Chapter 242: Family Dinner

Chapter 242: Family Dinner

“Isn’t that something you ask a couple who just started dating?” Rael tilted his head. “We’re already married, you know?”

“So?” Simon shrugged. “It’s a valid question, Rael. What exactly did you see in my daughter that made you want to marry her?”

As soon as he finished speaking, Rael shot a quick glance toward Zafira, who obviously avoided his gaze.

It seemed like she forgot to mention the part where she sprung the marriage on him, leaving him with very limited choices other than to accept.

But for appearance’s sake…

“I fell for her at first sight,” Rael said with a smile. “Her way of doing things and the authority she exudes while doing them, captivated me. Her gentle but deadly personality especially caught my eye. I could go on and on… but it all comes down to the same thing. I love her.”

“Hmm…” Simon put a hand over his chin in thought. “I’ve searched far and wide for you, but I couldn’t even find a trace of your birth. Where are you from, Rael?”

“Would you believe me if I said I wasn’t from this world?” Rael asked.

“Pfft… I suppose not,” Simon replied with a chuckle, then turned serious. “But I’m sure you can understand why I don’t trust you. Someone with unknown origins suddenly marries my daughter. Naturally, I’d be skeptical, yes?”

Rael nodded, and Simon continued.

“So I’d like it if we could have a chat after we’re done here. Just the two of us.”

“I’d like that… father?” Rael replied sheepishly.

“Simon,” he corrected immediately. “You’re only allowed to call me Father once I have grandchildren running around, understood?”

Rael nodded with a serious look. “Yes, sir.”

With that, Zafira’s father simply tapped Rael on the back and sat him down on the same side of the table.

Zafira and her mother were still staring at him, yet he could see Zafira’s arms move slightly under the table.

And soon, a pop-up appeared.

Her cheeks turned slightly red.

Rael chuckled as he extended his hand over the table, holding it out in front of her.

Zafira stared at him for a few moments, then glanced at her parents. Finally, she accepted his hand.

Yet before the atmosphere could get too bubbly, Zafira’s mother coughed, getting their attention.

“So, what did you do before stepping into power?” Ardelia asked. “I saw some records of you in the adventurer’s guild. You’ve completed some quests, but definitely not enough to make a living.”

And they’re back to questioning my identity, Rael mused, but just as he was about to answer, Zafira spoke up instead.

“Mother… leave Rael alone. His identity doesn’t matter. All that matters is that I love him,” Zafira said with a pout.

Her mother’s brows twitched. “Zafira dear… let us speak with him, okay?”

Rael sighed. “I understand the suspicion, but you’ll never find me, no matter where you look. I wasn’t born on this continent, or any of this world’s continents, for that matter.”

Before they could speak, he continued.

“But I’ll only tell you after you have grandchildren running around. That seems like a fair deal, right?” Rael said teasingly.

But that made Zafira blush even further as her grip on his hand tightened.

Noticing his reluctance, Zafira’s parents finally backed off.

“Very well…” Ardelia muttered. “So how many grandchildren are you planning to have then?”

“I haven’t thought about it… but I guess it’s up to Zafira to decide,” Rael replied, falling into thought. “I don’t really care how many children I have. I’ll make sure to love them all equally.”

“Good answer,” Ardelia said with a faint smile.

“Definitely.” Simon nodded.

A brief silence fell before Ardelia spoke again.

“What would you do if she ever lost everything? I mean her title, strength, influence.”

“It wouldn’t change how I feel about her, if that’s what you’re asking,” Rael replied flatly. “I didn’t fall in love with her because she was the queen. I fell in love with her because she’s herself. That’s enough for me.”

It seemed like she found his answer satisfying, and now it was Simon’s turn.

“Have you ever killed anyone before?”

Rael raised a brow. “I have, yes. Some deserved it, some maybe not, but I’d be a hypocrite if I tried to justify it.”

He met Simon’s gaze with a blank look. “But I don’t kill without reason.”

“I see…” Simon trailed off, his expression unreadable. “If you had to choose, save all the people of Celestara except Zafira, or save only Zafira… which would you choose?”

Ah… the usual ruler question, Rael thought with a faint smile.

This was a question that had two perspectives.

If he said that he’d choose Celestara over Zafira, then that would make him a good king. And in this case, someone the parents would hold at arm’s length.

But he never claimed to be a good king.

So the second option, of choosing Zafira over the people, was something he’d pick without wasting a heartbeat.

“I’d choose Zafira over the people,” Rael stated.

Hearing his words, both the parents nodded, locked eyes for a moment, then turned their gazes away.

With that, they dug into the food without saying another word.

And as for Rael, he simply turned his gaze over to Zafira, who had also begun eating.

Yet their fingers were still intertwined, and from the extremely faint smile on her face, he could tell she liked his answer as well.

Now that the interrogation was over, Rael finally dug into the food.

There was salmon, steak, ribs, and even sandwiches. He had pretty much bought one of every food set for Zafira, as it didn’t cost that much money.

And thankfully, the food was delicious.

They all ate in silence, with the occasional chatter from time to time.

But after a few hours, they were done.

Zafira’s mother headed up the stairs and into a random room.

Of course, Zafira did the same after giving Rael a kiss on the cheek.

And now, only Rael and Simon were left.

Simon tapped the table a few times, stood up, and placed a hand on Rael’s shoulder.

“Shall we?”

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