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The communal dining hall was the largest room currently in use at Lagos Castle.

It was speculated that this space was originally used as an audience chamber where the emperor could meet many people at once.

At the far end, there was a raised platform with a few steps, where the emperor likely sat and looked down on those gathered.

But now, it was simply a dining hall.

As the sun set, people began gathering in the communal dining hall one by one.

Dustin entered with a few merchants.

The people of Lagos, already seated, welcomed him warmly.

“Leader, sit over here.”

“Hey, move over. Make space!”

“Where’s the drink? Ah, here it is. Leader, you have to join us for a toast.”

Dustin chuckled heartily.

“My, my. Offering drinks to someone who’s out of breath from traveling all this way?”

“Come on now, Leader. Don’t exaggerate. You’ll probably outlive me.”

“Well then, you’d better live long yourself. Otherwise, how can I outlive you?”

“Does it work that way?”

The group burst into laughter.

Dustin accepted the offered drink but placed it beside him without drinking it.

He looked around the dining hall.

Each table was lively, with people chatting and laughing boisterously.

A satisfied smile spread across his face.

‘This is nice.’

For someone posing as a caravan leader of the enigmatic Ewen Guild, he found it amusing that so many people went out of their way to serve him.

Dining with nobles, by contrast, was always a chore.

The atmosphere was stiflingly silent, and everyone was rigid and formal.

Occasionally, he would visit modest eateries frequented by commoners, but those were not ideal either.

Most of the patrons were exhausted from their hard days and prone to bickering or breaking into fights over trivial matters.

The food quality was often poor, and it wasn’t uncommon for the owners to tamper with the dishes.

But here, things were different.

The atmosphere was cheerful, and everyone seemed genuinely happy.

The food was exceptional.

Dining here was one of the major reasons Dustin always looked forward to coming to Lagos Castle.

“Lord!”

“You’re here, Milord!”

People greeted Russell loudly, as if welcoming an old friend.

No one stood from their seats—they merely raised their glasses in the air.

Those carrying food didn’t even glance his way and continued with their tasks.

But suddenly, the room grew oddly quiet.

Dustin turned his head and saw Russell entering with Cecilia.

His eyes sparkled with curiosity.

‘This trip just keeps getting more and more interesting.’

 

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Russell guided Cecilia to an empty table.

All the chairs in the dining hall were backless benches designed for multiple people to sit on at once.

Cecilia hesitated, unsure how to sit.

With the garden benches she was used to, she could simply sit down.

But here, the table blocked her from the front.

As she stood there looking at the bench, Russell realized what the problem was.

He called over someone nearby.

“Move this out and bring a chair.”

“Yes, Milord.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

Cecilia spoke quickly, lifting her skirt with both hands.

She stepped over the bench in a single stride and sat down.

Russell watched her in surprise, then chuckled softly before following her lead, jumping over the bench to sit beside her.

A maid rushed to the table, unsure what to do.

While it wasn’t unusual for the lord to join the communal dining hall, this was the first time the madam had accompanied him.

“Serve as you normally would. If anything is needed, I’ll call for it. No need to wait here.”

“Yes, Milord.”

Shortly after, two maids arrived carrying trays of dishes.

They placed plates of food and utensils for two on the table.

The dishes included stir-fried vegetables, steamed and roasted meat, and baked bread topped with cheese.

As Cecilia glanced around, she noticed the same dishes being served at other tables.

“If you don’t like it, I’ll have something else prepared,” Russell said.

“It’s fine.”

Cecilia picked up her fork.

Eating in a setting like this was unfamiliar, but the food itself looked perfectly edible.