Chapter 628: Accident?

The show ended at 10:30 PM. Aside from the whole "Choco Sweet" fiasco, it was considered a success overall.

Afterward, Howard approached Julian, who was about to leave, and asked with a smile, "Julian, want to grab some late-night food together?"

"There's a place in Verdance City that serves grilled beef intestines—it's really good. Of course, if you're not into that kind of thing, we can pick another place."

Intestine-based dishes weren't for everyone. Some people couldn't get past the mental barrier or the unique flavor.

"Julian, that place really is great. It's run by people from Wyvernia—it's very authentic," Raina chimed in.

"Then let's give it a try."

Julian nodded. He wasn't picky about food—he'd eat whatever was served, though he preferred meals with more meat. That was one thing Love (Indeedee), who had raised him since childhood, appreciated most about him.

Though now that Julian was older, he'd gotten a bit rebellious—he'd started refusing to drink Moomoo Milk, much to Love's frustration.

'Moomoo Milk is so good for the body—why doesn't this child like it anymore?'

The grilled beef intestine shop wasn't far from the TV station—about a 20-minute drive.

Julian and Raina rode in Howard's car and soon arrived at the restaurant.

"Whoa, it's packed."

At the entrance, Julian saw that all the dozen or so stools outside were already filled with waiting customers, and others were standing nearby.

If they had to take a number and wait in line, they'd probably be eating past midnight.

"Don't worry, I called ahead. We can go right in," Howard said.

As a nationally famous TV host, Howard was well-known in Verdance City—most locals recognized him.

Plus, he was from a local noble family, though he'd switched to hosting due to his lack of talent as a Trainer. Unexpectedly, he'd found great success in this field.

"Howard, you're here!"

A server led the three of them to a small private room. Not long after, a beautiful woman in her thirties walked in. She had a full, curvy figure, light makeup, and styled wavy hair.

Earlier in the car, Howard and Raina had mentioned that the restaurant's owner was very attractive. At first, a lot of customers came just to see her—but later, they stayed for the food.

Later, when people found out she was a widow, business somehow got even better.

Certain animals in human clothing: 'That just makes her more appealing.'

"Selina, your business is really booming. If I didn't know you, I'd have to wait one or two hours just to get a bite here."

"I have you to thank for that, Howard."

Because Howard was a celebrity and frequently visited the restaurant, word got around. Soon, many others started coming too.

Of course, there were also rumors that the famous host and the beautiful restaurant owner had an ambiguous relationship…

Selina covered her mouth and laughed, exuding a captivating charm.

That said, in terms of beauty and sex appeal, she still couldn't compare to Ember. Among all the women Julian had met so far, Ember had the most intoxicating aura—the kind of femininity that just 'did' things to a man.

Nicole's looks and figure were on par with Ember's, but her personality was too icy.

In front of people she didn't know well, she barely said a word and gave off a feeling like she didn't want anyone near her.

Ember, on the other hand? As a certified "sea queen", her simps were spread all across Drakoria.

While the restaurant owner and Howard were chatting, Julian had already taken off his mask.

Summer was in full swing, and wearing a mask outside was stuffy as hell. This was the annoying part of being famous.

"You're Julian?!"

The owner's eyes widened, her hand flying to her mouth as she stared at him in shock.

She knew Howard and Raina, so when she saw a masked young man with them, she'd assumed he was some new employee at the TV station—someone Howard had taken under his wing and brought along for supper.

Never in her wildest dreams did she expect it to be Julian.

Though Selina was from Wyvernia, she'd lived in Drakoria for over a decade. Naturally, she had heard Julian's name.

"Hahaha, surprised, right? So… this meal's on you, Selina?" Howard grinned.

"Of course!" Selina nodded eagerly.

After confirming that Julian had no dietary restrictions, she left with the server to prepare their order.

About twenty minutes later, Selina returned personally, carrying a sizzling plate of grilled beef intestines—alongside kimchi, an absolute must in Wyvernian cuisine.

"Enjoy your meal! I'll check on the kitchen."

"Mm, no need to worry about us," Howard said with a nod.

Julian was already eating, savoring the way the beef intestines burst with flavor and oil in his mouth. The crispy outer layer crackled with every bite. The taste really was excellent.

"What do you think? Good, right?" asked Howard.

Julian gave him a thumbs-up.

"Their fried chicken is great too."

Raina picked up a piece of fried chicken and placed it in Julian's bowl.

That gesture made Howard glance at Raina with a knowing look.

As someone from a local noble family in Verdance City, he naturally knew Raina was from the Larch family.

Though the Larch family had declined in recent years, they were still a force to be reckoned with in Verdance City.

If Raina really managed to get close to Julian, not only would the family recover, they might even rise again.

As Julian munched on the fried chicken, the Poké Ball at his waist—containing Celebi—started shaking violently. Without hesitation, Julian locked the ball—otherwise, the little guy might've burst out, unable to resist the temptation.

Grilled intestines, fried chicken and various snacks—none of it could really be called healthy.

Slowking inside its Poké Ball even started to doubt whether the intestines had been properly cleaned. But since Julian was eating with friends, it didn't come out to protest.

As a renowned TV host, Howard naturally had excellent emotional intelligence, so the atmosphere at the table remained lively and pleasant.

Raina chimed in occasionally, playing along.

Howard and Raina were sipping alcohol, but Julian abstained—not because he didn't want to, but because…

Slowking's Poké Ball was rattling aggressively on his waist, clearly displeased that he was eating something it deemed "unprocessed" and unclean.

Slowking wasn't opposed to beef intestines in principle—it just insisted they had to be meticulously cleaned before Julian could eat them. Properly cleaned. By itself.

If Julian dared to drink alcohol on top of this? Slowking would definitely burst out of its Poké ball.

As for locking the Poké Ball to prevent that?

Julian: 'I don't want to die young, thanks.'

The three ate for about half an hour, occasionally ordering additional dishes.

Then, Raina suddenly pressed a hand to her forehead, her voice slightly slurred. "Why… do I feel dizzy?"

Julian glanced at her half-finished beer bottle and scoffed. "If you can't hold your liquor, don't drink."

'Even a child could outdrink you.'

"Nonsense! I'm totally—"

Before she could finish the sentence, she collapsed onto the table.

Instant knockout!

Julian blinked, turning to Howard—only to see him swaying unsteadily before collapsing as well. His last slurred words: "The… food…"

Looking at the food on the table and the two people who had just fallen unconscious, something clicked in Julian's mind.

The next second, his own vision blurred. His body swayed—

Then thud.

He hit the table, out cold.

[T/N: Guys do any of you remember if I have given Champion Duke and Nicole a surname till now? Cause I feel like I have at one point but for the life of me can't remember for sure. So if any of you remember seeing it please comment. Thanks.]

*****

Upto 30 chapters ahead on patreon :-

patreon.com/ReduxMagister