In the evening, twilight shrouded Ikelite City, painting every inch of the capital in a pearl-like glow.
Leaving Iketerite Academy and heading east for less than a kilometer, one could see Cat Boss Restaurant bustling with business at dinnertime, wisps of smoke and the fragrance of dinner drifting from its roof.
Under the streetlamps illuminating the road, the quaint wooden house looked even more mysterious in the night, while the light shining through its windows gave off a warm and cheerful feeling.
Whenever a customer entered or left, the wind chime above the door rang out pleasantly along with it, as if welcoming and bidding farewell to every patron.
Passing through the restaurant's entrance, they were greeted by a lively scene.
The tables and chairs on the first floor were now almost completely occupied. The sounds of raised glasses, smiles, murmured conversations, and laughter filled their ears.
The waitress was as busy as a Gyro Rat, doing her utmost to serve steaming dishes. When she saw Lanchi and Hughberlian enter, she hurriedly called out to them:
"Sorry for the trouble, but please look over the menu first! I'll come serve you in a moment."
Hughberlian smiled and waved her hand, indicating that the waitress did not need to worry about them.
They had already eaten dinner. They had come here to find someone.
Lanchi was already thoroughly familiar with the place. He headed straight for the stairs, intending to go up to the second floor.
Then something seemed to catch the corner of his eye.
He turned his head and saw Talia acting as the hostess behind the counter.
She wore braids that made her look rather girlish. Over her pure-white dress, she had tied on an apron. She looked virtuous, sensible, and charming, without the slightest hint that she