The Demon King's Paladin

Chapter 94. The Gauntlet

The food was great. Even better considering Anna didn't have to check it for poison. The 3 of us really enjoyed the meal. I also noticed that Sarah gave a thumbs up to Trish when she saw what I was served for dinner. I have my suspicions about what the food I was eating benefited, but I decided to just ignore Sarah and just enjoy the moment. I mean, it is my wedding night after all. Once the meal was finished, the gauntlet began. 

" Hello, I'm Duke Dennis Darksound. This is my wife Olette. Thank you for inviting us to this wonderful event!"

" It's our pleasure Duke Darksound."

Sarah answered for all 3 of us. It made sense, seeing as how she seemed familiar with the Duke and his wife.

" Though I must say, to defeat the Hero from Promethia, as well as sparing time from preparing your wedding to heal the sick and injured. You've shown such a wonderous disposition. I'm amazed that there are people who still decide to protest your wedding to our Princess."

The Duke's wife Olette spoke positively to me. I responded to her.

" Thank you. I'm just trying to do what I can to help for now."

" The will and the ability to act for the benefit of others are all traits shared by Paladins of the past. While we were never blessed with one before, I can see why the Class was so highly sought after."

The Duke followed up after I responded to his wife. I smiled at them.

" Well, we should be leaving for now. I'd hate to cause the traffic to pile up. I hope I can meet the Marquess Drake family again soon."

" I hope so as well, Duke Darksound."

With that the Duke and his wife left us. I turned to Sarah quickly.

" Was that good?"

" Yes, you accepted the compliments and didn't definitively promise anything. Keep it up. Anna, I'm sorry. I think they'll be after only John and I tonight."

" Thank you, but I don't mind not talking. All these high-profile nobles are stressing me out."

I held Anna's hand as I awaited the next couple to greet us.

" Hello Matthew, Sarah, Anna! You're not tired out yet, I hope?"

" Duke Clearfield! Hello! Thank you for coming!"

The next in line was Asha's parents. It was such a relief I couldn't help but greet them.

" Congratulations you two. I'm glad to see that you've both accomplished your goals from way back then. How goes the other plans that my daughter informs me are happening?"

" Hm? Plans?"

" Yes, regarding your medicinal abilities for when we head out to the Rose Swamps."

I was confused by what Mrs. Clearfield was talking about, but Anna filled me in. The women started to chat amongst themselves for a bit. Leaving the 2 guys out of the conversation. Luckily Duke Clearfield was used to such events and began to speak to me.

" It's rough, isn't it? Having all of these strangers come up for a chat."

" Yes... Yes, it is. How do you deal with it, Duke Clearfield?"

" Well, when I first got married, I was horrible at it. To the point where Penelope filled in for me a lot of the time at social gatherings. I eventually figured out how to do it, but it took time."

" Ah. Right, you were a Viscount before, right? The sudden rush of all these people who used to be higher ranked clamoring to meet you, must've been exhausting in a different sense I'd imagine."