Soon, Lanchi handed Cat Boss back to Hughberlian and let her hold the cat.
The two of them chatted as they walked, making their way out of the academy. They only needed to cross two streets east to reach Cat Boss Restaurant.
The summer sun shone over Ikelite's ancient, elegant buildings, making the stone walls and sculptures seem even more vivid. Lanchi and Hughberlian strolled along the broad sidewalk, following the sunlit road. Behind them, the stately clock tower of Iketerite Academy looked even more magnificent under the daylight.
"Lanchi, wait. Are the three of us really going to eat together later?"
Hughberlian felt that perhaps the three of them could avoid each other a little.
For example, Lanchi could stay on the first floor while she had lunch with Tata at home on the second floor.
Or she and Lanchi could stay on the first floor and let Antanas have lunch at home with Tata.
Besides, she and Lanchi would be going to the Shadow World tomorrow. They might be gone for several days at the shortest, or one or two months at the longest. Tata and Lanchi would then be apart for a while, and by the time Lanchi returned from the Shadow World, the two of them should naturally be able to get along again.
"I think the more deliberately we avoid each other at a time like this, the more it'll look like we have something to hide. No matter what Tata chooses, I should show a proactive attitude—if she's willing to see me, I'll wait for her."
Lanchi replied,
"Besides, I've never been some kind of comedic character. What happened this morning was an overly bizarre accident. It won't happen again. From now on, I'll avoid every mishap until I retire in glory."
He explained