Lucas, I'm Hungry

In the morning, amid birdsong outside the window.

Lucas slowly opened his eyes.

Though today, there was no beautiful girl sitting by his bed watching him wake up.

He felt a slight sense of loss.

Habits truly were terrifying things.

Of course, Lucas would never admit he'd gotten used to being watched like some kind of weirdo.

Sarah had prepared breakfast, and today dad was off work.

So the family of three sat at the dining table.

Sarah looked at the empty place setting, saying with puzzlement: "Why hasn't Luna come today? I prepared breakfast for her too. It feels strange not having her here."

She felt somewhat empty inside.

Though Luna had given a bad first impression, after getting to know her, she turned out to be well-behaved and lovable, not to mention beautiful.

In Sarah's mind, she was now on equal footing with Sophia as potential daughter-in-law material.

Dad Mark finished peeling an egg and placed it on Lucas's plate, "Little girls have their own things to do, they can't come over every day."

Sarah watched Lucas quietly eating his egg, "Lucas, why don't you give her a call?"

Lucas looked up, sighing, "I don't have her number. She said she doesn't have a phone."

"Oh my, they must be quite strict at home then."

Sarah sighed.

After all, these days almost every child had a phone. Given Luna's family background, it couldn't be that they couldn't afford one.

Changing the subject.

Mark took a sip of water, suddenly saying seriously: "Sarah dear, there's a company gala next week. Come with me?"

Dad was an executive at a local company with a good income, allowing Mom to be a full-time housewife, pampered and well-cared for.

Moreover, after more than ten years of marriage, their relationship remained very stable.

Sarah gave Mark a look, reminding him, "I told you not to call me 'dear' in front of the child. Call me 'his mother'."

Lucas was used to their displays of affection, slurping his milk and pretending not to notice.

Mark, very much the masculine figure, adjusted his non-existent tie.

"So, honey, let's go to Metro Mall later and get you some new evening gowns."

"Last year's is getting a bit old, though of course, I'm not saying you don't look good in it."

Sarah smiled sweetly, "Alright, whatever you say, dear."

Lucas glanced at his dad.

Such unexpected thoughtfulness meant the main event was coming.

Sure enough.

Mark coughed, rubbing his forehead:

"Also, honey, could I get an extra two hundred for this month's allowance?"

Sarah kept smiling, "Oh?"

"Ahem, not that three hundred a month isn't enough, just that five would be even better, haha."

Mark hurriedly added, "And I promise, I absolutely won't spend it on foot massages or cigarettes. You know I'm always true to my word, faithful and devoted. I swear..."

Lucas shot his dad a contemptuous look.

Mom just made one simple move, and you're ready to hand over everything including your underwear.

Just short of standing up and thumping his chest shouting:

"Loyalty!"

Finally, Sarah agreed to Mark's "unreasonable" request for an extra two hundred.

Mark was very moved and promised to work harder to earn money and make outstanding contributions to the family.

All that could be said was that for now.

Dad's position in the family hierarchy remained unshakeable.

After getting ready.

The three headed to Metro Mall.

It was a comprehensive shopping center, and being holiday season, huge red banners and colorful streamers were everywhere. The mall was bustling with people.

Mom and Dad went to pick out evening gowns.

Under normal circumstances, Sarah wouldn't emerge from the fitting rooms for at least two or three hours.

So Lucas chose to wander elsewhere.

[This place is incredibly prosperous, filled with wandering mages. Ahead lies countless treasures. If you were to reveal your Dragon Emperor's might here, perhaps these mages would offer up their treasures and bow in worship.]

Lucas looked at the jewelry store front in silence.

What, should he tell the owner: "I'm a student, give me something"?

The owner would probably look at him like he was crazy.

"Student? You could be a mythical beast and still no."

Lucas walked away.

But suddenly, he spotted a familiar figure in the crowd.

Luna wore an ethereal floral dress today, her long hair falling over her shoulders, wearing sparkly grey sandals, standing quietly in front of a clothing store, looking like a little model.

Many passersby couldn't help but take second glances at this doll-like little girl.

However, her expression was cold, giving off an unapproachable aura, like a statue.

[You encounter the young sorceress again, truly fated! Though she seems unhappy, could she be in some trouble?]

Lucas thought for a moment, walked over and tapped Luna's shoulder.

"What are you doing here?"

Luna turned around, startled to see Lucas, then her cold expression quickly melted away, her calm eyes becoming animated, as if her whole being suddenly came alive.

"Lucas, play."

Hearing this, Lucas immediately recalled yesterday's experience.

Instinctively using his special attack move reserved for Sophia, he pinched Luna's pretty face, saying sternly:

"Play your head! Were you training me like a dog yesterday?!"

Getting her face pinched, Luna froze, then realizing she'd been found out, her eyes instantly filled with tears, looking pitiful as she shook her head.

"Lucas, no."

Lucas's fingers pressed slightly harder.

Feeling the girl's soft cheeks.

To say something rather cringeworthy.

They seemed so soft you could squeeze water out.

Just as addictive as pinching Sophia's chubby little face.

But he released her, "Fine, I'll forgive you this time, but don't let it happen again."

Luna played dumb, a few delicate strands of hair sticking to her rosy cheeks as she mumbled, "Lucas, play."

Lucas looked around at the flowing crowds, "Never mind playing for now, what are you doing here alone?"

Luna gave a tiny sigh, "Uncle and Aunt are buying clothes inside."

Lucas made a sound of acknowledgment.

Finding it strange.

Why would she be shopping for clothes with her uncle and aunt?

But he didn't ask further.

Just then, he heard a growling sound.

Luna's face immediately reddened as she covered her little tummy.

Lucas frowned, "You haven't eaten yet?"

It was almost noon, and she was still hungry. These uncle and aunt seemed rather irresponsible.

Luna shook her head, rubbing her tummy, then her eyes, "Lucas, hungry."

Lucas thought for a moment, taking her small hand, "Let's tell your uncle and aunt, then I'll take you to get something to eat."

But Luna shook her head repeatedly, standing still, "It's okay, Lucas, uncle and aunt won't care."

Detecting certain implications in the girl's words.

Lucas frowned imperceptibly.

However, Luna didn't continue, just looking at him with her cold expression, emphasizing: "Lucas, hungry."

Lucas could only temporarily suppress his doubts, leading Luna to the elevator - the food court was just one floor up.

Not long after.

In front of the clothing store.

Mrs. Silvermist happily held Mr. Silvermist's arm as they walked out, carrying various shopping bags.

Not seeing Luna.

Mr. Silvermist was somewhat puzzled, "Where did that girl go?"

But Mrs. Silvermist didn't care at all, pulling him along.

"Oh, who cares if that dead girl gets lost. If she's not lost she'll come back home at night. Let's go look at that jewelry store up ahead, my bracelet and earrings are getting old, time for new ones."

Hearing this, Mr. Silvermist naturally followed his wife's wishes, nodding.

"Alright."

...