The Eminence in Shadow: The Dark Swordsman

Chapter 9: An Interrupted Date

Yukime continued with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "You see, Kirito-kun, in this world, it's often necessary to be a little cunning and maybe even a tad bit mischievous to navigate certain situations."

Yukime's eyes twinkled with amusement as she continued, "That's why, Kirito-kun, I find myself often needing to keep you in check and add a touch of cunning to our adventures. It's a good thing you have me by your side to balance things out." She chuckled softly, her playful nature evident.

With a sly grin, she added, "You know, Kirito-kun, it's quite funny because, although you're younger and shorter than me, there are times when I feel like you're the older one. Your wisdom and sense of responsibility are truly remarkable."

Kirito gazed at Yukime's playful smile, and for a moment, it reminded him of another smile that had captured his heart back in his world. A warm, nostalgic feeling washed over him. He smiled back at Yukime and said, "Yukime, I'm truly grateful to have you by my side. "

Kirito noticed the unusual gaze of the waitress with cat-like ears as she brought their orders. With a warm smile, he said, "Thank you," and the waitress nodded before moving away, her curious expression lingering for a moment before she continued with her duties.

As Kirito continued to look at the waitress with cat-like ears, Yukime couldn't help but notice his prolonged gaze. She leaned in slightly and whispered to Kirito, "Kirito-kun, did that girl do something to you? You seem quite fixated on her." Her keen fox-like senses picked up on the unusual interaction.

Kirito shook his head, breaking his gaze from the waitress. "No, Yukime, it's nothing. I just thought I saw something familiar in her eyes, but it must have been my imagination." He tried to brush it off, not wanting to cause any undue concern.

Yukime couldn't help but notice Kirito's explanation, and her playful, jealous side surfaced. She leaned in closer, her large fox ears perked with curiosity, and teased, "Kirito-kun, you know female Beastkins have an undeniable charm that can affect any guy of any race. Are you sure you didn't fall for her or something?" Her playful tone was laced with a hint of jealousy as she raised an eyebrow, her eyes sparkling mischievously.

Kirito's cheeks reddened as he stammered, "N-no, Yukime, you've got it all wrong. I was just... just thinking about something unrelated, that's all."

Yukime's playful expression softened as she reached across the table, gently placing her hand on Kirito's. "Kirito-kun, I was just teasing. I don't want anyone to steal your attention from me, that's all," she admitted with a warm smile.

The waitress, who was none other than Zeta in disguise, found herself growing increasingly bored as she observed Kirito and Yukime's date. Her true intent for being in the restaurant was not to serve tables but to watch these two closely. She had been tasked with gathering information about them, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity.

As she discreetly moved between the tables, refilling water glasses and serving dishes, Zeta couldn't help but let out a quiet sigh. She had expected their date to be more exciting, filled with hidden secrets or clandestine discussions. Instead, what she witnessed was a genuine connection between the two, marked by laughter, playful banter, and shared smiles.

Zeta leaned against a pillar, her cat-like ears twitching with restlessness as she muttered to herself, "I thought this would be more interesting, but it's just a simple date. What's so special about these two?"

As Zeta observed Kirito and Yukime's date, she happened to glance toward the rooftop of a nearby building. To her surprise, she saw her comrade, Delta perched up there. Delta's eyes were fixated on the restaurant, and she was jumping around excitedly, her nose twitching, and drooling at the delicious smell of meat wafting from the restaurant's kitchen.