Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey
Chapter 295: Azurhaven [2]

They were shocked when my new Ranking was showed in academy top 10 ranking boeard.

Most of all Emma was glaring dagger at while we were waiting at Nova station.

I could only sigh at that her reaction, she was acting childish but i loved to see her like that.

In fact, i even rubbed my new rank on her face.

It was pretty fun.

Well, Anyway Currently I and Evelyn is walking in street of Azurhaven.

I quickly took quick glance at Evelyn and turned my head forward.

I don't know why but staying alone with her is feel somewhat weird.

I could feel that my heart speed up quite bit when i glance but i forcedfully ignored it.

"Just were are you taking me?" Evelyn said as she glanced at our surroundings.

"Ah, Right."

In my thoughts i forget the way, im really bad with roads.

"What's right?"

"Nothing. Just follow me."

Evelyn crossed her arms as though she doubted my manliness. She pouted and spoke curtly.

"And how do you know where anything is?"

"I know better than you."

I know only two restaurants – a cheap and delicious restaurant and an expensive restaurant that was worth its cost. I was okay with either, but the latter should fit Evelyn's taste more.

I turned on the GPS guide to the more expensive restaurant.

"Follow me."

"Hm... Okay, but I'm letting you know, I'm a really picky eater."

"I know."

She acted like a tomboy but because she ate only the highest quality food from a young age, her palate was nobler than that of most nobles.

"...How do you know that?"

I ignored her question and walked to the restaurant. Evelyn followed after me like a cat.

After walking for about 15 minutes, we arrived at the restaurant.

[Hotel Cessia]

"Oh, this is the place?"

"Yep."

"Ooh~"

Evelyn and I walked to the entrance. Immediately, a man in a suit stopped us.

"Hey, you didn't make a reservation, right? Don't you know you need to make reservations for high-end restaurants?" Evelyn asked nervously as she glanced at waiter in front of me.

But there os nothing to worried about it.

On the way to here i had asked Jonathan to make quick reservation at this place and he quickly did that without any problems.

But of course he has to used some money to do that, after all i made last minute call.

"Hey!"

Evelyn shouted into my ear as i brok from my chain of thoughts. I turned my head towards my right and saw Evelyn right in front of me. Even up close, I couldn't see a single flaw in her smooth skin. I swallowed hard.

"Eh? W-What?"

"Reservation. Did you make one?"

Evelyn asked again, and I nodded.

"Yeah, I did."

"...Really?"

"Tell him my name."

Evelyn still looked doubtful but approached the man nonetheless.

"Lucas Darkheart. Is his name there?"

The man checked his smartwatch.

It seemed he found my name as he let us through with a smile.

"Yes, Lucas Darkheart and one companion. Welcome."

"...Oh wow."

Evelyn looked at me in surprise. Then, we walked in together.

"I like the atmosphere."

I agreed with Evelyn. The inside of the restaurant was just as imposing as the outside. A calming classical piece flowed beautifully, while each and every decoration was delicate and elegant.

Customers inside were also wearing dresses and suits, despite it being lunchtime.

"Follow me."

We followed the waiter and sat down next to a window.

"Do you need help with the menu?"

"You handle it."

I let Evelyn take over. She took the menu and skillfully finished ordering.

Once the waiter left, silence descended. We were staring at each other but didn't have much to say. Feeling a bit awkward, I turned to the side and looked out the window.

As I gazed out the window, taking in the view of the bustling street outside, I couldn't shake off the feeling of tension between us. Despite the elegant ambiance of the restaurant, an awkward silence lingered between Evelyn and me.

I stole a quick glance at her, noticing the furrow in her brow as she perused the menu. It was clear that she was still puzzled by my sudden decision to bring her to such a high-end establishment.

"Lucas, why did you choose this place?" Evelyn finally broke the silence, her voice soft yet curious.

I turned back to her, meeting her gaze with a smile. "I wanted to treat you to something special. You deserve it."

Her eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, I caught a glimpse of vulnerability behind her confident demeanor. It was a side of Evelyn that I rarely saw, and it only served to deepen my admiration for her.

"Thank you, Lucas," she said, her voice tinged with genuine appreciation. "I appreciate the gesture."

The waiter returned to take our orders, and Evelyn confidently placed hers, selecting a few dishes that showcased the restaurant's finest cuisine. As she spoke, her enthusiasm for food shone through, and I found myself captivated by her passion.

Once the waiter left, the atmosphere between us seemed to lighten, the tension easing with each passing moment. We engaged in casual conversation, discussing everything from our experiences at Nova Academy to our aspirations for the future.

As the meal progressed, I found myself enjoying Evelyn's company more and more. Despite our differences, there was a sense of camaraderie between us, a shared understanding that transcended words.

It was first time that i fealt this ease when talking with her, everytime we interact there was some unavoidable tension between us but as time passed by that invisible line is no more.

at least for me and I'm sure that she feels the same way...I hope so.

"...What?"

I turned my head towards windows again in our conversation and caught sight of an unexpected person.

***

A familiar face flashed by the window. Although she was covering herself with a mask and sunglasses, I could see through her face.

Vice-leader of Elodria's guild, Sia Tellen.

She was walking somewhere with a companion.

This was something that didn't happen in the original story. She was someone who shouldn't be here.

"Wait for me here."

"What? Hey, where are you going!?"

Leaving behind the shouting Evelyn, I ran out of the restaurant.

Thankfully, Sia wasn't walking fast. I quickly ran up to her and grabbed her shoulder.

"Hey."

"Huak!"

Startled, she jumped up with an odd scream. Sia turned around, her head creaking like a machine. When she saw my face, she flinched. She definitely recognized me.

"...W-Who are you?"

She feigned ignorance. Was she here on a mission?

I looked at the person standing next to her, a Caucasian man, but I couldn't recognize him from his outer appearance.

Then i turned my head back towards Sia again and said,

"It's me Lucas."

Sia nervously glanced at man beside her and let out nervous laugh

"Ha-Haha... Sorry but i don't know you."

At that moment she gusture towards my Ai bracelet, I frowned at her and understood what she meant .

quickly turning around i looked at my AI bracelet and saw that there was message from Sia.

'When did she send me this? i didn't even saw her waving her hands.'

i tap on message and saw what she send.

_____

[Sender --> SIA TELLEN]

[Message:- Im here on secret mission, No one should know about this I will talk to you later]

______

"Um, I don't know who you are, but we have to go."

Sua still denied knowing me, and the man next to her separated me from her. He was taller than me by a head.

"...Ah."

"I'm sorry. I must have mistaken you for someone else."

I bowed in apology.

Since we would meet at the masquerade, I backed away for now.

As I stepped back, a wave of confusion washed over me. Sia's behavior was perplexing, and her insistence on denying our acquaintance only deepened the mystery surrounding her presence in Azurehaven.

Turning away, I returned to the restaurant where Evelyn was waiting, her expression curious as she watched me approach.

"Who was that?" Evelyn asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

"Just someone I thought I knew," I replied vaguely, choosing not to delve into the details of my encounter with Sia.

Evelyn studied me for a moment, her eyes searching mine for any hint of what had transpired. However, replaceing nothing, she simply nodded in understanding.

While waiting for lunch i thought about Sia and the secreat mission she was talking about.

As far as i know there shouldn't be any incidents should happened in Azurhaven at this point of novel.

so what is this about? I have to replace out about this.

I had thought i should rest today since its been while that I have came outside of Academy but its seems that i don't have chance to fo that .

Anyway i have to follow her after we finished our food here and I have to do that alone.