novelhk Chapter 96 Dinner
Chapter 96 Dinner
Only when Idelia walked up to him did Al-Hysen straighten up and continue walking into the bookstore.
Idelia quickened her pace to walk alongside him, reciting the title of the book she had already decided to return to him while secretly observing his expression.
Although it was said to be done secretly, there was hardly any concealment; at least, such gazes were too obvious to Elhesen.
He casually picked up a book and placed it between the two of them, finally shielding them from the girl's overly intense gaze: "If you have something to say, just say it. If you keep looking at me like that, can I assume you have ulterior motives?"
Idelia's lips twitched, and she grabbed his hand, snatching the book away: "I'm just a little strange."
Elhesen didn't resist, but waited curiously for her to continue.
Unfortunately, Idelia didn't notice, and was still a little annoyed by what he had just said, so she turned her head and put the book back on the bookshelf.
Al-Hysen was always honest about his desires, and after only a moment's hesitation, he continued, "It's not a good habit to only say half of what you mean."
Idelia puffed out her cheeks: "It's nothing, I was just wondering why you didn't respond when that person greeted you."
Al-Hysen didn't say anything, but pointed to his headphones.
The green and gold earphones blended perfectly into his gray hair.
Idelia asked, puzzled, "But you can hear me, can't you?"
Even though he always responded when she called him, Idelia almost treated the headphones as a mere decoration.
"It's just an excuse to reject meaningless social interaction. As soon as people see this, most of them will confidently assume that I just didn't hear them, rather than that I simply didn't want to talk to them."
Elhesen's nonchalant mockery of most people was so convincing that even Idelia felt like she'd been shot in the knee. After all, when she first called out to Elhesen outside the Palace of Wisdom, she had been so confident that he was ignoring her simply because he hadn't heard her.
Thinking of this scene, Idelia was so ashamed that she wished the ground would crack open so she could disappear into it.
She coughed, trying to cover up her misunderstanding, and said, "That's really hard to say."
Elhesen glanced at her, instantly shattering Idelia's facade of composure.
"Fine! I admit I'm one of them!" she shouted in despair.
Al-Hysen smiled and said, "At least your self-awareness saved you from becoming annoying. I find dealing with you much more pleasant than dealing with them."
Idelia was so ashamed and indignant that she couldn't take his words as a compliment at all.
"Moreover, you have a brain and are able to listen to other people's advice, unlike some scholars who are blindly arrogant and refuse to accept others' rebuttals."
This time it's a genuine compliment.
However, Idelia was still a little confused, not understanding why the topic suddenly jumped so quickly. When exactly did she leave such a good impression on Elhesen?
Elhesen didn't explain, but stepped aside to get a book from the nearby bookshelf, leaving Idelia alone, scratching her head, wondering what he meant.
Even after the bookstore trip ended, Idelia couldn't come to a conclusion. Fortunately, she was still thinking about the date plan she had prepared earlier and stopped Elhesen in time before he said goodbye.
"No matter what, I've worked hard for you all day, aren't you going to treat me to a meal?" Idelia smiled brightly, completely blocking his way.
"I will not refuse a reasonable request," Al-Hysen replied calmly.
Idelia cheered and pulled him toward the Lambad Tavern.
Al-Hysen looked down at his arm that was being held, without saying a word.
Seeing that he didn't say anything, Idelia secretly breathed a sigh of relief and immediately felt at ease, her smile becoming even brighter.
Progress in pursuing that person +1!
*
Mentiaga's cooking skills are not bad, but because he is busy working in the Faculty most of the time, Idelia, who was always left to her own devices, has eaten at all the restaurants in Sumeru City since she was a child, and knows the advantages and disadvantages of each one clearly.
For example, Pusper Cafe has a beautiful ambiance and is famous for its desserts, making it her favorite place to go.
However, if it's for a date, Lombard Bar is more suitable.
Perhaps due to its poor location, the lighting inside Lambad Tavern is always dim, and the space is rather cramped. There's even a spot that's right between two walls, completely blocking any possible view from the front, back, left, or right. It's exactly the kind of dating environment Idelia would dream of.
She had even made an appointment with her boss, Lambad, in advance to reserve the spot for her.
The reliable, mature man knew exactly what the young woman was thinking, so he immediately gave her an "OK" sign. Seeing her arrive with a handsome young man, he flashed a mysterious smile: "Oh, little Liya's here! What are you planning to eat today?"
Idelia chuckled, ordered a few of her usual dishes, and then asked Elhesen what he liked to eat.
El-Hysen named several dishes.
Idelia noted his preferences in her mind and pushed him to the spot she had carefully chosen.
The dinner was very pleasant, and Lambad even did a favor by bringing some drinks.
Tomorrow is the weekend, so there's no need to worry about getting drunk and ruining things. Therefore, Idelia accepted his offer and had a few drinks.
As a tavern favored by the gilded troupe, the alcohol here is naturally quite strong. Even though Lambad tried to be modest and chose one that was more suitable for their age, Idelia still felt a bit tipsy and her whole body felt hot.
The high temperature of her skin caused the perfume to evaporate faster, and the light fruity scent also helped Idelia regain some clarity from her drowsy state.
She belatedly realized that this was what Al-Hysen's earlier suggestion meant.
Idelia laughed foolishly: "Although you praised me for changing my perfume because I listened to your advice, I didn't think that much about it. I only started wearing it for you, so of course I'll change it to whatever you like."
Elhesen paused in his eating.
"...Idelia?"
He examined the girl's flushed face and the half-empty wine bottle beside her, trying to determine whether Idelia was truly drunk or faking it.
This behavior clearly displeased Idelia.
She grumbled, "Why do you have to call me by my first name? Last time when we were talking about perfume, you called me Senior Idelia."
Al-Hysen asked casually, "You like this nickname?"
"Yeah!" Idelia seemed to have opened up after his question. "You don't know, although you usually act all tough, you're surprisingly well-behaved when you call me 'senpai' (senior). You seem so humble and cute."
Idelia was clearly delighted, gesturing as she spoke, and then sighed regretfully at Elhesen after she finished.
Al-Hysen changed his sitting posture.
Now that's great, crossing his legs makes him look even more arrogant.
Idelia exclaimed as if she had discovered a new continent: "Look, just like this! It's precisely because you're always so arrogant that it seems so rare!"
El-Hysen smiled.
"Is that so? But I thought you would prefer me to call you Idelia, since only close people don't need to use honorifics."
(End of this chapter)