Prodia changed into a dress to go to the promised meeting place with Leke.

The place he suggested was not a Marquis’s estate or a Grand Duke’s mansion, but a high-end restaurant in the city.

It was even a famous place where you had to make a reservation months in advance to secure a seat.

‘You could just call it a noble’s estate; why bother…’

But since he insisted, there was no reason to refuse.

Prodia, appropriately adorned without any noticeable flaws, got into a carriage.

“Then, I’ll be on my way.”

Watching the carriage move away, Ed and Shalak felt a bitter taste in their mouths.

Prodia had never dressed so beautifully before.

Ed seemed to have no intention of hiding his feelings in front of Shalak now.

“You’ve never shown us this side before. Well, we’re just friends and contractors.”

Shalak also didn’t pretend to be oblivious to his feelings.

“But, Ed, that’s how love often develops from friendship.”

“Friends, huh? I can’t accept that; it hurts my pride.”

With those words, Ed took out three scrolls from his embrace and began to write coordinates.

Then, he handed one scroll each to Paphier and Shalak.

Looking closely at the scroll, Shalak asked, “Where are we going?”

“Why ask the obvious? We have to tail those two.”

At that moment, Paphier, who had been quiet until now, exclaimed in surprise.

“Eh? Did you receive such an order from the lord…?”
“He just gave permission. I heard it. So, hurry and move.”

“No, but…!”

Ed grabbed Paphier’s hand and forcibly tore the scroll apart.

With a scream that couldn’t even escape, he disappeared with a bright white light.

He then turned to Shalak.

“What’s the matter? Let’s go.”

“But, Ed. This scroll is obviously very valuable…”

“Is money the issue right now? I can’t stand the idea of one more competitor.”

Shalak remained silent for a moment.

The term “competitor” included himself.

Certainly, it was a headache-inducing situation.

With Ed, Luca, Irtis, and now the Grand Duke, entering this love hexagon, the odds were against him.

In the end, Shalak closed his eyes tightly and tore the scroll apart.

In an instant, the two men were transported to the intended location.

⭐⭐⭐

Arriving in front of the restaurant, Prodia was surprised to hear unexpected news.

“The Grand Duke… reserved the entire restaurant?”

Moreover, he rented it out for the entire day.

Her head was spinning.

Well, she would figure it out.

As long as she received the stamp on the contract as planned.

Prodia took a deep breath and entered the restaurant.

She had heard of its reputation, but it was a place she had never visited.

The interior of the restaurant was indeed as splendid as rumored.

The host guided her to a window seat on the second floor.

⭐⭐⭐
It was a renowned place among renowned ones, known for being extremely difficult to reserve due to its panoramic view of the city. There, Leke had arrived first, sitting and gazing out the window, displaying a sophisticated demeanor that perfectly matched the atmosphere of the place. When he spotted Prodia, he immediately stood up.

“Lady, I’ve been waiting for you.”

Leke escorted her with impeccable manners to their table. Prodia, experiencing such hospitality for the first time, felt a slight tension.

“Thank you for the invitation.”

After exchanging brief greetings, Prodia intended to get straight to the point. However, Leke smiled gently and spoke.

“The chef here is exceptionally skilled. How about enjoying that first?”

Unable to bring up the contract right away after such words, Prodia thought, ‘Well, let’s eat quickly and discuss the contract.’

That resolution crumbled starting from the soup. Prodia, unknowingly, widened her eyes.

What did they put in here to make it so delicious?

Leke then asked in an affectionate voice, “It’s my favorite soup. How do you find it?”

“Really… It’s delicious.”

“I’m glad you like it. I hope the next dishes also please the Lady.”

The feast continued, and every dish was exceptional. Prodia found herself smiling without realizing it. This scene was also being transmitted as is to the three men on the opposite building.

Using the power of the scroll, the three men arrived near the restaurant before Prodia. Following Ed’s instructions, they attached disguise beards and flipped their hats. As soon as they were ready, Ed attempted to enter the restaurant. However, Sharack firmly grabbed his arm.

“Ed, calm down. You know it takes months just to make a reservation at this restaurant.”

“It doesn’t matter. We just need to mention Lady Freih’s name.”

It was possible because Lady Freih was the top customer at this place. However, for some reason, they were blocked at the entrance.

“Apologies, but due to the visit of Duke Elhas today, no one can enter.”

Even mentioning Lady Freih didn’t help. The Elhas family had a high status within the empire, being trusted by the emperor.

Ed gritted his teeth. It was now a battle of pride.

“…It turns out like this. Well, then we have to respond appropriately from our end.”