Shadow Slave

In one of the most upscale districts situated near the heart of the city, a fancy, but not overly opulent restaurant was welcoming the first few visitors of the day. While some owners made a point of following the archaic traditions and hired human servers, this particular establishment was aimed at at a mostly young audience.

For that reason, a lot of things were automated and could be easily accessed through personal communicators of the patrons. The chefs were still human, of course. They were also true masters of their craft. Every ingredient used by them was natural, as well, while some were even imported from other quadrants.

The interior design was similarly luxurious, with natural wood visible everywhere. Authentic paintings from centuries past hung on the walls, protected by thick sheets of transparent alloy. Everything was expensive, stylish, and screamed of class.

Such a restaurant, of course, was only accessible to citizens of the highest ranks, who could afford to dine here. It was especially popular among young heirs of the city elite, and had a reputation for being a prime spot for arranged dates and romantic occasions.

Currently, a couple of such meetings were taking place inside, with wealthy young men and women going through the awkward motions of attending a blind date arranged for them by their families.

Strangely, the most striking visitor of the famed restaurant sat alone, as if her date was running late.

The young woman seemed to be in her mid-twenties, but possessed elegance and grace that spoke of strange maturity. She was exquisitely beautiful, with a supple figure and flawless skin. The beauty was wearing a stylish red dress and a black leather jacket. A few tasteful pieces of jewerly adorned her fingers and delicate neck.

Other female visitors of the restaurant couldn't help but feel exasperated by the fact that their dates seemed to be unable to stop stealing glances at the beautiful woman. The men, meanwhile, were all wondering what kind of a fool would keep such a belle waiting. If only they were in his place, they wouldn't be so tardy!

Finally, the doors opened, and a new visitor came in. The young man looked around, scratched the back of his head, and then headed toward the table where the striking beauty sat alone.

Sitting down, he smiled sheepishly and said:

"Sorry for being late. I hope you did not have to wait too long."

The young woman smiled politely, revealing her pearly white teeth.

"No problem at all."

for a few moments, and then said with a bit of reproach in her

it, but you don't look like the images I was shown at

down,

inconspicuous. Walking around as my usual self would be a bit too

The young woman frowned.

I'll have you know. Regardless… I have already ordered something to eat. You can peruse the

young man hesitated, then looked around with an amused

I

glanced at him

know? Have you never been

smiled and shook his

tell you the truth, this is my first time visiting a restaurant. I was raised in the Dream Realm, after all. I only returned to the waking world when I was around thirteen. Many

he was wearing used a biometric lock, at least… otherwise, he wouldn't have known how to access the communicator at all. He looked at all

"What do you recommend?"

The beauty smiled.

we

that it barely looked cooked at all. The young woman elegantly sliced a small piece and brought it to her

with a

that you and your sisters follow

lips and looked at him with a neutral

Seishan. There's no need to

He smiled.

people? Are you so expendable that the Queen does not mind sacrificing you

ate another piece of the steak,