NOVPUBUnder the warm candlelight, the Demon King’s Restaurant seemed to be imbued with a golden warmth.
The silver candlesticks on the center of the table appeared noble and solemn, their flames flickering at the top, reflecting bright light onto the surrounding utensils, and through the orange-red flames, the air gained a hint of mystique.
The dancing candlelight cast shadows on the table, where the gold-edged white tablecloth complemented the table’s dark texture, making everything seem cozy and beautiful, as if it could make one forget their troubles.
"Huebelle, look, I have successfully stopped the chaos of wasting food."
Lanci said to Huebelle, his words filled with positive energy.
"..."
Huebelle bowed her head, not daring to respond to Lanci or even make a sound.
She was worried that when the Lady Goddess deducted Lanci’s merits, she too might be implicated just for being nearby.
Regardless, having been raised as a human in the human realm since childhood, she still wanted to be one!
In the distance.
The restaurant manager, after dealing with the Silver Hair Demon who had violated the restaurant rules, quickly walked towards Lanci with a concerned look.
After a few seconds.
"I’m very sorry for the unpleasant dining experience you had in our restaurant, we will do our best to provide you with satisfactory compensation."
The manager hurriedly placed the Devil’s drink, which could warm him, at Lanci’s side and then sincerely said to him.
"No... it’s not your fault, thank you very much."
Lanci’s fingertips trembled as he picked up the glass.
After taking a sip, the state that seemed as if he had been struggling in the snow finally eased.
He took a deep breath and looked towards the manager again:
"Mr. Manager, I wonder if the ingredients for the dishes that were ordered by the silver-haired customer prior, but ultimately not presented to him, are still available? And do we have the opportunity to order some new dishes?"
Lanci had not seen those two limited dishes at the Silver Hair Demon’s table.
Clearly, the Silver Hair Demon had ordered beforehand but planned to enjoy them as the last course.
"Of course."
The manager slightly inclined his body and nodded to Lanci.
"These two dishes."
Lanci opened the menu, showed the manager the pages of those two limited dishes, and then said.
"No problem, and according to the restaurant’s practice, we also need to compensate you."
The manager took the menu from Lanci’s hands and bowed slightly to both of them.
Lanci looked at the manager, hesitated for a moment, and then sighed.
"I think you have no responsibility at all. If there must be a mistake, it should be that person who carelessly wasted food and didn’t cherish the excellent dishes painstakingly provided by the chefs."
Lanci’s words were filled with both regret and helplessness as he looked at the Silver Hair Demon’s body,
"The matter of compensation really shouldn’t be on you, this is a restaurant that I am extremely satisfied with. I like it and wish it could operate even better, that’s all."
"..."
Hearing this, the manager paused for a moment, and finally nodded in thanks again.
Lanci’s words made him feel pleased, extraordinarily comfortable, and brought a sense of pride and satisfaction.
As a restaurant that emphasizes service quality, adhering to the highest standards, they naturally felt some anger and dissatisfaction towards the excessively critical customers, or those who looked down on their efforts with a superior gaze like the Silver Hair Demon.
The difference between a customer who could appreciate the preciousness of food and tasted their dishes with gratefulness, like Lanci, and the Silver Hair Demon was stark.
"However, every debt has its debtor. If possible, could you hand over his corpse to me for handling? I wish to personally bury him and sing a requiem for him."
Lanci looked at the Silver Hair Demon lying motionless on the ground, then spoke again.
What Lanci really wanted were the gold coins that burst from this Silver Hair Demon.
This hidden monster might have treasures and a whole bunch of Credit Coins.
"Of course, no problem, I will take care of packaging it for you."
The restaurant manager had noticed the music department badge on Lanci’s chest and quickly understood what Lanci meant.
He knew that the music department possessed some taboo soul summoning magic, and clearly, this Silver Hair Demon was a fine material.
If that was all that was required, the restaurant manager was happy to comply, and there were even teachers willing to take the body away, which saved a lot of work.
"Sir, we will strive to provide the best service during your dining experience, hoping you will find it satisfactory."
The manager bowed to Lanci, then backed away.
...
In the following moments, time seemed to flow especially slow and tranquil.
In the restaurant, music softly flowed, the occasional crisp clinking of silverware accompanied by the faint smell of dishes coming from the distant kitchen, left the atmosphere filled only with wonder and harmony.
"Let’s eat and drink first, we’ll count the spoils later."
Lanci said happily, his fork reaching for the fresh vegetables, then gently transporting a small piece into his mouth.
What flashed across his face was that sincere satisfaction and happiness.
He had protected the restaurant’s ingredients from being wasted, and the restaurant rewarded him with a stack of gold coins; he had done another great deed today.
"..."
Huebelle sneaked a glance at Lanci, having something to say, yet unable to speak.
"Lanci, let’s go to the Lady Goddess’s Temple and pray together once we’re back."
Huebelle said softly.
She felt she needed to repent, and Lanci needed it even more. One shouldn’t perform too many sacrificial deeds.
Even in the effort to find her missing father, she needed to accrue more virtue, so that maybe the Lady Goddess would bestow her care.
Since childhood, Huebelle had heard that the Lady Goddess loved all creatures equally, even demons, as long as they harbored good intentions, she would offer guidance and redemption.
"No problem, ss, but setting up this flag..."
Lanci suddenly realized the peril of Huebelle’s words.
Uttering such commitment phrases often meant it might be true that one couldn’t return to the living world.
But then Lanci thought: what luck? Could he really stay at the Demon Academy without going back?
Twelve hours were indeed too short.
He wished he could truly spend a complete student’s life at the Purgatory Corridor Academy.
"..."
Huebelle gazed up at the faint changes in Lanci’s expression, always feeling that his mind was exceedingly active.
But she couldn’t understand.
She didn’t know if the disconnect was because she didn’t understand human hearts, or because she didn’t understand demon hearts.
After spending time with Lanci, a relatively new human being, Huebelle often felt confused, even questioning herself.
She shook her head.
The merits were already deducted.
At this point, it was better to just eat first.
