The Demon King's Paladin

Chapter 32. Friends and Allies

After waking up, I had a simple breakfast of 3 eggs and fried ham with toast. Anna was very happy when I complimented her cooking. After breakfast I meditated until it was time to head to the dining room. Just like last time, I feel closer to the eyes but not enough to shine the light on them and properly meet them. It almost seems like they're watching me with great interest. I'll have to ask them more about this when I can find them. After meditating for 2 hours, Anna fetched me. We went and met up with Sarah in the hallway leading to the dining room. I asked if there was anything I had to be aware of. Anna responded to my question.

" Seeing as how Master now has the court rank of Marquess, you are the of the higher social rank. However, seeing as Princess Sarah is here you may follow her lead so as to be seen as polite in front of other nobles. Or in this case her friends"

" Thank you, Anna."

" You are welcome, Master!"

Sarah seeing Anna and I discuss the topic also added on to the conversation.

"Asha is a proper noble woman, as long as you keep a polite tone you should be able to form a good first impression for her. As for Sharon, she most likely will act warm with me and be more awkward around you, seeing as it is your first meeting. Also, in her letter to me, she asked to spar you. We can do this at a later date, seeing as how fighting when first meeting can cause problems."

" Understood!"

After having my questions about the meeting answered, another question popped up in my mind for Sarah.

" Also, Sarah, about Anna. Did you say she was allowed to hold my hand?"

" Yes, I did."

" Why?"

Genuinely puzzled, I couldn't help but ask for an explanation. Anna at this point went bright red. Sarah answered my question with confidence.

" I have my reasons, as does Anna. However, if you dislike either of us touching you. You have the right to reject us, John."

" I won't reject either of you, it's just strange to me that you would allow another woman, especially one as pretty as Anna to touch your fiancé."

" One of my reasons is that I trust both you and Anna."

" Alright I understand. Just don't get too crazy either of you. Please."

"Understood!"

They both answered in unison to my small request. And just like yesterday Trish summoned us to the dining room. As we entered the room, 2 figures sat next to each other on the long dining hall table. The first one to stand was a girl with soft yellow eyes and long strawberry blonde hair. She looked like the prototype for a noblewoman. She began to speak; her voice was controlled but you could tell she was excited.

" Oh, Sarah I'm so glad you're looking so well!"

Noticing where the girl who spoke was staring, the other girl also stood up with a warm smile on her face. She had short black hair in a pixie cut fashion, she was wearing a military uniform. Her light blue eyes took much of my attention of her though, they looked so cold but when they saw Sarah warmth washed away the cold quickly.  After she saw Sarah, she immediately ran over and hugged her. As she was embraced by Sarah she began to speak in relief.

" I'm sooo glad you're ok Sarah! I wanted to visit so badly! I worked overtime to beat my old man to see you!"

" Now now Sharon, we said to wait till we were all alone. Oh, I can't hold back if you won't either."

" Asha, Sharon! 

And like that, a scene of a group hug of 3 crying noblewomen happened in front of me. After they all cooled down, they began to smile at each other. After a few minutes perhaps noticing me Asha and Sharon looked at Sarah and began whispering to each other. With their eyes darting forth between Sarah and I, Asha and Sharon both stepped forward to me. After taking a bow the strawberry blonde began to speak.