After Ren left, the soldiers, including Aizen, Penelope, Ryan, and Cassy, stayed at the location for a little while longer, listening to the commander's final words. Despite Ryan initially almost passing out from exhaustion and hunger, they were soon released and everyone headed to the cafeteria to finally have lunch.

As they walked, the four friends chatted excitedly about the impressive weapon they had just witnessed. For Aizen, Penelope, Ryan, and Cassy, that innovation was truly incredible, leaving them in awe of the genius behind it. They could hardly comprehend how something like that could be created. This admiration grew even stronger as they remembered that Ren, the creator, had been a commoner like them at some point in his life.

"But you know... the lord is much more ordinary than I imagined. At first, I thought he would be intimidating, but after seeing him in person today, I realized he's quite down-to-earth"

While chatting, Ryan brought up the topic of the person behind the creation of the weapon. His words made everyone, including Aizen, reflect on how they had imagined the lord before and how reality was significantly different from what they had thought.

Initially, it was clear that the lord was extremely friendly and showed no signs of unequal treatment among people. Moreover, the intense love he had for his wife, Princess Emi, was notable, and the conversation between the two at the end was a vivid testament to that sentiment.

"Well, aside from the fact that labeling someone as “simple” isn't very kind, I can get what you're trying to say"

Said Penelope, capturing the attention of the others.

"Somehow, I feel like we'd get along incredibly well with him if we tried"

Hearing those words, Aizen, Ryan, and Cassy nodded in unison. It was evident that the group shared the same opinion on the matter. Keeping these thoughts in mind, they continued walking until they finally reached the cafeteria.

"Oh, looks like we're the first ones here"

Ryan observed as they entered the place. Indeed, as he mentioned, the space was mostly empty, all the tables were unoccupied, meaning they could choose where to sit.

"We'll finally get to sit by the window where some sunlight comes in"

Ryan exclaimed, radiating enthusiasm. Both Aizen and Penelope shared Ryan's excitement. However, Cassy discreetly caught the others' attention with a whisper, focusing on a specific spot in the cafeteria. The others' gazes followed Cassy's direction and found two figures who had arrived before them. Both were choosing their meals, and the young man seemed to be guiding the young woman, presenting her with the available options.

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"W-Why is Lord Ren in the cafeteria?"

Cassy's sincere question made everyone in the group also wonder, but unfortunately, no one seemed to have an answer. However, Cassy's low words didn't escape the attentive ears of Ren and Emi, who promptly turned their gazes toward the quartet. Instantly, an awkward silence filled the air.

"How about having lunch with us?"

"Would the four of us be able to join you for lunch?"

Both Ren and Aizen spoke simultaneously, surprising not only themselves but also the others who witnessed the scene. After this unexpected moment, for some reason, Ren and Aizen felt a strong urge to laugh, and unable to contain it, they both burst into laughter. This strange situation, in a way, helped alleviate some of the tension that had built up in the atmosphere.

"Well, please, join us. Furthermore, there's no need to treat us as nobility or royalty. Both Emi and I don't give much importance to these formalities in casual moments like this"

Ren smiled at the quartet as he invited them, and without hesitation, they accepted the offer. Thus, the six of them began to make their choices among the options available in the cafeteria. As usual, Ryan ended up taking an impressive amount of food. Emi and Ren, on the other hand, opted for more moderate portions, choosing salads, vegetables, and a bit of meat.

With their plates in hand, the group headed to a specific table in the cafeteria. Following the quartet's suggestion, who claimed it was the best spot to sit, Ren and Emi settled in with them. While the four occupied one side of the table, Ren and Emi positioned themselves in front of the group.

With that, everyone started eating, filling the air with a momentary silence. The first to break this tranquility was Penelope, who decided to ask Ren a question, hoping to initiate a conversation among the group.

"Speaking of which, we haven't introduced ourselves yet, have we?"

Penelope said, capturing the attention of Ren, Emi, and also her group.

"I'm Penelope. These are Ryan, Cassy, and my childhood friend, Aizen"

Penelope said, pointing to each of her friends. Hearing these words, Ren nodded his head, displaying a small smile on his face.

"While I believe you already know, I'm Ren, and this is my wife, Emi"

After hearing Ren's words, the four nodded their heads in agreement. As Ren had mentioned, they were widely known. While one of them was an inspiring figure for the commoners and an unquestionable genius, the other was the very princess of the country. With the introductions made, Aizen chose to be the next to ask Ren a question.

"So... Ren, could you tell us how you and Princess Emi met?"

Hearing these words, the group directed their attention straight to Ren, eager to hear his story. Upon hearing the question from the young man with black hair and eyes, Ren didn't hesitate to respond.

"I met Emi on my first visit to Solaris. At that time, I was there to deal with some matters with the leader of the merchant guild. But... even though I say we met, the truth is, I saw Emi through the carriage window and ended up falling in love at first sight with her"

Ren explained, letting out an embarrassed laugh.