After the ball, the trio was invite ti another feast but unlike yesterday this time the trio will have a small feast company with the royal family themself.

The atmosphere at the private feast was significantly more intimate than the grand festival from the previous evening. The dining hall was smaller but still regal, adorned with tapestries and lit by elegant chandeliers. At the table sat only the trio and the royal family: the king, queen, and Princess Aeliana. The food, while still simple to modern standards, was noticeably better than the fare from yesterday by a landslide.

leaned slightly toward Rudeus, Rimuru spoken while taking a bite from a roasted leg of something that vaguely resembling chicken a goose maybe. “You know,” he whispered, “this is actually edible. A huge step up from yesterday’s feast.”

Rudeus grinned, nodding as he chewed on the sweet and sold breed. “i know right?!The bread’s not stale, the meat’s cooked evenly, and—oh, is this actual seasoning I taste?”

Before Rimuru could reply, Rory who sitting opposite to them, delivered a swift kick to both of their legs under the table.

Though Rimuru barely flinched, his reflexes catched the movement then stop mid way, while Rudeus yelped up and nearly choking on his food.

“Keep your manner up, idiots,” Rory hissed, glaring at them. “We’re at a royal table, not a tavern.”

“Fine, fine,” Rimuru muttered, rubbing Rory boot mark of his leg and shooting back a mild glare at her.

Meanwhile, the king, a man with a graying beard and a sharp gaze a typical type of man which we normally think of when we imagine a king would look like, watched them with an unreadable expression.

Setting down his goblet fill with some kind of fine wine, as he cleared his throat, drawing the room’s attention.

“I must say,” the king began, his voice carrying authority, “your efforts in saving my daughter have not gone unnoticed." He pause a bit looking at the trio with questionable gentle look as he continue "It is clear to me that you all possess unique talents.”

Hearing that Rudeus puffed out his chest slightly  at the compliment, clearly enjoying and pridefull about the recognition. Rory just rolled her eyes at Rudeus, and Rimuru simply nod in politely.

The king continued his speeches, with a bit more formal tone of voice. “And it's for this reason that I would like to extend an offer to the trio of you." Raise his free hand up, the King said "Join my knights. Serve this kingdom and its people. With your skills, you would be invaluable additions to my army.”

There was a pause as the king’s words settled over the table. Rudeus, ever the goofball, immediately perked up as he cheerfuly said. “Knights, huh? Sounds cool. Sir Rudeus the mage, sound catchy right?"

Hearing that the king give out a chuckle then speak up sofly "it does indeed"

While Rory just groaned softly then rub her nasion from Rudeus excitement, while Rimuru kept his focus on the king. Something about this situation felt... off not just to him but also to Rory too.

“Thank you for the offer, your Majesty,” Rimuru said carefully, his tone calm but probing about their intention, “we appreciate the honor, but may I ask why you’re so eager to recruit us? You barely know us.” he ask while slightly turn his head acting curious and cluelessly.

Facing the questions, although the king’s expression didn’t falter much, but there was a flicker of something—irritation or even anoyed in his eyes perhaps. “Your actions speak louder than words. You saved my daughter and with you’ve shown great power along the way. Any wise ruler would recognize such assets and act accordingly.”

Rimuru nodded slowly, but his sharp senses picked up on the subtle tension in the room. Beside the king, Princess Aeliana fidgeted with her hands, her expression is some what hesitant and uneasy. Her eyes darted toward him, Rory and Rudeus, as if she wanted to something to them but couldn’t.

And look like Rimuru is not the only preson doubtful right now because Rory noticed it too. Her sharp gaze lingered on the princess for a moment before shifting to Rimuru, giving him a subtle nod as if to confirm his suspicions.

Rudeus, oblivious to the undercurrents, grinned and casually talk to the king. “Well, I’ve always thought being a knight would be pretty cool. I mean, who doesn’t want to be the hero in shining armor, right?”

The queen, who had been silent until now, smiled faintly but said nothing, her expression same as her her husband’s— unreadable.

Leaned back in his chair, Rimuru mind racing at the moment. All his sense is practically saying something wasn’t adding up. The king’s eagerness, the princess’s hesitation, even the timing of this private feast—it all felt too calculated.

And Rory was the one who decided to test the waters, through her tone casual when she speak up but her words is straightforward. “It’s an interesting offer, Your Majesty. But wouldn’t placing foreign adventurers in such a high position cause unrest among your people? Surely your knights wouldn’t appreciate outsiders stepping into their ranks.”

The king’s jaw tightened ever so slightly, but his smile didn’t waver as he calmly reply to Rory. “A valid concern, Lady Rory. However, I believe the strength of my kingdom lies in its ability to adapt. And strong allies are worth any—risk.”

Rimuru’s eyes narrowed slightly as he exchanged a subtle glance with Rory. Both of them could feel it now: the king had an agenda, and whatever it was, it wasn’t as benevolent as it appeared infront of them at the moment.

Princess Aeliana who looked like she was on the verge of speaking, her lips parting slightly, but with a sharp glance from the queen. She was silenced up as she lowered her gaze, hands clenching in her lap as she hold in her words.

Still oblivious, stuffed another bite of food into his mouth, Rudeus completely missing the silent exchange not just from his teammate but also from the Royal family as well. “Well, I guess we’ll think about it,” he said cheerfully, wiping his mouth with a napkin.

“Of course—” the king said smoothly, raising his goblet. “Take your time. You all can answer me tomorrow were it matter”

As the meal continued, Rimuru and Rory stayed on edge, quietly observing the royal family and exchanging subtle signals. Whatever kind of game the king and queen was playing, they would have to be careful to avoid being caught in this web of mess.