Chapter 63: Intrusion

Despite Raymond's request for their "usual place," he was referring to their own upscale dining establishment, where the two of them sat alone in a grand hall.

"Could you please bring us the chef's selection menu for today? And also, your finest wine," Raymond requested.

"Of course, sir. I'll inform the chef right away," the server replied, nodding respectfully to Raymond.

"..."

Machi's lips twitched in speechlessness as she felt she was being scammed by the guy in front of her.

She could tell everyone in the restaurant was a well-trained fighter, even the server.

Their distinct presence was quite easy to tell, as if they didn't bother hiding it.

"...And those around us." Machi gritted her teeth as she felt the glaring presence of Raymond's men surrounding the restaurant as if they were guarding the place.

She then shot an angry glare at Raymond, who had just instructed the server to bring them both their specialized menu.

Raymond felt the intensity of her gaze as he turned towards her and casually remarked, "It's been quite a while since our last encounter, hasn't it?"

"..."

"You still seem to be traveling the world. Care to share any tales from your adventures?" he inquired, his tone casual.

"I'd rather not," she replied sharply, her frown deepening.

If Machi hadn't known Raymond's identity, she might have considered sharing some information.

But she knew of the Celestia Consortium and the fact that Raymond was behind it.

Sharing even a tiny bit of details would be dangerous for them!

"I thought we were quite close, that's too bad."

Raymond shook his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips as if he truly felt unfortunate.

Machi scoffed in response, knowing Raymond was just acting, her gaze piercing as she scanned Raymond from head to toe.

Something seemed different about him, and she couldn't quite place it.

"This guy," Machi muttered to herself.

When they pulled up in front of her, she thought the dangerous feeling she felt was coming from Sakujiro.

After all, she knew just how strong Sakujiro was.

But now that they were on their own, as she turned her gaze towards Raymond, she realized the intensity wasn't coming from Sakujiro.

"He wasn't this strong years ago..."

Memories of their past encounters flooded Machi's mind, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed in Raymond. 

But this time was different.

Raymond's Nen, the aura surrounding him, seemed to have undergone a significant transformation.

It was as if he had achieved some sort of breakthrough, a qualitative change that sent shockwaves through Machi's senses.

If what she felt years ago was something that could threaten her life, what she sensed this time was on a whole other level—it could threaten the Phantom Troupe itself!

Still, Machi remained confident in her leader's prowess.

She knew he could take down Raymond if it came to a confrontation.

Still...

"What are you?"

Machi couldn't hold back the question, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Even though Raymond appeared outwardly human, with his Nen as serene as the ocean, Machi sensed the ominous depths of his aura.

It sent shivers down her spine, shocking her to the core.

"Oh, what a perfect timing..."

Machi clicked her tongue in response, recognizing Raymond's attempt to change the subject.

As the server brought their food to the table, Machi eyed it warily.

"..."

She knew she was dining in Raymond's territory now. She needed to be on high alert!

"Why? Are you worried I poisoned your food?"

Raymond chuckled, noticing Machi's discomfort.

"..."

Machi remained silent as Raymond shook his head. With a nonchalant gesture, he scooped a bite from her plate and savored it.

"Let's dig in," Raymond declared, breaking the tension.

Machi visibly relaxed, her vigilance over the food easing as she began to eat.

Her initial skepticism melted away as the flavors exploded on her palate.

The tender meat practically melted in her mouth, while the spices danced across her taste buds in a delightful symphony.

"...!"

Machi's eyes widened in surprise as she realized the food surpassed her expectations.

"Deserving a fancy restaurant, I guess..."

Machi muttered under her breath, recalling how the menu lacked prices, a sure sign that only the wealthy would dine in such establishments.

However...

Raymond's expression shifted suddenly, his smirk turning mocking, sending a chill down Machi's spine.

In one swift motion, he opened his mouth, revealing the food he had just scooped from her plate.

"And you're right," Raymond said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"You should be worried if I poisoned your food..."

"...!"

Machi's heart raced as she watched in horror.

Without a moment's hesitation, she jumped back, her hand flying to her chest as she frantically tried to spit out the food.

"Hahaha!"

Raymond burst into laughter at Machi's reaction.

"Come on, I was just joking..." Raymond said, trying to ease the tension.

He then took another bite of food, making it clear that he was truly eating this time.

Suddenly, a sharp sewing needle flew out of Machi's hand, aimed directly at Raymond's head.

With a swift tilt, he dodged the projectile effortlessly.

The needle tore through the building, creating a gaping hole of the same size.

Raymond sighed, looking at the damage with a hint of pity.

"That will be costly to repair," he muttered, shaking his head at the unfortunate outcome.

"As if you lacked any money, you big idiot!"

Machi's face flushed with anger at Raymond's prank.

Profanity poured from her mouth as she pointed furiously at Raymond, scolding him for his antics.

"Hahaha, come on, I was just joking. I didn't know you had this cute side of you. I'm glad..." Raymond responded with a laugh, his tone lightening the mood.

Machi was taken aback by his comment, her cheeks flushing even redder as she processed his words.

"Hmph, I'll let it slide this time..."

Machi huffed, her tone still carrying traces of annoyance. She settled back into her seat, her face still flushed with seemingly an irritation.

Suddenly, the door of the restaurant burst open, startling them both.

A man in a black suit, wearing thick glasses, hurried in, looking visibly nervous.

Raymond frowned at the interruption, "Sin? What happened?"

Raymond's displeasure was evident, and Machi observed the scene with a similar air of annoyance, though her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she continued to enjoy her meal.

Sin wasted no time, quickly approaching Raymond and whispering something in his ear.

---

Follow me on Twi-tter (X): @mythoast

Do you want to read 15 chapters ahead of the schedule? Here's where you can find them:

p@treon.com/mythoast