Aethernea : Soulbound [Book 1]

Episode 87 - Put it on my tab

Previously:

Elaru picks up Kiel's ring and the two of them go to Black Pearl restaurant where she intends to give him the ring and explain its usage. Unfortunately, as they enter the lobby of the restaurant, they run into Rhur Rroda – Kiel's older brother, and his date. Kiel and Rhur engage in a word battle.

* * *

Rhur's eyes narrowed. "So, you two are an item after all? I assume you haven't yet told grandfather about it?"

Kiel stared at Rhur, deliberating how to respond. On the one hand, Elaru and him weren't romantically involved, so he should dispel the confusion and just be honest about it. Especially because his grandfather would throw a fit and make their lives difficult if he thought them to be together. Elaru was definitely not the kind of a girlfriend he would approve of.

Not to mention that if people got the wrong idea, this would impact his social and school life in the future.

On the other hand, denying their relationship was exactly what Rhur wanted to hear. Admitting it would be like giving him permission to court Elaru.

In the end, Kiel gritted his teeth and responded: "You misunderstood, older brother. Elaru and I are just good friends."

Rhur's smirk turned into a grin upon hearing those words. "I see... does that mean that Lady Wayvin is single?" Rhur winked charmingly.

Elaru blinked a few times blankly. "I suppose."

"How rare. Such a beautiful and talented young lady, yet single. Men of this world must be blind." Rhur smirked, giving Kiel a meaningful look, as if saying "I'll be happy to take her off your hands."

Kiel sighed. "Dear older brother, not everyone has the leisure to entertain beautiful ladies like you every day."

Rhur chuckled. "No need to beat around the bush, little brother. It seems to me you haven't found that special lady yet. Why don't I introduce you to some high-class ladies? Perhaps you will find one that is to your liking."

Kiel's eyebrow twitched. Rhur was insinuating that Kiel wasn't interested in Elaru, hoping to drive a wedge between them. He clearly didn't believe that their relationship was pure friendship with no romance involved.

"Thank you for the offer, older brother. I know that you are on pretty close terms with most noble ladies around our age. However, to be frank, I'd be more interested in meeting those ladies that you haven't had close relations with." Kiel smiled and looked at Rhur "gratefully".

Rhur smirked and moved his glass in a toasting motion towards Kiel. Most people would think the expression to mean "As you wish" but Kiel could tell that what he actually meant was "Good luck. You will be hard pressed to find a lady I haven't done yet."

"Well, it has been great to catch up with you, older brother. But Elaru and I have places to be and can't afford to entertain you any longer." Kiel downed his glass of wine and declared.

"What places are those? Perhaps we are going the same way." Rhur didn't wait for Kiel's response. He called for the waiter and requested for the receipt, worried that if the waiter wasn't quick enough, his brother and the redhead would slip away.

Kiel was about to politely scold Rhur for putting his nose where it didn't belong, intending to get up and depart with Elaru, however, Elaru stopped him. "Hold on. You wouldn't want to miss this."

Kiel swallowed his words and turned to look at Elaru. A mischievous glint was in her eyes. A glint that meant that someone was about to get a shorter end of the stick.