千寻影视

"So that's why I was asked to wear something fancy…."

She muttered, glancing around at the elegantly dressed patrons. Her midnight-colored dress, styled with Vanessa's help, matched the atmosphere, but it still felt overwhelming.

She had heard of the restaurant's name, "Le Palace Hors d'oeuvre," before, but this was the first time she had ever been anywhere near it.

"Good evening, do you have a reservation?"

"Ah?"

Evelyn was snapped out of a daze as the receptionist's voice reached her ears.

"Y-Yes, I believe so…."

Feeling a bit nervous, Evelyn couldn't help but stammer.

"There should be one under the name…. Leonna?"

"Leonna. Hmm…. Let me check."

The receptionist glanced down on the reservation list. His eyes quickly darted, and it didn't take more than ten seconds for him to raise his head, meeting Evelyn's gaze.

"I'm afraid there's no reservation under that name. Would you like to be placed on the waiting list?"

Evelyn's heart raced as she fumbled for an explanation.

"A-Actually… I might have the name wrong. Is there anything similar to Leonna?"

The receptionist's professional demeanor didn't waver.

"I'm sorry, but I cannot disclose that information."

Just as Evelyn reached for her phone, flustered, a calm voice spoke from behind her.

"Good evening. I believe I made the reservation under the name, 'Lianna.'"

A woman, with platinum–blonde hair exuding elegance, styled to perfection. A white slit dress that exposed the right amount of skin, even highlighting her well–endowed curves.

The woman was stunning, so much so, that Evelyn could see the receptionist starting to blush.

'So her name was Lianna….'

Evelyn thought, feeling bashful. How could she forget such a simple name?

The woman's ruby eyes met Evelyn's, and as if realization washed upon her, the woman's brows raised.

"Are you…. Miss Evelyn Cessna?"

"Yes. Are you the person I'm supposed to be meeting?"

"Yes, thank you for accepting the invitation, and apologies for being late."

"Oh, no worries, I've only just gotten here myself….."

Then, interrupting their formal introduction, the receptionist's voice rang out once more. He smiled at them after confirming the reservation.

"Welcome, Miss Lianna. Right this way, please."

With a quick nod, Lianna motioned for Evelyn to follow.

"Shall we?"

"Of course."

The two walked through the softly lit corridor, passing by elegant chandeliers and finely dressed patrons engaged in quiet conversation.

A waiter soon approached, bowing slightly.

"This way to your table, ladies."

He led them through the lavish dining area as the soft clinking of silverware and the murmur of voices added to the overall grandeur.

Evelyn couldn't help but feel a bit out of place in such a refined setting, though Lianna appeared perfectly at ease.

The waiter stopped by a window-side table, offering them a perfect view of the cityscape below.

"Here we are. Please make yourselves comfortable. Your server will be with you shortly."

Evelyn sat down, trying to relax as she took in her surroundings. Lianna settled into her seat across from her with an effortless grace, offering a polite smile.

"Thank you for joining me, Miss Evelyn. Or should I say, Field Marshal Cessna. I hope you find the evening enjoyable."

Evelyn nodded, though she was still slightly nervous.

"It's my pleasure. This place is….. stunning."

Lianna's smile deepened, the hint of amusement dancing in her eyes.

"Yes, it certainly has its charm."

Evelyn started to wonder what someone as classy as Lianna wanted from her.

"So, uhm…. I heard you had some connections with Reinhard?"

Instead of asking for the meeting's purpose, she was more curious about Lianna's relationship with Reinhard. After all, it wasn't so often a seventeen year–old boy would have some kind of connection in the business world.

And clearly, Lianna was the kind of woman who had those connections.

The only exceptions she could remember at the top of her head were Rachel and Amy.

"Yes, that boy. I met him quite a while back. He was the reason I invested in Imperial Academy."

"Oh, I heard you were one of the Imperial Army's sponsors. But I had no idea you had also funded Imperial Academy. Thank you."

Evelyn lowered her head in appreciation.

"It's nothing, it's nothing. Just doing my duty as a Holy Britannian. I've actually joined the Imperial Army myself, but under the operations team."

"Really? I've heard of the newly formulated operations team. To think you were also a part of them, I had no idea."

The operations team was responsible for logistical and strategic support during military campaigns or missions.

"I'm not too strong myself. But I'd like to serve my nation in any way I can."

Lianna glanced down, looking rather cumbersome. It was true, just by peering into Lianna's mana signature, Evelyn could tell she was only average.

Most probably, she would be ranked around B.

It was a shame. But it couldn't be helped. Every person was born with a natural limit, though it remains undiscovered until they actually reach that limit.

Just as Evelyn was about to speak, the server arrived and handed out the menu.

Evelyn thoroughly scanned the menu. Immediately, after seeing the prices, she frowned.

[Rib eye steak: 5 Gold Coins.]

[Ossetra Gold Caviar: 12 Gold Coins.]

"...."

What in the world.

She knew Lianna was paying for everything, but to think the restaurant was this costly. Evelyn would be ashamed to order something so expensi—

"Order anything you like."

Right as Evelyn was about to choose something below the bar, Lianna's voice cut in, preventing her from making a mistake.

"I was the one who took up your time. Please, I insist."

"...."

Evelyn glanced up, her hesitation still visible as she scanned the menu again. She felt uneasy ordering such expensive dishes, but Lianna's gentle insistence was hard to ignore.

"Are you sure? This place is… extravagant."

Lianna smiled warmly.

"Please, consider it my treat. After all, you've earned a bit of luxury after all your hard work. Besides,"

She winked.

"I'm happy to spoil my guests a little."

"...."

Slightly taken aback by Lianna's flirtatious demeanor, Evelyn nodded and glanced down at the menu once more, finally deciding on a dish that didn't make her feel too guilty.

"An excellent choice."

With that, the server took the menu's back and left, leaving the two to their own devices.

Finally, it was time to ask the question.

"Miss Lianna."

Evelyn started.

"What is this meeting for?"

This was the two's first official meeting. Evelyn was aware how Lianna might've come to know about her. But still, if she had a specific request that needed Evelyn's power, she would have to reject it.

Evelyn was still hesitant in using too much of her power. While the pain had subsided, and the disruptions in her core seemed to have vanished, she didn't want to take any chance.

For now, she wanted to take it easy.

"I had a brother….."

"...."

.

.

After Lianna explained her story, Evelyn only had one thought.

'Who the hell is her brother?'

It seemed as if Lianna had gotten the wrong person. Because of that, Evelyn felt deeply awkward. Lianna was treating her out to such an expensive meal without realizing she had gotten the wrong person.

Evelyn didn't know how to tell her.

But seriously,

'Who the hell is Lance?'

Evelyn didn't know anyone named Lance. But there was someone in the back of her mind with a similar name.

But it wasn't exactly the same. Additionally, the stories didn't exactly match up. For that reason, Evelyn quickly dismissed the connection.

'I have to tell her the truth…..'

But of course, Evelyn had to savor the meal.

She was guilty. But a treat is a treat. This would be the first and last time Evelyn would ever enjoy such an expensive meal.

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"Enjoy."

The meal was absurdly enticing, and for a second, Evelyn felt like she was starting to salivate.

But that shouldn't be the case.

She was a woman of esteemed decorum.

….At least, that's what she thinks.

***

It was the next day.

"Please step into the portal as soon as your name is called."

A voice rang out from the loudspeaker. The exam officials stood at the ready, marking down names as each cadet's name was read off.

The academy courtyard was buzzing with tension. Cadets stood in clusters, some silently psyching themselves up, others muttering strategies under their breath.

The portal in the center flickered ominously, exuding a swirling purple glow.

Brandon, Raven, Amelia, and Belle stood nearby, equally focused.

"You nervous?"

Brandon whispered, glancing at Amelia.

With a smile, Amelia responded.

"A little. But it's nothing we can't handle."

The practical exam was in session. The hardest exam they would ever have to face. Even more so than the training camp.

They quickly debriefed, but for some reason, the information given was scarce.

As if they had to trudge the exams with only as much information that was given.

"Rachel Asami!"

"Amy Ashfield!"

The names were called one by one. Each cadet disappeared into the portal, and the courtyard grew quieter with every name announced.

Finally, it was Brandon's turn.

"Brandon Locke!"

The proctor announced.

"Good luck."

Amelia wished him luck.

"Thanks, see you on the other side."

Taking a deep breath, Brandon nodded to his friends and stepped forward. He stepped into the portal, the world around him dissolving into a swirl of light.

When he emerged on the other side, he was standing in the center of a vast, barren landscape.

A battlefield.

The entire vicinity was empty. This told Brandon that the portal's coordinates changed for each cadet.

Furthermore, it had to be said.

The only information he knew.....

"...."

….Was that they were supposed to ascend a tower.