The Extra Who Shouldn't Exist novel Chapter 178

Chapter 178: Chapter 178 : Thoughts about Marriage

Alex immediately noticed the change in Serena’s expression. The usual playful sparkle in her eyes dimmed, replaced with a seriousness that made the air heavy.

’Looks like her condition is even worse than we thought.’

[We should hurry, host.]

"Yeah," Alex muttered under his breath, agreeing with the system.

Serena, as if sensing his worry, softened her gaze.

"Why don’t you come and eat something first? You must be starving after sleeping for so long."

Her lips curved into a gentle smile before she winked playfully.

"I promise, I won’t take much of your time."

[Do as she says, host. She’s a very nice lady.]

Alex exhaled, nodding reluctantly.

"Alright."

Serena began leading the way, her graceful stride making even the simple act of walking look regal.

Alicia lingered close to Alex, her emerald eyes full of concern.

"Are you sure you’re alright? Your body’s not hurting anywhere, is it?"

Alex shook his head, smiling faintly.

"No, I’m fine now. What about Alden and the others? Are they okay?"

Hearing him mention her brother, Alicia paused mid-step. For a brief moment, her face stiffened.

But then she resumed walking, speaking quickly.

"They’re all fine."

Alex studied her carefully but didn’t press further. He simply nodded.

"Good."

The group soon reached the grand dining hall. The doors opened wide, revealing a massive table carved from polished oak, its surface gleaming under the warm glow of chandeliers.

Serena, ever the gracious hostess, gestured gracefully.

"Alex, sit beside me."

Just as Alicia was about to take the empty chair on Alex’s other side—Reynard smoothly slid into it first.

Alicia froze.

"Father... aren’t you going to sit at the head of the table like you usually do?"

Reynard’s reply was maddeningly casual.

"Today, I feel like sitting here. You should find another spot, pumpkin."

Alicia rubbed her temples, sighing.

’Of course. He’s trying to keep me away.’

Resigned, she sat across the table from him, sulking like a child denied candy.

Meanwhile, Alex now found himself sandwiched between the Duchess, who was smiling warmly, and the Duke, whose grin looked sharp enough to cut steel.

’One smile says "stay as long as you like"... the other says "eat my food and get out, never show your face again."

Gods above, what kind of trap have I walked into?’

Alex sighed internally, already regretting every decision that brought him here.

Then, with a clap of Serena’s hands, the massive double doors at the far end of the hall swung open.

Servants streamed in, carrying silver platters piled high with steaming delicacies. Roasted meats glazed with honey, fresh loaves of bread, soups, and fragrant sauces filled the room with mouthwatering aromas.

Even Alex, who prided himself on self-control, felt his mouth water. His stomach betrayed him with a loud growl.

Serena chuckled softly, eyes twinkling.

"You need strength. You’ve been unconscious for days without food. Eat to your heart’s content. Alicia and I prepared much of it ourselves."

Across from her, Reynard smirked, seizing the moment.

"At least have the manners not to drool when you see food."

Before Alex could respond, Serena casually conjured a spectral hand of mana. It smacked Reynard across the head with a crisp snap.

"Be respectful to our guest," she scolded firmly.

Reynard stared at her, scandalized.

"What did I even do wrong this time?!"

With a huff, he looked away.

As Alex picked up his utensils, his eyes flicked toward Reynard.

He could feel it—the overwhelming aura radiating from the man, like a sleeping dragon disguised as a human.

’Even just sitting here... the aura is insane. As monstrous as ever. If he wanted, he could kill me without even lifting a finger.

This was the man who had once brought the elves to their knees single-handedly. The man revered as the King of the North.

Yeah... this guy is not to be messed with.’

Reynard caught Alex measuring him and smiled thinly, the kind of smile that made the hairs on the back of the neck rise.

"What? Do you want to fight?"

Alex’s mouth twitched.

’Yeah, this guy is making it really hard not to mess with him.’

He opened his mouth to retort—

But before he could, Alicia—having already sensed where this was going—snatched a roasted chicken leg and shoved it straight into Alex’s mouth.

Alex gagged, muffled protests spilling out.

"Mmmph—what the hell are you doing?! Do you want me to choke to death on chicken bones?!"

Alicia exhaled in relief, leaning back in her chair.

"Finish the food in your mouth before speaking, you idiot."

Serena laughed openly, covering her mouth but failing to hide her amusement.

Reynard turned toward his daughter, voice soft.

"His hands work just fine. He can feed himself, you know that, right?"

---

Alicia pouted, her cheeks puffing like a sulking squirrel. Reynard raised his hands in mock surrender.

"Alright, alright—but don’t do it again."

Alex, finishing the chicken wings still in his mouth, swallowed and muttered dryly.

"I can feed myself, thank you very much."

The moment their eyes locked again, it was like lightning clashed across the table.

Reynard narrowed his eyes, Alex mirrored the look, and the invisible sparks almost had Alicia leaning back in her chair for safety.

Serena, watching them with an amused smile, suddenly interjected.

"Alex, don’t you like chicken?"

Alex turned toward her quickly, still caught off guard.

"Of course, my la—"

Before he could finish, Serena leaned forward, her voice dripping with authority.

"You can call me Miss Serena... if not, you have to call me Mother."

Alex froze. His breath hitched.

’What the hell did she just say?’

Alicia’s face turned crimson instantly, hands flying to cover her cheeks. Reynard’s too turned red, but his was the kind of red that came before thunder cracked.

Alex stammered.

"But—"

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