Parallel Vol. 4 [LEGACY EDITION]

Chapter 65.2: Dinner With Kings

Kashi and Lunette followed the maid through the manor's beautiful hallways, through a flight of stairs, to the second floor, where they finally stopped in front of a large pair of ornate double doors.

A pair of guards stationed at the doorway cocked their heads in greeting and then proceeded to push the doors open, revealing a lavish, dining hall with a long white and rose-colored table at its center.

Kashi and Lunette walked into the hall, shocked to find that they were the last to arrive as everyone else was already seated. King Chu sat at the head of the table, with King Parissius and King Xafier seated at either side of him. Two seats were left open next to King Parissius, most likely intended for Kashi and Lunette.

Leila, Absalon, Jade, Stryke, and Larsial sat next to King Xafier in that order, whereas, Shadow, Miote, Syèl, Shokō, Asha, followed Kashi and Lunette's empty seats. Both Rosendun's and Aygorzi's ministers sat at the remaining seats following the Maggots.

Upon entering the room, Kashi's new look caught the eyes of all the Maggots present, leading to several thumbs-ups getting sent Lunette's way. If it were not for the solemnity of the royal dinner, there would have definitely been quite a few whistles and cheers.

Thankfully, King Parissius was eager to set the mood for the evening. The king took one look at Kashi and immediately shot to his feet clapping as he praised, "Ms. Lunette Falsetto, I never thought it possible to turn Kashi into a respectable gentleman." He mock-bowed as he continued, "I will forever be in awe."

Lunette barely had a chance to respond when King Xafier left his seat and walked up to Kashi. The dwarf clapped his hands around the daeben cheeks and exclaimed with a loud guffaw, "Never thought I'd get to see yer forehead. You look mighty proper. Wouldn't have recognized ya were it not for the beautiful lass." King Xafier beamed as he looked at Lunette and offered a bow, "Miss, you are a woman of miracles, if I've ever laid eyes on one."

With the ice officially broken, King Chu also rose from his seat and approached the couple. His aging lips cracked into a small smile as he confessed, "Earlier I doubted such a man could truly be the famed Kashi of the Hopeful Maggots. Now, he does look a man of import." The king winked at Lunette as he praised, "Truly, women do bring out the best in us ruddy men."

"Your Majesties, please do not tease me so," Lunette responded with an embarrassed chuckle. "All I did was give him a little makeover. The looks are all his."

King Parissius snorted as he glared at Kashi. "Who cares if the looks are his if he can only cover them in mud." Thrilled at the opportunity to put one over the daeben, he emphasized, "A diamond is only beautiful because it shines. Stick it in mud and no one will appreciate its value."

Kashi, meanwhile, snorted in reply and grumbled, "It's still diamond though," causing the room to erupt in raucous laughter at his expense. He intended to say something to get back his dignity, but a certain halben vampire suddenly showed up in front of him and pushed him to the side.

"Forget Kashi," prompted Syèl, and then asked he pointed at his curly hair which was securely tied into a ponytail, "Can I get a makeover too? I've got some ideas for this hair of mine."

"Ooh, me too," exclaimed Jade as she popped up beside the halben. "I've been stuck with this hairstyle since I got here! I need a change! Or, no wait. You might be busy. Where did you learn then? I need to get change this style! Also. That dress. By God, it's lovely! Who made it? Where? Do they take custom orders?"

Kashi could only stand off to the side as several Maggots surrounded Lunette, praising her fashion sense and her role in Kashi's makeover. The daeben shook his head, smiling to himself as he walked over to his chair and took a seat.