Chapter 11 The Cat Boss Restaurant

The iconic Ikrit Magic Academy of the royal capital was located in the center. The school was not surrounded by walls. The area and all the buildings within were called Ikrit Magic Academy.

Even just passing by from a distance, one could see the Ikrit Academy emblem on the nearby buildings, as well as the prominent tower. Crossing two more streets to the east, one would arrive at the old Cat Boss Restaurant.

This building, although constructed of slightly rustic brown wood, had a gently curving roof and a wide eaves that extended beyond the walls, forming a comfortable, open balcony suitable for relaxing, conversing, or even enjoying an afternoon meal.

Hyperion led them out of the car in an orderly fashion, carrying the luggage. In the distance, bells rang.

It was the bell from the red brick clock tower in Ikrit Academy, ringing only three times before fading into a lingering echo, indicating that it was three in the afternoon.

The warm afternoon sun lazily sprinkled onto the roof of the small restaurant. The air was filled with the light wisps of smoke from cooking and the lingering aroma of lunch. The scent of pastries and cheese mingled together, like wildflowers along a country path, making one feel refreshed.

"We're back."

Hyperion took the lead in pushing open the door. A wind chime hidden under the eaves gently swayed, emitting a pleasant sound, adding a touch of tranquility to the afternoon.

The wooden door closed gently behind them, making a soft click.

Light filtered through the windows, dappling the floor. The interior of the restaurant was elegantly decorated, with a few vintage photos and small dolls hanging on the walls. The air was filled with a faint aroma of coffee and the warm scent of baked goods.

At this time, the Cat Boss Restaurant did not have many customers. Behind the counter stood a young woman, her long hair simply tied up, wearing the restaurant's uniform, looking both professional and friendly.

Asina, who had been working at the Ikrit Academy Student Council in the morning, noticed the new customers in the store. A flash of surprise crossed her eyes, which then turned into a joyful smile.

"Cat Boss, you're back."

Asina came out from the kitchen with a gentle smile.

She was now using separation magic, working at the front desk while also working in the kitchen.

Although it was a little tiring, she finally felt that the three years she had spent studying at the Ikrit Academy's Sage Institute had been put to good use.

"Senior, I'm sorry we're late. The Student Council must be very busy."

Hyperion bowed apologetically to their vice president, Asina.

She and Lan Qi had returned almost a month later than expected. The semester was almost over, and Asina not only had the work of the Student Council, but also had to serve as the mascot and head chef here.

"Not at all. The afterglow you left behind is still in the campus. The Student Council's work is going very smoothly."

Asina said with a smile, taking Hyperion's hand.

"..."

Hyperion didn't know how to evaluate this "afterglow."

"Is Tata off today?"

The Cat Boss jumped onto the counter and looked around the shop curiously, not finding Tata's figure.

It felt that Antanas seemed to have become even more nervous because he had been tense for half a day without seeing Tata.

"Miss Tata, she just took a few days off, saying she was going back to the South Wantina Territory."

Asina replied.

"That's a pity, meow."

The Cat Boss shook its head.

It had originally wanted to give Tata a surprise, letting her see her three childhood friends.

Now it seemed they would have to wait until she came back, pushed open the door, and then discovered the surprise.

"Speaking of which, what did Tata go back to the South Wantina Territory for?"

Hyperion asked confusedly.

She remembered that Lan Qi's hometown was the South Wantina Border Territory.

Hyperion used to think that Tata was a fellow villager of Lan Qi's from the South Wantina Border Territory. Later, after going to the North Continent, she learned that Tata's real identity was actually a Demon Princess from the North Continent, who had met Lan Qi in the South Wantina Territory.

"Uh, she seemed to say she wanted to see Lan Qi's paintings."

Asina thought for a moment, then looked at Lan Qi in confusion, and said.

Lan Qi: "?!"

"Lan Qi's paintings?"

Hyperion frowned slightly, thinking back.

It seemed that it was still in winter when Hyperion remembered that Tata had indeed said that she was curious about a painting in Lan Qi's house called "The Poor and Destitute Old Woman" and wanted to go back and see it.

She didn't expect Tata, who rarely went out, to have already started acting alone.

"Lan Qi, speaking of which, that painting in your house..."

Hyperion turned back to look at Lan Qi, about to speak, but stopped.

She found that Lan Qi had been silent since just now.

She saw that Lan Qi's forehead had begun to sweat, and his expression had also stiffened.

"Lan Qi, Lan Qi..."

Hyperion had never seen Lan Qi like this before.

"Senior Asina, may I ask when Tata left?"

Lan Qi came back to his senses and asked.

"She left four or five days ago, but she's not in a hurry to go back. She plans to travel along the southern city-states, all the way to the southernmost South Wantina Territory."

Asina glanced at the calendar behind the counter.

"I have something going on at home. I have to go back quickly!"

Lan Qi immediately picked up the Cat Boss and ran out.

Leaving the stunned people standing not far from the counter of the Cat Boss Restaurant.

"You three, please take care of the shop. I'll go with him."

Hyperion reacted and hurriedly followed, shouting back as she ran.

She didn't know the specific situation, but it was the first time she had seen Lan Qi so flustered, which made her a little scared!

But if her best friend was really in big trouble, she wouldn't let Lan Qi face it alone!

"..."

The three great demons looked at each other.

Antanas and Xin Nuola looked at Pulanei. They felt that Pulanei might be able to guess what was going on.

Pulanei just shook his head.

He was in a complicated mood right now.

If it was for the good of the King, he hoped that something had really happened to his family.

But it felt weird.

Now, perhaps it was those who wished for the King's death who would hope that nothing was actually wrong with his family.

"Huff huff."

Asina smiled helplessly at the door, as if she was already used to Lan Qi and Hyperion suddenly running off together like this. The two of them were very proactive in the Student Council.

After a moment of silence.

"Uh, the three of us are new here. We're also old friends of Tata's and will be helping the Cat Boss manage the restaurant."

Antanas took the lead in greeting Asina warmly.

"My name is Antanas, his name is Pulanei, and her name is Xin Nuola. The two of them are siblings."

The Cat Boss had already introduced its disciple Asina to them before coming.

When it was not around, Asina would be responsible for this restaurant.

"That's great. I was just wondering how to introduce you to Tata!"

Asina breathed a sigh of relief and shook Antanas's hand.

"Has Tata been doing well recently?"

Antanas hesitated for a moment, then asked with great concern.

She knew that Tata was a pseudonym for Talia.

She was very excited to be able to see Talia, but she was also afraid that Talia had suffered too much over the years.

Xin Nuola was also very concerned about this question. She hoped that Talia was doing well, but she couldn't accept that Talia had really hooked up with a rich man.

"She's doing very well, so don't worry."

Asina smiled gently, invited the three to sit down, took a tray and black tea from the counter, poured it for them, and then sat next to them, telling them about how she had taken care of Tata's daily life with great care.

Tomorrow, the story will return to the starting point. Lan Qi is in danger!

ps: Recommending a friend's book, "They're All Abstract Pets, Are You the Beast Tamer King?"