Chapter 298: Lucifer's Vanity and Two Stunned Guests
Ren found the two people before him fascinating. One moment, they seemed like the closest of friends; the next, they behaved like mischievous partners in crime. Perhaps it was the kind of bond forged only in the crucible of life and death.
Standing between them, Ren felt somewhat like a referee in a boxing ring. He looked from one to the other and asked softly, "So, what would you two like to eat?"
Just as the woman was about to speak, Clow Reed cut in with a gentle smile. "No matter the circumstances, this is a restaurant. Naturally, the first order of business is to enjoy the delicious food, isn't that right, Shopkeeper Ren?"
"An interesting way of putting it, but I see no problem with that," Ren replied. "Are you having your usual?"
Clow Reed adopted a look of deep contemplation, his grave expression making the woman pause. 'What in the world?'she thought.'Does this two-faced, bespectacled man really need to think so hard about what to eat?'
After a long moment, Clow Reed finally spoke, his voice low. "I'll have the boiled chicken and the sweet and sour pork. For the rest... Shopkeeper Ren, perhaps you could recommend two more dishes for me? Oh, and a dessert, along with that wine I had last time."
Hearing the sheer quantity of the order, Ren was momentarily taken aback but nodded still. "Understood. You certainly have an appetite today. Let's just hope your stomach can keep up."
Clow Reed's smile didn't waver. "I'm well aware. If I can't finish, I can always take it to go. Besides, there's plenty of time. I can eat slowly, can't I? It's not as if I'll have the chance to dine here again tomorrow."
"A place like this suits you well," Ren said, a hint of meaning in his tone. He then turned to the woman. "And for you, Miss?"
She shot a sideways glance at Clow Reed, then looked back at Ren, her voice laced with intrigue. "So it's true what he said? There's no menu here?"
"No," Ren confirmed. "Even the most extensive menu eventually leads to ordering only one or two dishes that truly pique your interest, doesn't it?"
The woman paused, then gave a slight nod. After a moment of thought, she said softly, "You decide for me. One meat, one vegetable—two distinct flavors will suffice. Beyond that, two servings of dessert. And what was that wine this man mentioned? A red wine?"
"No. It's my homemade peach blossom wine."
The woman's eyes lit up, a genuine smile gracing her lips. "The wine this man orders when he dines here must be quite good, then. I'll have a bottle as well... No... make it two bottles of that wine!"
Ren smiled and nodded. "It seems there's a reason you two can be friends. You both appreciate good wine."
Resting her chin on her hand, the woman's gaze drifted. "I won't argue that point. However, as for the word 'friend'... I don't particularly feel any sense of friendship between us."
Clow Reed merely smiled and said nothing.
"Then, please wait a moment, both of you," Ren said softly before turning and disappearing into the kitchen.
Once he was gone, Clow Reed glanced at the woman, his smile as placid as ever. "How do you find this place?"
"More than the environment," she replied, her eyes scanning the other patrons, "I'm concerned about the people here. None of them seem simple in the slightest."
Clow Reed's gaze followed hers, passing over Yuuka Kazami and the others before landing on a curious Cerberus. "Miss Cerberus," he said softly, "long time no see."
"Hmm...?" Cerberus's ears twitched. "Ah! You're that man whose life was all in tatters that day! It looks like you only have a tiny little bit of life force left now."
Clow Reed nodded, utterly unconcerned. "Roughly this time tomorrow, I will no longer have the chance to come to this place."
It was an incredibly grave statement, yet coming from Clow Reed's lips, it sounded as if he were discussing something of little importance, perhaps even with a hint of relief.
The woman, however, froze. Her eyes widened as she stared at the adorable creature before her. "Wait... what did you just say? This is the legendary Hellhound of the Underworld, Cerberus?!"
Cerberus bounced with energy. "That's right, that's right, that's right! Eh? You don't seem to have any life in you either!"
A new voice, dripping with playful amusement, joined the conversation. "How interesting. A human who wields magic... and another who is already dead. Your combination is truly intriguing."
At the sound of her voice, both Clow Reed and the woman turned. They found themselves looking at an elegant and beautiful woman whose regal aura was so potent it made them both pause.
A queenly aura was one thing. Yuuka Kazami possessed such a feeling. But this woman wasn't just like a queen; she was one. It was an innate, absolute authority that could not be learned or imitated.
Clow Reed pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "And you are, Miss...?"
"Lucifer."
"Lucifer?!" The exclamation came from both of them in perfect, startled unison.
Lately, Lucifer was growing increasingly fond of helping out at the shop. It was just so refreshing! There were late-night snacks, and she could occasionally steal some alone time with Ren. But the real key was the validation. Back in Hell, she was powerful, yes, but no one truly listened to her, and Ren bullied her relentlessly.
Here, surrounded by guests from other worlds, she had reclaimed her confidence as the Queen of Hell. Just look at the shock on their faces when they heard her name! It was so satisfying! So exhilarating! Hell? She was absolutely never going back!
Lucifer let a playful smile touch her lips. "Yes, the very same Lucifer you're thinking of. Don't overthink it."
Clow Reed recovered first, a look of genuine surprise on his face. "I was already astonished to find that the legendary Hellhound was a beautiful and cute girl, but I never expected the legendary Lord of Hell, Lucifer, to also be such a stunning lady."
Lucifer waved a dismissive hand. "Many Lucifers in many worlds are disappointingly weak. I find it rather frustrating, honestly."
"That is indeed true," Clow Reed agreed with a nod. "Miss Lucifer's name is surely well-known across countless realms."
Internally, Lucifer was preening. 'This man is far more reliable than Tony!' she thought. Outwardly, however, she maintained a nonchalant expression. "And yet, in many of those places, Lucifer's reputation has been somewhat... diminished."
The woman smiled, a challenging glint in her eye. "So, Miss Lucifer, are you saying you are very strong?"
Lucifer tilted her head, considering them. "In your world, how strong would you two be considered?"
"Among the strongest beings," the woman stated simply.
Lucifer waved her hand again, a flicker of disappointment in her eyes. "So, there's no one in your world who could stop me. It's likely not even Cerberus could be stopped, unless the gods of your world personally intervened."
Clow Reed's expression grew serious. "I had already imagined you to be immensely powerful, Miss Lucifer, but it seems my perspective was too narrow. However... when you say 'gods intervening to stop,' are you referring to stopping Miss Cerberus, or stopping both of you?"
"Every world has a supreme god, more or less," Lucifer explained casually. "In the realms under that god's control, no existence can surpass them; they can only draw very close. For the two of you to be 'among the strongest' simply means the god of your world is a bit on the weak side. The thought of stopping me is... optimistic, to say the least."
Hearing this, the corners of both their eyes twitched. Good heavens, that was a level of self-confidence that bordered on pure arrogance. It was exactly what one would expect from the Lord of Hell, the one crowned with the sin of Pride.
'See that, you insufferable man?'Lucifer fumed internally, directing a mental jab at Ren.'This is Pride. Not some petulant tsundere act!'
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