Chapter 221

"Phew... That was delicious."

"Yes, every dish was truly wonderful."

They had enjoyed all the courses, and only the dessert remained.

Of course, there were no strange reflections in the restroom mirror, nor did anyone abruptly get angry and start throwing things—everything seemed to be ending with a normal meal.

(Whew... Looks like I'll finally get to enjoy dessert today...)

Last time, they had been kicked out of the restaurant because Erika had gone wild.

Thanks to that, the long-awaited dinner had ended in a frustrating way.

"Today's dessert is autumn fruit sorbet."

Soon, dessert plates were placed in front of Clael and Reina.

On the plate, pale pink sorbet was served together with cherries.

"Wow, it's so vibrant and pretty."

"Yes, using ice to make dessert is quite extravagant."

In this world without freezers or ice makers, one had to use magic or a magic item to produce ice.

Therefore, ice was a luxury. Using it to make sweets was truly something only a high-class restaurant would do.

"Well then, shall we?"

"Yes!"

Clael and Reina picked up their spoons and scooped into the sorbet.

It was soft, yet had a delightfully crunchy texture.

The sweet and sour aroma of the fruits tickled their noses.

Just as they brought the spoons to their mouths to savor the sorbet...

"Nobody move!"

"Huh...?"

"Eh...?"

"This restaurant is now under our control! Everyone, get on the floor and put your hands down!"

Without any warning, a deep male voice rang out through the restaurant.

Startled, Clael dropped his spoon.

"We are the Phantom Circus! To free our comrade, we'll be taking you all as hostages!"

"Phantom... what?"

At the restaurant entrance stood a trio of men.

They were armed with sabers and clubs, and wore clown-like masks on their faces.

"Lord Clael, what's going on?"

"Um... I think they're, uh... ter-"

"Hurry it up!"

One of the men activated magic.

Lightning pierced an empty table and exploded in a small blast.

"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

"W-what are these guys?!"

"R-robbers! Somebody help!"

"Move it! I said get on the floor!"

Screams erupted from the restaurant patrons.

Though frightened, the guests followed the instructions and lay on the floor.

"Why now of all times..."

Faced with this unexpected situation, Clael looked as if he was suppressing a headache.

Of all moments, did they really have to show up just as he was about to taste the dessert?

"Reina, hide under the table. We can't continue the meal like this."

"............Okay, understood."

Reina did as instructed and crawled under the table.

With her lips pouting and eyes glaring, she wore an unusually angry expression for Reina.

"...It was finally a date with Lord Clael. Why are they ruining it?"

From behind the mumbling Reina, an aura of anger rose as she clenched her small hands tightly.

"We now demand the release of our comrade from the royal palace! If the king complies peacefully, you all will be released unharmed! But... if he refuses, we'll start killing you one by one!"

"N-no way...!"

"Nooo! Help!"

"This is bad... There's three of them. Fighting might be reckless."

Clael, though capable for a priest, figured the enemies were likely combat experts.

They had numbers too, so fighting them head-on would be unwise.

"Let's trust the knights or military police to handle this and quietly follow their demands..."

"To show we mean business... someone will be sacrificed right away!"

"Ugh... This is going downhill fast."

At this point, he couldn't just sit back and do nothing.

He couldn't bear to watch someone fall victim right in front of him.

Clael panicked, desperately trying to think of a way out...

"Hey, there's a young woman over here!"

"What...!"

One of the terrorists spotted Reina hiding under the table and began approaching her with heavy steps.

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