Averielle's POV
My fingers curled lightly against my sleeve as I leaned just a little closer to the table, careful not to make it obvious.
Lucien held the burger like it might betray him at any moment, while keeping his posture still as composed as ever, but there was a subtle hesitation in the way his fingers adjusted around it.
He didn't trust it.
That much was clear.
And honestly… I couldn't even blame him.
A small part of me almost laughed.
Back in my world, this wouldn't even be worth a second glance. Burgers were the type of food you ate without thinking that much. Fast, simple, something warm to fill the silence between one job and the next.
Here, though?
He was treating it like a risk.
I rested my chin lightly against my hand, watching as he finally made his decision.
Then...he took a bite.
And I waited.
That single moment stretched longer than it should have. My eyes stayed on him, searching, measuring, catching every small shift he tried to hide.
At first, nothing.
Of course nothing.
Lucien was far too controlled to react openly.
But then he paused.
So slight most people wouldn't notice it.
The faintest stillness in his movement, like his body had stalled just for a second longer than necessary.
His eyes softened and somehow, that was more than enough for me.
A quiet satisfaction unexpectedly settled in my chest, like it eased into place.
"Well?" I asked, my voice light, almost teasing despite the small tension I hadn't quite let go of.
He didn't answer right away.
Instead, he chewed slowly, thoughtfully, as if trying to understand what he was tasting rather than simply reacting to it.
Then he took another bite.
But this time, without hesitation.
I blinked.
Ah.
There it is.
I couldn't help the small smile that slipped through.
Georgia, on the other hand, made no effort to hide anything at all. She had already taken a bite of hers, and the reaction was immediate. Her eyes widened brightly, her entire face lighting up in a way that felt completely unfiltered.
"Miss, this is really good," she said, her voice soft but full of genuine surprise.
Lucien remained composed, as expected.
But not untouched.
"It is…" he began, pausing briefly as if choosing his words carefully.
I raised a brow and waited for his answer.
"Acceptable, my lady."
I stared at him, unconvinced.
There was no way that was all he had to say.
Not after the way his eyes lightened up. Not after the second bite he clearly loved.
I narrowed my eyes slightly, studying him as if I could pull the truth straight out of his composure.
Until–
[ALERT! LUCIEN D'ARVETH'S FAVORABILITY HAS INCREASED FROM -20 TO +5]
[HOST! YOU HAVE RECEIVED A REWARD! ABILITY ACQUIRED: "SWEET TALK"]
I blinked.
Ah.
So that was the truth.
A soft chuckle slipped past my lips before I could stop it, softer than I expected, almost unfamiliar to my own ears. There was a strange, light feeling settling in my chest. It felt close to relief… or maybe satisfaction.
"I guess it is," I murmured, more to myself than to him.
Then I straightened slightly and cleared my throat, letting the moment pass before it could linger too long.
"Anyway…" I began, as if I hadn't just been quietly celebrating an invisible notification. "I am planning to make my own restaurant."
My words landed so surprisingly that almost immediately, Lucien choked.
He coughed sharply, turning slightly away as he tried to regain his breath, his usual composure breaking just enough to make the reaction real. Georgia hurried to his side, gently patting his back with small, worried movements.
"Careful–!" she whispered.
He raised a hand slightly, signaling he was fine, though it took him a moment before he could properly sit upright again.
When he finally did, his gaze snapped toward me.
"My lady," he said, his tone firm, controlled, but carrying a clear edge of disbelief. "What are you talking about? A noble lady such as yourself should not be involved in such matters."
I met his gaze without hesitation as a small smile formed at the corners of my lips.
"Well," I said lightly, tilting my head just a fraction, "I am not saying I intend to open one tomorrow."
I tried to reason out, but his expression did not soften.
So I continued.
"I would still need capital," I added, my fingers brushing lightly against the table as I spoke. "Connections. A proper plan. I am not reckless."
I lifted my hand slightly, rubbing my fingers together in a small, familiar gesture.
"Money," I clarified.
Both of them stared at me innocently.
Right.
Different world.
I exhaled softly.
"Funding," I corrected smoothly.
Well, that seemed to be more understandable.
Lucien's brows were still slightly drawn, the initial shock had turned into a quieter disapproval.
I know he was about to say something against my plan, and so I spoke again.
"Ah," I said suddenly, straightening acting as if a memory had crossed my mind. "I almost forgot."
I reached into the hidden pocket of my skirt, fingers brushing against the small pouch I had kept there earlier. Without hesitation, I pulled it out and placed it in his hands.
The soft clink of coins filled the space between us.
Lucien didn't move.
"This is for your mother," I said simply, my tone steady. "Send her my regards. I hope she recovers well."
For a brief moment, nothing happened.
Then his eyes shifted and widened at me at the realization.
He then stared at the pouch like it was something unfamiliar. Something he wasn't sure he was allowed to touch.
"…My lady," he said quietly, slower this time, as if choosing each word with care. "This is–"
"Not charity," I cut in, just as calmly.
His gaze lifted back to mine.
"You deserve it. I've been wanting to give it to you." I continued, leaning back slightly as if the matter was already settled. "For your continued service."
"And for putting up with me."
That last part slipped out more lightly, but I didn't take it back.
Silence settled again between us. But this time, it felt different.
He took a deep breath after a long thought and squeezed the pouch in his hand.
[ALERT! LUCIEN D'ARVETH'S FAVORABILITY HAS INCREASED TO 10]
Oh.
That was… fast.
My eyes flickered slightly as the screen hovered in front of me again as the numbers shifted.
I exhaled quietly, then gestured toward it without thinking.
"By the way… are you not seeing this?"
Both of them looked at me.
Then at each other.
Then back at me.
"…Seeing what, my lady?" Georgia asked.
I held their gazes for a moment longer before slowly lowering my hand.
Ah.
So it's just me.
"Is there something wrong?" Lucien asked in concern but I waved my hands and laughed awkwardly.
"Nothing! Nothing. Just finish your food." I said.