The Crown's Seduction
Chapter 270: The Fake Couple

Chapter 270: The Fake Couple

Even as Mineah smiled and giggled with her friends, she was still aware of what was happening around her. People came and went, and she kept a close eye on a few notable men and women who went by. At least, those that looked to be a threat based on their stance and gait.

And of course, that was how she noticed a couple that looked far too uncomfortable to be a real couple in the first place.

Unlike her shadow maidens, Mineah easily recognized her husband and Raul among the other patrons in the diner where they were eating. No matter how much they acted like it, the subtle differences and the aura between the two just looked way too off if someone knew what they were looking for. And besides, even if the two were disguised, she could still see their life force radiating off of them. Nikolai had this bright gold color inside his body, while Raul had a faint one, but still recognizable nevertheless.

’They’re really committing to their cover, huh...’

She inwardly laughed as she pursed her lips, doing her best not to actually laugh out loud because of how Raul was dressed in his disguise as a woman. Nikolai had the easy part of acting as a man, and she could only guess that the other simply had the unfortunate luck of having to play his part. Well, if this was what they wanted to do, then she’d gladly let them play their part.

"How about a drink?" Laura suggested after they finished eating a bowl of beef noodle soup. "There’s still a lot to be had here."

"I know. You can grab whatever catches your eye," Mineah quickly nodded as her eyes sparkled. "And get some desserts too."

Laura nodded as she quickly went and ordered some more food and drink for them. They had more than enough money to sample everything, and that was exactly what they planned to do.

"I wonder how Krisha and Taro are doing right now," Niran mused just as Laura came back with another tray of desserts and drinks to consume. "Do you think things are going well for them right now?"

"I’m sure they’re doing fine," Laura scoffed as she sat down. "Krisha wouldn’t let things get too bad on her watch."

"I agree," Mineah concurred as she grabbed her drink and plate of dessert from the tray. "And besides, it’s not like their lives are on the line out there. They can do whatever they want and still be fine."

"Well, Krisha’s going to be fine, but I wouldn’t say the same for Taro," Laura jokingly stated. "He might just get killed out there if they don’t play their cards right."

"Come now. That’s just an exaggeration," Niran chuckled. "He’ll probably be castrated, but he won’t die."

Mineah laughed at her friends’ suggestions. Both were an exaggeration, but there was some truth to those words as well. At least, on the part where Taro might just get hurt with how he marked Krisha without any warning whatsoever.

"Well, it’s up to them to smooth things over with them," Mineah smiled as she sipped on her drink. "Whatever happens, we’ll just support them."

The three of them shared another round of chuckles before they dug back into their respective desserts. The atmosphere around them was lively, and it was the perfect mood to just share a couple of laughs among friends. That was until something came to ruin that mood.

"Move aside."

Mineah raised an eyebrow as she turned to look at what seemed to be an uppity merchant trying to get them to move. He had some people behind him, but otherwise, he didn’t look like someone who could cause too much trouble.

"And why exactly should we do that?" Mineah coolly asked.

"This is our spot," the merchant arrogantly scoffed. "I suppose you’re new here, so I’ll let it slide for now. Just move aside and we’ll be on our way."

"Oh? But we got here first," Laura challenged back. "You weren’t here when we got this table. And besides, there are plenty of other empty tables around us."

The merchant lowly chuckled. "You misunderstand. This is our table."

Mineah narrowed her eyes as she spotted the merchant’s men starting to surround them. They clearly knew what they were doing, which was to try and muscle them out of their deserved spot.

"I’m not asking anymore," the merchant scoffed as he crossed his arms. "Move tables, or else."

"Or else what?" Niran taunted.

"Or else we’ll make you move..."

Mineah blinked as she prepared herself for a fight. The men were closing in, and she was just about to stand up when she spotted Raul and Nikolai moving from their positions. It would seem that she wouldn’t have to do anything then.

"What do you think you’re all doing?"

The merchant turned around, only to see that Nikolai was already looming over him. Her husband’s massive frame towered over his, and it was clear that he could destroy the arrogant man in one hit if he so desired.

"And who are you supposed to be?" the merchant scoffed back. "You shouldn’t butt in on other people’s business."

"And you should get your own empty table," Raul pointed out, his voice coming out as menacing despite his current feminine tone. "You don’t have to muscle yourself in on a table that’s clearly empty before you came here."

"Now wait just a-"

"You heard what she said," Nikolai cut the merchant off, his growl coming out low and deep. "Back off."

Mineah watched as the merchant visibly shook. She could tell that the man was considering fighting back, but Nikolai’s raw presence alone was thankfully enough to de-escalate the situation.

"F-Fine then. It’s not like I needed this table anyway..."

She couldn’t help but smile as the men around them backed off. All the while, Nikolai and Raul gave the retreating group a cold glare until they were far enough from them to no longer cause trouble.

"Thank you for that," Niran sincerely stated. "Seriously, some people just think they’re so entitled."

"You two didn’t have to do that," Laura cheekily smiled. "But thanks."

"It was nothing," Nikolai curtly nodded at them. "It wouldn’t do for people to simply walk over others."

"I agree," Raul nodded in turn. "It’s the least we can do."

"Indeed, and we appreciate the kind gesture," Mineah smiled, an idea forming in her head as spoke. "In fact, why won’t you two sit down? Let us treat you for the kind gesture you just gave us."

The fake couple immediately froze, and Mineah could already tell that she made the right decision.