Chapter 39: Interacting for the First Time

'It's similar to the one I had yesterday...' Charlotte scanned the restaurant's interior.

It was similar in terms of the extravagant decor, however, this restaurant seemed to have more of a theme. As they all walked in, the beaming light that intensely shone on them from the outside was suddenly extinguished leaving only the feeling of faint sunlight. The restaurant had an ambiguous setting, the walls displayed ripples of water that glided on the walls. It was dim, yet not difficult to see. Creatures that roam the depths of the deep blue sea were swimming, more accurately flying, through thin air. They would occasionally float around the guests as if to keep them entertained by the narrow line between reality and imaginary.

Charlotte held her breath in view of the realistic holograms that were nearly impossible to replicate with her world's technology. However, it seemed like the others weren't moved by such a display. Their expressions remained calm as they would gaze at these illusionary creatures every now and then.

To match those around her, she quickly regained her composure and turned to look at the little service robot who greeted them. Eric talked to the little friend and got them a table.

"The atmosphere is nice and completely different from most restaurants. They always felt so blinding, but this restaurant feels more impressive," the cheerful man who bears the name of Finnian Fowler complimented.

He then pats his quiet friend next to him and laughs, "We have been here a few times and can confirm the food is delicious!"

The friend next to him, Bert Snyder, let a small groan from his pat and glared at the man next to him.

Both boys, Charlotte noticed, seemed to be very young. She wasn't sure if it was just their personality that made them a bit more youthful, but they felt a bit more naive. However, the sentiment seemed to be shared with those involved, as everyone praised his decision as if rewarding a young puppy. The other young man had his head down, refusing to look up. He seemed more like they were going through the rebellious phase, naturally becoming a bit more reserved and introverted.

She would be lying if she said she wasn't curious and so blurted out, "By the way, how old are you two?"

Finnian laughed and answered, "Believe it or not, I am 28 years old. I've been a part of the army for about six years now, or was it seven years?"

"That long?" Lucian questioned, seemingly just as curious.

"It's almost been a decade now! Bert here is 26, and has been here for only about four years," he happily looked at his friend, his eyes curving into crescents.

"27... I am 27 years old this year," the boy sighed.

"Your birthday hasn't passed yet!" the cheerful boy teasingly defended himself.

Bert rolled his eyes and took a sip from the glass of water that had just been served.

"You don't look your age though," Lucianna commented.

"That is just one of our charm points," he smirked.

"But to be honest, the one who really doesn't look their age is my partner here. He looks cute right?" Finnian jokingly said.

The youth flushed with embarrassment and looked the other way. The redness brought out the light freckles on his face.

"Stop, I'm almost thirty and you keep saying so..." he mumbled.

'They should be together, I think.'

"It seems like you aren't the only ones who know each other before joining the army," Lucianna smiled and looked at Luna.

"You two knew each other before joining?" Eric asked.

"Yeah, we go way back. From elementary," Lucianna reminisced.

"It was more like you stuck to me," Luna pointed out in a clear and concise voice.

"I stood up for you!" Lucianna argued.

"And stuck to me," she blankly replied.

"You guys beat us. We knew each other from high school," Finnian sighed.

"You both seem closer than that and are still going strong. If anything, such a close relationship is hard to find in the later periods of life," Luna stated while giving them a knowing look.

"We'll never abandon the other," Bert returned her gaze.

The people who have already spoken their life stories then stared at the four who haven't mentioned anything.

Lucian and Charlotte then looked at each other, giving the other a good stare.

"I wouldn't say we are close. We happened to meet yesterday and chatted for a bit. I never would have thought he would join the 'informants'," Charlotte looked back at the rest who were also staring at them.

"We had an... insightful conversation. It felt more like a coincidence that we ran into each other..." Lucian said while faintly lowering his volume as he reached the end of his sentence. He then gave Armand a look as if trying to confirm something.

"If you are that curious, I met Eric before joining as well," Armand teasingly replied to his gaze.

"I acted as his guardian for a bit," Eric rubbed the back of his head.

"Guardian? How old are you Armand?" Charlotte questioned.

"I am currently 22, which is younger than most here. But I have been working in the army for about four years now," he briefly replied.

"You started when you just turn of age?" Lucianna asked in a surprised tone.

Armand meekly smiled at her comment. He then turned to the curious eyes of a certain boy, "So how old are you? Or are you just going to stare, Mr. Wide-Eyes?"

"I am 23, which makes me your senior. Pay some respect," Lucian frowned.

"Alright grandpa who just joined, don't break your kneecaps once faced with enemies."

"I'll break my kneecaps through stepping on yours."

"I am pretty well-built myself. Your feeble legs won't make the cut," he teasingly said while rubbing his thighs.

Lucian swatted his hand away, leaving a red mark.

'I am sorry but what is this playful banter?'

Thankfully, they were interrupted by the food being served. Seeing how the restaurant has a distinct theme, this restaurant is known for its seafood. Everything served had the unmistakable smell of fish, but it didn't overwhelm the restaurant. The scent was light, just enough to invoke their hungry appetite.

"So Charlotte, how old are you?" Eric asked.

"Haven't you heard of the phrase: 'Never ask a woman her age'?" Charlotte joked.

Everyone looked at her with clearly confused faces.

'How old am I?'