Chapter 307: Cheers

Night had fallen.

The dining hall within the mine was spacious and tidy. Magic crystal lamps hanging from the vaulted ceiling cast a soft, warm glow, making the entire space feel cozy.

A sumptuous dinner arrived as scheduled.

Ansu sat at the head of the table. To his left was Celia, sitting close beside him, while to his right was Freya, positioned slightly further away but with her gaze fixed intently upon him.

The two of them weren't at each other's throats like usual. Instead, they ate in silence, occasionally striking up a conversation with him.

The atmosphere...

Was actually quite warm?

No, Ansu couldn't help but feel like he was cosplaying for 《The Last Supper》.

Being flanked on both sides left him with almost no appetite. He looked at Celia on his left and then at Freya on his right, his mind filled with confusion.

What exactly was going on? When did these two become so 'harmonious'?

Didn't you two just fight for hours, shaking the entire Black Forest to its foundations?

“What is it? Is the food not to your liking?” Celia noticed his distraction and slowly turned her gaze toward him.

Ansu shook his head. “No...”

“Is your body still feeling unwell?” Freya set down her utensils and carefully examined his complexion.

“That’s not it either...” Surrounded by two gazes filled with concern, Ansu felt even more bizarre.

The atmosphere reached a stalemate.

Freya picked up a silver fork and gently lifted a piece of tender chicken from the soup, her eyes tender.

“Quick, try this! I specifically learned how to make it. It’s the flavor you like—light and not greasy...”

“It’s not tasty at all.” Celia countered by stabbing a piece of aromatic, seared steak and bringing it directly to Ansu’s lips. Her tone was commanding. “Eat this! It’s highland yak beef, very nourishing! You’ve just recovered from an illness and need to replenish your strength!”

Ansu looked at the food being offered from both his left and right, his mouth twitching slightly.

Again?

“Which one will you eat?” Celia looked at him with a smile, her eyes dancing with a hint of mischievous provocation.

“Don’t always force Lord Ansu to make a choice!” Freya immediately retorted, her tone filled with dissatisfaction.

However, despite her words, a trace of expectation remained hidden in her eyes. She looked at Ansu with a pitiful gaze that made it impossible to refuse.

And so, Ansu chose—

He picked up the chicken with his fork while simultaneously biting into the beef. “I’ll have both! They’re both delicious, and I love them both,” he said with a smile.

He stuffed both pieces of food into his mouth and chewed vigorously.

By the time he was done, his jaw actually hurt...

Celia gave him a mock-angry glare. “You certainly are greedy.”

“You don’t understand,” Ansu defended himself through a mouthful of food. “I’m a carnivore; I just love meat!”

Freya lowered her eyes, unable to stop herself from letting out a soft giggle.

Celia caught her smile and snorted, a flicker of coldness passing through her eyes.

“By the way,” she said indifferently, “Freya has something important to discuss with you.”

Freya was slightly stunned. “What important thing?”

“Aren’t you going to say goodbye to Ansu?” Celia said. “And something about... the various affairs of the demihuman tribes in the North...”

Only then did Freya realize what she was doing, grumbling in her heart once again.

This witch! Does she really want to stop me from spending more time with Lord Ansu that badly?

She replied crossly, “It’s still too early for goodbyes. What’s your hurry?”

“It’ll happen sooner or later anyway,” Celia said with a smile.

Since the topic of official business had been raised, Freya’s expression turned serious.

“Lord Ansu, there are indeed many northern affairs that require handling. During the few days you were hidden away in the mine, things back at the tribes have almost descended into chaos.”

“Hmm?” Ansu was slightly confused. “Didn’t we win? Why is there chaos?”

“The tribal chief is dead, leaving the tribes leaderless,” Freya sighed. “Many people are waiting for us to return to take charge and stabilize the situation.”

During this war, Ansu’s group had assisted the Staya Tribe in resisting the invasion, penetrated deep into enemy territory, foiled the high priest’s 'divine realm' conspiracy, and rescued countless demihuman compatriots who had been abducted and imprisoned... Such achievements had already earned them unparalleled prestige in the North.

Ansu listened quietly as she explained the situation and slowly nodded.

Although the war was over, the problems left in its wake were equally thorny: the disposal of the defeated tribes, the reconstruction of the Staya homeland, and the formation of an alliance between the major demihuman tribes—every matter was urgent.

Even Archbishop Paul, due to the initial establishment of the New Church of Holy Light, had been constantly urging the two of them to return as soon as possible.

Ansu looked toward Celia. “It really is time to return to the North as soon as possible.”

“Mm...” Celia nodded gently. “Don’t worry, it’s not like I’m not letting you go back.”

“Really?” Ansu blinked.

“Why would I lie to you?” Celia glanced at Freya and leaned close to Ansu’s ear. “Once you finish handling things in the North, you can say goodbye to her and leave her in that cold, wretched place. I couldn't be happier!”

Ansu gave a helpless smile and then turned to look at Freya.

Their whispered conversation naturally reached her ears, and Ansu could clearly see the reluctance in her eyes.

Freya knew she was destined to stay in the North to fight for their common cause. For a long time to come, she might not be able to see Lord Ansu...

But she still tried her best to suppress the disappointment in her heart, forcing a smile. “Alright, alright, let’s not mention those annoying things for now!”

“The fact that the North was able to escape the crisis of demon occupation is all thanks to Lord Ansu seeing through those layers of conspiracies! You are the recognized great hero of the Talin demihumans!”

Freya winked playfully. “When we go back this time, we’re going to hold a huge celebration banquet! Lord Ansu deserves to receive everyone’s cheers and gratitude. And it just so happens that I’ll take you to taste the fine wine and food of every tribe~”

“And what about me?” Celia smiled faintly, instantly seeing through Freya's plan to whisk Ansu away on dates. “Does my contribution not count for anything?”

“You...?” Freya’s smile slowly faded.

“Don’t forget, I was the one overseeing the battle mage regiment project that turned the tide of the battlefield while Ansu was missing.” Celia snorted. “And that ancient demon was also heavily wounded by me. Your Staya Tribe should treat me as a great hero as well!”

“Then...” Freya smiled helplessly and extended an invitation. “Then you should come along as well.”

Celia snuggled affectionately into Ansu’s arms, her smile lazy and triumphant. “Since my dear is going, as his wife, I naturally must accompany him the whole way~”

Freya’s eyes darkened slightly, and the smile on her face slowly vanished.

“Fine then. Since you want to go, I’ll reluctantly... add another seat at the celebration banquet.”

“Well, thank you so much~” Celia responded with a fake smile, complaining secretly in her heart.

It’s just adding one more seat, yet she makes it sound so troublesome, as if I owe her a huge favor...

Tch!

“Well...” Seeing the scent of gunpowder growing stronger, Ansu hurriedly changed the subject.

He activated Mage's Hand to bring over a bottle of red wine. After opening it, he poured a glass for each of the three of them.

“I am the one who should be giving thanks.” He raised his glass sincerely.

“Without you two, I would never have been able to escape, let alone save the North. This toast is to both of you.”

“To my dear~” Celia raised her glass with a faint smile, her features enchantingly beautiful.

“Lord Ansu, a toast to you as well!” Freya raised her glass, her smile quiet and gentle.

Ansu paused for a moment. “To saving the world. Cheers.”

“Mm!” Freya’s small face turned serious. “To saving the world. Cheers!”

“What a boring toast...” Celia lazily brought the glass to her lips. “Fine... then I also toast to this world taking a little longer to be destroyed.”

Ansu and Freya looked at each other, both feeling a bit helpless.

The three wine glasses clinked gently.

The crisp sound echoed through the dining hall bathed in warm light.

...