NOVPUB"[For today’s lunch, I’ve made reservations at Ancient Jimmy’s Restaurant, Cork, Naive Restaurant, and Yelleville Pastry Shop. For dinner, there are reservations at Yala Riverside Tavern, Tipica, and Riborte Bar. Whichever you choose, there won’t be any need to queue up.]"
The Love Guru was introducing the final preparation to Loren.
Loren nodded.
He had heard of these restaurants.
They were all very popular high-end restaurants in Ichrite, where, without a prior reservation, it would be impossible to get a table on the weekend—you might end up queuing for two or three hours.
The Guru was really reliable.
While Loren was thinking, his gaze suddenly got attracted by something in front of him.
The trees in Hutton Pedestrian Square were lush with shade, birds chirped one after another, and sunlight streamed through the treetops, casting light on a figure, adding a lightness to her steps.
She was approaching.
Quickly.
In the bright, open expanse of Hutton Pedestrian Square, the woman stood before Loren.
"Loren, sorry to keep you waiting."
Her elegant long dress brushed against her knees as the hem danced in the wind. Her hair was loosely tied up, with a few strands softly falling by her face—a stark contrast to her usual valiant image on the battlefield.
Today, Juliana had shed her usual Knight’s attire and donned a flowing dress, presenting herself at the dating spot with an exceptionally tender posture.
"… Yeah."
Loren’s slight nod was like that of an innocent, naive young man.
He unconsciously shifted his gaze away from Juliana’s impressive figure, not knowing where to look, but then suddenly realized that might be rude, so he slowly brought his gaze back to her face.
As the captain of the Yarolan Kingdom’s Knights Order, Juliana’s usual commanding presence made her seem older and more dependable, but a closer look at Juliana in this attire showed an unexpectedly youthful side.
"Sorry, maybe this outfit isn’t quite right."
Juliana, cradling her left elbow and looking away, said.
"No, it’s not that…"
Loren suddenly didn’t know how to respond.
"[Since you haven’t responded immediately, stay confused naturally for a while, until she starts to get a bit anxious or asks for your opinion on her appearance again.]"
The voice of the Love Guru came through Loren’s earpiece.
"[Tell her she’s beautiful. Just use your own words, there’s no need for extravagance.]"
Only when Juliana unconsciously clenched her hands did Loren finally speak:
"You do look very beautiful, which caught me off guard."
Loren mustered his courage and spoke sincerely.
"[The mood might get a bit awkward soon, but at that moment, you don’t need to say much, just take a slow walk with her.]"
The calm voice of the Love Guru continued in Loren’s ear.
Loren breathed a slight sigh of relief.
The Guru was clearly of a high caliber, providing unlimited reassurance to Loren.
For any reaction from the lady, the Guru had a prediction and was ready to respond promptly.
"..."
Juliana was clearly taken aback on her end.
It took her a moment to respond as if coming to her senses.
"What shall we have for lunch?"
She asked seriously.
Loren was once again bamboozled by the change in topic.
"[Cough!]"
And the Love Guru suddenly fell silent, as if choking on water.
...
Observing the man before her looking green, Juliana was certain that, just like herself, he too had little experience with dating.
"..."
On the advice of her counselor, Juliana had bought a new dress the day before the date.
It was clear that the lady advisor knew how to dress well naturally, without studying it purposely but rather with an innate sense of how to match clothing with her beauty.
Although she had yet to meet the advisor, Juliana imagined she must be beautiful.
At least the preparation for the date seemed fairly successful so far.
"[Ask him what you’re having for lunch.]"
Just then, the advisor known as the Love Angel spoke into her ear using Communication Magic.
Receiving this hint, Juliana asked.
And it seemed to fluster Loren.
Juliana realized after a moment’s thought that indeed, who would ask what to eat right when they meet for a date!
"[A suitable dating partner would definitely plan your schedule for the day in advance, especially lunch and dinner. From these two aspects, you can deduce how much consideration he has put into this date.]"
The communication magic by her ear transmitted another calm message from the Love Angel.
"If I were choosing a boyfriend, I would definitely hope he had seriously considered our plans before the date."
She added another sentence.
"..." Really?
Juliana thought to herself.
"Loren, do you have plans for where we’re going to eat lunch and dinner today? I’m not familiar with Ichrite."
When Loren didn’t respond, Juliana added.
"But Juliana, it’s only nine o’clock in the morning now, how about we take a walk first and then think about what to have for lunch?"
Loren hesitated for quite a while and then asked politely,
"Since we have plenty of time, let me slowly introduce you to Ichrite."
He gestured with his hand for Juliana to walk with him.
"That’s true..."
Yeah, it’s only nine, why think about lunch?
Juliana mumbled to herself and, seeing Loren’s handsome appearance, her steps unconsciously followed his.
The two of them strolled side by side down the streets of Hutton Pedestrian Squares.
This long-delayed date had finally begun its journey.
To be honest, Juliana’s heart was racing; she had never been on a date with a man before, especially not with one she cared about so much.
But what should she say now?
Would he think she looked strange dressed like this, or that her earlier question was strange? How was he viewing her?
While walking, Juliana gradually lowered her head.
She didn’t want Loren to notice how nervous she actually was.
Loren didn’t say anything either.
Which made her increasingly clueless about what to talk about.
"Ask him what food he likes. Everyone definitely has foods they like; asking about this can’t go wrong."
...
At the same time, Loren was also hearing a constant stream of advice.
"When you’re not sure about the other person’s interests and hobbies, it’s best not to start a topic rashly to avoid conversations that might end up being embarrassing dead ends for both sides."
"Even if you’re out of topics, don’t ask things like: What’s your favorite color, what’s your favorite food, because once those are answered, the topic is pretty much dead."
"But remember, in any form of communication, whether it’s romance or negotiation, the same principle applies. Try to keep the power in your own hands and don’t be led by the nose by the other person."
"The correct approach is to try to have the other person start the conversation, then slowly take over the power of speech. I will teach you what to do in areas where you can’t answer."
"Loren, what’s your favorite food?"
Juliana suddenly asked.
"..."
Loren looked at her and didn’t reply; he was waiting for the Love Guru to tell him how to answer.
"...Just tell the truth, then ask her the same question."
The guru pondered for a long time, as if finally coming to terms with reality.
"I personally like the local flavor of Ichrite, and of course, I have always been keen to try the cuisine of the entire South Continent. What about you?"
Loren asked.
"I’m fine with anything. Do you have any restaurant recommendations?"
Juliana looked up at him and asked.
"Let me think."
Loren pretended to think, but was actually waiting for the Love Guru’s suggestion.
"Ancient Jimmy’s Restaurant is in a magnificent building from the Solar Calendar’s sixteenth decade, transporting visitors to an ancient world filled with Ichrite’s style, primarily featuring local ingredients and the eastern flavors of the South Continent. Naive Restaurant, in Ichrite’s trendy northern district, offers an innovative set menu. Yelleville Pastry Shop is famous for its delicious, limited edition pastries, unbeatable light foods, and date-friendly atmosphere, especially suitable for taking young girls. Cork, in a chic industrial-style building, serves the North Coast cuisine of the South Continent that has become popular in recent years. List these four to her and see what she thinks."
Loren repeated what the Love Guru had said, and this time Juliana made her choice quickly.
"Alright, now that we’ve decided on our lunch destination, let’s head over there and check out the area. Maybe we’ll find some dessert shops suited for a summertime morning treat."
Juliana contemplated and then proposed.
"Agree with her and take her to eat."
The guru’s voice sounded very tired. 𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑝𝘶𝘣.𝑐𝘰𝘮
As if tortured.
And about to give up on thinking.
"No problem."
Loren always felt like the guru had taken a huge detour.
In the end, he still couldn’t circumvent the logic of the person opposite him and started being led by the nose.
