Free Web NovelChapter 210: _A Harmless Dinner Date
"You’re going on a date with... him?"
"It’s nothing but a harmless dinner date, Devon."
Later that evening, Ambrose finally informed Devon and Viktor about his plans with Valentine. He waited that long because he knew at least one of them would want to rant about it.
Turned out he was right.
As Ambrose adjusted his silver-white tuxedo while coming down the stairs, Devon chased behind him.
"Nothing but a harmless date." Devon echoed his words with clear snark. "Hm. Where have I heard those famous words from before?"
Ambrose didn’t know what he was talking about at first—then he remembered. His cheeks heated up instantly. "Devon, please don’t—"
"You said the same thing during your dinner with Viktor. Remember?"
Meanwhile, Viktor sat on one of the sofas in the living room, blissfully unaware of when he became a topic of discussion. Little Orion sat beside him as they watched one of the boy’s favourite documentary channels.
The Ice Prince lazily moved his head to Ambrose’s direction, taking in his outfit with an impressed smirk. "Someone’s looking sharp."
Devon glared at him. "You see no problems with Ambrose doing this?"
"... Nope."
"Even after the scene President Josiah caused here?"
"He’ll literally be on a date with the SS-Rank who saved him." Viktor shrugged. "Relax, Devvy boy. Orion, tell your papa to relax."
The little boy innocently giggled. "Relax, papa."
"See?" Viktor pointed at the kid, ruffling his hair a bit. Then he got up, folding his arms in front of his chest. "Devon, you and I know the true reason why you’re worked up."
The latter refused to look him or Ambrose in the eyes. Viktor ignored that and continued, his voice low this time.
"You, my co-husband, are jealous." He patted Devon’s head like one would a golden retriever. "And you shouldn’t be. In case you’ve forgotten, Valentine is one of Rory’s linked Espers."
Devon brushed his hand off him. "I’m... I’m not jealous." Yet even after saying that and then taking another look at Ambrose’s outfit, his throat clogged up.
A part of him secretly wished he was the one going on a dinner date with the Guide.
Ambrose, oblivious of his thoughts, could feel the intense emotions sizzling through the permanent link. So—he stretched one hand to Devon and another to Viktor.
"You guys," he whispered once they held his hands. "I know this whole thing is awkward. Maybe messy as... duck."
He stopped himself from saying ’fuck’ when his gaze wandered to Orion. For all he knew the kid could be eavesdropping on them.
"I can’t begin explaining why any of this—linking with other Espers—is important." Ambrose heaved, staring at Devon specifically. "But please know that I still care about you. That hasn’t changed and will never."
Viktor who’d been carefree all this while—faltered. His expression turned sour as he swerved his head away.
Care about them?
Not... love?
’And here I was ripping my heart out thinking if I should tell him those words.’ He scoffed lightly. ’Fuck. I hate moments where I agree with Devon.’
Ambrose slowly withdrew his hands from the boys. "I have to go now." He gave both of them quick nods before heading for the exit. "Take care! Oh, and Orion... how does daddy look?"
Orion only fixed his eyes on him for a couple of seconds before forming an opinion. "You look like a prince!" He beamed. "Are you going on a date?"
"... Something like that, buddy." Ambrose gave him a quick peck on his cheek. "I’ll be back later, okay?"
With that he was out of the house, unaware of the emotional soup he’d left behind with the S-Ranks.
★★★★★
The restaurant Valentine picked out sat near the heart of Aurelia’s downtown district.
Elegant golden lights illuminated the building’s exterior while expensive cars occupied nearly every parking space available.
Ambrose stood outside for a moment, smoothing out invisible wrinkles on his tuxedo.
Then immediately regretted agreeing to this.
"What am I nervous for?" He muttered under his breath.
[Maybe because you’re going on a date with an SS-Rank Necromancer whose attraction points you’re actively trying to manipulate?]
’It’s not manipulation.’
[It’s absolutely manipulation.]
Ignoring Aura, Ambrose stepped inside.
The interior was even fancier than he expected.
Crystal chandeliers hung overhead while soft music drifted through the restaurant. Hunters, businessmen and wealthy socialites occupied most of the tables.
For a brief second, he wondered if he was underdressed.
His hand drifted toward his phone.
No messages from Valentine yet.
Just as he was considering texting him, a receptionist approached with a professional smile.
"Good evening, sir. Do you have a reservation?"
Ambrose nodded. "Yes. Under Valentine Lockwood."
The woman’s eyes widened ever so slightly. Clearly she recognised the name.
Before she could answer, a familiar voice drifted from behind him. "I was beginning to think you’d stood me up."
Ambrose turned around. And promptly forgot how breathing worked.
Valentine stood several feet away.
Gone was the usual black trench coat.
Instead, he wore a fitted black shirt with the sleeves rolled up just beneath his elbows. The fabric hugged his broad shoulders and chest shamelessly while exposing muscular forearms that should honestly be classified as dangerous.
His long black hair had been tied into a neat man bun.
The result was utterly devastating.
The Necromancer casually brushed a hand over Ambrose’s waist before stopping in front of him.
Crimson eyes slowly swept over him. "Something wrong, Guide?"
Ambrose swallowed. "No."
A complete lie.
The receptionist suddenly cleared her throat. "Mr Lockwood. Your table is ready."
Valentine smiled politely. "Lead the way."
The woman immediately guided them through the restaurant.
Ambrose followed beside Valentine while trying—and failing—not to notice how many people were staring.
Soon they arrived at a secluded table near a large glass window overlooking the city lights.
Valentine pulled out a chair.
Ambrose stared at first before sitting. "Thank you."
"You’re welcome."
Valentine took the seat opposite him.
And then...
His gaze travelled across Ambrose’s face with enough focus to make his pulse pound in his ears.
The Guide suddenly became hyper-aware of everything.
His posture.
His clothes.
His hair.
His very existence.
"So," Valentine finally spoke, his lips curving lightly. "You clean up nicely."
Ambrose’s heart nearly exploded.
Fucking hell.
This was bad. Very bad.
He came here with a plan.
Increase Valentine’s attraction points to one hundred and steal a copy of his abilities.
A very simple plan.
Unfortunately, from the way the Necromancer was looking at him right now... Ambrose had a horrible feeling he was the one about to get ruined tonight.
