Vampire's Veil Of Obsession-Chapter 177: Dinning

The King, the Princess, Zethan, Prince William, the younger prince, and Lilia sat around the grand dining table. The only sounds that filled the room were the soft clinking and clanking of cutlery against plates.

Lilia sat beside Zethan.

Today, everyone sat together—not in Prince William’s usual chamber dining hall, where Lilia was used to—but in the main hall.

They ate in silence, tension faintly hanging in the air.

The King had requested everyone to dine together, wanting to use the opportunity to get to know Zethan better—a decision that shocked the entire court, including the king himself.

Every now and then, Zethan would quietly place a piece of meat, chicken, or fish onto Lilia’s plate, his actions gentle and thoughtful.

William simply ate. The look on his face was enough to show the shock he still felt from his loss.

The King finally spoke, his voice calm and composed.

"I must say, Lord Zethan, you fought well earlier. That was a very impressive match. Do you have prior training? You seemed far more experienced than anyone expected."

The surprise was still evident on his face. Prince William was known as the best royal knight—even though, being the first son, he could never officially become one. As the future king, he was expected to focus on ruling the kingdom rather than taking on two roles. He had trained with the best and earned his reputation fairly.

William was an exceptional fighter. For Zethan to have won meant he was beyond exceptional—almost perfect. And what was even more startling was how effortlessly he had fought, barely taking the match seriously. He had even rarely used his swords.

Zethan chuckled softly.

"Oh? I didn’t realize the almighty King was watching. I’m honored."

The King let out a low laugh.

"We were all surprised, truly. Everyone believed my son was the best. Who would’ve thought someone even better would appear?" he said respectfully. But deep inside, before the match had even started, he had sensed something unusual. The aura that Zethan emitted was so unnatural—it spoke volumes on its own.

Zethan gave a small nod.

"You don’t have to worry, Your Majesty. If it had been anything else, I might have let your son win."

His voice softened as his gaze moved to Lilia, a slow smile stretching across his lips. The entire hall fell silent, watching the once-cold man smile now that he turned to his wife.

"But this was about my wife."

The King nodded, a quiet understanding passing between them.

Lilia quietly moved a piece of meat to her lips just as the Princess finally spoke, her voice calm and composed.

"Lord Zethan, it seems you must really love your wife," she said, finally voicing the curiosity that had been lingering in her heart for some time. Ever since she had first seen Zethan, he hadn’t spared her even a mistaken glance—a shocking contrast to the many who had rushed to her side.

The words lingered in the air.

Lilia froze. The room fell completely silent, everyone waiting for Zethan’s response.

"Very true, Princess," Zethan said without hesitation, his gaze lingering on Lilia as their eyes locked. "That is why I would do anything for her."

Lilia’s heart began to pound.

He hadn’t said those words directly to her—but somehow, just hearing his response, so certain and unwavering, shattered every doubt she’d held.

In that moment, her heart melted with quiet satisfaction.

As she quietly chewed the chicken, her eyes lifted, occasionally glancing at Zethan. There was no denying the awe she felt at his handsomeness.

"We would be truly grateful if you could engage in more friendly spars with William. Perhaps he could learn more from you," the King suggested softly.

Zethan dabbed his lips gently with a napkin. "I don’t mind doing that tomorrow. I could use the exercise myself."

There was a soft smile on the King’s lips as he spoke in a quiet tone.

"Thank you very much, Lord Zethan."

His voice was gentle, yet filled with joy. The first time he had seen Zethan, countless thoughts had rushed through his mind. For some unknown reason, instead of sending Zethan away, something held him back. It was as if an unseen force urged him to stay silent that day—when Zethan entered, leaving the crowd speechless.

Not to mention, Zethan’s aura had been unmistakably powerful.

He finally continued eating in silence. After some time, Lilia dabbed her lips softly and then turned to Zethan. He spoke quietly, "My wife, are you full?"

She nodded gently, and he passed her a glass of fruit juice. As she accepted it, he continued speaking in a low tone. Lilia nodded and reached for his hand.

Though the meal was not entirely finished, she set her plate down. He picked up the same cup she had used and drank from it without hesitation. As she watched him, she noticed the subtle way his eyes moved to her glinting as he brought the cup to his lips—her eyes simply followed him.

Then he spoke again, his voice calm. "I’ll be taking my leave now—with my wife. We’ll see you all tomorrow morning."

The King responded warmly, "As you wish, Lord Zethan."

Zethan took Lilia’s hand, and together they began walking out of the dining room. Just as they stepped out, she leaned slightly toward him and said quietly, "I’d like to take you somewhere."

Lilia’s golden-brown eyes glistened softly as she looked at him her lips moving upwards into a smile.

"Where would you like to take me, Loris?" he asked gently.

Zethan turned to her with a quiet smile.

"I’d like to take you outside the castle," she said. "To meet my father."

Lilia lowered her gaze slightly, her voice soft.

"He was the one who guided me through this place... and I just have to thank him." She paused for a moment, then added, "And I’d like you to meet him. At least... get to know him a little before we leave."

Zethan fell silent for a moment before giving a small nod.

Lilia turned to him and asked gently, "The carriage... or should we walk? It’s not a long journey."

Zethan nodded quietly. "Of course. I can do that."

A soft smile touched Lilia’s lips as she led him through the outside corridor. The wind gently brushed against her hair, causing it to sway around her shoulders. She glanced at him and murmured, "I never thought I would see you here... my husband."

Zethan’s voice was calm and steady. "I’m here now. That’s what truly matters."

Lilia nodded in agreement as they stepped onto the garden path leading toward a smaller gate. The guards, recognizing her instantly, moved to open it. But their eyes widened the moment they noticed Zethan. Without hesitation, they pushed the doors open immediately.

Another breeze rushed through the air, brushing against Lilia’s face and pushing her dark strands backward, letting them flow freely in the wind.

They began to walk silently, the evening breeze weaving around them. After a moment, Lilia spoke softly, her voice almost lost in the wind.

"After we visit my dad... I’d love for us to spend more time outside. I heard this place is really beautiful at night, but I never had the heart to come out. There’s always been this strange void in my chest... but now that you’re here, I actually want to."

Zethan glanced at her as she bit her lower lip, trying to hold back the excitement that shimmered in her eyes. He spoke gently, "As you wish, my wife."

His smile widened.

Lilia, didn’t take his hand. Instead, she walked beside him, choosing a quieter path. Carriages moved slowly past them, and a few strange cars rolled by—this place was nothing like the land of the living.

Then she asked softly, "You must have had some kind of power... to be able to come here."

Zethan smiled faintly and answered in a low voice, "You’re the power I have. You’re the one who made me want to come here... my beautiful little wife."

Lilia giggled softly, the sound like wind chimes. They finally stopped in front of a modest building. It wasn’t grand—more like a small, humble apartment.

"It’s not big," she said quietly. "If you’re not comfortable, you can tell me and I’ll—"

But Zethan gently placed his fingers over her lips and whispered, "I am comfortable, my wife."

Lilia smiled softly as they approached the modest door, her steps light and calm. She knocked twice, then turned to look at Zethan. His expression remained composed, serene.

A moment passed before a voice called from within the house, deep and familiar.

"I’m coming," her father said.

Lilia didn’t know why, but for some unknown reason, her heart raced. She could hardly believe that a day would come when she and Zethan would actually meet her father. Was this a blessing in disguise?

They waited in silence, the air thick with unspoken emotion.

Then, at last, the door creaked and slowly opened.