There were many things Aries had in mind before meeting this distinguished guest Joaquin invited for lunch. According to Joaquin, this person traded everything. He didn't tell her anything about the black market, but there was a high possibility such a person could get her the things she needed if the price was right.
But that wasn't what made her exhilarated. It was the fact this was an action Joaquin thought of himself. It only meant one thing; everything she had done from start until now and the seed of trust she planted in Joaquin's heart was ready to blossom.
All that excitement, however, was short-lived when Aries and Joaquin arrived in the dining hall.
'Oh, my lord...'
Aries gazed at the person sitting across from them, slacked jaw. The man was like a walking treasury as he was glittering with gold. His fingers wore different designed golden rings except for his ring finger; a gold chain necklace around his tattooed neck and his ear studded with diamonds. His bright smile that reached his eyes until they were squinting into mere slits was brighter than all his blings.
What a way to show off his wealth.
But that wasn't the reason she couldn't stop herself from staring at him. She knew that face very much, but that green hair…
'What is Abel doing here?' she wondered, but her mind was too blank to create different scenarios and conclusions. All she could think about was that smug grin plastered on his face.
"Circe?" she snapped her eyes and automatically smiled as she turned her head to Joaquin on her left. "Are you alright, my wife?"
Aries nearly bit her tongue at how Joaquin addressed her. It was alright before, but not in front of her lover! Surely, Aries was more concerned about what her lover would think than her husband.
"Ye — yes." She cleared her throat as she recollected her thoughts, flashing Abel a smile. "It was a pleasure to have you, Baron Albe." — what a way to disguise.
"I hope you find what we prepared for you…" she trailed off as her eyes glossed over the food served on the table. Her face contorted seeing it was a potato feast.
"Of course, Your Royal Highness." Aries raised her gaze back to him when he replied happily. "I am honored to be invited by the crown prince and I appreciate you had taken the time to know and prepare this humble man's favorite dishes."
"Potatoes might be humbling, but they can sustain a man in times of crisis," he continued with a knowing tone. "That is why I am very fond of it and even if my businesses were flourishing well, it's a reminder of where I came from."
"You are a wise man, Baron Albe. No wonder you've attained what you have attained," she praised, keeping her demure in check.
"Haha! How flattering." Abel glanced at Joaquin and smiled brightly.
"Shall we start our feast?" The latter shot Aries a look, and she nodded before setting his eyes back to Abel.
Abel smiled back. "With pleasure, Your Royal Highness."
With that being said, the three of them started eating all sorts of potato dishes. Aries ate a small portion out of habit and then snuck a look at Joaquin. The latter was eating with a smile, but he barely chewed as this man wasn't used to eating humbling foods.
Meanwhile, the man across from them was eating happily. One would think he sincerely loved potatoes at the sight of him, but Aries knew he was obsessed with a different kind of potato.
"Right… I heard you've been traveling quite frequently, Baron Albe." Joaquin broke the silence after a moment, wiping the side of his lips with a cloth. "You have helped me a lot in our previous trade and since this is the only time I can extend my gratitude for your assistance, I was thinking of inviting you to our hunting competition."
Abel stared at Joaquin, who was reaching for a glass of wine. "Your Highness, how can this humble man accept this credit of helping the crown prince? I simply delivered what Your Highness generously paid for. Moreover, you helped me use the road in the seventh district, helping my business save some travel costs."
"Baron Albe, that is nothing compared to your efficient work." Joaquin chuckled, pleased at how humble Abel was. Even so, he knew this man was cunning and clever. He was more than what meets the eye and he shouldn't be deceived by it.
'Although… I didn't expect him to be significantly younger than I expected,' the crown prince thought, thinking the two of them were around the same age.
"Your Highness." Abel sighed helplessly before he glanced at the crown princess for a moment. "I am honored. However, I would like to make a request to keep my identity unknown. I do not want to get caught up in politics. I hope you understand."
"You can rest assured." Joaquin nodded reassuringly.
"It is a wonderful occasion — "Aries abruptly stopped as she bit her tongue when she felt a shoe glide up from her ankle. She caught the teasing glint that flickered across Abel's eyes for a split second.
'Really…' she slapped his foot with her foot, keeping her expression in check so Joaquin wouldn't notice anything. "It's a wonderful occasion to get to know more nobles and build connections since you've also bought a title."
Abel fluttered his eyelashes coquettishly as he extended his legs to reach her foot once again. This time, Aries didn't resist as he slipped the tip of his boots under her skirt, feeling her shin. As he secretly teased her, Abel glanced at the unsuspecting Joaquin.
"I am in your care, Your Royal Highnesses. This humble man is already honored to get invited to the meal with the crown prince. My presence might not be much in the hunting competition, but if you needed anything, I had prepared a gift for the both of you."
"If you would please allow me, I will show you the gifts I prepared," he added, stopping himself from jumping over the table to pounce on her with that taunting look she was giving him.
Joaquin smiled as he rocked his head, casting Aries a look, only to see her staring at Abel with sharp eyes. His brow arched but didn't think much about that strange look in his wife's eyes
"Of course, Baron," Aries spoke before the crown prince could tell her to. "We would love to see those gifts."
'Ahh… I knew this will be fun.' Abel bit his lower lip as his darling potato was quick to adapt.
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