https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-879-Lance-s-Romantic-Predicament/12937200/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-880-Lance-s-Gears-Start-Smoking-Part-2-/12937212/
Chapter 880: Lance's Gears Start Smoking (Part 1)
Chapter 880: Lance's Gears Start Smoking (Part 1)
7:30 AM.
Herton Walk Plaza.
Loren successfully improvised and settled Florence in a circular wooden seat under a tree, saying that he would go and get her a cup of coffee to refresh her mind.
"Before 7:35, the east gate of Golden Bee Amusement Park, find the Ice Maiden, leave at 7:45, go to Illyria Confectionery to meet Juliana, and buy coffee on the way. At 8 o'clock, when the amusement park opens, we'll meet up with Florence at the VIP entrance. At 8:15, head to the east gate and queue with the Ice Maiden..."
Loren kept reciting the schedule that the instructor had asked him to memorize.
Even at this moment, as he executed the plan, his heart was racing, and he could only give it his all.
Theoretically, his itinerary was so complex that it had become a combined line diagram, with multiple tasks and preparations at each time point, and he couldn't afford to make a single mistake.
To facilitate his quick movements, today's dates with the three individuals were all arranged at Golden Bee Amusement Park, but they wouldn't be in the same area. Following the instructor's plan, Loren would ensure they were in different entertainment zones.
To get from one location to another, he would have to run at full speed.
He would be running frantically all day long.
Such a terrifying plan was something he would never have considered possible if it weren't for the instructor's help in formulating it.
Extreme operations inevitably come with corresponding risks—
This was the instructor's theory.
Without such determination, it would be impossible to satisfy everyone.
It required a solitary soul to make sacrifices, a person chosen from a million.
"Come on!"
After some hesitation, Loren seemed to have made up his mind, and his eyes shone with determination.
Although he didn't know what the instructor was up to today, he knew that the instructor was busy. Despite this, the instructor was still helping him, always filled with a sense of responsibility and enthusiasm. Loren was deeply moved and determined not to let the instructor's help go to waste!
7:34 AM.
The east gate of Golden Bee Amusement Park.
The agreed-upon subway station entrance.
A silver-haired, silver-eyed woman stood quietly in place, as still as a sculpture, her figure as pure and flawless as a fairy in the moonlight.
Armis, the Chosen Saintess, had no demonic horns despite being half-demon, and her only demonic feature was her slightly pointed ears.
She resembled a pristine snow fairy more than the demon people spoke of.
Even in human society, she didn't need to use transformation spells to hide her demonic features; instead, she openly displayed herself.
Today, she was dressed more like a young girl, wearing a lightweight dress and a wide-brimmed sun hat, as if she were at a beach in summer.
As Loren recited the schedule in his mind, his gaze caught sight of the Ice Maiden in the distance.
The eastern entrance of Golden Bee Amusement Park was shaded by lush trees, with birds chirping all around. The morning sun shone through the treetops, casting a warm glow on her figure.
She had also noticed Loren.
The raised silver eyes proved that she was not an artwork but a living being.
The Ice Maiden approached.
Soon.
In the bright and spacious plaza of Golden Bee Amusement Park, the Ice Maiden stopped in front of Loren, saving him some steps, and they met.
"Loren, you're here," the Ice Maiden greeted him.
Her tone was as flat and emotionless as ever.
"..."
Loren nodded slightly.
Armis' mood was always the most puzzling to Loren, alternating between cold and warm.
Even after the final battle in Crethia, Armis seemed to have completely changed her attitude towards him.
But today, when she met him, she had reverted to her poker face, as if she wasn't happy about this team-building outing.
"Do I look good today?" the Ice Maiden asked, taking a step forward and looking directly at Loren.
She was asking Loren as per the instructions of the Archbishop Sigrid through Communication Magic.
"Of course, you look great," Loren replied, suddenly unsure of how to respond.
In his impression, Armis wasn't the type to ask such a question upon meeting him.
After all, they were on this outing as colleagues.
"You're hesitating," the Ice Maiden said, still standing close to Loren and looking up at his eyes.
As if suspecting that he wasn't being sincere.
"No, I..." Loren recalled the instructor's teachings, his gaze fixed on the Ice Maiden's clear silver-white eyes, not daring to look away. If he did, it would seem like he was feeling guilty.
If he couldn't respond immediately, he could continue to act naturally and remain in a daze for a while. When the other party started to feel a bit anxious or asked again for his opinion, he could then tell her she looked beautiful, using his own words, without being overly exaggerated.
However, the Ice Maiden didn't seem the least bit anxious, and Loren unconsciously followed her lead.
[Instructor: This is the first time you've seen her on her day off. She's dressed up especially nicely today, so you're in a daze. Then you ask her—how long did it take her to get ready today?]
Just as Loren was unsure of how to respond, the instructor's low voice came through the Communication Magic.
It seemed that the instructor wasn't in a convenient place to talk, but the situation demanded that he help Loren, so he took the risk and spoke up.
"It's the first time I've seen you on your day off, Armis. You're dressed up especially nicely, and it caught me off guard."
Upon hearing the instructor's instructions, Loren felt like he had found a life preserver. Slightly embarrassed, he followed the instructions and asked, "How long did it take you to get ready today, Armis?"
Loren asked sincerely.
Although he didn't understand why he had to ask this, he followed the instructor's words.
To Loren's surprise.
The Ice Maiden was indeed taken aback.
"..."
The Ice Maiden's response to Loren was completely different from what Sigrid had predicted.
And what did "How long did it take her to get ready today" mean? It implied that she had spent a long time getting ready specifically for Loren, which made her look so good. Moreover, she had been persistently asking for his opinion, indicating that she cared about whether Loren was satisfied.
Xiao Lan: It seems like Loren didn't notice anything.
Armis's voice came through the headset, addressed to the Ice Maiden.
But this only piqued Armis's interest further.
The other party must have guessed correctly by chance.
Xiao Lan: Tell him, you didn't dress up at all today, this is your natural self, and it's his overinflated self-awareness.
Armis directed.
"I didn't dress up at all today, this is my natural self, and it's your overinflated self-awareness, High Priest Loren," Armis said, her mech faithfully echoing her words.
"Sorry..."
Loren's mind drifted back to Armis's initial cold demeanor.
He shouldn't have said those things to Armis.
He shouldn't have asked her so many questions.
Love Instructor: Be a little pitiful. Since she snapped at you, just stay silent and don't change the subject. Don't try to find a new topic; wait for her to initiate and show her care and compensation.
The Love Instructor's voice promptly responded.
This opponent was indeed formidable.
"..."
Loren struggled to control his expression, following the instructor's guidance and lowering his gaze from Armis, his eyes drifting away from her.
He finally understood what the instructor wanted.
The instructor was asking him to act pitiful.
But was the instructor really using a male character's script?
Meanwhile, on the other side.
There was a brief silence in Armis's headset.
Xiao Lan: Ask him again, what you're trying to say is—does this mean you naturally fit his aesthetic?
Armis's voice grew serious with excitement.
"What I mean is, does this mean I naturally fit your aesthetic?" Armis asked, her gaze still fixed on Loren, her eyes not wavering.
Love Instructor: Agree.
Since the instructor had provided an opportunity, it was best to take it.
"I can't deny that..." Loren replied, looking at her.
"Then perhaps it's the will of the Goddess of Fate, who created us to be each other's ideal. Since the goddess is guiding us, I hope you'll enjoy today's date and forget our professional relationship, treating each other as the chosen partners of the Goddess." Armis echoed the instructor's words to Loren.
"Wait..."
Loren felt something was off about Armis's words.
Could these really be Armis's thoughts? How did a team-building activity turn into a date following the will of the Goddess of Fate?
Moreover, did Armis's words imply that they, as the High Priest and the Chosen Saintess, might be the chosen partners of the Goddess of Fate, making this team-building activity a dating endeavor with marriage in mind? But he dared not ask, as Armis might coldly respond again, calling him "Mr. Loren, with an overinflated self-awareness."
She had already warned him once.
Loren's mind was in disarray, unable to comprehend Armis's thoughts.
Love Instructor: Tell her to follow the will of the Goddess of Fate today. If the goddess intends to bring you together, you won't resist.
The instructor spoke earnestly, as if facing a formidable opponent.
"..."
Loren couldn't bring himself to say such ambiguous words.
Wouldn't that be like agreeing with Armis that today was both a team-building activity and a date?
Love Instructor: Only the weak will play with spinning tops. Since she has drawn her sword, you must confront her head-on!
The instructor, sensing Loren's hesitation, spoke firmly.
"If the Goddess of Fate intends to bring us together, I won't resist," Loren said, as if making a decision, letting out a sigh of relief, and offering Armis a smile.
He felt that the instructor had met her match, and he couldn't afford to hold back. He decided to set aside his concerns and follow the instructor's instructions precisely.
"I understand."
Armis's eyes wavered for a moment, her cheeks turning slightly red, and she nodded.
If it weren't for Xiao Lan's help, she wouldn't have known how to communicate with Loren today.
It was indeed a wise decision to seek Xiao Lan's advice beforehand.
"By the way, Armis, wait a moment. I'll go to Illyria Confectionery to buy some snacks and treats. There's a particular treat I'd like to recommend to you."
Loren glanced at his watch.
It was already 7:42.
Juliana was probably waiting for him at the confectionery.
The Love Instructor had helped him gather information about Armis's food preferences, allegedly obtained from Armis's beloved disciple, who was like a daughter to her. Armis enjoyed soft and chewy treats made from a mixture of wheat flour and snow dew, the kind that released a faint floral scent with a gentle press.
Illyria Confectionery had just the right treat—a snowy-white pastry filled with fruit-infused sugar and cream, which Armis was sure to love.
"Then I'll look forward to it."
Armis agreed and waved to Loren.
She also needed time to chat with Xiao Lan.
Although she had appeared calm on the surface, she had almost been caught off guard by Loren's words. Now that Loren had left, it was the perfect opportunity to review the situation with Xiao Lan.
...
7:46 PM.
Golden Bee Amusement Park North Gate.
"Lance, are you so tired you're talking in your sleep?"
"I'm not that tired. I might need something to perk me up, though."
In the long line, Talia was still questioning Lance about his earlier muttering.
Talia thought for a moment and looked around, only spotting the coffee shop outside the amusement park.
"Lance, you stay in line, and I'll go buy a couple of coffee ice creams. What flavor do you want?"
Talia felt like something sweet.
"The same as you is fine."
Lance replied agreeably.
Loren was probably about to meet Juliana soon.
Juliana always did things her own way, and Lance might need to assist her remotely at times.
It was a good thing for Talia to leave him for a while.
"Then maybe... just one?"
Talia leaned closer to him, testing the waters.
She didn't mind sharing a drink with Lance, and later, they could enjoy more exclusive dishes within the Golden Bee Amusement Park.
"Buy two flavors you like, and I'll have a taste of yours."
Lance sighed helplessly.
"We're so in sync."
Talia laughed and ran off.
Only Lance and the Cat Boss, hidden in the shadows, remained in the queue.
"She wanted us to have two drinks, meow."
Cat Boss poked his head out of the shadows.
For now, Lance seemed to be handling the situation well.
As soon as Tata left, Lance switched back into work mode, reactivating his communication to plan and adjust the schedule for Loren.
"We need to pick up the pace. We're 23 seconds behind schedule. You'll need to end your meeting with Juliana early and return to Florence sooner..."
Lance directed Loren.
Before he could say more, someone patted him on the back, causing Lance to turn around in surprise.
"Hey."
Sigrid, in a completely new outfit, stood behind him, her face filled with a warm smile.
"It's you."
Lance relaxed.
"Tata's gone. Don't worry, I'll hide again when she returns."
Sigrid hooked her arm around Lance's shoulder and whispered in his ear.
"You scared me. Don't just appear out of nowhere like that."
Lance temporarily turned off his earpiece and spoke to Sigrid.
Today, he needed to maintain a high level of concentration for his calculations, and he was indeed startled by Sigrid's sudden closeness.
"Sorry, let me make it up to you. Want a bite?"
Sigrid held out her half-eaten ice cream to Lance's mouth, asking him.
"No, it's fine."
Lance knew Sigrid was doing it on purpose, and the passersby in front and behind the queue were staring at them, noticing their overly intimate proximity.
"You promised to make me happy too, right?"
Sigrid pouted and moved even closer, expressing her displeasure.
Lance had no choice but to follow Bishop's instructions and took a bite of her ice cream.
However, whether it was Sigrid's intention or a shaky hand, a bit of ice cream landed on Lance's cheek.
"Oops, sorry."
Sigrid quickly retracted the ice cream and searched for a handkerchief.
But she couldn't find one.
"It's okay."
Lance reached into his pocket.
Before Lance could take out his handkerchief, Sigrid leaned in and licked the ice cream off his cheek.
"Darling, I'll come find you later. Have fun with Tata for now. I'm going to buy some pastries, and we can eat together later."
Before Lance could say anything, Sigrid waved goodbye and ran off, acting as if she didn't understand.
"..."
To the onlookers, the black-haired, green-eyed young man and the purple-eyed boy with a beret seemed like close buddies, even though the young man already had a gray-haired girlfriend. Their actions were a bit over the line.
But upon closer inspection, it was actually a cool-looking girl, leaving the people behind them in shock!
Lance suddenly felt the stares from the people in front and behind the queue to be a bit piercing.
This wasn't like the Archbishop, who loved excitement and surprises. Perhaps she would even ambush him later.
However, these unexpected factors were all within his planned scope. Today, no matter what, he would ensure the smooth execution of all six threads, even if it meant sacrificing himself.
"I'm starting to admire you, meow, Lance."
Cat Boss spoke with a hint of reluctance.
This terrifying determination...
...
7:49 AM.
The bustling commercial district in the Echire North District, at No. 35 Art Street, was the Echire Confectionery Shop.
The shop's exterior walls resembled a stone castle, seamlessly integrated with the newly renovated magical glass facade. Just sitting inside gave one the illusion of transcending time and space.
Juliana sat anxiously on a sofa in the restaurant, her palms sweaty.
Even today, she still remembered the night in Valhalla Canyon in the eastern Alolan Kingdom when Loren saved her in a desperate situation, and the three months of heartache she endured after learning of Loren's death.
When she heard that Loren was alive, she couldn't describe her emotions.
Even now, as she waited for Loren, Juliana felt her heart racing, unable to calm down.
The last time she went on a date with Loren, she wasn't this nervous.
[Tata: Juliana, don't worry. This is a typical case of heart palpitations due to not eating breakfast. Once you have something to eat with him, you'll quickly find the same state as your last date.]
Tata's voice echoed in her ear, reassuring her.
Tata had even run to a convenient spot to talk to her, possibly delaying her own date.
"Tata, I'll do my best. Thank you!"
Juliana said with certainty.
Everything would be fine as long as she had something to eat.
The last date had gone smoothly. As an Eighth Rank Warrior, her usual training and energy consumption were intense, requiring her to take in more energy.
Perhaps it was indeed a lack of sugar that made her unable to find her state of mind, leaving her mind blank.
Just as Tata said, it was all practical dating advice.
The morning sunlight shone like golden silk, generously covering the wooden furniture of the Echire North District confectionery shop.
The faint clinking of coffee cups, whispered conversations, and the gentle jazz piano created a relaxed atmosphere in this space.
Juliana silently gazed out the large glass window. The morning bustle had already gathered, with tourists from all directions crossing paths and brushing shoulders. She only awaited Loren's arrival.
Soon enough, a figure appeared in her line of sight.
His appearance today was one she had never seen before, causing her heart to flutter once again.
Was this the Emperor of the Crethe Empire?
Would he be willing to take her, a female knight, as his wife?
Just thinking about it made her lower her head, afraid to look out the window or at the door.
"Juliana, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
Loren sat across from Juliana on a brown cloud-shaped leather sofa, facing a low coffee table between them. He began to speak to Juliana, who sat opposite him.
(End of Chapter)
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