Chapter 213 - 209: Suspicious Miku

"I'll take that compliment," Devilia responded as she continued moving to the music while she closed in the distance between Ryder and her.

"Hoho, Young ones really know how to have a good time," High Duke Oris let out as he chuckled while he kept watching Ryder and Devilia with a smile on his face.

"You talk as if we are old. You might be old, but I'm still a young maiden," High Duke Mila replied as she laughed.

" We're the oldest people in the room," High Duke Oris responded as he shook his head.

"Come with me, old man. Let me get you to move your old bones then," High Duke Mila stood up as she extended her hand to High Duke Oris.

"You can't be serious," High Duke Oris replied with a smile on his face.

"Come on, don't be shy. Didn't you hear the Prince? It's like something that friends do. It must be like a tradition from his land. Let's give him company by taking part in that tradition," High Duke Mila insisted.

"Hahaha, fine then, Let's give them company then," High Duke Oris held her hand as he stood up.

They walked up to Ryder and continued dancing to the music.

"Cheh, They are like children. They don't even care about the dignity of High Dukes," High Duke Magna muttered as he snorted as if he didn't like the High Dukes dancing before the Dukes, but he didn't say anything.

"This dress looks good on you. Who chose it?" Devilia inquired as she looked at the clothes of Ryder.

"Miku chose this dress for me for this occasion. She's back in the palace," Ryder responded as he smiled.

"Oh, the Royal Head Maid. She does have a nice sense of fashion, but let me give you a bit of advice," Devilia said.

She brought her face close to Ryder's ears and whispered something in his ears.

"Be careful around her. Don't trust her too much," She told Ryder.

Ryder heard her words and grew even more confused. It seemed as if Devilia was suspicious of Miku, but he didn't understand why she was suspicious.

"Why?" He asked Devilia.

"You don't know her background?" Devilia inquired as she looked at him. 

"Her background? I didn't investigate. What's her background?" Ryder asked again.

" You remember the Duke that tried to take your Scythe when I first introduced you to the High Dukes?" Devilia inquired.

"Yeah, he was the first Duke if I'm not wrong. The strongest one amongst the Dukes," Ryder let out as he nodded his head. "He was badly injured after that, and I haven't seen him since then. He didn't come today either."

" Miku is his sister," Devilia answered Ryder.

"She's the sister of a Duke? Why is she working as a maid in the Royal Palace then? Also, how did High Duke Oris allow her to work for me in that case?" Ryder inquired in a low voice, with a frown on his face.

"Because they trust her. I don't know why or what happened, but five years ago, she was assigned to take care of the Royal palace as the head maid. I believe that they must have a reason to trust her, but I get a feeling that you need to be careful. It's better to be suspicious of the innocent than to believe the one that will betray you," Devilia told Ryder.

"Alright. I'll be careful," Ryder replied as he nodded his head.

"So, when exactly are you coming to visit my place?" Devilia asked Ryder.

"Your place is the first on my list. Since the Vampire King is already here, I'll have to rush some things. I'll probably be there the day after tomorrow," Ryder replied.

"Good. I'll prepare for the Grand Welcome," Devilia said as she smiled.

"There's no need for a grand welcome. I've already been there," Ryder responded.

Devilia licked her lips as she brought her face closer to Ryder's ears again.

"You were there as a young boy who was too shy to even change before me, but now you'll be there as the Prince of the whole realm. It's not just for me, but for the whole land. There needs to be a grand welcome. The People of my land have been eager to see the new Prince, and it can be an opportunity to give them a glance before the main speech from the palace," Devilia said to Ryder.

"Suit yourself," Ryder nodded his head.

"Well, I think someone is looking at me with jealousy. I guess the others want the opportunity to dance with the Prince too. I'll take a rest. Enjoy the evening," Devilia let out as she released Ryder and walked back to her seat.

Ryder wondered who she was talking about as he looked back and noticed that Felina was looking in his direction. As soon as his gaze met hers, she started looking away.

"I hope it won't be too inappropriate," Ryder muttered as he nodded his head.

"Come On, guys, why are you all not dancing? This is a day of celebration. It's the birthday of our High Duke Oris. Come on, everyone, stand up and enjoy the evening," Ryde let out as he glanced at everyone. "Use this as a bonding experience to improve your relationship with your fellow Dukes."

There were Twenty-five Dukes in the hall, and twelve of them were guys. The Dukes started getting up and former pairs to dance. 

Now, thirteen pairs were dancing while the music played. This looked like a proper ballroom dance now.

Ryder went back to the seats.

"High Duke Magna, why are you not celebrating?" Ryder asked as he saw High Duke Magna sitting with his eyes closed.

"I'm not joining this," High Duke Magna responded without opening his eyes.

"Come on. Don't be shy. Come, let's dance. The old man seems to be tired already," High Duke Mila appeared near Magna and started telling him to dance with her.

High Duke Oris sat back on his seat.

"Take her up on the offer. It does feel better. It's kind of like an exercise. Just try it, once," High Duke Oris said to Magna.

"I'm not taking part in this. Leave me alone," High Duke Magna responded as he refused to budge.

"Hmph, you're such a killjoy," High Duke Mila let out as she rolled her eyes.

"My Prince, How about you dance with me?" High Duke Mila asked Ryder.

Ryder was about to go ask Felina, but he had stopped since he saw Magna sitting alone, and now he was asked to dance Mila.

"Alright," He agreed to the offer.

He held High Duke Mila's hands and started walking with her to the center.