Jenos stared at the bandit, surprised. "Wow, looks like you are in a mischievous mood tonight, Train. Is it reaching its' peak?"
Train shot a smile that seems to freeze hell all over. "Correction, Jenos, it's boiling."
And if he hadn't known Train as Black Cat, he wouldn't have doubt his identity anyway. The smile the man had shot him earlier was cold and Jenos concluded that yes, he would hate facing Black Cat in a real battle.
"Jenos?" The Chronos member immediately snapped from his musings and turned, to receive Rin's worried expression. "Are you all right? You zoned out for a while."
Casting a bored look at his friend, "Don't bother about him, girls are the only thing his mind's about." and ended with a chuckle.
Retracing back to the conversation, Jenos pretended to look offended. "Train, I'm hurt! Like seriously!"
Another chuckle was heard and he found Eve looking at him with a knowing look. "Yes Jenos, my heart bleeds for you."
"What's with the sarcasm, Eve? You should be helping your brother, not your boy-friend!" Jenos slumped in his seat.
"Bo…Boy-friend?!" They both said in unison, with flushed expressions.
Rin and Jenos started giggling as they remain stunned in their seats. Train was the first to retort. "Right Jenos, I didn't think you were so eager to have a bullet through your head. If that's the case, hold still so I can have a better aim."
The Chronos member quickly grabbed hold of Train's wrist. "Okay, okay! But seriously, Train, replacing embarrassment with threatening words? That's so cute! I'm suddenly overcome with a big urge to hug you!"
Train grimaced. "Is that so? I recommend you to swallow the urge then." And scooted his chair further from the man.
"Too late!" And Jenos jumped over him, causing both of them to topple from the chair. Eve and Rin sighed in mortification as the rest stop to look at the commotion going on the floor.
Train roughly shoved Jenos away and put his chair upright before glaring down at the man who was still laughing on the floor but quickly stopped when he noticed everyone's attention was on them before blushing in awkwardness. Aware of the sudden silence, Jenos quickly straightened himself before beaming at everyone, not at all minding his actions as well as its consequences.
Everyone burst out laughing and Michael who had regained his composure, smirked. "Acting like a clown, eh? I didn't know you had it in you, Jenos."
"Watch your mouth, Michael." Rin growled.
Elizabeth butted in, with nose high in the air. "You watch it, Rin! Now stop picking on my brother and back off! You're the one who's always cutting into conversations!"
Rin grinned. "Insulting yourself? I didn't think you would do me a favor, thanks!"
Glancing between the enraged Elizabeth and the inspired Rin, Jenos threw an accused stare at Train. "So round two for your junior, eh? What a way to teach, Senior. You have my admiration."
End-of-Chapter
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