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Chapter 886: Lance's New Days
Chapter 886: Lance's New Days
Here is a photograph.
On the photo wall of Cat Boss Restaurant, countless photos adorn the walls.
Among them are records of daily life, snapshots of Cat Boss with celebrities from home and abroad, and frequent customers, most of whom are captured in memorable, joyous moments.
For instance, one of the photos is a curtain call from the second day of the 'Holy War Romance' Half-Maiden Act, which concluded yesterday.
The troupe members thanked the audience on stage, and the main auditorium of the Irekire Opera House was filled with unprecedented excitement. The spectators were both teary-eyed and moved, offering their applause.
These photos in Cat Boss Restaurant seemed like amulets, each with different wishes.
Praying for health, blessing relationships, and wishing for success.
Each person in the photos had their unique desires.
"This is Antanas Broadcast."
"Hey, my dear, your host today is still me, Antanas."
"Perhaps this is the last episode of Antanas Broadcast."
"Will the time from now on make you miss it again?"
On a winter morning in February, the wooden restaurant by the street opened its doors.
The radio voice gently drifted out through the windows.
The sky was about to fully brighten, and the stars were faintly visible as the bluish dawn descended upon the streets of Heton City of Ikirite. In the drowsy morning, the world was about to be bathed in indigo.
Inside Cat Boss Restaurant, Pranay was already at the bar, ready for Monday's work.
The radio voice of Antanas could be heard clearly on both floors of the restaurant.
"Good morning, Pranay, Sinora, Cat Boss."
Accompanied by a long and crisp jingle, the heavy wooden door was pushed open by a pair of hands.
"Good morning."
Pranay greeted Lance, who had arrived early.
Coming to Cat Boss Restaurant for breakfast every morning had become a regular routine for Lance.
"Good morning."
Sinora also greeted Lance from behind the counter.
"Why did Antanas say that today is the last episode? Is she starting her new program at Heton Times Broadcasting Company tomorrow?"
Lance paused, listening to the radio, and asked Sinora.
"Yes, the preparations for Heton Times Broadcasting Company are almost complete, and Antanas will officially start hosting tomorrow."
Sinora replied with a sense of relief.
She genuinely felt happy for her friend, but Antanas still lived at Cat Boss Restaurant, and they could see each other every morning and afternoon. On weekends, she could still visit Huobao as usual.
The three of them chatted in Cat Boss Restaurant, which had just opened for business.
The number of customers was still relatively low.
The interior decoration of the restaurant had remained unchanged for a long time, maintaining its simple yet stylish atmosphere. The wooden tables, chairs, and floors exuded a faint scent of pine, while the corner displayed some handicrafts and old books. The sofa that Cat Boss had brought back was placed on the second floor.
Despite being labeled as "food" for some reason, the sofa had not yet been cooked.
"Has this week's 'Ikirite College Newsletter' arrived?"
Lance glanced at the corner of the low bookcase.
The red-covered book was the newsletter of their Irekire Academy.
Since Asna, the vice-president of the student council at Irekire Academy, had become Cat Boss's disciple and the head chef here, she often brought the subscribed newsletter to the restaurant and casually placed it on the bookshelf.
In a sense, Asna's journey from Sage Academy to becoming a student of Loren and then Cat Loren was a matter of fate.
"Yes, Asna brought it this morning."
Pranay noticed the new magazine, walked over slowly, picked it up, and placed it on the counter table, spreading it out for all three of them to see.
He hadn't had a chance to read this latest issue yet.
Lance, Sinora, and Pranay gathered around the table, leisurely flipping through the red-covered book of Irekire Academy.
The content included major campus events and policy changes, academic research breakthroughs and achievements, staff appointments and important lectures, student activities, and club news.
There were also student and teacher comments on campus issues, discussions on social hot topics, and reader letters and responses.
Additionally, there were reports on college art exhibitions, reviews of concerts and theatrical performances, cultural and artistic recommendations, campus photography, news videos, and podcast programs.
Lance was already familiar with most of the news content.
After all, he had been working for Professor Pola at Irekire Academy during this period.
Sinora and Pranay weren't particularly interested in these topics either.
So, they flipped through the pages quickly.
It wasn't until they reached the latter part, with comments and multimedia content, that they became more engaged and started reading carefully.
One page featured the 'Ikirite Academy Big Survey.'
The latest survey posed a question.
Kukulk, a new officer of the student management committee and a reporter for Heton Times, conducted the survey on campus.
"Who is the strongest Matchmaker?"
Kukulk asked the students he could find near the old literature building.
"Huh? Lance."
A gray-haired, purple-eyed youth wearing sunglasses replied.
In the photo, he appeared to be passing by, and even the camera's shutter couldn't capture his figure clearly.
"It depends on the situation, but it should be Lance. This is just my personal opinion."
In the student council room, President Monaster, with his hands clasped together, supported his chin and replied with a light laugh.
"Isn't it Lance? If you include the Great Poetess, then it's a different story."
Professor Teresa turned back and pondered as she was stopped for an interview right after class at the Sage Academy.
The last one was a young man with black hair and green eyes.
He seemed to be drinking canned juice and was asked the same question.
"Anyone but me and Askxan," he replied.
Sinora pointed at the last picture in confusion.
"Isn't that you, Lance?"
Sinora had developed some resistance to Lance, and she could now look at him up close without any issues.
It was like her brother Pranay, who had been very handsome since childhood, but after spending so much time together, she no longer saw him as a romantic interest.
"I admit, I still have a long way to go in being a matchmaker," Lance said, spreading his hands in defeat.
"What about Loren?"
Pranay had gone to sleep early that day, so he didn't know what had happened in the theater afterward.
He only knew that the Sunday performance had been a great success.
Not only the opera itself, but the promotional music video had also been treated as a work of art.
Sinora curiously looked at Lance.
She later heard the recap of what had happened on Valentine's Day.
But the person who knew the most details was undoubtedly Lance, and she wanted to hear it again.
"Loren's love life is still uncertain," Lance said with a sigh, as if giving up.
He had decided not to meddle in other people's affairs anymore, unless they truly needed his help.
He might have gone too far and caused some trouble.
Like turning the Fighter Soul Team into the Fighter Team.
"Besides, how could an emperor be manipulated? It would make me look like a villainous chancellor."
Lance declared to Pranay and Sinora.
The date with Loren after leaving the theater on Saturday night went smoothly.
The great retreat from the Echire Opera House was undoubtedly the most dangerous part.
After that, even without Lance's help, Loren could easily send the three of them back.
Whether it was the brother line, the colleague line, or the foodie line, any of them was possible.
But Lance didn't want to interfere anymore; he would let Loren's relationships develop naturally.
"Is that so?"
Pranay flipped through the red book thoughtfully.
This laid-back version of Lance was also good; at least, it made Pranay feel more at ease.
When he first got out of Helrom Prison, he had hoped that Rocky Macassi would be more ambitious and lead them to greater heights.
But now, his thoughts had completely changed.
"Actually, there are some things I can't control. It's because of the help and tolerance of my friends that I've been able to stumble along until now."
Lance seemed to understand Pranay's thoughts and sighed.
He realized that sometimes he was too clever, had misconceptions, and was trapped in his obsessions, thinking he could help others, but the process was not without issues.
"But speaking of the performance, the demons have unintentionally become more popular, and industry insiders predict that many people will want to learn about demon culture. This might be a new blue ocean... Ever since the Brillada showdown, the Boson Demon Realm has been gaining more attention and tourism, and the restoration process will likely speed up."
Lance continued to tell Pranay and Sinora about what happened after the performance.
He had heard this from Etio and Rosalinda.
People realized that not all demons were as cruel and violent as the warmongers during the Holy War. There were also a small number of demons who were gentle and had unique personalities. Their desires were harmless, and they did not indulge in killing and looting.
There were even funny demons.
"Oh, I see."
Sinora listened with a calm expression, as if she hadn't caught the key point in Lance's words.
"What about you, Pranay?"
Lance suddenly asked.
"What is it?"
Pranay's reaction was the same as Sinora's.
He didn't have any thoughts about the demons' restoration.
"Etio told me that if we have a Great Demon willing to go over there, they would at least be a Grand Duke and would be given a high enough status to help you restore your noble family..."
Lance hadn't forgotten that when he first brought Sinora and Pranay out, their wish was to restore their homeland.
"I told you from the start that we are friends, and you can leave whenever you want. You are free."
Lance added.
Now, Pranay and Sinora's wish could come true, and they wouldn't have to face any powerful enemies that required their help.
"There's no need."
Pranay just smiled and closed his eyes quietly.
Life was good now.
There was no need to hold on to the shadows of old dreams.
"Why would I leave? I want to play with Huobao every day, and working at Cat Boss Restaurant is so relaxing."
Sinora said more firmly.
After leaving the prison, her daily life had become about greeting the sunrise and welcoming the sunset.
Time was finally in sync again.
She had finally gained true freedom.
"Is that so?"
It seemed that Lance could only help Pranay and Sinora refuse Etio's invitation.
The world was always so unpredictable.
The answer was always in their hearts, and he believed that Pranay and Sinora's judgment wouldn't be wrong; they were never the type to regret.
"By the way, you and Tata, and Huobao, and Sid... when do you plan to...?"
Sinora suddenly asked.
Lance had been talking about their matters, but they were more curious about his.
"They can't afford to be delayed."
Lance smiled as he replied.
He knew that Antanas had inquired about the situation at the Ikirite Opera House on Saturday night from Cat Boss.
Since Antanas knew, it was as if everyone had a general idea, and he didn't plan to hide it.
But Lance didn't notice.
This time, Pranay didn't smile at all.
He put away the Ikirite Academy's Red Book and prepared to tidy up the book rack.
Sinola also coughed lightly twice.
"Sinola?"
Lance looked up, seeing Sinola with a sudden sore throat.
Before he could ask anything, he felt a chill down his back.
He turned his head, and at the staircase, there was a pair of golden eyes belonging to an absolute superior, staring at him.
Tata had also gotten up and come downstairs.
Behind her, a half-asleep Sigrid was hanging on.
Sigrid seemed to want to have breakfast again, but also wanted to continue sleeping, so she hung onto Tata's body, dozing and sniffing lightly.
"Lance."
Taliya clenched her fists.
She was sure that Lance had given up on acting.
Before, this guy would only secretly think about it in his heart.
Now he dared to speak it out in front of her.
That expression was so damnable!
"Tata, good morning!"
Lance quickly turned to greet her,
"And Sid."
He looked at Sigrid behind Talia and said the same.
"Good morning."
Taliya's voice was devoid of emotion, just like how her face usually lacked expression.
But with a long road ahead of her and Lance, she didn't plan to trouble him and added a hint of wifely gentleness to her tone.
"Good morning..."
Sigrid's voice dragged out, and she waved sleepily at Lance.
Taliya went to the first floor, took out a box of biscuit-shaped pet food from the cabinet, and served breakfast to the black fox at Cat Boss Restaurant.
For a moment, the restaurant became quiet again, and the broadcast playing in the restaurant became the only sound in the entire space.
"As February draws to a close, spring arrives, and some stories come to an end, but—"
Antanas' gentle and intelligent female voice was like a soft, delicate night breeze, accompanied by carefully selected healing music, the melody flowing gently, intertwining with Antanas' words, adding a sense of tranquility to this morning.
"In the midst of the turbulent seasons and bustling crowds, having you by my side is a sweet delight."
A moment passed.
Lance, Sinola, and Pranay, who had returned after putting away the Ikirite Academy's Red Book, started chatting again.
Outside the window, students wrapped in thick coats hurried by, holding steaming cups of coffee or tea, their breath forming little wisps of white smoke in the cold air.
"Xiao Bao is here."
Huberian entered the Cat Boss Restaurant with a faint smile on her face.
She had a magical camera hanging around her neck, given to her by Senior Lu Weixier, to choose some semi-witch pictures from the 'Holy War Romance' and keep them as souvenirs.
Today, she had come straight to the Cat Boss Restaurant from the Duke's Mansion, ready to select photos with her friends and then print them out.
"Xiao Bao, you're here."
Sinola immediately looked towards her and walked out from behind the reception desk.
"Sinola, I've missed you."
Huberian expressed her longing for Sinola and held her hand.
"Haven't we only been apart for a day?"
The two of them shook their hands, and Sinola asked.
"You and Antanas should move to the Duke's Mansion soon. There are two rooms specifically for you. I feel so unaccustomed to not seeing you every day after you leave your room."
Huberian suggested to Sinola.
Although staying at the Duke's Mansion might mean a longer commute to and from work for Antanas and Sinola compared to living directly at Cat Boss Restaurant, spending weekends at the Duke's Mansion shouldn't be a problem.
"It feels like our demons' final destination is to be parasites..."
Sinola reflected and said.
Not just the two princesses led the way.
They, the great demons, had also ended up in a similar situation.
"The talents and traits of demons, more or less, will have an impact on their personalities, and this is why the old-era great demons who are still alive today are mostly non-harmful scholars."
Pranay spoke from the side, strictly speaking, this wasn't their problem.
The gentler the demon, the more likely they were to be born with supportive talents, but it could be said that there was a cause and effect at play.
As for pure harmful demons, like Desecrator Merogas, their strength was unquestionable, but their personalities made it difficult to truly coexist with humans in human society.
"Perhaps Merogas also has a way to coexist with humans; she just needs someone who can understand her."
Huberian thought of Desecrator when Pranay mentioned the difference between demon scholars and generals.
Looking back now, she had been afraid of Desecrator at first, even resisting receiving her power.
Until she truly faced her demon bloodline and harnessed the power of the Desecration Demon King, she also began to understand her own prejudice against demons. In this regard, she was far inferior to Merogas, and she even had to learn from Merogas.
"It's so hard to meet someone like that."
Sinola shook her head.
She also held a sense of awe towards Desecrator, a super ancient demon with the qualifications of a demon king, and she knew the difficulty of befriending Desecrator.
The first step was to defeat her.
Only then could they communicate on equal terms.
Next, she might open up and consider him as her one and only best friend.
"Or even if you encounter it, but in the end, you don't get it, that's when you truly live with regret."
Pranay added.
In that shadow world from tens of thousands of years ago, he got along well with the Desecrator faction of demons, such as the Skeleton and Mercury. Although he was just passing through, he eventually developed feelings, and in the end, they joined forces to fight against the vampires.
"Sigh, demon generals all have a sense of honor. Demon generals would rather die than surrender. I still remember Merogas, who refused to yield even in defeat, as if she had never feared death."
Lance recalled the enemies he encountered in his career, and the only one who didn't change their attitude when facing defeat was Merogas.
Oh, right, there's also Man.
But Man was directly taken out by Tata's ultimate move, leaving her speechless.
"Since you can be friends with Thunder and Mist, it shows that demon generals are not unapproachable. It's just a matter of the difficulty level."
Talia finished feeding the foxes and stood up to speak to Lance.
At this moment, the door of Cat Boss Restaurant was pushed open again.
"Damn, it's Monday again."
Toriadus muttered to himself, filled with work-related grievances.
"..."
Lance, Sinola, and Pranay paused their conversation.
Toriadus was indeed fearless.
But he was different from the other generals.
"Oh, good morning, everyone."
Toriadus immediately smiled when he saw his friends, bid them farewell, and then ran straight towards the kitchen.
Since the troupe was still in Ikirite, one of Toriadus' tasks was to buy meals for the crew every day.
Early this morning, Toriadus had come to pick up the pre-ordered breakfast from Cat Boss Restaurant.)
"This is the first time I've seen a bishop work like a beast of burden."
Huberian whispered in ridicule.
"At least Toriadus is so sincere to the dimensional branch priests, so we don't have to worry about the Lone General situation."
Lance explained to Huberian.
"I don't think the Lone General situation will happen. Unless we encounter an extremely evil bishop, it's unlikely that all the subordinates will be alienated or rebel."
Talia walked over and commented on Lance.
She was still mainly concerned about Huberian, and after slightly ruffling her hair, she became reassured.
Huberian used to have poor sleep quality and often had nightmares.
But now, looking at her complexion, she seemed to be well-rested every day, and she no longer struggled to get up in the morning.
"Don't worry, Tata. I sleep well every day, and I'm happy every day now."
Huberian smiled and said to Tata, who was habitually concerned about her.
Her parents were back.
She was surrounded by friends.
It was just like what she had seen in her dream in the gentle countryside.
And all of this was because of Lance, who was by her side. That day in the classroom, she had agreed to Lance's request and embarked on a journey with him. From that moment on, her dreams began to come true, step by step.
"Thank you, Lance."
Huberian smiled at him, feeling grateful, and even her dimples appeared at the corners of her mouth.
"Why are you thanking me all of a sudden?"
Lance asked Huberian curiously.
"Isn't it normal to express gratitude to a hardworking husband?"
Huberian leaned in and whispered in his ear.
"Hubo..."
Lance never expected Huberian to say such words.
She had also learned to sneak attack.
"Alright, it's getting late."
Huberian smiled lightly, glancing at the time to remind him.
Lance needed to leave early, and teachers often arrived at school earlier than students.
Nowadays, Mage Engineering Institute's Dean Pola Professor had entrusted all the work originally belonging to the dean to Lance.
He didn't teach; he only managed.
With Lance's takeover, Pola Professor no longer had to worry about school affairs, and Sage Academy was even more organized than when Loren was around.
"Oh, okay."
Lance also looked up at the clock on the first floor of Cat Boss Restaurant and realized that he had been so happy chatting with his friends that he almost forgot about the time.
"Then I'm off."
Lance casually slung his briefcase over his shoulder and turned around with a lopsided smile.
"..."
The others' expressions were more or less filled with surprise.
Huberian also subconsciously picked up her camera and aimed the lens at him.
Including Cat Boss, who had just stepped out of the kitchen, dancing with small steps, he stopped in his tracks and stared at Lance with blinking eyes.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
Lance touched his face.
"You've changed, Lance."
The little black cat's voice was cheerful.
The people in Cat Boss Restaurant had never seen Lance laugh so heartily.
Lance used to be dignified, like an unapproachable old principal, and even his smile was subtle and just right.
"Is that so?"
Lance smiled again.
The same smile as before.
"Yes!"
"You've become a real boy!"
Laughter filled Cat Boss Restaurant, seeing Lance off.
They loved this side of Lance.
The shutter was pressed.
The moment was captured and hung on the photo wall of Cat Boss Restaurant.
And so, after a very long time, it remained there.
Below the photo, there was a beautiful handwriting left by a passerby.
It read:
[The morning sun's rays, divinity's demise, love's quest for heart, humanity's rebirth.]
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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