At the dining hall, only Alaric was allowed entry so he asked Warrick to protect Elena.
"I'm sorry about your companions, my lord. Lady Vivian doesn't like it when servants dine with us. I hope you understand." Hershey muttered apologetically.
Alaric wasn't annoyed since he already knew that some nobles could be very particular about status and customs.
"It's fine." He replied calmly,
Hershey was relieved.
She noticed that Alaric was very attentive to his servant girl. She could even feel that there was a vague connection between them.
"The dining hall is this way, my lord. Just one more turn and we will be there."
In the next moment, they finally arrived at the dining hall. Nathan, Vivian, and two men in their twenties were already there seated in their respective seats.
"Lord Alaric, come here. We left this spot empty for you." Vivian beckoned to him as she pointed at the chair next to Baron Nathan.
Alaric nodded at her. "Thank you, my lady."
Vivian's smile deepened. She then turned her gaze to Hershey and sent her a deep look.
Hershey pretended like she didn't see this and sat to Alaric's right.
After they had taken their seats, Nathan clapped his hands and gave a signal to the servants.
Nathan looked at Alaric and said. "I don't know what kind of food you like so I instructed the servants to prepare all sorts of dishes for you. I hope that they will be to your liking."
"Anything is fine with me, my lord," Alaric replied with a light smile.
"By the way, I'd like to introduce you to my sons. This is my eldest son Theo and this is his younger brother Liam." Nathan introduced the two men sitting to his left.
Alaric cupped his fists at them. "My name is Alaric Silversword. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance."
The two men had different responses to his greeting.
The older man who looked to be in his late twenties had short blonde hair and a lean physique. He didn't look quite pleased with Alaric's presence. The sidelong glance and his condescending gaze didn't escape Alaric's attention. "The name's Theo."
Meanwhile, the younger brother named Liam politely cupped his fists at Alaric.
"I'm pleased to meet you, Lord Alaric. My name is Liam."
Unlike his older brother who looked like a trained warrior, Liam was on the slender side.
Alaric was already familiar with these two since he had met them in his past life.
Theo might look arrogant on the surface, but he was very caring towards his siblings.
On the other hand, his younger brother, Liam, was nothing but a gambling addict who would also indulge in sexual pleasure and alcohol.
A few minutes later, the food was finally served.
True to his promise, Nathan had indeed prepared a huge feast for him. All sorts of dishes, from seafood to monster meat, were presented on the table.
The atmosphere in the dining hall was lukewarm. Only Nathan and Vivian spoke with Alaric. Surprisingly, Hershey didn't say anything as if she was afraid of something.
The strange atmosphere made Alaric realize that there was something he didn't know about this family.
Suddenly, Vivian mentioned something that made everyone momentarily stop eating.
"Lord Alaric, what do you think of my daughter, Hershey?" Vivian smiled with a probing look.
Hershey's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this and she couldn't help but sneak a glance at the young man sitting next to her.
Alaric wiped his mouth with a napkin before he responded with a faint smile. "Lady Hershey is a beautiful and elegant young woman. I'm very impressed by her skills in tea making."
He paused as he turned his gaze to Hershey and continued.
"Before coming here, I heard that she is also a great painter. I haven't seen her paint, but I would like to have my portrait made by her."
Hershey felt like her heart leaping in joy when she heard his words and his gentle gaze was like a spell that enthralled her soul.
When she realized that she had stared at him for too long, she was flustered. She quickly lowered her head to hide her reddening face.
"Oh?" Vivian's eyes lit up. She didn't expect things to go this smoothly.
She planned to betroth Hershey to another noble if Alaric showed no interest in her, but from the looks of it, there was no need for her to go through much trouble anymore.
It's still too early to discuss marriage. I just hope that this little bitch won't do anything foolish to scare Alaric away.
While she was immersed in her thoughts, one person was giving Alaric a sharp gaze.
He tried to hide it, but Alaric immediately sensed his hostility because of his 'Sixth Sense' trait.
Liam… why did he suddenly become hostile?
Alaric pretended like he wasn't aware of the other party's hostility.
Liam lowered his head while clenching his fists.
How dare that bastard flirt with my beloved sister?! She's mine! No one can take her from me!
A crazed look flashed in his eyes.
His body trembled and he felt a sudden itch in his arms.
This… Why does it have to be now?
Liam's body trembled and sweat slowly trickled down his face.
I need to get out of here quickly while I'm still sane!
Thinking about this, he abruptly stood up and said. "I'm full. I'll take my leave first."
He then turned around and left in a hurry.
"Why is that kid in a hurry?" Nathan muttered with a perplexed look. He then smiled apologetically to Alaric. "Please forgive my son's insolence."
"It's fine. He probably has some important matters to take care of." Alaric nonchalantly replied.
Theo raised an eyebrow as he looked at the empty seat next to him.
Did that bastard… Dammit! I already told him to stop taking that suspicious medicine!
He was aware of his younger brother's addiction to illegal drugs. He had already warned Liam not to take those pills, but it seemed like the latter had ignored his warnings.