CHAPTER 255: 255: A COINCIDENCE

Eden stared at his curious eyes as he smiled. "I’ll tell you under one condition. Kiss me."

Leo stiffened, his expression immediately falling into an annoyed one. Eden could see the murderous look on his face again.

"I mean it, do it and I’ll spill everything I know." Eden was teasing him; he had grown to enjoy the habit of doing so from past dating experiences. But he hadn’t done so for a long time before entering this novel.

He had forgotten how fun it was.

"Do you want to die?"

"No. I want your lips," Eden smiled. "And maybe your dick too."

Leo’s face went pale with shock as he stared at Eden. He couldn’t believe he had just effortlessly uttered those words. "You— Do you want to lose your mouth tonight?"

Eden found himself laughing softly for a while before he said, "Sometimes I wonder if you’re just straight or being overly nerdy and righteous."

Leo said nothing.

Eden continued, "But I guess that doesn’t matter since I find it cute nevertheless."

Leo still said nothing.

But Eden sighed. "Well that’s it for the fun and games then. I guess I have to keep my words and tell you about it."

Eden bit his lower lip before he said, "I guess you were right after all."

Leo stared at him, confused.

Eden smiled. "Maybe your speculations about The Royal Family were a bit right."

Leo caught it. He could tell that Eden was speaking about what he sent him to look for. The details about how the Royal Family were involved in what happened to his family. How the hell it all happened.

And seeing that Eden was saying something he actually wanted to hear, he was all ears. Eager to get the information he had been hunting for ages.

But then came the switching.

Everyone was now switching partners and Eden smiled at Leo. "Oh well, I guess it’s time to say goodbye."

He wanted to leave, but Leo held onto his hand and waist. "Wait, you have to complete it."

Eden blinked at him. "Huh? Didn’t you want me to leave?"

"You...you..." Leo stammered. "You have to convey the complete information before leaving. Or we can dance till the end..."

He was desperate. Eden could see it. Desperate for the information.

But he casually smiled as he said, "I fear I can’t. I have to find a new partner. A more lively and fun one. You’re boring."

Leo stared at him without saying anything.

But Eden smiled again while he added, "Don’t worry, it’s not like this is the last time we’ll meet, right?"

He added, "After the event, I’ll tell you everything I know. I promise. So make sure to meet me afterwards if you’re that desperate." Eden winked at him and then switched.

And so Eden fell into the hands of the last person he had expected to even dance with tonight — Elvis.

If one told him he’d end up dancing with a random 70 year old Duke from some duchy tonight, he’d agree without doubts. But never did he think he’d fall into the arms of the groom.

Eden blinked, Elvis’s hand on his waist, another holding his hands warmly. Elvis stared deep into his eyes that it was impossible for his heart not to melt.

Eden cleared his throat, looking around. They weren’t dancing yet. "Is it normal for the groom to be here... With me?"

"I guess so," Elvis awkwardly said, clearing his throat. He looked around and then stared back at Eden. "Yes.."

It wasn’t. At least with the way the switching went based on proximity and all. Elvis wasn’t close enough to get partnered with Eden. He wasn’t supposed to meet Eden.

But he found a way to do so himself.

He was staring in Eden’s direction almost the whole time. Watching as he danced with each person, watching his movement as he moved to the next. He found himself studying and predicting the next place his switch would be. Calculating his movements to know how he was going to get closer to where he was so he’d be his next "coincidental" partner.

And it worked. His calculations worked. He was now standing before Eden.

"It’s a coincidence I guess," He said, staring into Eden’s confused expression.

"Oh... Okay then..." He slowly nodded. "So what are we supposed to do? I don’t want an Imperial Princess having my head because I’m standing with her beloved groom." He teased.

But Elvis didn’t bother. He pulled Eden closer while holding his waist firmly, his hands gently locking with Eden’s.

Eden watched their hands lock and then stared at Elvis’s casual expression.

"Since we’re already here, we might as well dance to keep the flow and not seem odd," He said. "I mean, since when are you so scared of her? You should have been scared the times when you kissed me instead."

Eden cleared his throat. With their awkward last moment together, he figured it had gotten somewhat hard to flow with the jokes he’d mostly make.

And Elvis noticed his awkward expression as well.

They were quiet. Hands together, feet moving. The two of them danced effortlessly to the melody while avoiding each other’s eyes from time to time.

And it grew awkward for the two of them with time.

Eden cleared his throat. "Congratulations on your engagement."

Elvis said nothing.

After a while, he said, "You.." He hesitated. "You and Lysander..."

He hesitated, cleared his throat and then continued. "The two of you are..."

"Together?"

Elvis cleared his throat. "Well..."

"I guess we’re together. Why? You’re against us? You want me to stay away from him because I’d harm him because I’m a wizard? A wizard who’s never to be trusted?"

Eden casually said those words. Calmly as though they meant nothing. But Elvis could feel the annoyance in those words. In his tone. He could read the mockery in them.

He could tell Eden was reminding him of his words the last time they spoke. The time they argued. The time he had refused to believe his words because he was a wizard who is never to be trusted.