Chapter 168 : Stories from the star reader.

Jiro was more than surprised when he saw Athena in front of his door. She dressed simply with her hair in a lose bun and tendrils framing her face. She was in a slightly puffy gold dress and had on a sun shaped pendant.

" My lady, what are you doing here "? Athena smiled warmly, " Escorting you to dinner of course ". He closed the door with a slight smile, " That's a first ". She shrugged, walking with him now " Really? I just didn't want you feeling so out of place ".

He nodded, " Then thank you for the company ". They suddenly stopped when the doors to a suite opened. Reli declared proudly, " Just in time ". They stared at each other for a few seconds and she laughed nervously.

She gave a quick curtsey and bowed her head, " I didn't mean to startle you ". Athena laughed softly, " No matter, Imperial Consort Reli Sopins meet our Continents Star reader, Jiro ".

Reli looked up and scratched the back of her head nervously, " I hope I made a good impression "? Jiro nodded with a smile, " A loud one, but a good one none the less ". They heard the clicking of heels and Melanie appeared.

She was in a deep blue tea dress with a brown sweater and matching long socks. Her heels were also a matching blue. She made a quick curtsey, " Good evening First Lady Athena ". She looked up at Jiro, " You must be our Continent's Star reader ".

Athena sighed, " And this is Imperial Consort Melanie Aqua ". Jiro gave a slight bow and Melanie suddenly blurted [ Happy to make your acquittance ] " He has a youthful appearance for his age ".

She instantly covered her mouth then curtseyed, " I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it. I said what I was thinking ". Jiro laughed as he shook his head, " No offense taken. It's new to have a fan from the imperial harem ".

Reli suddenly butted in, " Me too. I hear you know lots of forgotten skills too ". Athena spoke through clenched teeth [ I can smell the victory and food from here ] , " We're working on a schedule ladies ".

Melanie and Reli snapped at attention then Reli smiled, " No problem, we can talk as we walk ". Melanie nodded in agreement and looked at him, " If you're okay with it of course "?

Jiro nodded and Reli suddenly exclaimed as she held Melanie, " Awesome. We're hearing stories from the star reader himself. Isn't that exciting "? They pulled Jiro along and he didn't mind the company and chatter. He smiled as he spoke [ I forgot how nice this felt ]

~ ~ ~

Eros was already getting used to being ditched [ Is that a bad thing though? ] Athena told him she'd be escorting Jiro and Nectar would definitely not willingly go with him. What he didn't expect was for Suki to ask him.

She stood in a long purple coat and looked up at him hopefully, " I hope your majesty won't take offence but I was wondering whether we might be able to go down together ".

Again he heard Pashidowl's voice in his head, " She's shrewd and kinda cute. I like her ". Eros sighed as he looked at her, " I don't see why not ".She brightened instantly, " Really "? Eros nodded with a smile and held out his hand to her, " Of course ".

Suki took his arm happily, " Thank you for the honor your majesty ". He nodded mildly, " No problem " [ Let's just get this over with ]