"Master, where do you want to go? How about we have lunch first?" Merlin asked enthusiastically.

Although on the surface they were just hanging out, Merlin saw this as their date.

Well, he never forgot his hidden goal—to make Linda his partner!

It might sound excessive or greedy, but he didn't care. Linda was one of the heroines Abel had failed to win over in the novel.

And now, that same heroine, once impossible to conquer, had 99 points of affection for him. Their thirty days of training together had brought incredible blessings.

At his suggestion, Linda didn't refuse. She nodded slightly and said, "Of course, let's go eat."

She had never gone out alone with someone before, so she wasn't sure what to do first.

"What kind of restaurant would you like to go to? A fancy one or a regular one?" Merlin asked with a meaningful smile.

In the databook, Linda was known as someone who disliked formalities. That was why she'd been so annoyed when she had to attend the royal family's banquet earlier.

Since fancy restaurants also required formal manners, Merlin was certain she'd choose the latter.

"It's better to eat at a regular restaurant," Linda replied casually. "I don't like eating with all that formal etiquette. After all, we're going out to relax."

As if he had already expected her answer, Merlin said nothing and only nodded slightly, a faint smile still on his lips.

"All right, Master. Coincidentally, I know the best restaurant in this area."

He then led her to the western side of Droswen, a bustling culinary district always filled with people. Street food stalls lined both sides of the road, with long queues forming in front of many of them.

Fortunately, the city was well-organized, and the guards kept everything orderly, making the crowd feel both comfortable and clean.

"Woaah…" Linda was amazed by the sight before her. Street food stretched as far as she could see, and everything looked incredibly appetizing.

Some stalls sold chicken and beef skewers, steamed buns, fresh juices, and much more. Everything looked neat, clean, and lively with customers.

For someone who had always lived in an elite environment, this scene was completely new to her.

Seeing her reaction, Merlin chuckled softly. According to the databook, Linda's background was far from ordinary—she came from a very distinguished lineage.

If he wasn't mistaken, she had been born into a noble family in the Arcadia Magic Kingdom—and not just any noble family, but one of the highest rank, equivalent to a duke's family in the Holy Kingdom of Aldoria.

Unfortunately, Linda wasn't a legitimate daughter but the illegitimate child of a maid. Because of that, she was cast out and later raised by the former head of Saint Freya Academy.

Thankfully, her magical talent was extraordinary, saving her from a life of misery.

Her former family, who had abandoned her, eventually realized her potential and asked her to return home.

However, Linda, who no longer felt any attachment to them, firmly refused—an act that ultimately sparked a major conflict between them.

"Would you like to try it, Master?" Merlin offered.

Linda swallowed hard before quickly putting on a calm expression.

"To be honest, I don't really want to, but since you're offering, I can't refuse," she replied, pretending to be indifferent.

Merlin rolled his eyes but didn't comment. He gently pulled Linda toward one of the beef skewer stalls—the one with the richest aroma and the longest line.

Fortunately, four workers were handling the stall, so the line moved quickly.

When it was their turn, Merlin ordered every flavor available—and for the butter sauce, he asked for two extra skewers.

Linda blinked in surprise, completely caught off guard.

'How does he know I like butter sauce?' she wondered.

She was certain she had never mentioned it—or maybe she had but had forgotten.

While Linda was still lost in thought, Merlin's order was ready. He handed thirty bronze coins to the seller, then took Linda's hand and led her away, carrying the food bags in his other hand.

"Let's go, Master."

Linda snapped out of her reverie and nodded slightly. They continued walking, with Merlin handing three bags of food to her while carrying the other two himself.

"Try it, Master. It tastes amazing—I guarantee it," Merlin said enthusiastically.

He hadn't tried it himself yet, but the aroma alone made his stomach growl.

Linda opened one of the food bags and picked up a skewer of meat with butter sauce. She took a small bite and chewed, her eyes widening as the melt-in-the-mouth texture, salty and savory notes, and subtle sweetness danced on her tongue.

"It's delicious!"

She eagerly finished the four thick pieces in just a few bites. Without hesitation, she grabbed two more skewers, eating them with a satisfied smile.

Normally, such blunt enjoyment might make others feel awkward—but not Merlin.

He simply smiled as he savored his own meat skewers. Indeed, they tasted as good as they smelled.

"No wonder this stall is so crowded—the food's good, and the prices are reasonable," he said sincerely.

The two continued strolling through the area, sampling various snacks. Altogether, Merlin spent nearly one gold coin just on them.

Did he care? Not at all. He had plenty of money and didn't mind spending it on his master.

After enjoying their leisurely walk, they finally decided to have a proper meal and headed to a restaurant at the far end of the street.

Although a little out of the way, the restaurant was spacious and bustling with customers.

As soon as they entered, a waitress greeted them politely.

"Welcome, two customers. Would you like to reserve a table for two?"

Linda smiled faintly and nodded. "Yes, for two, please."

"All right, please follow me."

The waitress led them to a table at the far end of the room, near a window that offered a clear view of the street and the passersby outside.

Merlin and Linda sat down, and the waitress pulled a small notebook from her pocket.

"What would you like to order, Miss, and…" She hesitated, glancing at Merlin. Though he was quite tall—like a ten- or eleven-year-old—his youthful face left her unsure how to address him.

"Just call me little brother," Merlin said, letting out an embarrassed cough.

"Oh, okay, little brother." The waitress chuckled. "So, what would you like to eat, little brother?"

Linda looked at Merlin, silently prompting him to order. He took the menu and confidently listed dishes he thought both of them would enjoy.

Linda watched him, clearly surprised—but unlike before, she didn't react with shock. Instead, she stared at him with quiet curiosity.

Once the order was taken, the waitress bowed slightly. "It will take about fifteen minutes to prepare. Please wait a moment."

Merlin and Linda nodded. As soon as she left, Linda rested her chin on her right palm and asked, "So… can you explain how you knew my taste in food?"

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