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 speechless by

"By the way…"

stare, Amanda ordered for me and changed

"I'm curious about something."

was a slight stutter in her voice as she placed both of her hands on her thighs. In an barely audible tone, she brushed

Sophia girl

an effort to maintain her composure, she tried to keep a straight look. Unfortunately for her, the reddening of her ears

jealous

How cute.

head, I

me since I left, but she probably already

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

was back, I wasn't as certain it

will contact you now that you

lips in a small pout. In an effort to make

strong as you are, but you could ask me

"No, that's…"

breakthrough to rank, I'm

when had Amanda been so

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

a tantrum, I could

side of hers was

"Here is your order."

was right at this moment that the server finally came with our

black tray, he carefully placed our drinks

espresso and a cold

"Thank you."

"Thanks."

The feeling of refreshment spread throughout my

'Not bad.'

"This?"

was at that moment that I heard Amanda's confused voice. As I turned my head, I saw the waiter handing

smile on his face,

over here is courtesy of the gentlemen sitting

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

met Amanda's, his back became straight as a confident smile spread

'Oh god.'

hand. As expected of Amanda, it was inevitable for her to attract the attention of some rich youth. She was

"So?"

that I was met with

to

"...So, what?"

at the

say anything

"The flowers?"

I shook my head.

you

expecting me to

As if.

of my cold brew, I leaned back on my chair. I soon cracked a smirk as I

charm is higher than

rank. Mine was