Discussions At Dinner

"Me too, kid. I'll remember to get a small bag of candies when I get the chance, alright?" I replied, smiling back at Nasima.

The child's face seemed to light up as she energetically nodded. The kid beside Nasima appeared to be a striking girl with her long flowing brown locks and amber eyes. She seemed very protective of Nasima as I tried to be friendly with the minor child.

"I'm Circe, the Flamed Hawk of the Barren Pillars. I'm currently training to be the First Seat Marksman after I go another round of fights with Ashley," greeted Circe, fiercely looking at me as if I was about to steal her fish.

"Circe, you shouldn't stare at the new member like that... Others might think you are picking a fight with them," warned the final child, who sat beside Circe.

"Hmph," replied Circe, looking away.

The final child was the complete opposite of Duncan's body size. The kid was big-sized but not chubby, with broad shoulders and muscular arms. He would be the perfect guy to wield a shield. And he looked the most normal out of all the kids as he's got black hair and blue eyes.

"I deeply apologize about Circe's actions. My name is Amani, and I am the current Second Seat Of the Traveller Pillar. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Elizabeth," greeted the child as he smiled sweetly at me.

"Not to worry, and the pleasure's all mine. You may call me Lizzie. I am looking forward to working with all of you rising stars soon. Thank you for having me," I replied, digging into my dinner.

Everyone else followed as the Valkyrie nodded in agreement. As I continued chowing down my food, the dinner table was filled with conversation. And I was the only one who wasn't in any of them. No biggie, it's best that I focus on the delicious food first.

The children talked about what Missions they were assigned to for the entire week, while Duncan boastfully talked about fighting me just before dinner to go on his first Major Mission. The expressions on the children's faces meant that it was the group's first time on a Major Mission.

Meanwhile, at the other side of the dining table, Raiyen and Tomoe discussed how they would fight their targets in the upcoming Mission with me. And just as I thought, Tomoe's plans were more straightforward and fickle, while Raiyen was calculative and reserved.

It was a discussion on brawns and brains, but I think both men had a good chance against their respective opponents. If Tomoe has enough strength, he can overpower his enemies. And with an unpredictable mind, it makes it incredibly difficult to read the Kistune's movements.

As for Raiyen, if he chose to play defensive and play the waiting game could prolong the battle but assure him a solid victory if he targets his enemy's Elemental Core in a single strike. It would be the most conservative method against an enemy like Raijin, who keeps coming back to life.

Bryan and Rina were busy playing with baby Kai while chatting about their day. Rina complained about the village kids tugging on her wings while Bryan was busy laughing at her misery. Finally, after a playful slap, the Slayer surrendered and offered her an extra carrot.

But the guy was rejected by the girl, and Rina continued pouting. Then, after a promise for a dinner date after the Major Mission tomorrow, the Flower Mage's eyes lit up, and they continued chatting. Ah~ They remind me of love-Dovey couples but have no clue that feelings are flying everywhere.

Baldwin, Z, and Mavislin were on a fascinating topic about the lost twin brother of the Duchess Vernice Midford. I was intrigued to know about the missing twin to see if he was linked to my current Mission. It was a slight hunch, but I think Fabian controls the twin and Minwoo.

For Minwoo's case, it was confirmed after hearing that audio recording. But for the twin brother, no evidence shows it yet. One thing I found odd is the twin reaching out to Vernice for help when he could have done so way before this incident occurred.

Perhaps he was stopped by someone? Then why would that 'someone' allow him to send out letters after being lost for so many years? It just doesn't add up to me. The thought of Fabian using Vernice's twin to drag another King into an early grave didn't seem impossible to me.

But the huge question about the entire thing, the Major Mission of the Dollhouse, is why? What's the point of doing all this? Fabian has been in contact with these Mages for around a decade and has not recruited any other Mages for the past two years.