Chapter 714 - 714: UNEXPECTED DINNER (I)

ASTRID stared at the penthouse door. It shouldn’t have surprised him that Wulfric had checked into the same hotel—this was exactly the kind of thing the other would do. And yet, somehow, it still did. But then again, this was Wulfric. Really, he should have seen this coming.

And yet, even after everything he knew about Wulfric, he hadn’t expected the other to pull something like this today. Every time Astrid thought he’d figured out Wulfric’s limits, the other proved him wrong. It seemed even the sky wasn’t the limit for Wulfric—especially when it came to what he’d do for Astrid.

But then again, maybe there was something wrong with him, too. Because even though Wulfric’s behavior annoyed him, part of him still found it oddly romantic—even sweet.

A normal person with a properly functioning brain would’ve been terrified by the intensity of Wulfric’s attention and affection by now. But as it turned out, Astrid wasn’t as mentally sound as he’d assumed. Instead of running, he’d happily accepted every bit of that obsessive devotion.

He sighed. Well, at least, in this instance, they seemed like a perfect match.

Astrid eyed the door again. Just as Wulfric’s message had said, it opened easily when he tried it. But he hesitated before stepping inside—the room was pitch black, not a single light on.

Had Wulfric forgotten he’d invited him? No, that wasn’t like Wulfric at all. Which meant this darkness had to be part of whatever surprise the other had planned.

So he stepped inside and closed the door behind him. The moment he did, floating light orbs flickered to life one by one, like fireflies leading him deeper into the penthouse. Astrid watched them, fascinated. Even after nearly twenty years in this era, technology like this could still amaze him. It looked like magic—except he knew it was all science.

He followed the floating orbs until they guided him to the dining area. The entire space was bathed in warm amber light, giving the illusion of candlelight from a grand chandelier. Petals were scattered across the floor, and from their sweet, lingering scent, he recognized them immediately—jasmine.

Astrid’s gaze shifted to the table—a round glass one with two chairs facing each other. He’d expected a full feast, but instead, the surface held only cutlery and a wine bucket, the kind you’d see at an upscale restaurant.

He glanced around, wondering where Wulfric was. But he didn’t have to wonder long—the adjoining door opened, and Wulfric stepped out.

Astrid blinked, unsure if he was seeing correctly.

Wulfric was dressed in some kind of waiter’s uniform: a black vest over a white long-sleeved shirt, paired with tailored black trousers and polished leather shoes. Even his usually unruly white hair was neatly slicked back.

On anyone else, the outfit might have looked like that of a waiter. But with Wulfric’s untamed aura, he didn’t resemble a waiter at all. He looked more like a space pirate playing dress-up. Especially with the top few buttons of his shirt undone, revealing a glimpse of his tanned chest.

Wulfric looked relieved when he saw him, but quickly schooled his expression into something resembling polite servitude. Except his eyes—the way they burned as they fixed on Astrid—ruined the act completely.

“Welcome, honored guest,” Wulfric said, bowing slightly as he pulled out a chair. “Tonight’s dinner has been specially prepared by our chef. Please,” he added, gesturing for Astrid to sit.

Astrid arched an eyebrow but moved to take the offered seat. “And who, exactly, is this chef you’re talking about?”

“Why, none other than the Empire’s one and only prince,” Wulfric replied, sounding far too pleased with himself. “He hopes you’ll enjoy the meal he prepared—and that it might make up for his… earlier lack of judgment.”

Astrid felt the corner of his mouth twitch. He bit back a laugh. So Wulfric had cooked for him. Honestly, this was far better than the extravagant spectacle he’d been bracing himself for.

“Has the prince’s cooking improved since last time?” he teased.

The first—and only—time he’d tasted Wulfric’s cooking was before the other left the capital. A simple breakfast of eggs, sausage, and toast. Nothing fancy, but surprisingly well-made. Now that Wulfric had chosen a home-cooked dinner as his apology, Astrid couldn’t help but wonder if his skills had gotten better.

Well, even if Wulfric’s skills hadn’t improved, Astrid was already halfway to forgiving him. So as long as the food was edible—even if it lacked some flavor—that would be enough.

Wulfric straightened, puffing out his chest. “No need to worry, sir. Our chef has practiced tirelessly—just for the chance to cook for you.”

It was unexpected, yet somehow exactly what he should have expected. Astrid smiled. “Then I’m looking forward to it.”

“Would you like me to pour your wine first?” Wulfric asked.

“Yes, please.”

Wulfric picked up the wine bottle, uncorked it, and poured a generous amount into Astrid’s glass.

After pouring the wine, Wulfric stepped back. “I’ll return shortly with the first course.”

Astrid watched as Wulfric disappeared through the adjoining door. He took a sip of wine, the rich flavor lingering on his tongue as he waited.

When the door opened again, Wulfric reappeared, this time carrying a tray with two plates. He set one down in front of Astrid with deliberate care, then placed the other at the other spot across the table.

The appetizer was a pair of perfectly seared scallops, their golden crusts shimmering under a drizzle of citrusy white wine butter sauce. A sprinkle of smoked sea salt and delicate microgreens finished the dish.

It looked delicious. Astrid could only hope it tasted as good as it appeared.

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Then he noticed Wulfric taking the seat across from him. “Are you joining me for dinner?”

Wulfric’s lips curved into a grin. “Yes, sir. The chef wouldn’t dream of letting you dine alone.”

That made Astrid chuckle. “Let’s eat then.”

Astrid carefully cut into the scallop, the golden crust giving way to the tender center. Then he took a bite.

The rich buttery flavor mixing with the bright citrus sauce. It was perfectly cooked—crisp on the outside, soft and sweet inside.

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