Chapter 382 - 382: Loyalty Isn’t Easily Obtained (1/2)

The small, wood pier creaked beneath her heels as Lillie approached the private gazebo that was situated just above the coast.

She explicitly chose this particular spot because of the great view of the glistening blue sea and the beautiful sea caves ahead. And later when it's sundown, they would be able to witness the sun descend the sea and horizon.

Carrying the ocean's refreshing scent, the cool breeze kissed her skin and gently fluttered her hair and coat.

Pattering beside her was the mighty, midnight black beast that legends said to be enthralled by the glow of the silver moon.

Imposing and aloof with a pair of menacing yellow eyes that would make anyone die of spook, Storm glared at everything as if it would suddenly jump to attack his mistress.

Even the poor seagulls abandoned their known mischievous behavior in favor of preserving their lives. The enticing food on the gazebo no longer look as enticing when Storm made his terrifying presence known among the animals.

”Lillie-chan! It's been a while, I've missed you~” Fujikawa Haruka jolted out of her seat upon seeing the approaching figure of her dear friend.

About to prance towards her and tackle her into a hug, Fujikawa Haruka skid to a halt—nearly stumbling in the process—when she saw the massive wolf.

Gasping dramatically, she ignored his warning glare from said wolf, and spread her arms wide, exclaiming, ”And you brought Storm too?! Oh, I've missed you!”

Storm flinched and snarled in annoyance as the familiar Japanese woman—who nursed him back to health when he was badly wounded—changed her course and went to hug him first instead of his mistress.

He's having a hard time deciding if this was a good thing or not.

Doesn't matter, it appears, as Haruka still hugged Lillie after.

”Haruka, I'm glad to see that your eccentricity hasn't changed.” Lillie smiled.

Haruka's eyes widen at the rare sight. ”You—did you just—did you just...smiled?!”

”Hm? I did. Is that wrong?”

”No, no, no, no, no! Not wrong, not wrong at all!” Haruka quickly said, shaking her head vigorously until it made her dizzy. ”It's just that, you rarely smile. You also never greeted me with one before. Are you feeling well? Wait. Who are you and what have you done to Lillie-chan?!”

”It's me.” Lillie huffed with a trace of mirth in her voice. ”As if Storm would go with a fake.”

”Ah, you have a point.” Realization dawned into her. ”You've changed, Lillie-chan; it's a good change. I reckon this is the work of your future hubby?”

The glow was noticeable and the sternness she was used to seeing in her considerably softens.

”I see you're already half-way through dessert.”

”Hehe, sorry for not waiting for you.”

”It's alright, I intend for this.”

Haruka sn.a.k.e.d her arm around Lillie's curvaceous, tiny waist, and tread along with her towards the gazebo. Settling back into her seat with Lillie across her and Storm stationing himself on her right, Haruka picked up where she's left with her meal.

”Ex-excuse m-me, va-valued guests...” A minute later, two waiters announced their presence, bringing with them were Lillie's and Storm's meal.

Poor souls were confused why they were bringing raw meat and bones with this particular patron's meal, now the answer was evident when they caught sight of the massive wolf.

The waiter who was assigned to bring Storm's food to him was trembling in fear, the bones clattering against the plate. He approached him in a slow, cautious manner.

'What are you dawdling for, stinky human? Bring my food quickly!'