Evolving My Undead Legion In A Game-Like World

Chapter 661: Purpose (Edited)

Arianne swept in with an apologetic smile, the hem of her travel cloak still dusty. ”I came without warning. I apologize.”

Michael glanced over the spread and nodded once. ”It’s fine, Princess. It is our pleasure to enjoy a meal with you.”

The maids hovered at the edge of the room, waiting. Michael sampled a grape, then one of the baked pies. He set his plate down, satisfied. ”You all may excuse us now.”

The maids bowed and quietly withdrew, their soft steps fading into the hall.

Michael turned his gaze toward Arianne. ”Princess, eat with me,” he said.

Taking one of the baked pies, Arianne bit into it delicately, then reached for a grape and chewed thoughtfully.

”It’s good,” she said at last, her eyes flicking toward the table. ”The flavor’s pleasant, simple but warm. The herbs are a bit sharp, though. Still...” she smiled faintly, ”they don’t hold the novelty of Lord Michael’s homeland chocolate.”

Michael blinked once, his expression unreadable. ”Chocolate?”

”Yes,” she said brightly, the faintest laugh escaping her lips. ”The one you gifted me last time. The dark one that melted almost instantly on my tongue. I’ve never tasted anything like it.”

She rested her chin lightly on her hand, her eyes distant as she described it. ”It was strange at first, bitter but smooth. Then sweet, but not too much. It left this warmth on the palate, like magic condensed into flavor. I actually tried to find it in the markets of the capital, but no one seemed to know of such a treat.”

Michael gave a small, polite nod, though inwardly, he hid his bemusement. The homeland chocolate she spoke of was nothing more than a store-bought bar from Aurora itself, packaged in a plain casing that gave away nothing about its origin.

Still, her amazement was understandable. After all, the productivity levels between both worlds were vastly different. What was common and cheap in Aurora could easily be seen as exotic luxury here.

He reached for another slice of fruit, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. ”I’m glad you liked it. If the princess wants more, I can prepare some for you to take back,” he said calmly.

Arianne’s smile brightened at once, her eyes glimmering with the same open warmth that always seemed to disarm the people around her. ”Truly? Then I’ll hold you to that, Lord Mic. Thank you.”

Her tone carried genuine delight, an unfeigned happiness that softened the natural authority in her bearing. For a brief moment, the room felt lighter, the silence between them gentle instead of formal.

They continued their meal in quiet after that. Michael ate at a steady pace, his thoughts calm but measured. The princess seemed content to simply sit there, occasionally glancing toward him before looking away with a faint smile.

When they had nearly finished, Michael finally broke the silence, his tone polite but direct. ”It truly is an honor to have you here, Princess,” he said, setting down his cup of tea. ”But the journey from the capital to Thornvale is long, and not an easy one. I’m happy to see you, of course, but surely, for such a distance, there must be a purpose.”

Arianne paused mid-sip, her cup hovering just below her lips. Then, with a faint frown and a teasing glint in her eyes, she lowered the cup.

”So, the Viscount thinks I cannot visit without a reason?” she asked lightly. ”That I only come when there’s business to discuss?”

Michael was speechless for a moment, caught between manners and uncertainty. He set his cup down slowly before replying, ”Of course not, Princess. I only meant that as friends, it’s natural to visit one another, but it’s also natural to be curious when the visit comes from so far away.”

Arianne’s brows lifted slightly, the corners of her lips curving into a faint smile. ”So, the Viscount sees us as normal friends?”

Michael opened his mouth to answer, but for some reason, the words stalled in his throat. The question felt like a trap. A simple yes should have been harmless, yet the way she asked it made it sound layered. He hesitated, unsure if she was teasing or testing him.

Before he could decide on a proper response, Arianne’s composure broke into a soft, melodic laugh. She covered her mouth lightly with her hand. ”I’m teasing you, Lord Mic,” she said between small chuckles. ”You look far too serious.”

Michael exhaled quietly, the faintest ghost of a smile tugging at his lips.

”You’re right,” she continued, her voice softening as the laughter faded. ”I didn’t come all this way just for a friendly visit.”

Arianne set her cup down and leaned back slightly, her expression returning to its usual grace. ”You were actually summoned to the capital, Lord Mic,” she said.

Michael’s brows furrowed ever so slightly. ”Summoned?”

”Yes,” Arianne replied, meeting his gaze. ”By royal decree. It’s an important event, one that concerns the kingdom as a whole.”

Michael’s fingers drummed lightly on the table. He didn’t show it, but the word royal made him wary. He never enjoyed dealings that involved the higher echelons of the kingdom. Too many politics. Still, his voice remained steady. ”May I ask if the princess knows why?”

Arianne gave a small nod, her lips curving faintly. ”I was coming to that.” She adjusted her posture, sitting straighter. ”It’s actually quite an opportunity for you, Lord Mic.”

”An opportunity?” Michael repeated, the edge of curiosity slipping into his tone.

Arianne’s eyes glimmered slightly with restrained excitement. ”Yes. You see, there’s been an opening to enter a secret realm, one left behind by a powerful figure from the old ages.”

That made Michael pause. ”A powerful figure?” he asked slowly.

The princess nodded, her expression serious now. ”Not just powerful. A strong man beyond comparison. Someone even stronger than the strongest in our kingdom.”

Her words lingered in the air like a quiet echo, and for a brief moment, even the faint sound of the wind outside the windows seemed to still.

Michael leaned back slightly, studying her face for signs of exaggeration. But Arianne didn’t seem like she was trying to impress him. If anything, she looked genuinely intrigued, perhaps even a little reverent.

He exhaled softly. ”Stronger than the strongest in the kingdom, you say.”

Wouldn’t that mean this was related to a Rank 4 superpower?