366 Capture (1/2)

Though the Reed family was a noble one, it was in the lowest rank. Cage was only a baron, and Andonara had only been a baroness-to-be before she became the queen.

They were nobles on the surface, but they didn't have the power or panache of the nobles.

They were essentially ordinary people with more privileges.

On the other hand, Reed Village was just a village, and the dinner here couldn't be as extravagant and messy as the dinners of nobles in the city.

It was nothing but a barbecue in the backyard. Everybody enjoyed the food while they shared interesting anecdotes of the village.

Roland chewed the skewers of meat that Andonara gave him. The meat was tasty and succulent.

He had to admit that, though Andonara was a queen, she was as good at cooking as Betta was.

At this point, Cage was bragging about himself to Jerry, the oldest magic apprentice. ”When I just became a mercenary, I wasn't very worldly, but I was really lucky. I met at least three beautiful women every month. Let me tell you…”

Jerry was lost for words. As a half-dead old man, he found beautiful women to be like poppy: they were delicious, but could be lethal if he got addicted to them.

Now, he was only one step away from turning into an official Mage. If his advancement failed because he slept with a woman, he would regret it for the rest of his life, if he didn't die of fury right after the test.

However, Reed was the host, and he had no choice but to listen to his bragging as a guest.

Roland was much more at ease. He was enjoying Andonara's and Vivian's services simultaneously.

Nobody disturbed them.

The glow of the bonfire drove away the darkness, but the fragrance of meat attracted unannounced guests.

A group of bats flew nearby from the darkness prudently.

They perched on a tree sixty meters away and observed the party in silence.

Darkness was the best cover for bats, but the moment they landed on the branches, Andonara turned her head toward them, and Cage did the same half a second later.

”That smell…” Cage sneered. ”The cold air of darkness… An extraordinary guest has come to our home.”

Eagerness beamed out of Andonara's blue eyes. She said, ”Roland, can I see how strong I am now?”

After drinking the Phoenix Blood, Andonara knew that she was a lot stronger, but she had not really tested her new abilities yet.

So, she was eager to try.

”Be careful.” Roland nodded.

The Hero bloodline power could suppress evil creatures. Since Cage said it was a dark creature, it should be no match for Andonara under normal circumstances.

Also, Roland realized that he didn't know where the enemy was at all, while the two persons with a Hero bloodline did.

Her long hair that was as bright as silk on her back quickly weaved itself into a long, shiny braid that dangled all the way to her heels. Then, Andonara picked up the braid and made a bow-knot at the end of the braid with the torn fabric from her dress.

Then, Andonara tossed the braid to her back. She looked around and grabbed the spear on which a goat was being roasted, before she shook it gently.

The remaining half of the roasted meat was deftly thrown to the table. Then, blue flames spread out on the spear, cleansing the fat and the leftovers from the spear.

The spear, slightly reddened from the high temperature, was grasped by her.

Everybody looked at her in surprise.