Restaurant

Zared arrived with Anisette into the restaurant. He took in the smell of the food prepared here. He released Anisette's hand, since they had arrived. A waiter directed them to a table for two, which they sat at.

"Welcome to my favorite restaurant, Anisette" Zared said. "They prepare the best food ever within these walls. It may not be as fancy as what your probably used to, but you won't disagree with the food."

She gave a smile. "Please, do not worry about it," she said and looked inside. It was like he said, but the smell was wonderful. "I trust your taste," she said.

She then thought about his words earlier. "And it is quite all right with me if you won't be as formal," she said. "Please be how you are usually."

He laughed on the inside. Be who he usually is? Out of the question.

"Alright" Zared replied. "I'll treat you just like another person, if you promise I won't be punished for being found with you in here." Zared laughed at his lame attempt at a joke.

"Anywho, dinner's on me. Order whatever you like." He began to browse through the menu.

She looked at him curiously. "You really seem tense, however," she said. "But thank you. Don't worry, you shan't," she replied, taking his words seriously, not realizing it was a joke.

She clapped her hand in glee. "Why, such a gentleman. Thank you very much. I graciously accept."

Tense? Zared was losing his edge. He could act flawlessly around people, but Anisette was different. Zared felt like anything could happen when she was around. He shook it off. "I just don't have much feminine contact is all" Zared said. It was suppose to be a cover up, but it was true to the very core.

Zared smiled a little. "Just go easy on the sweets. Best not to lose your figure" He said, teasing her. The waiter arrived, and Zared decided to order some pulled pork and a bit of wine.

"Is that so, sir Zared?" she blinked. "Why is that?" Anisette was sure he had his reasons but she was very much interested in him. There was just something alluring in his presence. And though something warned her not to be pushy, she couldn't help but try to learn much that she can about him.

Then he said the things she dread and she looked at him in panic. "I-I," she stuttered, and scolded herself for losing her composure. She smiled at him. "I will do my best," and she gave her orders. Pasta~

"Im mostly off fighting in Black Nova, my knightmare" Zared freely told her. "I get all sorts of missions to do, so I never get time to do stuff like this. I even sometimes go and do my own missions because I don't know what to do with my time. You, however, happened to waltz in front of me, and instead of thinking about going and fighting, I thought hanging with you would be better."

Zared actually laughed. "You know, your cute when you stutter." He freely said. "Must be because im not used to Nobel's losing composure"

She tilted her head. "My! A fighter," she said clasping her hands together. "Although you do definitely look like a strong person. What kind of missions do you go to, if you do not mind me asking?" She smiled at him. "And, thank you, that's very kind of you, going out of your way to accompany me."

She reddened at what he said, not used to being teased. And pouted slightly, without realizing it. "My apologies, I don't usually do," she said as she played with the key. "Oh, that's right. This key unlocks what precious possession, sir Zared? You need not tell me, however."

Zared looked at his arms. He wasn't the muscley type, but he was strong. He guessed. "All sorts. Scouting, frontal assaults, assassinations, and whatever else get me cash." Zared shook his head. "Thats my line. I think you have better things to do then spend time with me."

Zared smiled a little wider at her pouting. When she asked what the key did, he told her. "That there is the key to Black Nova. Without it, I could never use 'er again. I chose to use it as a true sign I mean no harm. You hold my knightmare's heart in your hands."

She giggled when he looked at his arms and explained why she thought he was strong. "You have this air of strength in you, as if to say that you would not lose to anyone," she said. "I see. You can do a lot of things," she said, "Do you enjoy what you do, however? And oh, don't worry about me. Today's my free day."

She looked at him in surprise. "My!" she expressed and looked at the key and smiled at him tenderly, touched to be entrusted with something so precious. "Thank you."

"Aaaaaaaah" Zared said. "I haven't lost any battle yet. I just seriously trashed my knightmare........ 'er current form is the third, and final repair that could be done. After she gets trashed again, she can't be repaired by just anyone." Zared waved his hand in a passing way. "Some I like, some I don't. But you gotta do what you gotta do. and ok, but, if you need, I'll offer my services as a escort for free."

Zared nodded. "She is a knghtmare worthy of a Nobel. Fits around your neck I say, if you weren't a princess. After all, i don't think too many princesses like riding in knightmares. But still, it seems natural with you."

She giggled at his reaction then was wow'ed at his explanation. "Then I hope your knightmare wouldn't be destroyed then," she said. "It seems important to you." She nodded. "I understand," she said. "Teehee, thank you, kind sir. But it would be nice company, until I find my butler again. We've been separated."

She blushed at the compliment. "I'm sure your knightmare is," she said, softly. "I have ridden a knightmare once... except, I was passed out, so I guess it doesn't count."

"It is important" Zared said. "I've that knightmare for years. Although I know I'll lose it one day, I hope its not soon." And he raised a eyebrow when she mentioned a butler. "Best return when not with me then. I'll join ya if you want, but he might get the wrong impression."

Zared flipped a coin. "Would you like to give it a try one day?"

She nodded. "I understand. For the meantime, it still has a lot of use to you," she smiled at him. "My, do not worry. My butler would not act so ill-behaved. Unless I tell him to, he would not be impolite, I assure you."

Meekly, she nodded. It would be really nice, and she would love to, except she was sure her butler would never allow it.

Their food was brought to them.

"Yes. Yes it does" Zared said, agreeing. He sipped his wine. "That is great to hear. I don't want your family putting a bounty on my head."

"Well, although you won't be able to do much, I could let you sit in my knightmare and try some basic movements. I always store it in a abandoned warehouse, so no one will walk in and see you."

Before she said anything else, Zared added in...... "You got the key to do it, you know."

The food looked delicious and loved how they arranged the food.

"You must be in danger a lot," she said, worried. "I hope you well all the time," then she blinked. "My, do not worry. I am the only one left in my family."

She took a small bite from her pasta and nodded. Wiping her lips before she spoke. "I see," her eyes gleamed. "That sounds wonderful. I would love that," and absentmindedly played with the key again.

Zared went and ate a fork full of pulled pork.

"The amount of danger I get into is amazing. It gives me a rush whenever it happens." He looked her in the eyes. "We are, technicly enemies. I will not harm you, I promise, but I figured I should let you know." Zared twirled a knife in his hand. "I was on your side once, but I snapped and went on a rampage. The Cult took me in" Zared explained. "I owe them alot, but I won't lay a finger on you due to any order I get from them."

He took another swig of wine. "Might be unpleasant to hear, but you best know who your dealing with."

She blinked, rather surprised at his sudden revelation.

"...sir Zared... you're with the Cult of C?" she asked, hesitant. "But what do you mean you lay a finger on me due to any order you get from them?" she tilted her head.

She felt a little ease, however, though she should feel dread. She wanted to trust this man.

Zared nodded.

"Wrong phrasing of words. Basically, I won't harm, kidnap you, or touch you if the Cult should ever ask me. In fact, I think I'd try to stop whoever was ordered to do such a thing" Zared said. "And I only joined them because I feared prison. I only remained with them because they gave me something to do" he said. "Sometimes, I even think of leaving, but they give me food and shelter. And did the repairs on Black Nova. Can't just leave from that kinda thing....."

"Oh!" she smiled graciously. "Thank you very much. It's very assuring to hear that from you," she said.

She listened to his words. "My," she nodded. "I understand; you feel a debt of gratitude. But if you ever need a place to go to, you can always come to my place. You'll be welcomed with us."

Zared smiled. "Your the kindest person I have literally met~"

Zared nodded. "If I could pay them the repair funds, then I would leave without guilt" Zared said. "But don't pay it for me if you should feel bad for me. Kinda disgraceful, I say."

Zared finished his pork and whine, payed for the meal, and get up. "If you still trust me, theres that nightmare to try out"

She reddened a bit, never once being told that. "Thank you," she said, genuinely meaning it.

"I won't," she said. "I would not tarnish your pride. Though, when you do leave, you're free to come find me."

She finished her meal too and followed his example, standing up. "Sounds lovely," she said, excited.

Once again, Zared took her hand as he lead her to the warehouse where he kept his knightmare.

[out]

Zared was feeling hungry, so he returned to the restaurant. As he entered, he took off the mask, as to prevent himself from looking suspicious. He took his seat and browsed the menu.