The Demon King's Paladin Part 2. All Out War.

Chapter 481. Meaningful Actions And Seats

" Here, try some of this, it uses the peaches from our Dukedom's orchards."

Del's Fiancé, Lady Kate, offered me a small plate with a cake and a bunch of fruit on it. We've all moved to the reception hall for Ryan's funeral. There's quite a lot of Dark Elves crammed into this admittedly large venue. It's to the point where I wonder if they really do have any issues with population numbers. After the dancers had finished up, I was told to follow Del, Charlotte and Lady Kate. It was only after being guided to their table I realized that I was sitting at the royal table for the reception. Despite my hesitation, Del and Lady Kate were quick to make me sit down at the table. I was sat with Charlotte to my left as well as Del and Lady Kate sitting opposite to us. I thought the seating arrangement was a bit strange and as I was about to say something, Lady Kate offered me a piece of cake. She brought up the fact that her Dukedom's products were used in the making of the cake, so there's no way I could turn it down. I nodded my head and just as I was about to reach for the cake, I noticed a different hand had already reached for the cake.

" Here, let me get it for you."

It was Charlotte? I was surprised, I mean, who wouldn't be, right? It's not like I couldn't reach it...

" Thank you, Charlotte?"

As I thanked her, it was the first time I've seen Charlotte smile since yesterday. She's been in a somewhat dour mood since we took our educated guesses about the + symbol next to her Job Titles. Everyone seemed to think that my idea about them Evolving was the most plausible, but Charlotte seemed dissatisfied with it. Compounding that, Ryan's funeral had everyone feeling down, even me. It looks as if crying during the funeral seemed to help her mood somewhat, she seemed... I don't want to use the word happier... Maybe more energetic is the word? Either way, ever since we've sat down, she's seemed a bit more joyful. Not only that, but before that she was speaking to Lady Kate as we walked over to the reception hall and she seemed to grow more and more excited. Maybe the menu is to her tastes? Maybe I should ask Jim to prepare more cakes that compliment fresh fruit when we get back? I know that she really enjoys the fruit that Lily and I were able to make from all of the farming development we did when we first arrived in Paradise, maybe I should start thinking about how to blend the fruits with my dairy products aside from just making different ice cream flavors? 

" Here, you should try some of this syrup from the top first! Here!"

Charlotte took a spoon and scooped a small amount of the orange syrup on top of what looks like a poundcake. That was all fine and dandy... But then she lifted her spoon to try and feed me it. The look on my face must've given away how surprised I was by her actions, Charlotte noticed the look on my face and began to fidget in her seat.

" I... I can eat it myself, Charlotte..."

I tried to reach for the spoon, but then she moved it from my hand.

" Is it really so bad to just eat it?"

Charlotte looked at me while blushing... But for some reason, I could sense a strong resolve from her eyes... What is going on here?

" It's part of tradition, Marquess Drake, look around at the other tables."

Lady Kate tried to explain what was going on to me. I looked around and yes, there were women feeding the men sat to their left... But I'm to her right, what is going on here?

" Here, look. Del, open up!"

" Huh? But I haven't even had the actual meal ye-"

Del tried to say something, but it was a mistake, Lady Kate waited for the perfect moment where Del's mouth was open and she quickly struck. I wonder what Job she has to have the ability to aim and enact such a move. As I was watching them, Del quickly swallowed the spoonful of cake that has entered his mouth and looked somewhat let down that Lady Kate had gotten him so easily.