Li Wei wisely kept his mouth shut. The trio soon stepped into the restaurant’s main hall. After gliding through a hushed, elegant corridor, the space suddenly opened up.

Crystal chandeliers cast a brilliant glow over lavish decor. Polished marble floors shimmered like water, reflecting every guest—subtle enchantments woven in to spare the ladies any accidental embarrassment. Premium nanmu wood tables draped in crisp white cloths dotted the hall. Nearby, a pyramid of fine wines stood chilled by frost magic, preserving their perfect taste. Guest tables fanned out in neat arcs around a radiant central stage. The airy space hummed with rich aromas of food and wine—a truly exquisite dining atmosphere.

Their entrance drew quiet glances, mostly for their striking looks. Yet the elite crowd maintained polished decorum, offering only distant nods. As a waiter guided them to a table, he politely asked for Li Wei’s preference. Li Wei chose a discreet corner seat.

After he set Yue Lin down, the little girl kept a stern face, her ahoge twitching slightly. Only when she spotted the candlesticks and decorations—just like the posters—did her expression soften. *Mom always says human-world things never match the pictures,* she thought. *Good thing this place didn’t disappoint.* Worth every one of her ten trade vouchers.

Warm towels and a basket of delicate pre-meal bread arrived swiftly. Soft, buttery loaves baked to golden perfection released a warm wheat fragrance. Torn open, they revealed a fluffy white interior with fine, even pores—the crisp crust and tender center melting together. Paired with arriving appetizers, it effortlessly awakened the appetite.

As they nibbled, the waiter presented a custom menu. Beyond images, a projection enchantment activated with a tap, floating 3D dish previews for easy selection. Li Wei noticed Yue Lin watching the menu with hopeful eyes—but the moment he glanced her way, she tilted her chin up, refusing to look.

Li Wei smiled faintly.

“Since Yue Lin picked this place with her trade vouchers… you choose the dishes.”

“Hmph. I suppose I can.”

She nodded, pink lips quirking upward—then quickly turned away when she caught his gaze.

Li Wei shifted his eyes. Tsukika rested her chin on her palm, smooth skin glowing under the light, regarding him with a knowing, amused smile. After a silent beat, he mirrored her—turning toward the stage. Warm-up performances were already underway.

If one ignored the chaotic frontlines far away where Chosen Heroes battled the Demon Lord, forgetting the blood and fire that carved this peace… this dreamlike scene might trick you into believing the world was truly at peace. A golden age of song and dance.

But in that fleeting illusion, someone else was unraveling.

Vivian had slipped into the stage’s prep area behind a one-way barrier—partly to enjoy the show, partly to scan the crowd for familiar Chosen Heroes. One casual glance downward froze her. *Li Wei. Tsukika. Their daughter. All cozy and happy.*

—His flimsy disguise enchantment? Transparent.

He’d been too busy for even a sip of water with *her*… yet made time for *this*?

Her fists clenched. Chest heaving.

Worse: *She* was the guest performer. For *them*.

*Might as well invite me to your wedding too.*

Trembling, she pulled out a mask. *Good thing I prepared.* If she stalled the announcer or waited till he left… he’d never notice her anyway.

A bitter pang twisted inside—then—

“Guest~ Ta-da!”

“Eh?! Li Wei?! Is that really you?!”

“Tiffany? What are you doing here?”

Li Wei turned, startled. A pair of energetic rabbit ears nearly bounced into his face. He leaned back instinctively—yep, Tiffany.

Today’s outfit: crisp black-and-white maid dress, stockings split by color. The fabric strained gracefully over shapely legs; the top… questioned the limits of textile engineering. Not overtly revealing, yet her elfin curves radiated undeniable allure.

“???”

Upstairs, Vivian’s knees buckled. *She went… cosplay?!* Watching Tiffany cling to Li Wei like an eager puppy, she whispered inwardly: *Even if she’s exposed… he won’t know I’m here—*

Then Tiffany pointed gleefully at the stage.

Vivian’s vision went black.

*What a useless teammate!*

*You hold the title of Chosen Hero—doing this? Getting caught? Shouldn’t you vanish into the crowd with dignity?!*

…*Ah, but she truly feels zero shame~*

(If Tiffany heard that, she’d probably agree.)

Unaware of the crisis above, Tiffany sneezed lightly, still grinning. “Not just me! Vivian’s here too~ The boss’s special guest performer! Impressive, right?”

“Being specially invited… yeah,” Li Wei said flatly, forcing a nod.

“Is Dawn in trouble?”

“Are you offering to help, Mr. Li Wei?”

Long used to her bluntness, he barely blinked. “Just curious.”

“Well… Vivian said not to mention Dawn’s financial crisis…” Tiffany pouted pitifully.

Li Wei fell silent. *So bad she had to accept this?* He recalled leaving them with surplus funds. Puzzling—but not his concern. Besides… this might not be bad for her.

He glanced at Tiffany’s outfit. “And you?”

“Working!” She hugged her tray, sticking out her pink tongue. “Born poor, no time for ‘proper’ talents. Waitressing was my only option~ But hey—it pays faster than raiding the Demon King Citadel! Boss doesn’t know my speed… I could bankrupt him with deliveries alone!”

Li Wei’s eye twitched. *All those skills… not for this.*

Tiffany giggled. “Seeing me as a maid should ease Vivian’s shame! With me as comparison, she’ll perform harder—and earn more!”

Li Wei stared at the ceiling.

Oblivious, Tiffany twirled her skirt. “How do I look, Mr. Li Wei? I’ll give your table *personal* service~ Others just get a tossed drink!” She swayed her hips, all innocent charm and subtle allure.

Li Wei’s gaze drifted to Tsukika.

From the moment Tiffany appeared, Tsukika’s smile had held a chilling edge. No overt killing intent—but her eyes on Tiffany whispered: *You’re already dead.*

This Demon Lord’s possessiveness ran deep. Twisted. Absolute.

Sensing his look, Tsukika’s lips curved faintly. “Such a lively elf… it would be delightful if she could be served *as* the dish.”

Li Wei’s mind flashed to blood rain. Severed flesh.

But Tiffany, untouched by the aura, only shivered with shy delight. Her twin tails twitched.

“Eh? Miss Tsukika knows the secret menu too?”

She’d been nervous to approach Tsukika at all—braved it only for Li Wei. Planning to retreat after a quick greeting… but *this*? A lucky break!

She glanced at Li Wei, performing loyalty.

“But… I’ve never been a serving platter before.”

"Besides, with so many people watching, it’s not really proper. And no matter how much money you offer, the answer’s still no."

Tsukika: "???"

What kind of bullshit is this elf cow spouting?