Chapter 319: Dinner With A Friend [1]

"Is this the place?" Soren asked as he stared at the building before them.

It was a large structure built with tall pillars made of stone-like material, carved wooden beams, and a sweeping turquoise dome that reflected the evening sun. The arched entrance was framed with intricate geometric patterns, and the walls were decorated with tiles in shades of blue and gold.

What surprised him the most was the moving mural along the walls. It shifted and flowed like a living painting, and at its center was a golden deer, its antlers glowing faintly as it moved gracefully through an endless garden of silver leaves.

"Yes," Ethea replied with a smile, recognition crossing her features. "Zura said she’d meet us here."

"She picked an amazing place," Soren said, smiling back, and pulled out his phone. "Let me take a few pictures before we go in."

Since there were a few others doing the same, likely tourists, he didn’t feel out of place. He snapped a few shots from different angles, capturing the dome, the mural, and the enchanting entrance. He actually wanted to take a few pictures with Ethea, but since they were wearing disguises, he decided against it. It would be better to take them once they could walk around freely.

Still, he was satisfied with what he got.

"Let’s go in." He pocketed his phone and pushed Ethea through the arched entrance.

Inside, the place was just as impressive as the exterior. Warm lighting filled the space, reflecting off polished floors and casting soft shadows across the intricately carved walls. The same golden deer motif appeared here and there, woven masterfully into the decor. A soft melody played in the background, a magical tune that seemed to lift their already bright mood.

A hostess approached them with a warm smile. "Welcome to the Golden Deer. How may I help you?"

"We’re meeting someone," Soren replied. "Her name is Zura Ayun."

"Let me see." The hostess nodded and tapped on the tablet in her hands. After a moment, she looked up with a polite smile. "Yes, Miss Ayun has already arrived. She’s waiting in private room seven. Let me escort you there."

Soren nodded and wheeled Ethea after her while mentally communicating with her. ’No wonder there are only golden deer motifs everywhere. The place is called the Golden Deer.’

After observing closely, he noticed them even on the cups, the plates, and the small carvings along the wooden frames of the doors. Every detail was consistent, as if the entire establishment had been built around that single symbol.

’Have you been here before?’

’I have,’ Ethea replied. ’And there’s actually a story behind this place. The owner was once an ordinary hunter, and during one of his adventures, he accidentally ended up inside a Golden Gate. However, he soon found himself badly wounded, barely clinging to life. And just when he thought he was going to die, a golden deer appeared before him. It saved his life and even led him to a treasure. So, after he returned, he opened this place in honor of that deer. He considers it his lucky charm and his savior.’

’Oh! A Golden Gate?’ Soren exclaimed inwardly. He never expected to hear about a fellow Golden Gate survivor so soon. ’I wonder what he went through there.’

’Unfortunately, he hadn’t revealed the details.’ Ethea replied. ’Perhaps he just wanted to keep the good part of the memory. Or... It all could have been a lie too.’

’Wait... You mean...’ Soren instantly understood what Ethea implied.

’Yes. Some people make up stories about Golden Gates to build their reputation. The owner might have genuinely been inside one, or he might have just used the legend to create a theme and draw in customers.’ Ethea explained. ’But I might be just overthinking it too.’

’Mm...’ Soren nodded inwardly.

Just then, the hostess stopped in front of a door marked with a small golden plaque that read "Room 7." She turned to them with a polite smile.

"Here we are. Miss Ayun is waiting inside."

She knocked twice, then slid the door open.

There, seated at a low table in the center of the room, was a woman with short black hair tied back neatly. She wore a soft lavender summer dress that was modest yet elegant, complemented by a distinctive silver bracelet on her wrist. Her delicate features, bright hazel eyes, and rich dark brown skin gave her a refined yet friendly presence.

The moment they entered, her eyes landed on Soren, then quickly shifted to Ethea, and her face lit up with a bright smile. "Lea! You are here!"

’...Lea, huh.’ Soren speculated either Ethea told her or she figured it out after seeing them in disguise. Neverthless, she was sharp. That much was clear. ’As expected of an Etenia Academy instructor, I guess.’

He then thanked the hostess for her help. She bowed slightly and took her leave, sliding the door shut behind her.

Meanwhile, Zura moved around the table, her steps light and eager. She stopped in front of Soren first and gave him a polite bow. "Good evening, Mr. Everly. It’s nice to finally meet you."

Then, without waiting for a reply, she turned to Ethea and threw her arms around her in a cheerful hug.

"Ethea! It’s been so long!"

"Mmm. Long time no see," Ethea replied with a smile, hugging her friend back.

They stayed like that for a while before Zura reluctantly let go and stood up.

"I’m glad to finally meet you." Soren used the opportunity to greet and introduce himself. "I’m Soren, Ethea’s husband. Thank you for making time to see us on such short notice. I know you must be busy with your work at the academy."

"No need to thank me. I’m Zura Ayun." She nodded back and introduced herself with a slight smirk. "And I’m this cold beauty’s best friend. The only one, actually, if I remember correctly."

Soren let out a faint smile. "Is that so?"

"Zura..." Ethea stared at her, her expression unreadable.

"Hehe~" Zura chuckled and gestured toward the table. "Come, have a seat. It’ll be more comfortable to talk this way."

Soren nodded, wheeling Ethea to the table, and after positioning her, he sat down next to her.

Zura watched them with a smile and added after they both took their seats. "I already ordered some tea and snacks, but feel free to order whatever you like. Dinner’s on me tonight."