Return of The Unrivaled Spear Knight

“I understand, Your Highness.”

Vanessa rose gently and turned to Lucia.

“Wait for just a moment,” said the hostess.
“You can eat first.”

“Ah…” Lucia didn’t have time to reply before they walked out the door.

“Joshua, what’s the matter with you? What do they mean when they say you’re going to the capital? What about becoming a knight—?”

“I’m sorry.”

Lucia came to an abrupt halt when she saw the genuine remorse on Joshua’s face.

“Should I wait until later to hear what happened?”

“Okay.”

“All right—”

“However.”

Lucia cocked her head curiously.

“For the time being, I hope you’ll trust me.”

“Joshua?” Lucia was confused by Joshua’s stern expression.

His eyes were more frigid than they’d ever been.

Vanessa turned around once she’d gone some distance from the dining room.

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“Sir Chiffon, what are we going to do?”

“That—”

“Stop blaming others.”

“My apologies.” Chiffon bowed.

“I’m not sure why you’re acting so cruelly, Sir Chiffon.” Vanessa glared at him with poisonous eyes.
“You’re fighting a small child.”

I remember the first time I saw that boy. From the depths of his heart, rage swelled.
Animosity, without reason.
He didn’t understand that emotion until now. Isn’t this envy?

I don’t want to admit it, but I couldn’t help myself.
Damn it. Chiffon chewed his lip.
An unbelievable talent, superior to his beloved master, and a profound sense of dignity that draws people in.

“Don’t be influenced by irrational feelings,” the Duchess said.
“If you wanted to see good things, you may be out of luck.”

“What do you mean?”

“Those things just arrived yesterday,” replied the Duchess.

Chiffon stared wide-eyed at her.

“Gari” was a well-known poison among the knights.
It was a pure white powder that was nearly tasteless and odorless, even to the highly developed senses of knights.

Gari might work.

“Even for a mere best, the last road is a comfortable one,” Vanessa said as she made her way slowly back to the dining room.
“Knight? Arcadia? It’s not even funny.
I don’t think a bug could be better than him.”

Vanessa’s smile was as cold as ice.

“This time, don’t make a mistake.”

“Have you been waiting for us… Was I holding you back? I’m ashamed we—”

“It’s just so cozy!”

Vanessa flashed a bright smile at Lucia’s reply before looking at Joshua.

“I offered Sir Chiffon some harsh advice; I hope you’re satisfied by it as well.”

Vanessa sat down and examined the food set on the table.
Peculiarly, extra food was placed in front of Lucia and Joshua—Vanessa's intentions were, of course, hidden within.

“Sister Lucia, I hope your seats aren’t bothering you or your child?”

“Not at all! We’re fine.” Lucia spoke loudly, as if unsure of herself.

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“I’m thrilled!” Vanessa smiled.
“Thank god.
I was afraid my sister would despise me.”

“That’s impossible,” said Lucia.
She leapt to her feet like a frightened rabbit.

“I’m serious.” Vanessa covered her mouth bashfully.
“I want to get to know my younger sister a little better.”

Although I wasn’t criticized openly, I had to sleep with one eye open for years. Lucia was greatly moved.
It was only natural she would feel reassured by the first warm words offered to her.

“Shall we eat, then?”

Lucia nodded brightly.

“Then—”

“Wait.” The voice filled the dining room, instantly capturing the guests’ attention.

Joshua’s lips curled into a tiny smile.

“Before we eat, I’d like to express my regret.
I had no idea there was a deeper meaning, and I was oversensitive.” He rose from his seat and bowed.
“Please accept my heartfelt apologies.”

“All is well.” Vanessa seemed perplexed but smiled and nodded.
Lucia, too, was smiling.

“It appears my young mind has accumulated useless poisons,” Joshua continued.
“I don’t think my elder mother thinks like I do.
If we’d known ahead of time, we would have prepared something ourselves—”

“It’s not too late.”

Joshua grinned widely at Vanessa’s reply.

“I appreciate you saying that, but you reached out first—” Joshua pointed at the table.
“I can’t accept this kind of treatment from you.”

“Hey, Joshua, what do you mean?” Lucia shifted uncomfortably.

“Mother, it appears my elder mother is overly concerned about us.
She only receives a small portion of the food, while we have so much.”

“Ah!”

Indeed, delicacies were piled high in front of them.
Vanessa’s cheeks flushed with unease as Joshua continued to push her.

Joshua drew an angelic smile on his lips as he pressed the attack home.

“Elder mother, I hope we can all enjoy our last dinner together.”

For the first time, Vanessa’s perfect smile cracked.

Lucia.↩