Chapter 90: Chapter 21: Evening With Evaine [1]
The setting sun cast a warm, golden hue upon the city's bustling streets, where cobblestone pathways wound through clusters of elegant structures.
"Please wait here. I'll be back in a few minutes!" Evaine's voice sounded before she rushed off, leaving Lancelot stranded.
At first, he thought she might have joked with him and left him here to mock him.
"No... She wouldn't do something so useless. Evaine would punch me if so."
Evaine brought him to the city centre before she asked him to wait for her to leave in a rush. He was left outside a grand and strange restaurant.
Amidst this urban tapestry stood "Aurelia's Embrace," a renowned restaurant that drew the city's elite like moths to a flame. Its exterior was a work of architectural brilliance, a symphony of luxury that bespoke its commitment to exceptional dining experiences.
He could see the extravagant and wealthy diners walking inside, some looking back at him with strange looks, before seeing his handsome appearance and the Elite uniform changing their look to one of respect.
"Have a nice meal, student. Thank you for the hard work." A handsome old man with blonde hair slapped Lancelot's shoulder before joining his wife and daughter to enter Aurelia's Embrace.
'They respect Lords... I had thought all nobles to be ignorant fools. Maybe I was an ignorant fool for judging them alongside the traitors.'
He waited 10 minutes, and she didn't show, so he stepped forward to peek inside.
Tall, ornate wrought iron gates stood guard at the entrance, their filigree design evoking images of forgotten kingdoms. The gates were adorned with intricate patterns of vines and flowers, entwined with luminescent crystals sparkling in the fading light.
As Lancelot approached, the gates swung open, revealing a path lined with softly glowing lanterns.
'To think there were things this beautiful hidden in this city.'
Each lantern was delicately crafted from shimmering glass and adorned with enchanted gemstones that emitted a soft, enchanting radiance.
Its wonderous path led him through a meticulously maintained garden, where exotic blooms released intoxicating fragrances into the air.
The façade of the restaurant itself was a testament to grandeur.
His steps were slow, trying to take in the relaxing air and view with each moment healing his horrible mood from earlier.
Elaborate carvings adorned its walls, depicting scenes of mythical creatures and epic quests. Gilded accents gleamed in the twilight, catching the eye with intricate patterns that seemed to dance in the shifting light.
'Oh? The owner must be a Lord or maybe used to be one. Some of these monsters can only be seen by visiting the demon kingdoms... amazing.'
A marquee, fashioned from interwoven vines and adorned with crystals, bore the name "Aurelia's Embrace" in elegant calligraphy that seemed to shimmer and shift like a mirage.
Upon stepping through the restaurant's doors, Lancelot was transported into refined luxury. The interior was a symphony of rich textures and hues, a harmonious blend of plush velvet and polished mahogany.
"I want something this nice in my castle... Should I ask Marimo?" He whispered while looking to the ceiling, wondering how long Evaine would take to return.
Crystal chandeliers hung from the lofty ceiling, casting iridescent light cascading through the room in a kaleidoscope of colours. Soft, melodic music played in the background, setting the perfect ambience for a night of enchantment.
The tables were adorned with silk tablecloths that seemed to ripple like water in response to the gentle breeze.
Glistening silverware and crystal, glassware awaited their guests, their surfaces so polished that they seemed to capture and reflect the very essence of the room. Around each table, plush chairs invited patrons to sink into their embrace, promising a comfortable and indulgent dining experience.
"Eh?"
'When did she get there?'
In the distance, he could see a beautiful woman with light blonde hair. Evaine, radiant in a gown that seemed to capture the essence of starlight, stood by the entrance, extending a welcoming hand to Lancelot.
The air was saturated with exotic spices and delectable aromas as he approached, promising a feast that would tantalize even the most discerning palate.
"You look gorgeous... Why the special occasion? I just wanted a plate of steak." Lancelot grinned.
"Thank you, Lancelot. It was my idea. I decided to reward your effort and good behaviour." Evaine said, a slight red blush colouring her cheeks.
'Good behaviour? What is this woman talking about... She is wearing a victory outfit... Her smooth back is visible...'
Lancelot gulped while staring at the bare skin below the small of her back.
"This is Aurelia's Embrace, a famous restaurant in the capital. It's the most prestigious and expensive, serving only the best cuts of monster meat. The chefs here are all master artisans, crafting culinary masterpieces that evoke beauty and flavour."
"How do you know the chef?"
"It's the owner; she is my friend from our time at the academy and active Lord's."
'I knew it!'
However, Lancelot had never heard of this friend when they were dating in their last lives together...
'Did she not care enough about me to introduce me to her friends or hide her secrets from me?!'
He felt jealous before noticing her constant blushing, and then his mouth opened, "Evaine... Are you sure you don't just like me..."
"Oh, shut up. Let's go inside." She took his right arm and brought him along.
"Welcome, my friend. I hope you will enjoy your meal tonight. Please follow me." A gorgeous female with long green hair welcomed them inside with a kind and graceful smile.
"It's been a few months, Aurelia."
Evaine returned her smile and hugged her.
'She is the old friend?!'
"Evaine, please follow me. We already have a private booth arranged."
'Even the chef is a Lord?'
He wondered if the owner would be a beautiful and tall 26-year-old...
'No, since she went to school with Evaine, this woman was at least 35...' The moment his mind thought this, the green-haired maiden turned around with a smile that was a threat! Like she could sense his thoughts.
'Holy shit, she is at least 30 years old?!'
"I'm 29!"
'How did she hear that?'
He looked at Evaine, who gave him a cold stare, and immediately understood.
'I'm going to die in a restaurant booth... Maybe I will leave this world without having a good meal.'
"Evaine, it seems he is unhappy. I will have your meals served right away, but I want to discuss something with you, so can you bring him back out once you finish?"
"I'm sorry, Aurelia. Lancelot is like that."
"Hahaha, no worry, let's go."
'Don't tell her anything bad. She might poison my food and kill me with her cooking...'
Seeing Lancelot's uncomfortable expression, Evaine could only chuckle.
Aurelia led them to a luxurious booth in a secluded corner of the restaurant, offering privacy from prying eyes.
"Please enjoy your meals. The servers will be with you shortly."
After watching Aurelia leave, Lancelot and Evaine sat opposite one another, silence hanging between them.
'So, we are eating together alone. This brings back some memories. Is she finally taking the first step?'
"I was serious about the date; you look very pretty today. Thank you for inviting me, Evaine."
"Oh? Lancelot, you look great as well, but be careful~ Aurelia is special and can hear the thoughts others have regarding her... I assume you wondered about her age, right? She's 35."
"Eh, but she said 29"
"She's in denial."
Lancelot relaxed as Evaine took off her shawl, revealing her soft, creamy bosom that heaved with every breath.
"I know I'm hot." Evaine teased.
"Then why aren't we married yet? I want a son and daughter. A huge family like those adventurers."
"W-what are you talking about, Lancelot? We are not getting married, and I will not have children!"
"Then why are we here?"
She looked at him with a strange face, he always seemed to be sure that he would become her man, and it threw her off when he had no self-doubt.
"Today is a reward for your good behaviour."
"Evaine, the only reward I want is your heart and body. However, I'll take this for now."
"!!!"
Evaine's heart skipped a beat as she felt her palms become sweaty; the door opened, saving her.
A server arrived, carrying a bottle of fine wine.
"Thank you." Lancelot thanked the server, who blushed as he poured him a glass, but she noticed the gorgeous woman sitting in front and became depressed.
'Why does such a beauty have to come to our restaurant?!'
"Evaine, cheers."
"Cheers."
"I miss your cooking," Lancelot said, reminiscing about the delicious meals they had eaten together in their past life.
"Oh, how do you miss something you've never had? Such a strange boy, then how about if you're good, I can cook for you sometime."
"No, I want to eat with you every day."
"Lancelot, stop joking. I'm not marrying you!"
"Evaine, I love you. I won't joke with you."
"!!"
Evaine's heart began to race as she downed her wine.