Following Mars into the dining room, Luo Shu observed an elegantly poised middle-aged man with an air of nobility sitting in the center of the room.
He possessed radiant golden hair that was neatly combed back at that moment, and his face was as perfectly chiseled as a sculpture, exuding an incredible charm. His deep blue eyes were as captivating as the sea and sensual, making others believe he was flirting even when his expression remained neutral.
After having Luo Shu and Lu Hanmo wait for a moment, Mars approached Hillpry and bowed respectfully, "Your Majesty! The distinguished guests have arrived!"
Hillpry nodded slightly and looked toward Luo Shu and Lu Hanmo, offering them an enchanting smile, "Please, take your seats, honored guests."
"Yes!" Mars responded, then turned to Luo Shu and Lu Hanmo, "Please follow me."
As Luo Shu and Lu Hanmo were led to the dining table, the waiters who stood by had already pulled out chairs for them.
Once Luo Shu and Lu Hanmo were seated, Hillpry smiled at them, "I am very pleased you could visit Mos Castle." He had looked into Luo Shu and Lu Hanmo’s backgrounds and knew the couple not only held immense clout and wealth in Yan Country but were also revered as the War God and miraculous healer.
"Thank you!" Luo Shu responded with a smile and a nod to Hillpry, showing no trace of nervousness or fear in the presence of a king.
The waiters poured red wine for Luo Shu and Lu Hanmo.
"Please change mine to fresh milk," Luo Shu said to the waiter. She was pregnant and naturally could not drink alcohol. While milk was not yet popular in Yan Country, it had become widespread in the Southern Federation.
"Certainly!" The waiter acknowledged and withdrew, returning shortly with a large bottle of fresh milk.
Meanwhile, another waiter arrived with a cartful of exquisitely prepared dishes.
After presenting the food to the three of them, the waiter inquired of Luo Shu and Lu Hanmo, "How would the honored guests like their steaks done?" Most Westerners preferred their steaks medium-rare with a hint of blood, as such steaks were juicy, tender, and had the best texture.
However, it remained uncertain what the preferences of these two from Yan Country were, and whether they had even tasted steak before. It was said that Yan Country was so poor that even clothing and food were an issue.
"Medium well, thank you," replied Luo Shu, who indeed did not enjoy bloody steaks.
"The same for me," Lu Hanmo added. Although he was born in a unique era, his family placed great importance on personal cultivation and dining etiquette, and given his exposure to various missions and peoples, he was well-acquainted with international cuisine.
Hillpry picked up a glass of red wine, gestured toward Luo Shu and Lu Hanmo, took a sip, and smiled at Luo Shu, "I hear you are a highly skilled physician, and we are in your debt for your role in averting the recent danger."
"I’ve merely made some modest achievements," Luo Shu said with a smile.
With a slight smile tugging at his lips, Hillpry replied, "You’re too modest! In fact, the reason I invited you here was to ask for a favor. I’m just not sure if it’s convenient for you right now," he glanced at Luo Shu’s protruding belly.
"Please, go ahead. I’ll consider it," Luo Shu said with a smile. She might be able to use this favor as an opportunity to propose some cooperative terms to Hillpry.
"It’s about my eldest son Philip; he’s suffering from a peculiar illness. His eyes cannot be exposed to sunlight, or he will temporarily go blind," Hillpry explained. Philip had been highly intelligent from a young age, especially astute in politics with a sensitive political acumen. He was the ideal candidate as the next successor, except for his unfortunate sensitivity to light, for which no doctor had found a cure.
Luo Shu took a sip of her milk and spoke leisurely, "Treating the prince is not difficult, but as you are aware, agreeing to help him on a whim could lead to certain... complications."
"What do you mean?" Hillpry looked at Luo Shu, anticipating her next words.
Hillpry glanced at Mars beside him, who quickly understood and approached to take the document.
"I will discuss this matter with my ministers," Hillpry said, smiling at Luo Shu and Lu Hanmo.
Lifting her milk glass, Luo Shu returned the smile to Hillpry, "Your Majesty, I will be staying in Langxi Country for a week."
Hillpry nodded with a smile and raised his glass to Luo Shu, gently clinking it against hers in mid-air. He understood what she meant; one week was her deadline. If she left, considering her condition, it was unlikely for her to return to Langxi Country. Therefore, he had to make a decision within this time frame.
At that moment, the steaks arrived, exuding a tantalizing aroma and sizzling invitingly.
"Please, try this. The beef comes from Chris Ranch, and is known for its delightful taste," Hillpry said as he elegantly cut a small piece of steak and tasted it.
Luo Shu and Lu Hanmo also picked up their knives and forks and began eating their steaks.
The three of them then shifted the conversation away from politics, instead discussing the geography, culture, and customs of Langxi Country and Yan Country.
"You both might enjoy visiting the Aichi Sea in our Langxi Country. I’m sure you would fall in love with it," Hillpry suggested with a smile.