Chapter 302: Feasting on Poison

The aroma of countless dishes and wine made even Killian and the others feel a little dizzy.

’Something’s strange...’

Killian sensed something was off, but the music, the aroma of the food, and his own exhaustion dulled his awareness, making the source of that unease difficult to pinpoint.

He channeled a thin strand of aura to stimulate his mind, and for a brief moment, his eyes sharpened with clarity before exhaustion quickly settled back into them.

His piercing blue eyes then landed on the wine and the food for a moment before he looked at the elves playing the strange instruments in the distance.

From an outsider’s point of view, Killian merely looked like he was surveying the food and wine before being attracted by the beautiful elves.

His acting was completely natural, made easier by the fact that he genuinely found the elves beautiful.

However, the moment of clarity he experienced earlier made him sure of some things.

’The wine... the food... everything’s been spiked. The music is strange too...’

Killian thought to himself as he tried to glance in Pandora’s direction.

Unfortunately, the elves serving them as waitresses, along with the angle of his seat, made it difficult for him to get a clear view of the others.

’Never mind. Knowing her, I’m sure she’s already aware of everything...’

Although he could not pinpoint what exactly was strange about the music due to the fact that magic was not his specialty, Killian still took it upon himself to be cautious.

Therefore, even though he had already noticed something amiss, he still kept up his act.

Killian then focused on the dishes and the wine in front of him.

Feeling starved and thirsty, he debated for a moment before deciding to take the wine glass that seemed to be made from tree bark through careful craftsmanship.

Beside him, Patti could not help but look surprised as he said, "Should you be drinking before eating? Won’t it upset your stomach?"

Without replying, Killian continued raising the wine glass to his lips. Just as it was about to touch them, he paused for a brief moment before taking a deep gulp.

The hesitation was subtle, almost imperceptible. He casually swept his gaze across the surrounding elves, confirming that none of them had noticed the slightest irregularity in his movement.

However, beside him, Patti had caught that small action.

Acting drunk, Killian immediately looped an arm around Patti and pulled him closer. "Haha! The wine is excellent! You should try some!"

"Ugh, how could you get drunk after just one gulp!?" Patti did not know whether to laugh or cry, not expecting Killian’s alcohol tolerance to be rock bottom.

Just as he was about to stop him from bringing the wine glass to his lips, Patti heard Killian’s voice beside his ear.

"Everything here is spiked. Use your aura to cleanse your stomach."

Patti’s pupils constricted as he removed Killian’s arm from his shoulder.

He then looked toward Zild, who was seated on Killian’s other side, "Can you help me out here?"

"Tsk..."

Zild, who was just about to take a bite of the soup in front of him, clicked his tongue as he helped Patti out with an unwilling expression, "What kind of swordsman even gets drunk this easily..."

Just as he was complaining out loud, Killian took this chance to whisper into his ear.

"..."

***

Meanwhile, at the other table...

Pandora, Aurelia, Auryn, and Marzana were seated with the members of the Gotun squad.

Just as Killian had expected, Pandora had already sensed that something was off with the music the moment she heard the melody.

However, unlike Killian, her senses as a mage were lacking.

’The food... I’m sure they did something to these too...’

Pandora bit her lip secretly, at a loss for what to do.

Yurva and the other elves were also currently chatting with Aurelia, Marzana, and the others, so eating normally would be the only move unless they were prepared to blow their cover.

At this moment, shouts could be heard from the other table.

A group of elves had encircled Killian and the others’ table with interested expressions on their faces.

This provided a clearing, allowing Pandora and the others at their table to see what was happening on the other side.

Currently, Killian was making a commotion with a chicken leg in one hand and a glass filled with wine in the other, looking intoxicated.

’...what is that idiot doing? Don’t tell me he—"

"Haha! Eat up! Drink up! Tonight is the best night of my life!" Killian shouted, his face flushed red, his grin stretched far too wide as if it could not quite be contained.

He raised his glass unsteadily, sloshing the wine slightly as he laughed again, his voice louder than necessary and carrying a loose, careless edge.

"I swear, nothing like this ever happens back home! Good food, good wine, beautiful scenery, beautiful company—what more could a man ask for?"

He leaned forward slightly, nearly losing his balance before catching himself on the table, still laughing as though it were the funniest thing in the world.

Pandora wanted to slap him, "What is he even..."

Just as she was about to complain, she saw his eyes.

It was a brief moment, but Pandora clearly saw the clarity in Killian’s eyes.

This made her think about his words before.

’Eat up and drink up... Wait...’

Pandora turned her gaze towards the food again.

’He must have some kind of plan. I agree that this isn’t the right time to blow our cover...’

As various thoughts filled her mind, Pandora did not delay any longer as she took a sip of the soup in front of her.

’There’s really something in it...’

Her sensitivity to mana made her even more sure.

She then glanced at the others while continuing to take steady bites of the food before her, not even sparing the wine.

Although it seemed simple, it worked like a signal, as Auryn, Marzana, Lesfera, and the others began eating and drinking normally, their behavior blending in naturally and making them appear even less suspicious due to how unrestrained they were when it came to food and drink.

Even Aurelia took bites while chatting with Yurva and the others.

Seeing this, Yurva’s smile widened even more, "I’m glad the food and wine have been to your liking. If you don’t mind, I’ll take my leave now so you can enjoy your meal in peace. If you need anything, do not hesitate to call me. Your accommodations have already been arranged as well, so feel free to wash up and rest after your meal..."

Aurelia and the others nodded in gratitude as they continued eating and drinking their fill.