"Ah, young love," she teased. "Well, come on in, come on in! Let Mama Akua take care of you."
They followed her deeper into the restaurant.
They followed Mama Akua deeper into the restaurant, the air thick with the aroma of simmering spices and sizzling meats. The clatter of dishes and the murmur of conversation created a warm, inviting hum.
A mismatched table in a corner caught Noah's eye. It was tucked under a window, offering a glimpse of the bustling city street outside. He gestured towards it, and Mama Akua beamed.
"Perfect for a romantic rendezvous, wouldn't you say?" she winked, her voice a conspiratorial whisper.
Lilith's cheeks flushed a rosy pink, but she couldn't help but smile.
"Maybe not quite romantic," she countered playfully, "but definitely hungry."
Mama Akua chuckled, her laugh lines deepening.
"Of course, of course," she agreed, seating them with a flourish.
"Now, let's see what Mama Akua can whip up for two lovebirds..."
She launched into a colorful description of the day's specials, her voice dripping with passion for each dish. Lilith and Noah exchanged amused glances, captivated by Mama Akua's infectious enthusiasm.
By the time they finished ordering, a comfortable silence had settled between them. It wasn't the awkward silence of strangers, but a comfortable silence that spoke volumes about the day's shared experiences. The stolen glances, the electric kiss under the starlight – it all hung in the air, a secret language only they understood.
As they waited for their food, Noah found himself captivated by a framed photograph hanging on the wall. It depicted a younger Mama Akua, her arm linked with a man who wore a mischievous grin. Lilith noticed his gaze and followed it.
"That's Mama Akua and Papa Kofi," she explained softly. "They met right here in this restaurant, years ago."
A pang of something bittersweet tugged at Noah's heart he recalled how his parents met after hearing Lilith share Mama Akua's past she heard the first time she came to this place.
''Love can bloom in unexpected places.'' Noah said with Lilith nodding, the two continued to exchange words.
The arrival of their food – a steaming platter of jerk chicken and vibrantly colored vegetables – momentarily paused the conversation.
As they savored the delicious meal, laughter and conversation flowed freely. They talked about everything and nothing, their voices weaving a tapestry of shared stories and secret dreams just like when they were young.
Leaving the restaurant, the city lights seemed to twinkle with a newfound meaning. They walked hand in hand in a silence.
And as they reached Arion's villa, a shared glance and a lingering touch spoke volumes. The weight of their unspoken feelings hung heavy in the air, a vibrant counterpoint to the cool night breeze.
"I'm grateful for today," Lilith finally admitted, her voice barely a whisper.
"It was... unexpected, but wonderful."
Noah's heart soared.
"For me too," he replied, his voice husky with emotion.
"More than wonderful."
A beat of comfortable silence stretched between them, charged with unspoken possibilities. Lilith, her gaze flickering over his face, reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind his ear. Her touch, light as a feather, sent shivers down his spine.
"Let's do it more often," she continued, her voice barely a murmur.
"Spend more time together. Training, stargazing... whatever it takes."
A slow smile spread across Noah's face. He knew she wasn't just talking about training. They were both tiptoeing around the burgeoning feelings that had bloomed between them, hesitant to name them but unable to ignore them.
"I'd like that very much," he replied, his voice warm and sincere.
[Tabulating completed.
All stat+2 and 7.000 Gold]
''Not bad!" Noah wasn't dissatisfied with the rewards because he was certain it was not all, usually there is a reward after a system's update in games.
[System's update rewards:
5000 Gold and Epic Grade Skill: Unprecedented Sense.]
''Wow! I have a whooping 15k gold now and a new skill. Even without reading the skill's description I'm certain it is awesome.'' Noah smiled as if he had just won a lottery ticket, he was truly happy, he was growing slowly but steadily.
''Status window,'' he called out for his status window, eager to see the progress made.
''I should hurry and go join Lilith for training. Only few days are left before we depart for the academy.''
■Status Window
Name: Noah Adler
Rank: Expert
Level 44
Class: Angel of Death
Title: Goblin Slayer
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☆Stats☆
Mana: 106
Strength: 114
Intelligence: 96
Dexterity: 114
Luck: 89
Stat Points: 4
Coins: 15060G
◇◇◇◇◇
☆Skills☆
Common Skill: {Basic Swordsmanship},{Basic Close Combat} {Presence Detection} {Master of Weapons} {Mana's Armor Lvl 1} {Shadow Steps Level 1} {Blood Flowers} {Splitting Ripple Slash LVl 1} {Fangs of Insanity} {Flame Art} {Telekinesis Lv1} {Unprecedented Sense LV1}
Exclusive Skills: {Seal of Death} {Night of Death} {Lord of the Night}
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☆Runes ☆
{Basic Strength},{Basic Speed} {Angel of Death}
■