As Lord Ivan closed the carriage window after his conversation with the soldier, Lady Diana, who was also an official of the kingdom, frowned and asked, "Lord Ivan, what did the soldier say to you? Is there anything dangerous ahead?"
The other two individuals in the carriage also wore concerned expressions, wondering if there truly was a threat on the horizon.
Lord Ivan shook his head reassuringly. "No, Lady Diana. There's nothing to worry about. The soldier simply informed me that they were going to set up camp once they find a safe location."
A collective sigh of relief filled the carriage upon hearing Lord Ivan's response.
"So, it's about setting up camp. I thought it would be something more serious," Eliza, one of the other two individuals, muttered. She was a master-ranked mage serving the kingdom.
Lord Ivan chuckled at her comment. "Well, it is important since we have a long distance to travel, and the horses are exhausted. Finding a safe location to set up camp is indeed crucial."
The other individual, Joseph Baker, a master-ranked mage and captain of a mage squad serving under the kingdom, spoke in a deep voice. "Lord Ivan, how far are we from Pinebrook village? We can't waste too much time; we need to complete the task given by His Majesty the king without any mistakes."
Lord Ivan nodded in agreement. "Naturally, we must secure the targets before the noble houses make their move and recruit them ahead of us. They might be making their moves as we speak."
Lady Diana added, "Indeed! Those nobles can't let such talented individuals slip through their grasp, as they might become the key to overthrowing the royal family. Those nobles disgust me... all just greedy bastards."
"Can't argue with that," Lord Ivan concurred with a smile.
The four individuals continued to chat and discuss the situation as the carriage sped along.
A few moments later, the soldier who had knocked on the carriage window earlier shouted, "Everyone, halt! We will set up camp here for the night, and once the sun is up, we will continue our journey."
"Understood, leader!" Everyone in the carriage nodded.
While some soldiers tended to the horses, providing them with food and water, others began setting up tents and starting a campfire before darkness descended.
—
Inside the Roasted Boar Shop, Yuan, Ava, and Julie finally stopped eating, having cleaned every plate of food. Yuan wore a delighted smile on his face, thoroughly satisfied with today's meal.
"The food here is really something..." Yuan muttered to himself as he rubbed his hand over his satisfied stomach.
Ava and Julie exchanged astonished looks. No matter how many times they had seen Yuan finish multiple dishes without a problem, they were still amazed by it.
'He's handsome and talented in every aspect; he is even talented in eating food,' Ava and Julie thought to themselves, sharing a silent chuckle.
A few seconds later, Yuan smiled at Ava and Julie and asked, "Ava and Julie, did you guys like the food here?"
Yuan knew that they both enjoyed the food, but he chose to ask them anyway.
"Well, we liked it. The food here is indeed very delicious, just as people say. They cooked the same ingredients in different styles, and each of them tasted really good. Right, Ava?" Julie said excitedly, turning to her sister for agreement.
"Indeed," Ava nodded shyly and added, "I also liked the food here. As Julie said, it's very unique and delicious."
"I'm glad you two enjoyed it," Yuan said warmly.
Afterward, the room fell into an awkward silence, and they exchanged uncertain glances.
"Ava, what do you think? Is he going to tell us how he feels about us now?" Julie whispered to Ava in a hushed tone, trying to keep her inquiry private.
However, unbeknownst to her, Yuan could hear their conversation loud and clear.
'So they're wondering about my answer, huh?' Yuan chuckled inwardly, pretending not to have overheard anything.
"I don't know, I'm not a worm in his stomach to know it," Ava shyly replied in a low voice, her thoughts echoing, 'I also want to know myself, how he feels about us...'
"You misunderstood me, I'm just asking your opinion."
"Oh, well... I'm not sure," Ava said awkwardly, uncertain about what Yuan would say next. She had no idea that Yuan had been quietly listening to their conversation.
The room fell silent once again. Julie stole a shy glance at Yuan, her inner thoughts racing, 'He said he's going to tell us how he feels about us at the end of the date... Should I ask him now how he feels about us?'
A few seconds later, Julie mustered her courage and began, "Yuan?"
'Here it comes... Hehehe~' Yuan chuckled inwardly, anticipating her question.
When Julie called his name, he decided to act as though he didn't know what she was going to ask. "What is it, Julie?" he asked, a warm smile on his face.
Julie locked eyes with Yuan, her cheeks slightly blushing. "Well... You said you're going to tell us how you feel about us, and since our date has come to an end, we would like to hear your answer. Right, Ava?" She turned to her sister, Ava, for support.
"Definitely, Yuan. Please, tell us how you feel about us. We're dying to know your answer," Ava said bashfully, her voice tinged with anxiety.
Hearing their earnest request, Yuan gazed at the two beauties before him for a moment, maintaining a deliberate silence. His quiet contemplation made both girls extremely anxious, their hearts racing as if about to burst from their chests.
They appeared visibly nervous, their minds racing with questions. What would his response be? Would he fully acknowledge them as his wives, or would he say no?
After a brief pause, Yuan looked at both of them, a warm smile gracing his handsome face, and began to speak, "We haven't known each other for long, just a few days ago, by what some might call coincidence or fate. We haven't had many conversations, unlike with Rose. However, despite the relatively short time we've spent together, I feel very close to both of you..."
Yuan paused again, his gaze locked onto their eyes, and a small, affectionate smile adorned his face.
Ava and Julie listened intently to every word that came out of Yuan's mouth, their hearts beating faster with anticipation.
'Does that mean... He's in love with us?' they both thought, their confusion apparent as they looked at him with gentle smiles.
A few seconds later, their eyes remained fixed on Yuan's as they awaited his response.
"Yuan... Does that mean..." Ava muttered, seemingly lost in a daze.
Yuan, too, found himself lost in their beautiful, crystal-clear eyes as he replied, "Well, Ava and Julie... I love you..."
Their hearts skipped a beat upon hearing his confession, their eyes widening in disbelief.
"D-Did I hear it correctly, or are my ears ringing?" They both uttered in unison, unable to believe what they had just heard. Tears welled up in their eyes as they gazed at Yuan, tender smiles gracing their faces.
They had longed to hear those words from his lips, and now, their wait had come to an end as Yuan finally declared his love for both of them.
'So they both think it's some kind of dream, huh? I didn't expect both of them to fall in love with me so deeply that tears would start rolling down their cheeks... It seems I should've said it sooner, I suppose. Sigh!' Yuan thought with a sigh.
Ava and Julie remained perplexed, still unsure if what they heard was real. Ava looked at Yuan with anticipation and asked, "Yuan, is this really true, or are we hearing things?"
"Yeah, Yuan, tell us if this is really happening. We've been waiting to hear this for a long time now..." Julie added, emphasizing the importance of knowing the truth.
Yuan couldn't help but shake his head, observing their disbelief.
Afterward, Yuan stood up from where he was sitting and positioned himself between Ava and Julie. With a mischievous smile, he said to them, "Let me prove it to you that it's real, how about that?"
"And how would you do that?" Julie asked curiously.
"Well... Like this!" Yuan swiftly cupped Julie's face and pressed his lips against hers, engaging her in a passionate kiss that took her by surprise. She was stunned, questioning the reality of the moment.
Ava, too, was equally surprised as she watched Yuan kiss her sister with such intensity. 'Is this really happening? Is he really kissing her so passionately?'
A few seconds later, Yuan separated from Julie, who remained in a daze after the passionate kiss.
Without wasting time, Yuan turned his attention to Ava, repeating the gesture by cupping her face and passionately kissing her as well.
A minute later, Yuan gazed at both of them with a smile and asked, "So, do you believe it's real now and not a dream?"
"Um," both nodded in agreement.
Some time later, the receptionist returned to the room and said, "Young Master Yuan, here's the total bill for your meal. Please have a look."
Yuan received the bill and muttered, "35 gold coins?"
"That's correct, Young master," the receptionist nodded.
Yuan retrieved a money pouch from his system storage and counted out 35 gold coins. He then placed the pouch back into his storage, which prompted the receptionist to frown.
"Here's the bill, 35 gold coins," Yuan handed the payment to the receptionist.
Afterward, he turned to the two girls and said, "Shall we return now?"
