In the banquet hall, everyone dressed lavishly. People danced happily with their respected partners and endless chattering can be heard throughout the room, blending in with the music playing in the background. The king and Anne were making their rounds to the guests before announcing their big surprise.

A few minutes after they entered the room, a girl can be seen ushering a guy into the hall at the opposite side. When they came in, everyone couldn't help but turn around and held their breaths. A handsome man and beautiful woman walking in gracefully is something no ordinary human can ignore. After all, it was too much, too much of a scene to one's eyes! Who were these people?

The girl had her arm hooked on his with a bright smile that shines brighter than the sun. The man can be seen helplessly looking at her, his eyes crinkling; showing hints of a smile. He had an icy demeanor, but she held a very gentle aura that balanced it out. He wore a dark navy blue robe emitting an atmosphere as if the moon itself has come down to earth on this particular night just for this event. His clothes matched her dress perfectly. It was a very picturesque scene that graces the hall with its presence; even the musicians almost forgot to continue playing their music.

Lily and Chen walked towards the food area, not realizing their entrance were not as hidden as it supposed to be. Stares intensely filled the room with a mix of jealousy and astonishment in which was all pointed towards them.

When they reach the table, Lily's eyes were trying to hide her excitement, but her body was ecstatic. "These all look so good! Quick! Chen, tell me what these are?!" She couldn't help herself and finally burst in enthusiasm.

He glanced at her before looking at the food on the long; endless table and started to explain. "They are all traditional food of this country personally made by the best chefs we could find. This bun over here was specially made with ingredients traded from further north. It's tough to--"

While still hugging his arm, Lily quickly extends her free hand to grab a bun. He quickly stopped explaining as he realized she was not paying attention. After she took a bite, her smile slowly grew wider. "This tastes so good!" Lily looked back at Chen with her eyes sparkling, mouth partially opened with little crumbs stuck on both sides. She looked so happy as if heaven was nowhere but within her hand.

Chen couldn't help but chuckle. She honestly looked like a little kitten that was just born into the world, learning how to walk. His heart and mind quivered.

He then lowered his head and naturally took a bite of the bun that was in her hand. "En. It is delicious."

"..."

Her face formed a blank expression. OAO 'What did this man just do?' Did he just do that? "Did you just...do that?" She voices her opinion.

"Hmmm? Do what?" Chen asked having no clue what she was saying. He furrowed his brows as he brushed off the crumbs off of her mouth with a napkin. Seein that it was finally clean, he changed his expression to a more softer one.

"..."

'Does he have a knack for flirting? What is this sorcery?'

She shook her head vigorously and she stared seriously at him, "Nothing! Quick help me get three plates, Chen!"

He could see his reflection in her big clear eyes, making it seem as if he's the only one in her world. The way she called his name with her honeydew voice, hugging onto his arm. His heart skip a beat once again.

"Why, three?" he asked in a low hoarse voice. His expression unconsciously turned extremely gentle, not like his usual indifferent, strict appearance.

Lily slightly gave him a disdainful look and said in an 'as a matter of fact' way, "For breakfast, lunch, and dinner! I haven't had any of these three today!"

"..."

He proceeded quietly to get her three plates along with utensils and napkins at the end of the long table.

_________________

After their little event at the food corner, they found a small, well-decorated table nearby, sat down, and happily chatted. They found out that they oddly have a lot of things in common in terms of interest and both lived a very simple lifestyle.

His eyes had only looked at her ever since they came into the room until now. He put his hand on his chin with the corners of his mouth, slightly lifting upwards.

"Do you like it that much?" Chen asked.

"Yes! I want to learn how to make these soon so I can eat it whenever I want to!" Lily announced with determination. Her hands were tightly clenched into a fist.

His eyes showed hints of laughter. "Then, I'll get the chef to give you the recipe and a brief lesson."

"Really?! What power! As expected of the King's right-hand man, You're the best!" she said, giving him her brightest smile with both cheeks full like a squirrel.

Infected by her happiness, Chen finally laughed, showing a rare expression exposing his perfectly, white teeth.

"..." @A@

Suddenly sensing that she was quiet, Chen asked, "What's wrong?"

=3= 'This man, does he know if he does this to other women, they will faint already?!' "You need to stop smiling otherwise; I'll punch you," She said coldly, her face slightly flushed. Contradicting her words, Lily looked down to continue eating.

"..." 'What?' Chen tilted his head and gave her a confused look. OwO?

"By the way, aren't you suppose to greet the guests like his majesty?" Lily asked, giving him no time to think or talk.

Though he is the king's right-hand man, he did not really have to exchange greetings with them. To be more exact, they were afraid of his sharp, brutal words when they approach him; hence, avoided him like the plague. From time to time, there are people who try to butter up, but he immediately shuts them down. The king was grateful for this since he doesn't have to busy himself with unnecessary issues since Chen takes care of it.

"No, since only his majesty and others have things to discuss, I am just his advisor, there's no need for me to be a goody, goody with fake people," He looked extremely cold from the thought, turning back into his regular domineering self. "If there really is business, we can talk through other means,"

She chuckled at his honesty, "I see, well there's no need to pay any heed to them, accompanying me is better relaxation." She exclaimed proudly with her chest, puffed up. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

"Is that so?" He gave her questioning look, with his lips slightly lifted.

"Yes! You can act however you want in front of me, and I won't mind! As long as there is food involved." ¯_(ツ)_/¯

He stared at her for a moment before laughing again. "I guess I need to buy a whole shop before hanging out with you."

"I said stop smiling fool..." Lily blushed again. This made Chen wanted to laugh more at her cute expression.

While the two were in their little world, the king and Anne finally decided to announce their engagement.

"Thank you for coming today for this special evening. As you all know, our country is has been peacefully prospering and growing. I finally have a great opportunity to say I've finally found the one for me." The king said as he looked at Anne lovingly, revealing a blissful face. "We would like to announce they we are officially engaged with the wedding rapidly approaching and I hope to receive your blessings today. Please do continue to enjoy today's banquet as we've prepared a lot."

Everyone cheerfully clapped and was screaming in joy. It was a peaceful, joyous atmosphere. Everyone was happy that the king is finally marrying someone and hoped they would soon give birth to an heir.

As Lily clapped, she stole small glances at Chen. He applauds with a small smile, and even though his eyes show signs of sincerity, it also gave off signs of loneliness. It looked as if the world around him was now collapsing piece by piece. Life is indeed cruel to have such a nice man go through such heartache.