Dining Knife

Belga's eyes widened slightly at Princess Denise's bold words. The hall fell silent, everyone holding their breath. Then, a slow smile spread across Belga's face, showing a mix of respect and amusement.

"Princess Denise," he said, his voice calm but with a hint of admiration, "your bravery is truly impressive. It seems the spirit of Veloria is as strong as ever."

He paused, looking around the room before focusing back on Denise. "Very well. I respect your decision. But remember, my offer still stands. When the time comes, and you need help, my Nightwalkers will be ready."

With that, Belga gave a slight bow, his eyes lingering on Denise for a moment longer before he turned and left the hall, his cloak flowing behind him. The tension in the room eased a bit, but the weight of his words remained.

King Philip stood up, his face showing a mix of concern and determination. "Given the urgency of the situation, we cannot afford to waste any time. I will call a brief meeting with my closest advisors and military leaders tonight to outline our immediate steps. We will reconvene tomorrow morning for a more detailed strategy session."

The guests nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of the situation. Eli felt a sense of relief, knowing that they were taking swift action to prepare for the impending attack.

As the guests gradually left the dining hall and the officials headed to the meeting hall, Princess Denise and Eli found a brief moment alone. Eli took a deep breath, his eyes meeting Denise's. "Princess Denise, you look absolutely stunning tonight," he said, his voice tinged with shyness.

Denise's cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and she quickly looked away, trying to hide her flattered expression. "Thank you, Eli," she replied softly, her voice betraying a hint of embarrassment.

Eli continued, "I also wanted to apologize for what happened earlier. I was too careless. I thought it was Ramil who entered the room because I didn't clearly hear the voice at the door."

Denise's lips curled into a slight smile, though she quickly masked it with a serious expression. "What you did was not appropriate, Eli," she said, her tone firm. "To make up for it, you'll need to do me a favor."

Eli's curiosity was piqued. "What kind of favor?" he asked.

"You'll find out tomorrow morning," Denise replied, her eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. "For now, I need to attend the meeting."

Eli nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Of course, Princess. I'll be ready for whatever you need."

With that, they bid each other farewell, each heading in different directions but both with thoughts lingering on their brief encounter. 

After their brief conversation, Eli's thoughts drifted to Belga. 'I need to know more about them,' he thought, determination hardening his resolve. 'This could lead me to the Asmodeus.'

Without wasting another moment, Eli quickly stepped out, hoping to catch up with Belga and follow him.

Outside the palace, as Vital and Belga made their way home, Belga suddenly sensed they were being followed. He paused and whispered to Vital, "Someone is following us."

Vital's eyes narrowed, a protective instinct kicking in. "Go ahead my lord and return to the Kingdom of Drakulon. I'll handle this."

Belga nodded, he was confident in Vital's skills and strength, knowing he could handle any threat. Vital was one of his strongest subordinates, an ancient Nightwalker whose power was unmatched despite his age. He can take down large numbers of ordinary lycans by himself. 

With a swift movement, Belga's figure dissolved into a swarm of bats that took to the sky, their wings flapping in unison as they flew away and disappeared into the night.

'Well, that's one way to make an exit, Eli chuckled. I guess he really knows how to wing it.'

Eli watched from a distance, his heart steady and his mind focused. He knew they're already aware of his presence, and the confrontation was inevitable. 

The moonlight cast long shadows on the ground, adding to the tension of the moment. Eli prepared himself for the encounter, knowing that Vital would not be an easy opponent. 

As he moves closer, he knows Vital is clearly ready to confront him.

Vital's voice rang out, commanding and clear. "Show yourself."

After a moment, Eli slowly stepped out from the shadows, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. 

Vital's eyes narrowed as he spoke. "You have a lot of nerve following us. It seems the king of Eldoria has sent you into danger by ordering you to trail us."

Eli shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Well, I wasn't ordered to follow you. It was my own decision."

Vital furrowed his brow, clearly puzzled.

"I just want an interview," Eli added.

Vital's eyebrows shot up, confusion written all over his face.

Eli chuckled, realizing his mistake. "I mean, I just wanted to ask a few questions," he clarified with an apologetic grin.

Vital's expression hardened, "You think you can just ask questions and leave without getting hurt?" Vital's voice was low and threatening. "Do you really think the answers will matter if you won't leave here alive?"

Eli's smile disappeared, and his eyes narrowed. "I'm not leaving without answers. But I won't let you kill me, either."

Suddenly, Vital jumped forward, moving so fast he was a blur. Eli barely had time to react as the Nightwalker got close, claws out, eyes glowing with a dangerous light. Eli stepped aside just in time, feeling the air rush past as Vital's claws missed him.

The tension in the air grew as they circled each other, both thinking about their next move. Vital grinned, showing his fangs. "You're quick for a human. But speed won't save you."

Eli forced his voice to remain steady, even as his heart raced. "I'm not here to kill you. But if I have to, I won't hesitate."

With a growl, Vital attacked again, faster and more aggressive. This time, Eli was ready. He moved aside, barely avoiding the attack, and quickly pulled out a knife from his belt—a simple dining knife he had used at the feast earlier. The blade shone in the moonlight as he held it tightly.

"You think that knife will save you?" Vital sneered, not worried.

"It's all I have," Eli replied. With a playful grin, he waved the knife like a toy sword. "But I think I can make it work! If it can cut through bread, it can definitely cut through—" He paused, smirking. "—anything!"