Steampunk Era: Mad Abield
Chapter 328 - 226: The Battle of the Vegetable Garden (Part Three)

Chapter 328: Chapter 226: The Battle of the Vegetable Garden (Part Three)

Malin had to admit that this lunch was quite different from what he had imagined.

It was true in every aspect, starting with His Majesty, who lacked the regal demeanor one might expect from a king, resembling more a battle-hardened veteran than a monarch.

However, according to the history books, the Mowish family had only ascended to the throne a couple of generations ago. At that time, the Tide of the Dead swept across the continent, and the royal family of the previous king had bled dry in the war. The last Prince and the King died in battle. Before his death, the King passed the title to that Prince, but the Prince was gravely injured within half an hour of his coronation, on the ramparts of the castle.

Ultimately, on his deathbed, he summoned his closest companion from the Mowish family and entrusted the kingdom to him.

This event was witnessed by many from the Church and the Nobility, including the Saint Heir from the Church of Justice, so there was likely no conspiracy or foul play involved.

At that time, this friend from the Mowish family was merely an Earl who had clawed his way up to a Duke through military achievements. The main branch of the Mowish family had all died, and this distant relative—who had just become a Baron after three of his brothers died in battle—suddenly found himself holding the title of Earl Mowish. Then, due to a legendary battle, he gained the title of Duke. A few years later, his childhood friend passed him the crown.

It was said that he wept over his friend’s body, nearly breathless with grief. Some even rumored that he was the Goddess of Fortune’s own son.

Therefore, it was widely recognized that the Mowish royal family lacked the so-called majesty of royalty. When the next Tide of the Dead arrived during His Majesty’s youth, the Mowish family was once again at the forefront, and only the King’s mother, among her five brothers and seven sisters, survived, which meant that he somewhat inexplicably ended up on the throne.

Before that, it was said that all he wanted to do was to become an Adventurer—after all, it never seemed his turn to sit on the throne.

So from Malin’s perspective, the Mowish family had a legitimate claim to sit on the throne—at least more use than those scoundrels who tried to whitewash their traitorous, insurgent behavior.

Speaking of which, His Majesty seemed to enjoy drinking with Colin most, though Colin was completely incapable of handling it. A case of painful pleasure, indeed.

And there sat Malin, behind Faye, watching her card game with her mothers and Margaret while they sipped afternoon tea.

Yes, card games, the Noble’s favorite Putuo cards, similar to bridge.

Malin wasn’t very good at it, but watched as his lady outplayed her sister and two mothers, clapping at the right moments, offering snacks, pouring tea, and filling water—a brother-in-law and son-in-law doing his duty.

As boring as it was, Malin thought this was the so-called bliss of leisurely half-day rest, with the added bonus of the Leopard Girl’s attendance—a respectful tail-stroke to her offered appendage.

By three o’clock, Faye’s second brother returned, dragging Colin back to the table, insisting on having a drink together despite Colin barely being able to stand. Malin, feeling sorry for him, prepared to ask for some mercy on his behalf.

"No way, I haven’t had a drink for a long time on the front lines, and I just want to find someone to toast with," the strapping man suddenly paused, quickly glanced over at his sister who was mercilessly dominating the card game, then turned to Malin, "How about we have a drink?"

"Alright," Malin nodded and then pulled out two bottles of Dwarven-brewed industrial alcohol-grade spirits from his Spatial Bag, "Let’s go head-to-head."

......

King Sydney of Sidonia groomed himself and was very pleased with his reflection in the mirror.

Today was another pleasant day; although two wild boars ran amok in his vegetable garden, considering he had taken down one of them, it wasn’t much of an issue.

The other seemed not to have reached the legal drinking age, and although drinking his home-brewed liquor would be no problem, he, as King, had to set an example.

In a few years, he’d be sure to give that young rascal a proper schooling at the drinks table.

With that thought, he opened the door only to see his second son, staggering past him, reeking of alcohol and retching over the sink in the bathroom.

What’s going on?

The head of the Mowish family turned to scan the hall; his two ladies were sitting with their daughter, playing cards. Malin’s girls were petting the Mouse Girl by the fireside, and Colin lay on the couch, snoring. Then he saw Malin, sitting next to Faye, drinking from a bottle with a placid expression.

Goethe approached the table and noted the other four bottles... No need for a sniff, the smell alone revealed they were Dwarf spirits.

"You’ve been drinking?" he asked Malin.

"Yes, he’s been drinking, embarrassingly so. Even Malin is too much for him," his beloved Manli said with a bitter smile, "He can’t even outdrink Malin."

"How much have they had?" Goethe felt that this question was a matter of life and death.

"This is Malin’s third bottle, pure Dwarven strong spirits," Anna said, laughing without turning her head.

"Wow, looks like someone can keep me company with a few drinks in the future," Goethe said, laughing... as if. What kind of creature is this little devil? How could he drink three cans of Dwarven spirits and be utterly unaffected? What kind of monster is he? Is he human or some sort of specter?