Chapter 147: A Feast Before the Trap

I took my seat at the dining table, allowing myself a moment to appreciate the impressive amount of food Cassian had prepared. Roasted fish, grilled lobster, buttered shrimp, tender beef, fresh vegetables, and enough pastries to feed a small army.

The servants immediately approached, filling our glasses and arranging smaller portions of the dishes before us. I thanked the young woman serving me, then glanced toward Cassian and Chief Marr. Both looked like they were surviving through sheer determination.

I picked up my fork. "By the way, Cassian. How’s Theo?"

The lord’s expression changed. His smile faded, and he slowly shook his head. "Not particularly well, I’m afraid."

I paused. "Still?"

"He attended Elena’s funeral this afternoon. Afterward, he returned here, but he barely spoke to anyone."

Chief Marr sighed. "That boy looked completely messed up."

"Chief," Cassian muttered.

"What? It’s true."

The older man rubbed his forehead. "I’ve seen soldiers lose their comrades in battle. Some scream, some cry, and some just stop reacting to anything. Theo looked like the last kind."

I lowered my gaze toward my plate. I’d noticed. "Is he resting now?" I asked.

Cassian nodded. "Yes. The servant gave him some herbal tea to help him sleep. He finally agreed to lie down."

I nodded several times. "Good. At least he’s resting."

It wasn’t much. But it was something. Considering what Theo had endured, getting him to sleep was already a small victory. I wanted to ask more. Unfortunately, six Holy Guardians were sitting at the same table. And while I didn’t particularly mind discussing Theo’s condition, there were certain details about Elena’s death that I had no intention of sharing with the Light Temple. Especially the part where Theo had married her corpse on a cliff beneath the moonlight.

So I simply nodded and returned my attention to dinner. "Well, let’s eat before everything gets cold."

Cassian smiled faintly. "A sensible suggestion."

Dinner proceeded pleasantly enough.

The servants moved around the table, refilling drinks and replacing empty dishes. Cassian occasionally explained the local specialties, while Chief Marr recommended several seafood dishes that apparently couldn’t be found anywhere else in the kingdom.

I tried them. A researcher should never reject an opportunity to expand his knowledge. Even if that knowledge involved discovering that Lumenford’s buttered shrimp tasted ridiculously good.

Across the table, the Holy Guardians appeared equally impressed.

Tessa was particularly enthusiastic. "This is delicious!"

Rina nodded. "The seasoning is amazing."

Syl smiled at the servants. "Thank you. Everything is wonderful."

Vera, meanwhile, maintained her usual composed expression. Although I noticed her taking a second helping of the grilled lobster. Our eyes met briefly. She immediately looked away.

Was she still embarrassed about the beach?

I suppressed a smile.

Besides, I had more important things to consider.

I deliberately kept the conversation light. Whenever the guardians asked about the investigation, I answered briefly, directing them toward the official report rather than launching into a lengthy explanation. I also avoided discussing the Light Temple’s orders. Not because I was worried. Quite the opposite. I was looking forward to that. But there was no reason to begin the game tonight. Cassian and Chief Marr deserved a peaceful evening.

Eventually, the dishes were cleared, and the servants brought out the final round of tea.

I finished mine and placed the cup down. "Well, Cassian. Thank you for dinner."

The lord smiled tiredly. "You’re welcome, Rey. It’s the least we could do."

"Don’t mention it. The food was excellent."

Chief Marr chuckled. "Better than the meals at your estate?"

I considered the question. Then shook my head. "If my wives hear me saying another household cooks better than ours, I’ll have five very disappointed women waiting for me." I leaned back. "Anyway, I’ll probably depart tomorrow morning."

Cassian nodded. "Already?"

"Unfortunately. I’ve spent enough time here."

"Would you like us to arrange an escort?"

"No need." I waved my hand. "You’ve already done enough. Besides, I can travel faster on my own."

Tessa leaned forward. "Then we’ll prepare for departure as well."

I nodded. "Very well." I didn’t bother asking where they intended to take me. I was rather interested in seeing how they’d introduce the subject of the Holy Relic.

Cassian called for the servants. "Please escort our guests to their rooms. Make sure they have everything they need."

"Of course, my lord."

The six Holy Guardians rose.

Vera bowed politely. "Thank you for your hospitality."

"You’re welcome. Please rest well."

The women turned toward me. "We’ll see you tomorrow morning, Lord Valen," Vera said.

I smiled. "Sleep well, ladies."

Tessa returned my smile a little too enthusiastically. Rina whispered something to Nora, who immediately elbowed her. Maeve gave me one last curious glance before following the others.

The servants escorted them out.

I remained seated.

Cassian noticed. "Rey?"

I waited until the footsteps disappeared down the corridor. Then I leaned forward. "Now, about Theo."

Cassian’s expression immediately became serious. "What would you like to know?"

"I saw him at the funeral earlier."

Chief Marr looked at me. "You were there?"

"At a distance." I folded my hands. "He didn’t react to anything. Not the priest, not the crowd, not even the commotion nearby. His eyes were completely blank. Has he spoken since?"

Cassian sighed. "Very little. Mostly when someone asks him a direct question."

"And eating?"

"Almost nothing." Cassian continued, "I’ve arranged for one of our staff members to stay with him tonight. Someone he knows and trusts. He won’t be alone. And once he recovers enough to discuss it, I’ll give him an extended leave from his duties."

I nodded. "That’s probably best."

Theo needed time away from work. And perhaps, eventually, away from Lumenford itself. Every street in this town probably held some memory of Elena.

Chief Marr crossed his arms. "He’s a good lad. Stubborn, but good."

"Very stubborn," I agreed.

The man had grabbed my ankle while I was preparing to destroy an undead parasite. He’d even accepted the possibility that I might kill him. That was either extraordinary courage or extraordinary stupidity.

"But he’s stronger than he looks," I added.

Cassian nodded slowly. "I hope you’re right."

I didn’t answer. Because strength had very little to do with grief. Sometimes, the strongest people were the ones who broke most completely.

Instead, I reached toward my dimensional ring. "Ah. One more thing." A folded map appeared in my hand. I placed it on the table and slid it toward Cassian. "Here."

He unfolded it.

I’d marked the locations we’d investigated yesterday, including the abandoned watchtowers, coastal ruins, caves, and several other places where I’d detected traces of corrupted magic.

"The ritual was destroyed, and I’ve already checked the main sites. But I recommend having your guards inspect these locations periodically."

Chief Marr leaned closer. "These markings?"

"Places worth monitoring."

Cassian studied the map. "Understood."

"Don’t let children wander into the abandoned ruins, either. Some of those structures are unstable."

Chief Marr nodded. "I’ll arrange patrols."

"Good."

I stood and adjusted my cloak. "That’s everything, then."

Cassian rose as well. "Rey. Thank you."

I glanced at him. He looked exhausted. But his gratitude was genuine. I smiled faintly. "Get some sleep, Cassian."

Chief Marr chuckled. "That’s what I’ve been telling him."

"And you too, Chief. You look like a corpse." With that, I left the dining hall. The corridors had grown quiet, and the enchanted lamps cast a warm glow across the marble floor.