"Ah, well, Mr. Shiki..." Faced with Shiki's sudden invitation, Lulina seemed somewhat at a loss.
After caring for Shiki for a year, Lulina had long since forgotten during their everyday interactions that the man she had looked after for over a year was the famous Pirate Admiral, Golden Lion Shiki.
Only when Shiki returned to the hospital to deliver the card last time, inadvertently exuding an imposing presence, did Lulina realize just how terrifying the Shiki she had always handled however she pleased truly was.
Thinking back on it left her frightened after the fact, afraid that Shiki would retaliate against her for what had happened before.
So, seeing Shiki again now, Lulina actually felt somewhat unsure how to interact with him.
She could only nod and accept his invitation. She simply did not have the courage to refuse him.
"Good, let's go, then. I've already booked a private room at the Oran Grand Hotel." Shiki nodded and gave Lulina what he considered a very gentle smile.
"All right, Mr. Shiki." Lulina nodded lightly, then followed Shiki's steps, trailing behind him toward the Oran Grand Hotel.
Neither spoke a word along the way.
Shiki, who was normally quite uninhibited around his subordinates and friends, actually became somewhat shy in Lulina's company.
And Lulina, who had always been carefree, also found it difficult to relax completely in front of a big shot like Shiki, following him like a little lackey.
This brought mischievous smiles to the faces of Lind and the others watching from behind the scenes.
Given the pair's current state, they could already imagine just how stifling the upcoming dinner would be.
Especially since both were rather nervous, there was a good chance they would not even be able to properly enjoy the food.
*Shiki really does need an