As we approached the dining hall, the grand double doors swung open, revealing a majestic room bathed in the warm, inviting light of crystal chandeliers. The light danced off the crystal prisms, casting sparkling patterns on the walls. The table was an opulent display, adorned with fine china, polished silverware, and rich, embroidered linens.
The aroma of an exquisite feast filled the air, mingling scents of roasted meats, fresh bread, and delicate spices.
The royal family was already seated, their presence commanding the room. At the head of the table sat the Emperor, his bearing regal and imposing. His eyes, sharp and discerning, scanned the room with an authoritative air. Beside him, Empress Helana exuded a serene, composed authority. Her gaze, calm and observant, softened slightly when it met mine, revealing a hint of warmth behind her regal facade.
Princess Adelia, radiant and graceful, acknowledged me with a small, welcoming smile.
“Welcome, Hero Nathan, Hero Courtney,” the Emperor intoned, his voice resonating with deep authority. “Please, join us.”
I hesitated for a moment, surveying the long table and considering where to sit. As a loner and self-proclaimed nerd, I often felt out of place in social settings. Sitting with my step-sisters seemed like a sensible option, but my plans quickly fell apart. Siara was already seated next to Jason, much to my displeasure, and Sienna was surrounded by a group of her admirers.
Even in this world, she was idolized just as she had been back on Earth, her status as one of the strongest heroes, alongside Jason and Aiden, cementing her popularity. Sienna’s efforts to protect and help everyone, much like Amelia, earned her the admiration and trust of many, who saw her as a dependable big sister.
Courtney, ever perceptive, had her seat reserved. She shot me a look before joining Sienna’s side, her behavior poised and considerate, especially around Jason. Her glance subtly invited me to sit with her, signaling her support, but I had a different idea.
I turned my attention to two people seated somewhat apart from the rest, yet unmistakably together despite a single empty seat between them—Aisha and Gwen. Both often found solace in each other’s company, sharing a bond forged in their mutual solitude.
I filled a plate with an assortment of dishes from the lavish spread, the food glistening enticingly under the chandelier’s light. With my plate in hand, I walked towards them, my steps purposeful. My destination was clear—Aisha.
“May I sit with you, Aisha?” I asked, my voice carrying a hint of uncertainty.
Aisha, who was in the midst of taking a bite, looked up and offered me a small, welcoming smile. “Of course.”
I could hear a ripple of gasps and murmurs of shock around the room, but I chose to ignore them. With a quiet “thank you,” I took the seat next to Aisha.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed the envious glares of several men, with Jason’s being the most pronounced. He was trying his best to mask his irritation, but it was clear he was bothered by how effortlessly I had managed to sit next to Aisha, and even more so by the fact that she had welcomed me with a smile.
Jason’s usual attempts to flirt with Aisha, thinly veiled under a guise of compassion, were often met with cold, dismissive responses. Aisha saw right through him, which was why she kept her distance.
“You took so little to eat. Are you sure it will be enough?” I asked, noticing her plate was sparsely filled.
Aisha gave a slight, rueful smile. “I’m still not quite used to the food in this world…”
I understood her hesitation. The meat here had a peculiar taste, not exactly unpleasant but certainly different, and the vegetables, though they resembled those from Earth, had their own unique flavor.
“You seem to like it,” Aisha observed, pointing her fork at my generously laden plate.
“I’m a bit hungry, yes,” I replied with a grin.
Aisha raised an eyebrow, then leaned in closer, her breath lightly tickling my ear as she whispered, “Because of yesterday, maybe?”
I remembered. Last night, during my usual late-night training, I had returned later than usual, causing her some concern. She had almost called for help, but I had arrived just in time, having encountered a particularly formidable monster.
“Yes,” I answered, smiling at her.
Aisha nodded and leaned back, her expression softening.
Our casual conversation and the evident closeness between us left my classmates stunned. From the girls’ side, Siara looked between me and Aisha with wide eyes, while Sienna smiled, clearly happy for me, as did Amelia, who was seated with the Emperor, Empress, Prince, and Princess.
Helana seemed to harbor a hint of jealousy, though she quickly looked away. Adelia, too, glanced at me briefly before looking away too.
Ignoring the stares and whispers around us, I focused on my meal. However, my gaze soon drifted to Gwen’s plate, which held even less food than Aisha’s.
“You don’t like this world’s food either, Gwen?” I ventured, starting a rare conversation with her.
Gwen was absently poking at a few meatballs with her fork while engrossed in a book from this world. At the sound of my voice, she turned to me with an irritated expression.
“What?” she snapped, her eyes flashing with annoyance.
I wasn’t surprised by her reaction. Gwen often wore that look, and it had only intensified since our summoning. The whole situation clearly frustrated her.
“I asked if you also don’t like the food here,” I repeated, nodding toward her plate.
Gwen glanced at her plate and then shook her head. “I’m just taking care of my body. That’s all.”
I understood. Gwen had always been meticulous about her appearance, which was ironic given her apparent disinterest in the attention of boys.
“Is that a novel from this world?” I inquired, attempting another friendly question.
The best way to get closer to someone like Gwen was to persist despite her annoyed demeanor.
“Can’t you see for yourself?” she retorted, her irritation evident.
I shrugged, trying to maintain a light tone. “I guess we don’t have many choices but to read books now that our phones are useless. I’ve been spending more time in the library myself,” I added with a sigh.
This time, Gwen’s reaction was more measured. She glanced at me, a flicker of curiosity in her eyes.
As I studied her face, I couldn’t help but acknowledge her striking beauty. She was on par with Sienna and Aisha, each of them captivating in their own way.
“I don’t spend as much time in the library as you do. I am training contrary to you,” Gwen replied.
“I hardly see you training, Gwen,” Aisha chimed in, suddenly taking my defense with a jab.
“Hmph,” Gwen huffed, turning her gaze away.
I couldn’t help but smile. Gwen’s SS-Skill was quite unique, after all. She didn’t need to train in front of others and bluntly.
Despite her aloof exterior, there was more to her than met the eye, and our casual interaction, though tense, felt like a small step toward understanding her better.
/
/
/
If you like it and want to support me and want more chapters, please support my work with powerstones, comments and REVIEWS.
It will motivate me to write more! Thanks!