NOVPUBThe iconic area of the Royal Capital, Ichrite Magic Academy, is situated in the city center. There isn’t any enclosing wall around the school. This area along with all its buildings within are referred to as Ichrite Magic Academy.
Even just walking by, one can see the college emblem of Ichrite Academy on the nearby buildings, and a conspicuous tower. Pass two streets to the east, and you will reach that old shop, Boss Cat Restaurant.
Although this building is made of a somewhat antique tea-colored timber, the roof gently curved, and the eaves stretched wide beyond the walls, forming a comfortable open balcony perfect for unwinding, chatting, or even enjoying an afternoon meal.
Hyperion led them to disembark from the carriage in a orderly manner, carrying their luggage, as the bells began to toll from afar.
These bells chimed from the Red Brick Bell Tower within Ichrite Academy, ringing only three times before leaving behind an echo, indicating that it was three in the afternoon.
The lazy afternoon sun is draping over the small restaurant’s roof, the air filled with a thin smoke from cooking and lingering aroma from lunch. The scents of pastries and cheese woven together, smelling like the floral fragrance of a country lane, simply captivating. 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝒑𝙪𝒃.𝒄𝒐𝙢
"We’re back."
Hyperion led the way, pushing the door open. A wind chime, hidden under the eaves, swayed gently, its pleasant ringing adding tranquility to the afternoon.
The wooden door closes behind them with a gentle clicking sound.
The light trickles through the windows, casting dappled patterns on the floor. The restaurant is elegantly decorated, with a few vintage photos and small dolls hung on the wall, and a faint scent of coffee and baked goods wafting through the air.
The Cat boss doesn’t have many customers at this time. Behind the counter, a young woman was standing. Her long hair tied back simply, wearing the restaurant’s uniform. She looked both professional and amicable.
Asina, who just worked at the student council of Ichrite Academy in the morning, noticed the new customers in the shop. Her eyes flashed with surprise, which quickly turned into delight.
"Boss Cat, you’re back."
Asina walked out of the kitchen with a beaming smile.
She had already begun to use Doppelganger Magic, managing the front while working in the kitchen.
Although it was tiring, she finally felt that her three years of study in the Sage Academy of Ichrite Academy was put to use.
"Senior Asina, we’re sorry to come back so late. You must have been very busy with the work at the student council."
Hyperion bowed her head in apology to Vice President Asina.
She and Lanci were almost a month late in coming back, the term almost coming to an end. Asina not only handled the Student Council tasks but also juggled between being the billboard girl and head chef here.
"No, not at all. Your legacy is still in the campus, and the Student Council work is going very smoothly."
Asina replied with a smile, taking Hyperion’s hand.
"..."
Hyperion didn’t know what to make of this "legacy".
"Is Tata off today?"
Cat boss hopped onto the counter, its head curiously checking the area, but there was no sign of Tata.
It felt that Antanas had become even more nervous because he had not seen Tata all day.
"Miss Tata, ah, she has taken a few days off to go to Nanwantina Territory."
Asina answered.
"What a pity meow."
the Cat boss shook its head.
They had intended to surprise Tata by letting her see the three friends.
It seemed that they would have to wait until she came back, pushed the door open and discovered the surprise.
"What is Tata doing in Nanwantina Territory?"
Hyperion asks, puzzled.
She remembered Lanci was from the Nanwantian border.
Hyperion initially thought that Tata was Lanci’s fellow countryman from the Nanwantian border, but later, when they went to the Northern Continent, she found out that Tata was actually the Princess of a Demon Clan from the Northern Continent who just encountered Lanci in Nanwantina.
"Er, she seemed to say she wanted to see Lanci’s painting."
Asina thought for a moment, then looked at Lanci, puzzled.
Lanci: "?!"
"Lanci’s painting?"
Hyperion thought back with furrowed brows.
That was probably in winter when Tata did say that she was curious about a painting titled "The Pitiful and Poor Old Woman" at Lanci’s house and wanted to go see it.
Who would have thought that Tata, a homebody for years, has already begun to take action alone.
"Lanci, about that painting in your home..."
Hyperion turned her head to look at Lanci, about to speak, then stopped mid-sentence.
She observed that Lanci hadn’t said a word for a while.
Lanci’s forehead began to sweat, and his expression froze.
"Lanci, Lanci..."
Hyperion had never seen Lanci like this before.
"Senior Asina, when did Tata leave?"
Lanci came to his senses and asked.
"She left four or five days ago, but she’s not in a rush to go home. Instead, she’s planning to travel along the southern city-states before heading to the southernmost Nanwantina region."
Asina looked back and glanced at the calendar behind the counter.
"There’s something going on at home, I need to rush back!"
Immediately, Lanci picked up the cat boss and ran out.
Leaving behind several stunned people, standing not far from the counter in the Boss Cat Restaurant.
"The three of you, please take care of the place, I’m going with him."
Hyperion reacted and hastily followed him out, shouting back as she ran.
She didn’t know what was going on, but it was the first time she had seen Lanci so panicked, which scared her!
But if her friend was really in trouble, she wouldn’t let Lanci face it alone!
"..."
The three Great Demon Clan looked at each other.
Antanas and Sinola looked at Pranay - they had a feeling that Pranay might guess what was going on.
Pranay just shook his head.
At the moment, his feelings were complex.
If it was for the king’s sake, he hoped that the king really was having a crisis at home.
But he also felt it was weird.
Those who wanted the King dead might now wish nothing was wrong with the King’s home.
"Huff.
Asina sighed, smiling helplessly towards the door, as if she was accustomed to Lanci and Hyperion’s sudden exits. They were very dynamic in the student council.
Then there was a moment of silence.
"Ah, we are new here and we’re old friends of Tata’s. We came to help with the restaurant."
With enthusiasm, Antanas introduced himself to Asina first,
"I’m Antanas, he’s Pranay, she’s Sinola, these two are siblings."
Before they came, the cat boss had already introduced Asina.
When it was away, the restaurant was under the supervision of Asina.
"That’s great! I was just wondering how to introduce you to Tata!"
Asina sighed in relief as she shook Antanas’ hand.
"How has Tata been doing recently?"
After a moment of hesitation, Antanas asked with genuine concern.
She knew that Tata was Talia in disguise.
She was thrilled to see Talia, but also worried that Talia might have suffered too much over the years.
Sinola was also very interested in this question. She hoped Talia was well but couldn’t accept that Talia had made a great match.
"She’s doing very well, you can put your minds at ease."
Asina gently smiled, asked the three to sit down, fetched a tray from the counter, poured them some red tea, and then sat down beside them, explaining how she had been taking good care of Tata’s daily life.
