Chapter 77: The Great White Bear
The unexpected greeting sent a shiver down the princess’s spine, a mix of strange emotions swirling within her. It wasn’t just the welcoming tone to the evening banquet that had such a bizarre effect on her, but also the name that slipped from the lips of the men—Aideen Valentine.
’It doesn’t sound bad...’
With a flustered smile adorning her pink lips, Aideen nodded graciously at the guests, reciprocating the greeting.
"Good evening, dear guests. I am genuinely delighted to meet those who hold such significance for His Grace. I look forward to getting acquainted with each of you and sincerely hope that this evening will be filled with joy for all."
"Now that our previously dull male company is graced by your presence, My Lady, this dinner promises to be more enjoyable than we could have ever imagined!"
One of the mercenaries, a tall and robust man with tanned skin and long, messy, curly brown hair, nudged his companion on the side. The latter only offered a warning look to his comrade and shook his head in unconcealed disappointment.
As both the hosts of this intimate gathering and their guests settled into their seats behind the dining table, Sir Stanis savored the remnants of red wine in his tall silver goblet. He then beckoned the return of the lively conversation that Aideen’s entrance had momentarily interrupted.
"You’ve arrived at a particularly interesting moment, Your Highness! We were just recounting the tale of how His Grace Duke Tillian slew the great white bear at the tender age of twelve!"
"Oh?"