Aethernea : Soulbound [Book 1]

Episode 84 - Lileron Passion

Previously:

Elaru picks up Kiel's ring and the two of them go to Black Pearl restaurant where she intends to give him the ring and explain its usage. Unfortunately, as they enter the lobby of the restaurant, they run into Rhur Rroda – Kiel's older brother, and his date.

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Rhur continued: "...but you are worrying too much. The meal is on me. I know that those low-level delivery quests you've been doing would be hard pressed to cover the bill. But how could I possibly let my little brother pay?"

The silence descended on the lobby.

...

...

What? Kiel had blinked several times before he realized what just happened. That buttcracker!! Kiel's smile froze. Truly a noble down to the bone. Spouting venom with each word and passing it off as concern.

You think I don't know what you are doing? Trying to embarrass me and show how much better you are so as to steal my "date"?! You think I'll just let you do as you please?! Dream on! I can do the "embarrassing" part just as well as you!

"My financial situation is fine, older brother. Thank you for your concern, but with how often you dine here with your female companions, I don't think you can afford to pay for my own meals too."

This time, it was Rhur's smile that stiffened. Wasn't Kiel implying that he brought females here all the time to feast on them instead of the food?

Rhur paid attention to Elaru's reaction from the corner of his eyes. Her eyebrows rose slightly, and the corner of her mouth twitched. Underneath her calm hid amusement.

Unfortunately, since he was paying attention to Elaru, he missed the reaction of his own date, which was ugly to behold. Apparently, she wasn't aware of Rhur's reputation as a playboy. Which was amazing in itself, considering how infamous Rhur was in the noble circle.

"Don't be silly, little brother. If the Rroda family successor couldn't afford a few meals, then wouldn't the whole Rroda family be a joke?" Rhur responded warmly, as if he truly cared for his younger brother. Yet, obviously, he was declaring how high his status was.

Kiel spoke with just as much fake warmth. "Older brother, of course Rroda family can afford it, but if you spend too much of our funds, grandfather will get angry. And considering how often he threatens to take away your position as a future successor, if you are not careful, he might actually do it."

Elaru did her best to not burst out laughing at the changing expressions of both Kiel and Rhur as they interacted with each other. Her previously calm eyes now glittered with hints of laughter. Her expression mirrored the expression of a spectator watching a good show.

Rhur laughed warmly, as if what Kiel said was only a joke. "That's grandfather's way of venting his temper. Everyone knows they are just empty threats. Even if he wanted to replace me, there is no one to replace me with."

Rhur was obviously implying that Kiel couldn't even contend for the position. Kiel's eyes narrowed slightly, and Rhur's flashed with brief contempt. One could almost see sparks flying in the air.

Rhur didn't let Kiel find an appropriate retort and took control of the conversation. "Little brother, could it be that you don't want to dine together because you didn't come here for the food?"

He looked between Kiel and Elaru several times, clearly implying that the two of them came here to do some indecent business.

Kiel mirrored Rhur's earlier laugh. "What kind of strange thoughts are you thinking, older brother? Why would we come here if not for the food? Don't tell me that you come here for other reasons?"