Having beaten over the poisonous frog, I found myself promptly transported into a spacious room within the palace.
"Congratulations for passing," greeted a nurse from the academy with a warm smile. "Please, have a seat."
I nodded in acknowledgnt and settled into the chair conveniently positioned behind . Glancing around, I observed other classmates receiving treatnts. So wore triumphant grins, while others appeared disheartened.
"Toxic poison, I see," the nurse remarked, acknowledging the nature of the mana beast I had faced. She proceeded to apply a vial's contents onto a compress before tending to the burns on my cheeks and arms. A subtle burning sensation ensued, but it wasn't enough to elicit any pained reactions, unlike so of my peers.
After carefully placing plasters and bandages on my arms, the nurse rose. "You should rest for now."
"Thank you," I expressed my gratitude, then scanned the room in search of familiar faces. Finding none, I decided to leave and make my way back to my room. Flopping onto the bed, I closed my eyes, allowing a well-deserved nap to claim .
***
I awoke and promptly raised myself.
[Get your ass in the restaurant.]
I quickly sent a ssage to John dashed out of the castle. The afternoon sun bathed the surroundings in a bright glow.
"Mr. Falkrona."
My brisk exit didn't go unnoticed as Professor Harvey appeared seemingly out of thin air.
"Where are you going? The exam is over for you," Harvey inquired, a quizzical expression on his face.
"Sightseeing, Professor," I replied with a smile. I chose not to disclose the potential danger to his daughter. Maintaining control was paramount. "Just like your daughter is doing right now." I added before leaving, disregarding Harvey's bewildered countenance. It seed even he wasn't privy to Celeste's whereabouts.
What was the na of that restaurant again?
Recalling that it was Celeste's favorite, a place where she used to dine with her mother, I surmised she might be there with her friends celebrating their success in the exam, having defeated their respective Mana Beasts.
Racking my brain to rember at least the na of the restaurant, I sohow recalled it. Though not entirely sure, it was my only lead. I rushed towards one of Zestel's most renowned spots, the Ice Fountain.
Around the ice fountain, a multitude of shops and restaurants ford a circle. Scanning the surroundings, the sheer volu of people made it challenging to identify any leads.
"E-Excuse !"
"What?" I responded without diverting my gaze from the bustling crowd as a group of girls approached.
"U-Um, are you perhaps single?" one of the girls asked with a quivering tone.
"Do I look accompanied?" I inquired with a smile, frustration mounting in the crowded place.
"Then-"
"Hey."
My attention shifted to the three blushing girls next to .
"Y-Yes?!"
"Where is the most famous restaurant here? They specialize in sothing like pineapple chicken? Sothing like that?" I asked, finally recalling Celeste's favorite dish.
"Oh?! This restaurant you an?" The girl pointed at a distinctive restaurant, painted in a vibrant red.
I briefly squinted at the place and smiled. "Indeed. Co." Without waiting for their response, I grabbed her arm and pulled her along.
"As you wish~"
Ignoring the peculiar sound she made, I continued walking. However, her two friends chid in.
"W-What about us?"
"Huh? Co with us?" I replied casually. Having just one girl along might be awkward, and besides, it would be less suspicious.
[]
'Co on, I just don't want Celeste to think I'm stalking them.' I sighed inwardly.
As soon as I stepped into the restaurant, my eyes scanned the room.
Where?
A smile crept onto my face as I finally spotted them.
Celeste, Selene, Cylien, Alia, Elizabeth, and Victor sat at a table for six, engrossed in discussion and enjoying their als. It was evident from a distance that Victor, the lone male at the table, wore an embarrassed expression. Not helping matters, the other n in the restaurant shot him jealous glares.
I an, five of the most beautiful girls in all of Sancta Vedelia were gathered at one table, and Victor appeared to be monopolizing their attention.
Then I frowned as I noticed soone at a table behind Victor's. A white-haired man sat alone, seemingly engrossed in a newspaper.
This distant and aloof presence...
No doubt, it was John.
Snorting, I headed toward another table but was halted by one of the waitresses.
"Excuse , Sir, you have to wait in line..."
I took her hand and looked into her eyes. "Can you free one of the tables there?"
"S-Sir… I—" The waitress averted her gaze as my face got closer, but I insisted and showed her my pendant with the Olphean emblem.
"Please."
"R-Right away." Clearing her throat, she led us with a blush on her face.
[
User Comments
0 comments from readers