Chapter 29: The Royal Banquet (End) The Smooth Prince Consort

Chapter 29: The Royal Banquet (End) The Smooth Prince Consort "Ah, but surely the queen has many duties that keep her from... more personal matters. It wouldn't do for a prince consort to be left unattended, would it?" Mikhailis's grin widened hearing those words. Truly obvious attempt, isn't it now, Lord Count? "Well, I've got plenty to keep me occupied. Between my research, my... hobbies, and, of course, my lovely wife, I'd say I'm pretty well taken care of." Mikhailis saw in the count's eyes, a hint of frustration flashing behind them before he quickly masked it with a chuckle. Not bad. "Of course, of course. But if you ever find yourself in need of companionship, there are many noble families with daughters of suitable age. It would be wise to consider—" Mikhailis cut him off with a loud laugh, drawing the attention of several nearby nobles. "Ah, Count Levos, I appreciate the offer, really, but I think I'm good. I mean, unless you know a girl who's into insects, then we might have a problem," Elowen stifled a laugh beside him, though her eyes remained watchful. She knew exactly what the count had been trying to do, and she was grateful Mikhailis had handled it so smoothly. Mikhailis gave the count a wink. "Anyway, I'll keep it in mind. Thanks for the tip!" Count Levos, clearly unsatisfied but unwilling to press further in public, nodded stiffly and excused himself, moving back into the crowd. Elowen leaned in closer to Mikhailis, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for handling that." Mikhailis grinned. "Hey, no problem. I'm just here to make your life easier." Before Elowen could respond, another figure approached, this one more familiar. Earl Vaelis Drakar, one of the more prominent nobles who had been considered a potential suitor for Elowen before Mikhailis had arrived. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with dark hair slicked back and a gleam of ambition in his eyes. "Your Majesty, Prince Consort," he greeted, bowing slightly, though there was a certain sharpness in his tone. "It's good to see you both looking... well." Mikhailis raised an eyebrow, his grin never faltering. This man... One of Elowen's potential husband material... "Thanks! You're looking pretty well yourself, Earl Drakar," Vaelis's eyes flickered with annoyance for just a moment before he smiled. This guy is the bold type, huh? "Indeed. Though I must say, you seem to have made quite the impression in your short time here." Mikhailis shrugged, playing the part of the fool. "Ah, you know, just doing my thing. Trying to stay out of trouble." Vaelis's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Of course. Though I must admit, I was surprised when the queen announced her marriage to you. It seemed... sudden." 'I'm surprised you dare to take such a position as a nobody' I guess that concludes what he implied? Mikhailis tilted his head, his grin widening. "Well, between you and me, the real reason I was brought here is because of my unmatched skill in, uh... 'insect identification.' Yep. Bugs love me. Turns out, in my world, that's a pretty underappreciated talent, but here?" He made an expansive gesture with his hand. "Apparently, it's worthy of royalty. As there are 'bugs' that leeches the sap of the tree in the castle as well, you see," Mikhailis whispered. But because of his playful tone and eyes, Vaelis couldn't really decipher was it a threat or just a coincidence choice of words. "Pff! Hahahahaha!" Elowen gave a soft, genuine laugh, unable to help herself. Mikhailis knew how to lighten even the most tense situations, and this was no exception. The tension in the surrounding nobles seemed to ease slightly, some even letting out amused sighs. Vaelis's jaw tightened, and Mikhailis saw his smile growing more strained by the second. He clearly wanted Mikhailis to slip, to reveal something that could be used against him or Elowen, but Mikhailis wasn't giving him that satisfaction. Instead, he was weaving around the challenge with humor and a touch of sarcasm. "Your Highness is quite... unique," Vaelis said, his voice dripping with insincerity. Mikhailis grinned widely, leaning back with a relaxed air. "Why, thank you, Earl Vaelis. I do try. And really, I must say, I admire your persistence. It's not every day someone keeps asking until they get an answer they like." Vaelis's eyes flickered with a brief flash of annoyance, but he masked it quickly, and his smile returning. Now that's very typical of a nobleman. "Of course, Prince Consort. I only aim to understand those who are a part of our beloved queen's life. After all, we all have a stake in the future of Silvarion Thalor, do we not?" Mikhailis gave a slow, thoughtful nod, still smiling. "Oh, absolutely. I'm all about making sure the future's bright. Who knows? Maybe one day I'll even learn to use magic. It's kind of my specialty." There was a ripple of laughter through the room, and even Serelith, the court magician, gave a small, amused smirk. Vaelis, however, did not look amused. Mikhailis gave a mental nod to Rodion's words, feeling a slight sense of satisfaction. The goal tonight wasn't to make friends or enemies—it was to show up, play the part of the harmless, bumbling Prince Consort, and leave without giving anyone ammunition to use against him or Elowen. Vaelis finally gave a polite bow. "I look forward to seeing more of your... talents, Prince Consort. And perhaps one day, we shall see if you truly have the makings of a hero from the stories." Mikhailis nodded, his smile never fade even for a second. "Oh, I don't know about hero, Earl Vaelis. But I promise, I'll always be... entertaining." Mikhailis purposefully give a hint of sharpness, and he could see Vaelis caught off-guarded for a while. With that, Vaelis excused himself, his expression tight as he walked away, disappearing into the crowd. Mikhailis let out a slow breath, feeling Elowen's hand tighten slightly around his arm. "Thank you," she whispered, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and concern. "That could have gone very differently." Mikhailis turned to her, his smile softening. "Hey, I told you I've got your back. Besides, what's a little verbal sparring between friends?" Elowen's lips curved into a small smile, her eyes holding his for a moment before she nodded. "Still... be careful. They're all watching, waiting for a chance to exploit your weakness against me," Mikhailis chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "Good thing I don't have any, then. Well, except for you, but I think that one's worth it." Elowen's eyes softened, her smile turning genuine. "You always know what to say, don't you?" "Of course," Mikhailis said, giving her a playful wink. "It's my one true talent."