Once everyone had taken their seats, the banquet officially began. Unlike the refined cuisine of the Dark Elven Kingdom, Demonic dishes emphasized bold flavors.
Roasted volcanic boar, fire-grilled river fish seasoned with aromatic spices, and fresh breads baked using mineral-rich grains unique to the continent.
There were also lighter dishes prepared specifically for their elven guests. It was an arrangement that reflected the friendship between the two kingdoms.
Servants quietly poured wine while conversation flowed naturally.
Rather than discussing politics immediately, they spoke about recent travels, hunting expeditions, and amusing incidents from court life.
Lucifer recounted how one overly ambitious young noble had attempted to tame a wild wyvern to impress a noblewoman.
"It chased him halfway across the capital."
Seragus nearly spilled his drink laughing.
"And then?"
"He jumped into the river."
"Smart."
"The wyvern couldn’t swim."
Lilith actually smiled.
"A fortunate ending."
Lucifer nodded.
"The poor fellow still hasn’t lived it down."
Even Atheline couldn’t help laughing. The banquet felt less like a diplomatic meeting and more like old acquaintances sharing a meal.
Eventually the conversation drifted toward matters concerning both kingdoms.
Seragus raised his glass.
"I should thank you once again. The moon crystal trade has already exceeded expectations."
Lilith inclined her head.
"I’m pleased it proved useful."
"It did far more than that." Seragus set his cup down. "You have no idea how difficult it had become to obtain moon crystals. Our continent produces almost none naturally. Our artificers have been stretching existing reserves for decades."
Lucifer nodded in agreement.
"The new supply has already allowed several enchantment workshops to resume production, and our healers are finally replacing damaged focus crystals."
Atheline smiled.
"I’m glad the exchange benefited everyone."
"It certainly did." Seragus chuckled. "I suspect your merchants are equally satisfied with the volcanic ores we’ve been exporting."
"They are. The blacksteel alone has become incredibly popular."
The conversation naturally shifted toward trade routes, merchant ships, and plans for expanding commerce across the sea.
After the main course had been served, the atmosphere became noticeably more relaxed. Musicians quietly played soft melodies in the background while desserts were brought to the table.
Seragus leaned comfortably against his chair.
"So." His tone remained casual. "How long do you intend to stay?"
Atheline exchanged a brief glance with Lilith.
"We’re not entirely certain."
"Oh?"
"It depends on what we discover."
Seragus nodded slowly.
"A few weeks?"
"Possibly."
"A month?"
"If necessary."
Neither answer truly answered the question. Seragus noticed immediately.
He simply smiled.
"I see."
Lucifer looked mildly curious but remained silent. A few moments later, Seragus asked another question.
"Which part of my continent interests you the most? There are mountains in the north, ancient cities in the west, the southern volcanic regions, and forests in the east."
He looked at them thoughtfully.
"I’d happily recommend whichever suits your purpose."
Lilith calmly placed her teacup onto its saucer.
"We’re still determining our destination."
"You haven’t decided?"
"Not precisely."
Seragus blinked.
"You crossed an entire continent... without knowing where you’re going?"
Atheline laughed softly.
"It sounds stranger when you say it aloud."
"It certainly does."
Lucifer looked equally puzzled.
"You usually plan everything."
"We’ve planned..." Atheline corrected. "We simply don’t know exactly where our search for adventure will lead."
That answer only deepened Seragus’s curiosity. A little later, he tried another approach.
"If you’re traveling through dangerous regions, I can assign royal guides. We have explorers who know every major road, the military can escort you if necessary, and the governors will gladly provide assistance."
Lilith smiled politely.
"Your generosity honors us, but we’d rather travel independently for now. At least until we know more."
Seragus rubbed his chin.
"Very well. I won’t insist."
Several minutes passed before he asked another seemingly innocent question.
"I’ve been receiving reports lately. The corruption has become more active."
His voice turned more serious.
"Several frontier regions have seen an increase in corrupted beasts. The western marshes especially."
He watched their expressions carefully.
"You aren’t investigating the corruption, are you?"
Silence settled briefly over the table. Lilith and Atheline exchanged another glance; it was subtle, barely noticeable. Yet Seragus caught it.
Atheline answered carefully.
"We’re interested in many things, but we don’t believe the corruption itself is our destination. Not directly."
Seragus folded his hands together.
"So... There is a destination."
"There is."
"And you know where?"
Lilith answered this time.
"We possess... a clue."
"What sort of clue?"
She considered her words.
"One left behind by the former king, a recommendation of sorts."
Seragus raised an eyebrow.
"Recommendation?"
"We cannot say more. It’s not because we distrust you, but because we ourselves don’t yet understand it completely."
Atheline nodded.
"We’re following fragments. We know only the direction, and even that may change."
Lucifer frowned thoughtfully.
"So you’re searching for something even you don’t fully understand?"
"In essence."
The prince slowly nodded.
"That actually sounds exactly like something the two of you would do."
Everyone laughed.
Seragus leaned back in his chair. For several seconds, he simply observed the royal couple. Every answer had been truthful, yet none had actually revealed anything.
They hadn’t lied once, nor had they disclosed their true objective. He recognized the technique immediately. It was one rulers often used when protecting sensitive information.
Finally... He burst into hearty laughter.
"Hahaha!"
The attendants looked slightly startled. Seragus wiped a tear from his eye.
"Enough. I surrender."
Lucifer blinked.
"...Father?"
Seragus shook his head with an amused smile.
"They’ve made up their minds. If they wanted me to know, I’d already know."
He looked directly at Lilith.
"You trust me."
Lilith nodded.
"We do, but this matter isn’t ours alone."
Seragus studied her for a moment, then he simply smiled.
"That’s good enough for me."
He wasn’t offended. If anything, he respected them more for refusing to reveal information they believed should remain confidential. And she was stronger than him; there was really nothing he could do to get anything out of him.
He wasn’t stupid enough to start a war over something so insignificant.
He clapped his hands once. An attendant immediately approached.
"Bring it."