F-ranker Sword Saint: My Soulbound Sword is Secretly SSS-tier!-Chapter 304: Invitation

The moon bathed Edgehaven in a subtle silver glow, its light assisted by street lamps in illuminating the bustling megacity that waited for no one.

In one of the establishments in the southern district, three youngsters entered a restaurant. An overly enthusiastic manager led them to one of the premium dining rooms.

Elune had reserved only a standard, soundproof one, so the three of them were surprised to find that the manager had taken liberties to upgrade it for free.

They could only attribute it to the wildly spreading news of the Inter-Class Representative Competition.

It did seem like the manager and a majority of the staff members in the reception lobby recognized them now, unlike their previous visit.

Soon, Daru and Cody found themselves in awe at the spacious dining room with a luxurious, rosewood Lazy Susan table for three.

A low-volume, soothing jazz music played and caressed their ears as a gentle aroma tickled their olfactory.

Elune had been in these kinds of dining rooms before, so she wasn’t as shocked, though still a bit proud that she could now be in one without her father’s help.

The three quickly chose their seats, checked the menu, and pressed a convenient button on their posh chairs to call for the server assigned to their room and order.

To their surprise, it was the manager who entered, a small, fancy notebook in hand.

The trio was quite taken aback, musing inwardly that a good reputation truly worked to one’s favor.

Cody courageously spoke of their orders this time to practice.

He could not be shivering at a darned restaurant in the future, especially since the quality of the ones he would frequent a few years later would probably be the most prominent chains, far grander than this rather small but decently reputable one.

He also did not want to embarrass himself and Elune in front of her parents.

The Moon Fairy fancied her lover quite adorable.

Soon, the manager left, and the three were left to their own devices.

Curiosities erupted.

"Since when were you two together?"

"Why Iron Lotus? Also, you’re Onimaru Kunitsuna?!"

Both parties froze, clearing their throat in mild embarrassment.

"Ahem! W-Well, that’s not too important, is it?" Cody followed, "How about yo–"

Before he could finish his words, however, thunder struck beside him:

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT’S NOT IMPORTANT?!" snarled Elune, glaring daggers. "Cody, I’m warning you..."

"A-Ahh!! Hahahahaha! Of course, just a slip of the tongue. How could the most special day in my life be ’not too important’? I’m just surprised by brother Daru’s decision, that’s all. The moon frowns whenever you’re upset, my sweet little fairy, so how about you calm down now, yeah?"

"Hmph!"

Daru felt a jolt course through his body as he listened to the conversation.

Is this...how lovers are supposed to act around one another?

’A bit cringeworthy...’

Somehow, he struggled with the idea...until a specific face with a specific expression popped up in his mind.

He cleared his throat once more.

Suddenly, the matter isn’t so toe-curling anymore.

The couple in front of him, however, were jolted awake by his actions, slightly embarrassed after realizing that the sword-obsessed guy beside them was probably growing uncomfortable.

Cody and Elune straightened up and cleared their throats, too.

"Let’s discuss your decision instead, Daru!" the latter masterfully stirred. She was the most skilled among them in terms of driving conversations.

"Why did you suddenly choose Iron Lotus? If we remember correctly, you’ve been mentioning that you probably would be working for the government in the future..."

Daru fell silent for a moment, pondering how to respond.

"I cannot tell you the reason, I’m afraid. At least for now. However, I will be working with Iron Lotus, and I’m not sure if I will stay for good or not."

This time, it was the couple who fell silent.

There were things they could deduce from Daru’s words. It was highly likely that he was under someone’s orders.

The question was:

’Who? The government?’

From what they knew, the acknowledged authority had been and still was struggling to acquire new top-tier talents.

An anomalous S-ranker like Daru would be the perfect candidate...so why would they willingly hand him over to Iron Lotus?

Or was the difference in benefits simply so vast that Daru felt like his growth would be stifled if he chose to work with them?

Was this his own decision, or was it a superior’s?

Unfortunately, speculations would remain that — mere speculations. Besides, the two trusted Daru’s character a great deal.

He must have a good reason for the sudden change of heart.

If not, then so what? What was so bad about working for one of the seven hegemons of the human race?

"I see...then we will join Iron Lotus as well. Let’s form a party, Daru." Cody said with a serious gaze.

This time, he would not shrink away.

Daru would decide whether he wanted them by his side or not, but at the very least, he would try.

He had already discussed this with Elune earlier today. She, too, was of the same heart and mind.

The couple’s hearts raced.

They were somewhat confident that Daru wouldn’t refuse, based on his admirable character, but those were mere expectations.

Reality could very much differ. Perhaps they didn’t know their friend as much as they thought they did?

Daru’s expression eased into a smile, and with it, his friends’ worries vanished. He hadn’t even answered yet, but it was already clear what he would say.

"Sure, I’d like that."

Cody and Elune breathed a sigh of relief, their hearts ticklish. They are quite excited for the future.

After all, they would be in the same party as Onimaru Kunitsuna. The couple could not help but think about what they would achieve.

Would they be renowned in the future as a member of a legendary party?

Together, would they be able to uncover the mysteries of the massive, unexplored regions of the central continent, Vigrheim?

While their focus was half-muddled by their giddy thoughts, the restaurant door creaked open, and the manager, along with a few other servants, entered, pushing carts of delectable food.

Seafood, meat, veggies, cultural specialties, and many more.

They definitely did not order so much.

However, the restaurant said it was on the house, and all they wished for in return was to take a photo of the three and, one day, once they made it big, frame that photo and hang it on the restaurant walls for prestige.

The three could, of course, still refuse, and the extra food would remain free.

But how could three youngsters refuse?

It was their honor to be part of a restaurant’s prestige, especially since they technically hadn’t even made it yet.

The interaction ended in great satisfaction and lots of appreciative bows from both parties.

Soon, the restaurant staff left, and the trio enjoyed their meal while discussing Daru’s true identity.