Chapter 20: Let's Eat

Max straightened up, a grin tugging at his lips. "I'll do my best!" he called out, his voice echoing down the sleek corridor as Black Flame disappeared into the mansion's depths. With a satisfied nod, Max turned and returned to the others, feeling lighter with each step.

"Where did you go?" Leo asked when Max returned to the room, his curiosity piqued.

"I just went to thank Flame for everything he's done for us," Max replied, leaning against the doorframe.

"And what did he say?" Leo asked, raising an eyebrow.

Max chuckled. "That he's going to work us to the bone."

Leo nodded thoughtfully. "Well, that's to be expected. No free lunches in this world."

Max stretched his arms before heading toward the restroom. "I'm going first to freshen up."

"Don't take forever," Leo called after him.

"I won't," Max assured, disappearing into the bathroom.

Fifteen minutes passed, and Leo started to fidget, glancing impatiently toward the door. "Aren't you done yet?" he called, his voice carrying a hint of annoyance.

Just as the words left his mouth, the door swung open, and Max stood transformed. The tall, blonde man had emerged with an unblemished face, his six-pack abs on full display beneath the towel wrapped around his waist. His skin glistened, still damp from the steam. With a confident grin, Max announced, "Just give me a minute to get dressed," before closing the door again, leaving Leo momentarily stunned.

"When did he get so… handsome? Damn it! It's all Mom's genes!" Leo muttered in frustration, rubbing his temples.

A minute later, the door opened once more, revealing Max fully dressed in a black T-shirt and grey cargo pants, his slicked-back blonde hair gleaming under the soft lighting. His posture was relaxed, but there was an undeniable swagger in his step.

Leo stared at him in silence, his mouth slightly open. "Where did you get those clothes?" he asked, finally snapping out of his daze.

Max smirked, clearly enjoying his brother's reaction. "Seriously, just because you're jealous of my good looks, you want to divert the topic? Typical of ugly people like you. Anyway, there's a wardrobe in a separate chamber filled with clothes. Help yourself."

*Bulge*

Veins began to bulge on Leo's forehead as he heard his older brother's teasing words.

"Jealous? Me? Of you?" Leo scoffed, his face reddening in frustration. "And who are you calling ugly? Answer me, you piece of—!"

Max raised his hands in mock surrender, sighing with exaggerated patience. "You… Haah. Just go freshen up. We need to meet Flame in the dining hall, in case you've forgotten."

Leo glared at him, but after a moment, he relented. "I'm going, but don't think this is over!" he snapped, stomping toward the bathroom.

"Idiot," Max muttered under his breath, chuckling to himself as the door slammed shut.

Fifteen minutes later, the door opened again, and Leo emerged looking as if he had undergone a similar transformation. His brown hair was slicked back, and he wore a casual white T-shirt paired with beige cargo pants. He looked refreshed, almost radiant.

Max's smile widened knowingly. "So, how was it?"

Leo stood there for a moment, eyes closed, savoring the feeling before opening them. "Heavenly," he said in a soft, dreamy voice.

Max's grin stretched wider. "Thought so."

Before they could continue, Little Lily burst into their conversation, her excitement bubbling over. "Brother, move aside! It's my turn!" she announced, sprinting toward the bathroom.

After another 30 minutes had passed and all four, including their dog, Rhoades, were cleaned up and dressed, the group made their way down the grand staircase toward the dining hall. As they entered, the vast room greeted them with its luxurious setup. A long, polished table dominated the space, a dazzling chandelier hanging overhead, casting a warm glow over the scene. The walls were adorned with elegant, modern art pieces, and the soft clinking of glass could be heard as the robots worked in the background.

At the head of the table sat Black Flame, his imposing figure still hidden behind his signature helmet. But it wasn't just him.

Seated on his right was a striking young woman, her pink hair tied in a high ponytail. She wore a simple but stylish black long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans. Her eyes sparkled as she exchanged light conversation with Black Flame, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Max and Leo nearly stumbled over their own feet at the sight of her, their throats suddenly dry. Both brothers gulped audibly, trying to compose themselves.

'Who is she?' they wondered.

"Take a seat," Black Flame said, his calm voice cutting through their thoughts.

Without hesitation, Max and Leo sat down on Black Flame's left side, deliberately avoiding the seat beside the woman. Despite their curiosity, they didn't dare push boundaries—they had no idea if she might be Black Flame's wife or someone equally important. Little Lily, however, had no such reservations and skipped over to sit right next to the woman.

"Hello, big sister! My name is Lily Cromwell! What's yours?" Lily asked, her excitement bubbling over as she looked up at the woman with wide eyes.

The woman smiled warmly, her gaze softening as she looked at Lily. "My name is Alice Lee, little cutie pie," she replied, gently patting Lily's head.

Lily pouted, puffing out her cheeks. "Hmph! I'm not little! I'm big!"

Alice chuckled, her smile widening. "Yes, of course, you are," she said, playfully ruffling Lily's hair.

Max and Leo sat back in their seats, both thinking the same thing: 'She's so cute.'

Just then, four robots clad in red suits entered the room, three of them carrying silver trays piled high with food, while the fourth, Klade, approached Black Flame.

"Master Flame, the food is ready to be served," Klade announced in a crisp, mechanical voice.

The delicious aroma of the meal hit Max and Leo like a wave, their stomachs grumbling in response.

'Aahh, the aroma,' Max thought, practically salivating.

'The food smells amazing,' Leo echoed in his thoughts.

"Kebabs! Soda!" Little Lily squealed, her excitement mounting.

"Aaaoo!" Even Rhoades barked in approval, tail wagging happily as the smell of meat filled the air.

"Place the food on the table and serve our guests," Black Flame commanded, his voice steady.

"As you wish, Master Flame," Klade replied, snapping his metallic fingers. The three robots quickly set the table, laying out the dishes with precision.

Max's eyes widened as his plate was filled. "Is this... steak?" he whispered, nearly drooling.

"Lamb shanks! Heck yeah!" Leo exclaimed, his mouth watering.

"Biryani!" Alice said, her eyes lighting up as the fragrant dish was placed before her.

The group stared at the feast in front of them, but before they could dig in, they all instinctively glanced at Black Flame. Their eyes drifted to his helmet, each of them wondering the same thing—Will he finally show his face to eat?

A tense silence hung in the air as they waited.

After a short pause, Black Flame's voice cut through. "Let's eat."