The Author's POV

It was already late afternoon when we reached the cafe, and the sun was blazing down on us. The extreme heat made it difficult for the two of us to stay outside any longer.

Amanda and I walked into the cafe, wondering if the heat would stop anytime soon.

"So, Amanda, what are you going to order?"

"Just some coffee for now. I'm not hungry yet."

"I'll do the same.

As I browsed the menu, I decided to get a simple cold brew.

Much preferred that over an espresso. Especially given how hot it was outside.

Looking around the restaurant, I turned back to look at Amanda.

She was admiring the scenery outside the window with a smile of joy.

Thinking of something, I let out a bitter sigh. Then, I called out Amanda's name.

"Hey, Amanda."

Amanda turned around and faced me.

"Yes?"

"…I'll probably leave on another trip quite soon."

There was an immediate expression of obscurity on Amanda's face as she looked back at me.

"You're going on a trip after having just come back from one?"

With a bitter smile on my face, I nodded my head.

"Yeah, I have no choice."

"…Is it really important?"

"It is."

I nodded my head.

In view of the fact that completing this task would delay the demon king's ascension by a year, the mission was indeed critical..

After staring at me for what felt like an eternity, Amanda let out a sigh.

"…Thank you for telling me."

I wasn't exactly sure why, but I was relieved to see that she wasn't mad about me suddenly leaving again.

Closing down the menu in front of her, she asked.

"Have you told your mother?"

"Uh…"

My face instantly hardened.

Scratching my face, I turned my attention away from Amanda. Following my actions, I could hear an audible sigh coming from Amanda's side.

"You're planning on telling them that you're leaving right? If you leave once again without any warning, I don't think I'll be able to help you out of the situation."

"I know."

I stared at Amanda.

It did occur to me for a time that it would be better simply to leave without telling them, and hope to return in a day or two given the time difference, but...

Upon further thought, I realized that this was not a good idea.

Putting aside that lying to my parents again would be disrespectful to my parents, it would also be arrogant of me to think that I would only be able to spend a short time there.

Especially since this was quite a difficult mission to complete.

"I'll have a talk with them after I come back home."

"That's for the best."

In an effort to call for a waiter, Amanda raised her hand. Due to her appearance, her sudden actions instantly caught the attention of those around us, and a waiter soon approached our table with a bright smile on my face. Throughout the entire time, he completely ignored my existence.

"How can I help you?"

left

"By the way…"

Amanda ordered for

"I'm curious about something."

of her hands on her thighs. In an barely audible tone, she brushed her

that Sophia girl contact you

keep a straight look. Unfortunately for her, the reddening of her ears was a dead giveaway to me as

she jealous of

How cute.

my head, I

since I left,

to since I was away for the past six months and Leopold had probably told

was back, I wasn't as certain it would

she will contact you now that

an effort to make it not obvious that she

may not be as strong as you are, but

"No, that's…"

soon breakthrough to rank, I'm sure

Amanda been so

asking you to bring me if you can't. I'm just suggesting that maybe you should ask me for help now and then. I've been training a lot, and I have

tantrum, I could only laugh

hers was

"Here is your order."

was right at this moment that

onto a circular black tray, he carefully placed

and a cold

"Thank you."

"Thanks."

drink, I sipped it quickly. The feeling of refreshment spread throughout my entire body as my

'Not bad.'

"This?"

heard Amanda's confused voice. As I turned my head, I saw the waiter handing her a bouquet of

on his

of the gentlemen sitting over

away from her to where a handsome young man sat quietly spying on her from a distance. He had long black hair, accompanied by brown eyes that seemed to carry hints of wisdom and arrogance within. The clothes he was wearing seemed rather flashy as they

straight as a confident smile spread across

'Oh god.'

head to face away from him, I took another sip of the coffee in my hand. As expected of Amanda, it was inevitable for her to attract the attention of some rich youth.

"So?"

it was at that moment that I was met

to

"...So, what?"

at

going to say anything

"The flowers?"

I shook my head.

I? Are you going to take

to

As if.

my

you know, my charm is higher than

was rank.