Chapter 252: Dinner
The evening sunlight bathed the city in a golden glow. A bone-chilling breeze swept through every now and then, causing people in the streets to slip their hands into their pockets or adjust their caps.
However, this breeze couldn’t manage to elicit a reaction from the two pairs walking slowly along the footpath.
Elaria had her hand placed on Edren’s arm, a faint blush lingering on her serene face. It was her first time going on a date since they had gotten married.
"Edren, doesn’t it feel similar to the time when we started dating?" Elaria murmured, shyly tucking her hair behind her ear.
"Haha, the best time of my life started when you said yes, dear," Edren chuckled, reminiscing about the old days. He slightly bent down, lowering himself to her level as he whispered, "And it’s still the best time and will remain like this as long as you are with me."
Elaria gently elbowed him, her blush deepening. "Idiot, you are my husband. I will always be with you."
Edren’s heart completely melted at the sight of her blushing like this. She still loved him the same way she had when they got married. And the same was true for him as well. Or perhaps not.
The two had only fallen deeper in love with each other over the years.
As for the other pair beside them...
"Vlad," Chloe called, walking hand in hand with Vlad.
"Yes?" Vlad answered, his long raven hair swaying with each step.
"Can I eat meat for dinner?" Chloe asked, looking up at him with eyes filled with hope.
"You ate only meat last night," Vlad groaned, his brows furrowing. "And you ate meat again this afternoon. You know you need to have a balanced diet."
"Please," Chloe insisted, grabbing his hand with her other hand as well.
Vlad let out a sigh. He couldn’t possibly deny her when she looked at him with those puppy eyes. She was weaponizing her cuteness, and Vlad was completely helpless against it.
"Fine, but you need to eat some veggies as well."
"Yay!" Her tone remained flat, but Vlad knew she was really happy. It only brought a smile to his face.
After a slow walk of about half an hour, the family arrived before a high-end building with a gleaming glass front, its surface reflecting the warm hues of the setting sky. The structure stood as the tallest building in the city, towering over the surrounding rooftops with more than twenty stories of polished elegance.
It was the place where Vlad had gone to dinner with Seraphina. At that time, he had decided to bring Chloe here because the food was too good to be missed by the little gremlin. And now, he was finally here with Chloe.
The family entered the elevator, reaching the top floor of the building. The wooden doors of the lift slid smoothly into the walls, opening to a view that left the family frozen for a moment.
Wooden tables and chairs carved in ornate medieval designs were arranged across the spacious hall before them, their surfaces gleaming with a polished sheen. The wall on the opposite side was formed entirely of glass, revealing the sun setting on the horizon, its golden rays casting long reflections across the marble floor. Waiters dressed in formal attire welcomed the family at the elevator’s entrance, their postures impeccable.
They guided them to a table for four in front of the glass wall. Edren and Vlad sat on one side, with Chloe and Elaria across the table from them.
Naturally, the menu landed in Chloe’s hands. Most of the names in it were something she had never read or heard of before. Excited to find out how dishes named Adeptus’ Awakening, Celestial Lotus Dumplings, and Regal Sunbird Supreme might taste, she ordered every exquisite dish.
Even the waiter was a bit surprised that only these four people were going to eat these thirteen different dishes.
"Baby, you ordered so little," Elaria said, concern clear in her voice. "No wonder you have become so thin."
’That was not little!!’ the waiter screamed inwardly, his brows above his white mask twitching.
"No, Mama, I was only ordering the starters," Chloe stated matter-of-factly. "The food will get cold otherwise."
’Those were not starters! That was a goddamn meal for at least six people!’ The waiter barely managed to hold back the urge to scream.
"Oh, it’s fine then," Elaria said, releasing a sigh of relief.
Chloe handed the menu to Vlad. He ordered the food for the rest of them, already aware of some of their specialties.
’Th-these people are crazy,’ the waiter gasped, almost feeling his hand ache from writing down all the dishes they mentioned. He should have just grabbed the menu from them and handed it to the reception. They had already ordered nearly half of the listed items after all.
After a few minutes, one dish after another arrived at the table. Just like always, Vlad and Chloe grabbed a spoon and fed the first bite to Edren and Elaria.
"Mmm~ this is really good," Elaria gasped, her fingers pressing against her lips.
Seeing her reaction and breathing in the aroma from the plates, drool leaked from Chloe’s mouth. It was about to fall onto the plate from her chin when Vlad quickly wiped it away with his hand.
"Close your mouth, glutton," he muttered, wiping his wet hand with a napkin.
Elaria and Edren only laughed, shaking their heads.
"Let’s dig in."
The moment the words left Elaria’s mouth, Chloe grabbed the spoon and immediately began her merciless assault on the dishes, reducing them to empty plates within the blink of an eye.
Her lavender eyes widened as the smooth flavor settled on her lips. "Bwad-Bwad, thib ib so bood," (Vlad-Vlad, this is so good.) she spoke with her mouth full.
"I’m glad that you like it," Vlad chuckled, wiping the sauce from her lips with his thumb before pressing it between his own lips. "So sweet."
It was a spicy sauce with no sweetness at all.
Chloe’s puffed cheeks turned red, her head lowering toward the table. She clearly understood what he meant by those words.
For the next hour, the waiter remained on his toes, bringing in dishes from the kitchen while taking away the empty plates from the table.
The evening gave way to the starry sky, with the crescent moon shining brightly among the stars. The city seemed even more lively as the buildings lit up with colorful lights and glowing billboards.
So focused on the food, Chloe hadn’t even realized when Elaria and Edren slipped away from the table and Vlad had taken a seat beside her.