NOVPUBCerryti Empire Capital.
On the southern side of Bulielda City State, Saint Kray Temple.
The autumn sun streamed through the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow on the plain white walls and dark brown wooden furniture.
"Wow."
Lanci sat at the dining table, with dishes continually being added in front of him.
Every now and then, Talia brought another plate, the aroma permeating the restaurant.
"Go ahead and eat."
Talia watched Lanci’s reserved demeanor, then turned back and said to him.
"I’ll wait for you."
Lanci answered firmly.
Actually, watching Tata eat was even more enjoyable than eating himself.
"You..."
Talia didn’t know what to say and headed back to the kitchen.
Soon, the dishes were successively ready and Talia brought them into the dining room.
The main dish was a large plate of crispy, golden fried pork chops, the crispy outer skin leaking juices upon cutting, served with lemon slices and chopped chives, and a side dish of refreshing cucumber salad with a touch of spice.
On another white porcelain plate were several baked potatoes, each with a distinct expression, cut into cute cat-head shapes, soft and dense, giving off a fragrant aroma of butter and salt after being coated with butter.
Talia brought the last dish, took off her apron, and sat down opposite Lanci.
"Tata, you’re really great, meow!"
Cat Boss happily exclaimed, with its bowl filled with its favorite tuna and shrimp salad, garnished with some green seaweed.
Now, Tata cooked even more frequently, with most of the cooking duties at home falling to Tata.
And she didn’t disappoint, taking good care of both Lanci and Cat Boss.
Next was lunchtime.
The kitchen was still baking condensed milk bread and apple cake.
But Talia had already taken out three pieces baked earlier for Lanci, Cat Boss, and herself to taste.
The soft cake base was studded with large chunks of apple, the surface sprinkled with cinnamon powder and fine sugar, making each bite deliciously sweet.
The two humans and the cat chatted lightly while having lunch.
Outside, the autumn wind occasionally blew in, with golden leaves dancing in the courtyard, casting all worries and fatigue to the back of their minds.
In less than half an hour, lunch was over.
"We agreed, this afternoon we’ll go to the creek by the monastery to bask in the sun, sit on the bench, and rest without thinking about anything," Talia said as she cleaned up the dishes.
"No problem, no problem."
Lanci, leaning back in his chair, readily agreed.
Talia would insist on him practicing card making when teaching him but also urge him to rest when he was too busy.
Gradually, he almost forgot how Talia used to sit beside him, watching him make cards in Nanwantina.
But indeed, it was time to ease his nerves.
Lanci pinched his brow, feeling the sleepiness from his Saturday afternoon nap overtaking him.
Ding-dong.
The doorbell rang, disrupting Lanci’s afternoon plans and startling him awake.
He looked toward the doorway as Talia just happened to bring over a slice of apple cake for him, glancing at the entrance.
"You go see."
Lanci and Talia exchanged a look, and Talia momentarily vanished.
"Today wasn’t supposed to have any appointments."
Lanci felt puzzled, unsure who would visit at this time.
His residence, with its principal’s secretary Nyla diligently maintaining confidentiality.
Curious, Lanci walked to the entrance and opened the mansion’s door.
The bright autumn sun shone on the stone path in front of the door, giving the visitor a soft golden hue.
Lanci’s gaze fell on the young girl outside, slightly surprised.
The visitor was none other than his sister, Elsa Washington, now known as Landry Washington. 𝚗𝚘v𝚙𝚞b.𝚌𝚘m
Her black hair draped over her shoulders, dressed casually today in a beige shirt and a gray-blue pleated skirt, she seemed to have dressed with care.
"Brother."
Elsa greeted with a smile, her tone slightly shy but her eyes still warm,
"Although we’ve seen each other in class…I haven’t seen you in days."
"Elsa, what a surprise."
Lanci returned the smile, stepping aside to let her in,
"Come in and sit, we still have some afternoon desserts."
"No need, brother."
Elsa waved her hand, politely declining,
"I just have a little thing to discuss with you, no need to go inside and disturb your rest."
"Oh, I see."
Lanci was surprised but respected Elsa’s wishes, leaning against the doorframe and speaking softly,
"Then go ahead, is there something you need my help with?"
"..."
Elsa lowered her forehead, her slender fingers nervously twisting her skirt, seemingly choosing her words carefully.
After a moment, she raised her eyes.
"I’m planning to visit the Temple of Gods this afternoon, and there’s also an opera performance at the Empire Opera House tonight. Ursula and I have made plans to see it together."
Elsa took out two opera tickets, holding them in front of her, showing her brother.
It was adapted from "Holy War Romance" by the playwright Xido Arendale from the South Bank of the Northern Continent.
Her violet eyes hid untold words.
Lanci glanced at the tickets, roughly understanding Elsa’s hint, she probably wanted him to join.
Considering that Marquis Roland’s daughter, Ursula, seemed to have a good relationship with Elsa, often seen talking after classes, Lanci felt somewhat relieved to see Elsa had friends.
Suddenly, Lanci noticed the issue, focusing on the theater information on the ticket stubs.
