The Crown's Seduction
Chapter 268: Clingy

Chapter 268: Clingy

In the province of Otto

"It’s been a while. It feels good to be outside strolling around like this, just like old times," Mineah hummed as she and Niran walked around the busiest streets in the province of Otto. Otto had a popular night market and street foods so Mineah and Niran decided to try it out in their usual disguise as male wanderers.

"That’s true Min," Niran answered with a giggle, calling her by her disguise name.

"So, are we close to our meeting place with Laura?" she asked Niran. She wanted to be able to spend time with Laura too and was glad to have this opportunity to do so. Dani and Zaila had already left so that Dani could prepare for her wedding, while Krisha had also left so that she could properly introduce Taro to her family and explain why she would no longer qualify for the selection to become Ezekiel’s wife.

"I believe so. It’s just a short walk from here. She mentioned that it’s the best place to eat some noodle soup!" Niran remarked in her energetic tone.

The province was mostly occupied by half-human Melds, which is why they had various restaurants that humans could enjoy. The owner of the restaurant, Laura suggested, had come from Ebodia and had married a Valcrezian leading her to decide to reside in Valcrez. According to Laura, they could even request meals that they missed from Ebodia.

Mineah hugged her arm and quickly pulled Niran signaling her to walk faster. "Hurry up, Niran! I’m craving for beef spicy noodle soup!" she beamed.

It was an open restaurant, and as expected, Laura was already there sitting at the table reserved for them. Mineah and Niran casually sat on the vacant chairs on the table.

"You two look as handsome as ever," Laura scoffed, making Mineah and Niran chuckle.

"Hmm, you yourself have improved!" Mineah couldn’t help herself and paid her friend a sarcastic compliment. Laura had also used some magic to enhance her disguise the way Niran had enhanced hers too. Because of this, the three of them now looked so manly and handsome that they were actually attracting the eyes of the young ladies around them.

"Well, someone told me how bad I looked before and how unconvincing I was," Laura scoffed with a sour face.

"That person was telling the truth though," Niran commented with a laugh. Mineah chuckled, enjoying Niran and Laura’s banter.

"Let’s order, I’m starving!" Laura commented. They were talking in their own secret language even though they were seated far from others. She called for the waiter and then gave them their orders.

"So how’s your review going? In two days, you’ll step into the palace to take the exams. We’re rooting for you and really do hope thatyou reach the final round! Even if you end up in last place, as long as you pass and don’t get eliminated in the final round, that’s perfectly fine." Niran commented.

Niran had meant what she said because the first five examiners who reached the final round would be the only ones to qualify for a higher position amongst court officials. Mineah was hoping for Laura to manage the justice affairs as the new Minister of Justice. Laura might lack experience but Mineah was confident that Laura would perform a very good job in that position.

"Don’t worry, I won’t let you guys down! Just wait till we are all reunited inside the palace!" Laura confidently declared. Mineah had really adored Laura’s self-esteem and confidence.

Mineah felt a sense of accomplishment seeing that her shadow maidens were not at all saddened by choosing to stay with her. She could read their thoughts and knew that they were happy with where they were right now. She couldn’t help but feel so blessed to have these women around her.

"Won’t, uhm, His Majesty look for you?" Laura suddenly asked.

Mineah chuckled and said, "he won’t because he knows where we are. For all we know, knowing him, he’s just around, in disguise as well."

Laura then turned to Niran and asked, "What about you? Is your dear one as clingy as His Majesty?"

Niran’s face turned red. Mineah was sorely tempted to delve into her thoughts, but she restrained herself, worried that Niran’s thoughts might once again be too personal. Seeing how Niran timidly smiled was enough for her to know that Niran was not having problems with Raul.

"Goodness, this is why romantic relationships are a pain in the ass. I would rather have myself tied up with work. Look at you all flushed like that. Why do these husbands need to hover around when us ladies are meant to be having our own fun? I shouldn’t have asked as I’ve now confirmed my suspicion. I’ll have to be cautious with my actions, knowing that two members of the royal family are nearby, likely just spying!" Laura snorted while looking around as if she would be able to recognize Mineah and Niran’s husband.

**

Not far from where Mineah was sitting, Nikolai was enjoying his own drink wearing his own disguise.

[Stop hiding in the mist and eavesdropping on them. Come and join me here, Raul,] Nikolai telepathically said to Raul with a blank face. He could feel Raul’s presence hovering around in the area in his mist form.

"I’m not eavesdropping!" Raul defended as soon as he appeared before Nikolai. His face was so red.

Nikolai clicked his tongue and scolded, "You should at least be in your disguise if you don’t want them to notice you hovering around them. They will call you clingy..."

With a quick use of his magic, he immediately disguised Raul before Mineah or the rest of the women looked towards their direction.

"What’s this!?" Raul burst, but seeing that he gained attention, he pursed his lips.

"A perfect disguise so that our ladies won’t notice us stalking them. Don’t we look like a perfect couple? I’m the husband and of course, you’re the beautiful wife!"