Dragon King's Harem Chapter 402. I’m Just Trying to be Man Who Enjoys His Dinner

Dragon King's Harem Chapter 402. I’m Just Trying to be Man Who Enjoys His Dinner

Jyne, sitting a few seats down, leaned forward, her gaze warm. “After all, you’re not just any king. You’re the Dragon King,” she said, her tone half-teasing, half-serious.

“Right,” I muttered, pouring myself a glass of wine. “But tonight, I’m just trying to be a man who enjoys his dinner.”

Al laughed a bit too loudly, almost spilling his own drink. “As long as you’re around, Your Majesty, I’m not sure anyone here will see you as just a man.”

I raised an eyebrow at him. “Is that so? Well, Al, if you keep waving me over like that, maybe I’ll start seeing you as my overly eager attendant.”

Al grinned, leaning back in his chair, clearly unbothered. “I don’t mind. I’m more than eager, ya know,” he replied, his voice full of enthusiasm and a hint of pride. The lighthearted comment pulled a chuckle from around the table, but then I noticed Evelina watching me, her face softening with concern.

“Are you alright?” she asked, her tone quiet yet intent. “You look… tired.”

I took a sip of my drink before I answered. “Not really. Just have a lot on my mind. Some things I need to take care of soon.” I paused, glancing down at my plate before continuing, “I don’t exactly feel like I have much time to waste.”

Eir, who had been quietly listening, lifted his head at that. “Do you mean the witch tribe’s visit?” he asked, his brows knitting together.

At the mention of the witch tribe, Al’s face visibly darkened, his grin fading as tension crept into his expression.

I shook my head. “No, not the witch tribe,” I replied, keeping my voice calm to reassure them. “It’s a different matter—a leader of a tribe is getting married soon. The invitation should arrive in the near future.”

Al frowned. “Then what’s there to worry about?” he asked, trying to understand. “It’s just a normal invitation, right?”

“No.” I stabbed a piece of food with my fork and took a bite, thinking over how much I could say. 

Jyne leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. “Then… what is it?”

I chewed thoughtfully, choosing my words carefully. “It’s not something I can speak freely about just yet,” I said finally. “She asked me to keep certain things confidential until the right time.”

Eir tilted his head, looking at me with a puzzled expression. “Did you find out about this from that letter on your desk?”

I shook my head. “Not exactly,” I answered, swirling my drink in its cup. “Let’s just say it came through a private message. She sent it to me personally.”

Evelina’s gaze sharpened. “A ‘she,’ huh? So, a queen?” Her voice held a hint of curiosity mixed with intrigue.

I nodded. “A queen,” I confirmed simply.

The table grew quiet.

Even though I hadn’t said much, I could see the wheels turning in their minds. Visiting another kingdom was always a delicate affair, and a queen’s request, especially one surrounded by secrecy, often held hidden layers. My silence left them curious, but I had to respect the queen’s request for discretion.

Al spoke up, breaking the silence. “So… do you think this marriage could be dangerous for us?” he asked, his voice low, more serious than usual.

"Not dangerous," I replied carefully, choosing each word with intention. "But potentially… complicated. There’s history involved."

Al’s face shifted from confusion to quiet understanding, and he nodded, deciding not to press further.

Evelina broke the silence, her voice cautious but curious. “So… will this lead to another war?”

I shook my head, hoping my confidence reassured them. “I hope not. And I know the queen doesn’t want that either. A battle, maybe… but a war? I don’t think so.”

I resumed my meal, thankful when Al took the opportunity to shift the conversation to something less intense. He leaned back, a smirk forming on his lips. “Well, all this talk of battle and royalty is a bit heavy, don’t you think?” He snapped his fingers. “Oh, right. Anyone else notice the baker’s shop around the corner from the inn? That smell alone was enough to bring me back from the dead.”

Eir chuckled, nodding. “I passed it on the way here. The scent was so strong, I thought they might’ve been trying to lure in the whole town.”

“It was bread, right?” Jyne asked, her eyes lighting up. “I smelled it too! We should definitely check it out tomorrow morning. Who could turn down fresh bread?”

Al perked up at the suggestion, clearly on board. “Fresh bread? I’m sold. In fact, I say we head there before sunrise to beat the crowd. I doubt I’m the only one drawn in by that smell.”

Evelina laughed softly, her gaze sweeping over the group. “If that baker knew how many royals and soldiers were about to descend on his shop, he’d probably start baking extra loaves tonight. But really, isn’t it nice to just… enjoy a quiet evening in a place like this? Small towns have their charm.”

I nodded, savoring another bite of stew. “There’s something about these places. The simplicity… I’d almost forgotten what it felt like to be in a town where the people aren’t sizing up every action, every word.”

Al leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Speaking of townsfolk, did anyone see that old antique shop by the market square? I could’ve sworn there was some ancient dragon sculpture in the window. Looked almost real, the way it was carved.”

Jyne raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Really? I love those kinds of shops! Sometimes, you’ll find the oddest things—like little treasures hidden in plain sight. We have to go and see it tomorrow!”

I glanced over, my interest piqued by Al’s mention. “You think it was an actual piece? Maybe something from our tribe’s history?”

Al shrugged, his mouth twitching with a half-smile. “Maybe. Or maybe just some artist’s attempt at a dragon. Either way, I wouldn’t mind looking around. Who knows what kind of history this town has, hidden in that little shop.”

Eir snickered, giving Al a playful nudge. “An antique dragon sculpture? Next thing we know, you’ll be talking about taking it home for a personal collection.”