Lucas stopped midway, clutching his stomach dramatically.
- Can we have lunch? I didn't even have breakfast today, since Mina was in such a hurry to get here - he said, his tone a mix of humor and complaint.
Before anyone could reply, his stomach let out a loud grumble, causing all three to burst into laughter.
- Alright, let's eat. It sounds like your stomach might start a riot if we don't - Lilith teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Mina chuckled and nodded in agreement.
They made their way to the most famous and expensive restaurant in the city—Sky's Delight. It had been years since Lilith had last visited the place, and as they approached, she couldn't help but admire its grandeur. The restaurant's entrance was a statement of elegance: a large, open courtyard led to a glass door framed with soft lights on the ground. Above the door, bold letters displayed the name in gold.
As they stepped inside, Lilith's breath caught for a moment. The interior was stunning. The white walls were pristine, accented by golden pillars strategically placed throughout the space. Chandeliers of crystal glimmered softly, casting warm, inviting light across the room. The walls were adorned with intricate paintings of culinary masterpieces, each framed with ornate designs. The air carried a faint, tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread and exotic spices.
A strikingly beautiful receptionist approached them. Her demeanor shifted as her eyes landed on Lilith, and she gave a deep bow.
- It is such an honor to attend to you, my princess - she said, her voice tinged with awe. - And, of course, to your companions as well. -
Lilith smiled gently, offering a wave of her hand.
- There's no need for such formality, dear - she said, her tone warm and friendly. - I'm just a guest today. -
The receptionist's cheeks flushed faintly at being addressed as dear, and Lilith noticed, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of her lips. The girl quickly recovered and returned a shy smile as she gestured for them to follow her.
As the group walked toward their table, the room seemed to quiet slightly. Conversations softened, and heads turned. All eyes were on Lilith—Princess of the reign. She was captivating today, a presence that commanded admiration without effort. Before meeting her friends earlier, she had treated herself to a visit to the salon, indulging in the self-care she so rarely prioritized. Her hair was styled into a sleek bun with a large pencil artfully tucked into it, while loose strands framed her face, falling softly to her shoulders. She wore dark red lipstick that added a bold touch, her nails freshly done to match. Her outfit—a white top paired with black pants and dark brown high heels—was simple yet elegant, further accentuating her natural beauty. She radiated confidence, a collyrium for every pair of eyes in the room.
Lucas and Mina, long accustomed to the attention that came with Lilith's presence, exchanged amused glances but said nothing.
Once seated, the three took their time scanning the menu. Their orders came quickly: Lilith chose her favorite, a pepperoni-and-cheese pizza, while Lucas and Mina opted for a hearty roast chicken served with a colorful array of vegetables.
The table was soon filled with the aroma of their dishes, and as they dug in, light conversation and laughter flowed. But Lucas and Mina, being deeply in love, couldn't help but fall into their usual lovey-dovey antics.
Lilith rolled her eyes dramatically, setting her slice of pizza down.
- Hey, I'm still here, you idiots - she said with a playful smirk, her tone laced with good-natured sarcasm.
Mina, always quick with a comeback, smirked wickedly.
- Don't get upset with us, my queen - she teased, her voice dripping with mock reverence. She leaned closer, her eyes twinkling. - You only care because you don't have anyone to be lovey-dovey with you. Isn't that right? -
Lilith raised an eyebrow, feigning indifference as she reached for her glass of water.
- I couldn't care less - she said evenly as taking another piece of Pizza
Mina's laughter rang out as Lucas joined in, shaking his head at his fiancée's teasing nature. As the teasing subsided, Mina tilted her head, her curiosity shining through.
- I've never asked about it before, but what is your type of man, Lilith? - she asked innocently.
Lucas leaned in slightly, intrigued by the question, and waited for her answer.
- Oh yeah, this I've got to hear. - he said with a playful smirk.
Lilith froze for a moment, her mind processing the question.
- Huuuuh, - she thought to herself, - Do I never tell people about my tastes? Huh, I guess not. But what's the harm in saying it now? -
Casually, she set her glass down and looked up at the pair, her expression as calm and composed as ever.
- I like hot girls. -
A silence fell across the table like a dropped curtain. Lucas and Mina froze mid-movement, their forks hanging in midair. For a moment, it was as if the world had stopped spinning. Mina's eyes widened to the size of saucers, her jaw falling open in shock. Lucas, on the other hand, blinked rapidly, as though his brain were struggling to comprehend the words that had just been spoken.
- You WHAT?! - they both exclaimed in perfect unison, their voices almost echoing in the suddenly quieter restaurant.
Lucas dropped his fork entirely, letting it clatter onto his plate. Mina slapped her hand on the table, her face a mix of astonishment and curiosity.
- Wait, wait, hold on—what did you just say?! - Lucas said, leaning forward like he hadn't heard her correctly.
- You like… girls?! - Mina asked, her voice rising an octave as her eyes darted to Lilith, trying to gauge if this was some elaborate joke.
Lilith glanced at the two of them, utterly unbothered by their over-the-top reactions. She took another sip of her drink and then raised an eyebrow.
- Firstly stop screaming and secondly, yes, i like girls, hot girls, specifically. Is that really so shocking? - she said coolly. In this continent, Same gender relationships were rarely seen, so it was an unusual theme. Lilith have never cared about this, this is just her.