Chapter 74 CH 65: DISCUSSION, MIRROR, FIGHT ?

Few minutes after the debacle that happened at the door and after they had the maid show Sol and his group to their room, Athena, Ares, and the Duke Highland, Tyr, sat facing each other in the main office used by the Duke.

Filling his glass with some liquor, Tyr downed it all in one go and let out a sigh of pleasure.

"Ooh. I must say, drinking something strong always helps relax my nerves."

Saying so he twirled his shoulder before finally addressing his two grandchildren.

"So, what do you think?"

"He is a little rash..." began Ares.

"But he is powerful..." continued Athena.

"He most likely saw that our test had a double meaning..."

"Indeed, and he acted decisively..."

"His threat at the end was a little too much..."

"But I must say that it was really incredible to look at..."

Tyr smiled at this scene and began to pour another glass before swirling the beautiful amber liquid while marveling at how much the dwarves were a boon for this world.

"So, your conclusion?"

"He seems interesting."

"I like his personality."

Silence settled between them before Tyr turned to Athena.

"So, are you interested?"

"So you are really trying to sell me, shitty old man?"

"Sigh, understand me. I already basically presented you with most of the bachelor noble who is our ally and some of the most promising soldiers. Despite that, you are still alone. Not even a fling. Hell, I even tried to hook you up with some women in case you weren't straight."

Athena's flushed at those words before glaring at her twin brother to stop him from laughing.

"You shouldn't laugh." This time, Tyr faced Ares, "I know you have a crush on the Duchess, but I already told you it was impossible between you."

"Well, this is enough for now. At least I know that even though the Highlands can't be called steadfast allies, at least they are leaning towards my side.

This was enough for him. He would have been very sad if all the nobles' family were traitors. What's more, with what they were planning to do, having too many traitors would without a doubt affect the overall strength of Lustburg too much.

Humming a little, he slowly advanced as he floated toward the door of the office room. He wanted to explore the castle a little more.

----

While Sol was going on an adventure in the mirror world, Setsuna and Milia sat facing a smiling Sol.

At first glance, there seemed to be no particular difference between the doppelganger and the original. But a more cursory inspection would reveal many flaws.

"This is really incredible."

Setsuna complimented as she continued to inspect it. As one of the people closest to Sol, even she couldn't say with assurance she wouldn't be fooled for at least a few seconds after seeing the doppelganger. For warriors like her who could reach or surpass sound speed, few seconds were basically an eternity.

"Fufufu~! This is nothing. My doppelganger skills rely on my understanding of the one I am copying. The more I know him the more realistic I can make it."

Setsuna smiled at how Milia was basically bragging about her understanding of Sol. She respected Milia a great deal, but her smug face somehow irked her, making her eyebrows twitch in irritation.

Milia, being apt at observation, didn't miss this but feigned ignorance as she asked, "What's the matter? Or perhaps, are you doubting my words?"

Setsuna scoffed at that. "I don't doubt that. But don't act as if you know him the best."

"Ohoh?" This time it was Milia's turn to be a little irritated, she raised an eyebrow as she continued, "I am not acting as if I knew him the best. Because I do know him the best..."

Saying so, her eyes seemed to darken as she murmured, "Perhaps even more than he understands himself. His likes, dislikes, fears, his goal, his insecurities. I know everything. Absolutely. Everything."

Setsuna took a step back at that. She felt as if the darkness in the room seemed to thicken with Milia at the center. Her fur bristled as she crouched down and began to growl lightly, "Calm down or I will make you calm down."

This seemed to snap Milia out of her trance. The atmosphere in the room went back to normal instantly.

Taking the hem of her skirt with her fingers, Milia gave a curtsy her face now impassive. "Forgive me for my unbecoming actions."

Setsuna observed her for a while, still crouched down and ready to pounce on her at the slightest anomaly. It was the first time she had felt so much danger from the usually affable maid.

Then again before today, she did not even know that Milia could use magic. So she shouldn't have been surprised.

Sighing, she took a few steps back to increase the distance between them before standing upright. She wasn't Sol. Even though she believed in Milia, aside from Sol she would never give her back to anyone she deemed threatening. Being betrayed once was enough.

"I don't know what happened and frankly, I don't want to know. But if you don't inform Sol about that. Then I will."

"Inform me about what?"