In West Borough, at an upscale restaurant by the Tussock River bordering Empress Borough.
A faint, almost imperceptible look of disappointment flashed through Cyril's eyes. When he saw the prices on the menu, he became even more disappointed.
I have good reason to suspect she saw the gold in my pocket, which is why she asked me to lunch.
As his thoughts drifted, he heard Clarice's teasing voice from across the table:
"Judging by your face, you don't seem happy to be having lunch with a beautiful lady. Am I not satisfying enough, or
do you think things are moving too slowly?"
"No, not at all. I'm just rather reserved." Cyril hurriedly shook his head.
Clarice let out a disappointed sigh:
"That's a shame. I thought you preferred Intisian-style romance."
No, I just don't like men with men. If only I didn't know about the Demoness Pathway.
Cyril sighed inwardly but didn't let it show.
He finished lunch with a beautiful and captivating Demoness, the mood by turns cheerful, peaceful, and a little melancholy, then insisted on paying and said his farewells.
Clarice's lovely gray eyes looked at him dejectedly. "Would you keep me company while I explore Backlund a little more?"
"This is my first time in the City of Cities. I think I need a suitable guide. Besides, aren't you worried I might run into some ill-intentioned thugs? I've heard Backlund hasn't been very peaceful lately."
Cyril fought down the twitch at the corner of his mouth and looked at her helplessly. I'm more worried that some other poor fool like me will run into a villain like you.
As he lamented this, he suddenly felt that she was rather pitiful, too. Besides, refusing such a beautiful woman wasn't something a gentleman should do.
His thoughts raced, but