A Peacock Husband of Five Princesses by day, a Noble Assassin by Night-Chapter 49: Kael and Laura’s Lunch Date

Laura returned the smile warmly. "It’s been too long, Nyssa. Yes, this is Kael Moonstone. We’re here for lunch if you’d be so kind as to show us to a table."

"A pleasure, Your Highness." Nyssa beamed and nodded, leading them through the grand dining area. The ground floor was mostly empty, save for a few elite adventurers who were enjoying their meals, speaking in hushed voices about the challenges they’d faced on their recent quests. They didn’t seem to notice the couple, their eyes focused on their own business.

The staff greeted them courteously as they passed, and Nyssa led them toward the staircase that led to the VIP floor. As they reached the bottom of the stairs, however, a voice stopped them.

"Hold it," a woman’s voice called out from behind them.

A tall, muscular female adventurer, her aura clearly signifying her Tier-7 status, approached them.

Her eyes narrowed as she looked at Nyssa. "I was just told the VIP floor was fully booked, so what’s this? Are they the ones who made the reservation?"

Nyssa hesitated, her face flushing slightly with embarrassment as she looked at the adventurer. "Actually, Lady Seris," she said in a polite but apologetic tone, "this is Princess Laura and the Prince Consort. The VIP floor has been... reserved for them."

Laura, who had been listening to the exchange, couldn’t help but laugh lightly at the misunderstanding. With a teasing tone, she looked at Nyssa. "When did the rules change around here? There are no reservations, right?" she asked, a playful smile dancing on her lips. After a brief pause, she looked at a surprised Kael, "Dear, did you book the restaurant."

Kael shook his head in silence. Laura was taken aback and looked at the floor manager. Seris’ frown deepened at the same time.

Nyssa, feeling the tension rising, nervously glanced between the two before offering a slight bow to Nyssa. "I... I apologize. It’s just that the head manager specifically asked me not to let any commoners into the VIP section today. There’s a very special guest up there, and we’re supposed to maintain discretion." She added, almost in a quiet tone, "Earlier, you identified yourself without a surname, when you were blocked from going onto the staircase. So, I assumed that you were a commoner and…"

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"Who is it?" Laura asked, interrupting her. Only a Duchess would have the audacity to ban commoners and even adventurers from entering the VIP section of this restaurant.

"It was a foreign ambassador from the Nymira Empire, Your Highness," replied Nyssa, her voice quivering in nervousness.

Laura’s curiosity piqued at Nyssa’s mention of the Nymira Empire. She leaned in, her voice soft yet inquisitive. "An ambassador of the Nymira Empire? It was on the other side of the world. Why would an ambassador come here?"

Nyssa shook her tone, her tone respectful as she explained. "I’m not aware of the specifics but the head manager only mentioned that she isn’t something we can afford to offend, so…"

Kael and Laura exchanged a glance, both equally surprised and intrigued by the news.

The Nymira Empire was one of the three greatest powers in the world, with an unparalleled history of conquest, diplomacy, and influence. Becoming an Empire was no small feat.

The process to attain Empire status was rigorous: a Queendom needed to gain the loyalty of at least five other queendoms, making them vassals, and then receive the recognition of the Supreme Pontiff of the Radiant Church. It was a mark of immense power, and once granted, the Supreme Pontiff would crown the ruling monarch, bestowing upon them the title of Empress.

One can say even a normal ambassador representing the Empire would have a higher status than even a duchess of their Elyria Queendom.

As Kael and Laura exchanged another thoughtful glance, the adventurer, clearly not amused, let out a sharp scoff. "A foreign ambassador tries to trample over our heads?" she grumbled, her arms crossed and eyes narrowing at Nyssa. "Is this the kind of biased behavior you’re promoting? Prioritizing foreigners over citizens. Whoever it was, sooner or later, they will return to her hometown, and you will see me again tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, next week, and even next month. Are you sure your head manager wanted to offend high-ranking adventurers based on their birthright?"

The Tier-7 adventurer’s voice grew louder as her temper flared. "I want to meet that head manager of yours and that foreigner who acted like she owns this place."

Nyssa’s face turned pale and she stepped aside with her head hung down, letting Adventurer Seres make her way toward the VIP section without waiting for further permission. Her power rippled through the air, and her stride was unrelenting.

The customers around simply watched the adventurer, then started murmuring.

Kael, ever calm, simply shrugged. "It’s not our problem, is it?" He gently squeezed Laura’s hand, giving her a reassuring smile. There was no need to get involved in the growing tension—especially when it was someone else’s dispute.

Laura smiled back at him, nodding. "No, it’s not." With a quick glance, she followed Kael’s lead as they ascended the staircase to the VIP floor, their hands still intertwined. Nyssa led them both, nervousness creeping up her neck.

The moment they passed the door to the VIP area, the luxurious ambiance of the space enveloped them, offering a contrast to the noise of the ground floor. The noise-canceling spell that protected the VIP section ensured that the hustle and bustle downstairs didn’t reach them.

All they could hear was the soft music, the quiet clink of silverware, and the faint murmur of voices. Neither of them heard any noises of fighting or arguments either, which they expected based on that adventurer’s stride.

Kael and Laura entered the VIP dining hall, their eyes scanning the beautifully appointed room. Tables were set with the finest porcelain, crystal glasses glistening in the light, and delicate flowers adorning every corner. The atmosphere was serene, exclusive, and vastly different from the loud chatter below.

But there was something else their attention was picked by.

The lady who had barged past Nyssa earlier was now kneeling in silence before a young blonde-haired girl, no older than sixteen, who exuded an almost ethereal beauty. Her delicate features and blue eyes made her look like a doll, and her presence commanded the attention of the room. Beside her sat an elderly man, whose sharp eyes were fixed on Kael, his gaze unwavering.

Standing by the table, a picture of formality, was Zara Silver, the restaurant’s head manager, who was acting in a manner that resembled that of a servant, despite her usual authoritative air. The table before the lady was filled with exquisite dishes, and the contrast between the calmness of the young princess and the formality of her surroundings only added to the sense of intrigue.

As soon as Zara caught sight of Laura, her face softened, and she rushed over to greet her. "Princess Laura, Lord Moonstone," Zara said with a deep bow, her voice warm. "It is an honor to have you here. "

She quickly shifted her focus to the doll-like teenager, who was now standing. "Allow me to introduce you to Her Highness—Artemis Phoenix, the seventh imperial princess of the Nymira Empire," Zara said, her tone respectful as she motioned toward the young girl. She then turned to the elderly man beside her. "And this is Dragamir Grippen, their royal preceptor."

Kael and Laura exchanged a surprised glance, both taken aback by different things, the former was surprised by the presence of a demigod, while the latter was surprised because it wasn’t a simple ambassador. It was an imperial princess who more or less had an equal standing with Laura’s mother.

Artemis smiled softly as she gave a small, elegant curtsy. "It’s a pleasure," she said, her voice as soft and composed as her appearance.

"Artemis Phoenix," the princess repeated with a gentle smile, her gaze shifting to Kael. "And you must be...?"

Laura stepped in, a little hesitantly, but with a polite smile. "I’m Laura Flamehart," she introduced herself with grace before pointing to Kael. "And this is my husband, Kael Moonstone."

Artemis’ blue eyes widened slightly as her attention sharpened on Kael. "Moonstone?" she repeated as if the name held a particular weight. "Do you… have the tattoo?" she asked, her voice full of curiosity.

Kael and Laura exchanged a surprised look.

Neither of them had expected such a question, especially from a stranger like Princess Artemis, who they were meeting for the first time. Kael, though taken aback, remained composed and quiet, unsure of how to respond.

Artemis, not waiting for an answer, carefully removed her left glove, revealing a tattoo on her palm. It was intricate and slightly different from Kael’s, but there was an undeniable connection. Kael’s eyes widened in recognition, and for a moment, his mind raced. Artemis caught his reaction and smiled faintly.

"Do you recognize it?" she asked, her voice gentle.