Chapter 36 : L'ultima Cena

Rum walks outside the circus wearing a simple elegant black dress with white glitters at its edges. A red ruby necklace with a small camera inside it hangs on her neck. Her ruby earring constantly whispers her information of every face that her necklace camera gets to capture. Near the gate, Ramenman is ready with a black formal suit.

"You look gorgeous," said Ramenman as he looked at Rum who kept retouching her appearance.

"Wearing a dress like this is not my thing," said Rum.

Ramenman chuckled. "Bear it for now. We'll make this investigation quick so you can see yourself in pants again very soon."

Ramenman bow and stretch his hand. "May I?"

Rum chuckled. She put her arm around Ramenman's arm and walked through the street like a couple.

L'ultima Cena, a 4-star luxurious restaurant, standing not far from the main street of Planet Circus. Soft chair, clean tablecloth with laces on its edges and glittering ornaments filled the room. The band plays soft classic music, inviting the customer into a magical romantic moment of dining.

"A table for two please," said Ramenman confidently.

The waiter bowed and led them to an empty seat. Acting as a dating couple, Ramenman and Rum come to this restaurant to investigate one of the missing people who happens to be a waitress.

"Found her yet?" Rum asks.

Ramenman glanced around. "There!" he whispered.

A waitress serving a couple of rich-looking aliens just a few tables away from them. Her body is thin and her waitress uniform and makeup hide the tiredness in her expression.

"She might look a bit different than the picture, but my scanner can confirm her retina and her face shape," said Ramenman.

"Let's try calling out to her," Rum suggested.

Ramenman nodded. He raised his hand. "Excuse me! I'd like to order."

The waitress hurriedly came to their table.

"Yes, what would you like?" she asked.

The waitress's name is Camryn. Her lips are thin and her eyes have slight black lines under them. Ramenman notices a small bruise sticking out from her cuff.

"I want smoked space salmon toast for an appetizer, followed with crab and space lobster bisque, and... for the entree two Angus short ribs would be nice. As for the dessert, chocolate ravioli would be fine," said Ramenman. "You want anything else, honey?" he asked Rum.

"Oh yes. Add a portion of space oysters too," said Rum.

"And don't forget the champagne," Ramenman added.

"Understood. I'll return with your orders shortly," said the waitress as she bows.

"Champagne?" Rum looked at Ramenman as soon as the waitress went.

"What's a date without champagne?" Ramenman asks back.

"Don't fall on me after this."

Ramenman laughs. "I can show you what I'm capable of if you want."

"Please don't. We're in the middle of a mission. Kaizo would be furious if we screw up," said Rum.

"Ha! It'll be fine," said Ramenman confidently as he leaned back on his chair.

"I'm going to use the ladies room," said Rum as she winks.

"Okay," Ramenman replied with a thumb up.

Rum strides to the backside of the restaurant. She cautiously glanced around, looking for more detail about the restaurant. Bit by bit, she came close to the kitchen. The heat of the fire filled the room. Different smells of foods fill the air. The sound of clattering kitchen wares rings through the walls. As Rum looked around, she suddenly bumped into a waitress.

"Excuse me, Ma'am. May I help you?" asked the waitress.

"Oh, yes. I can't seem to find the ladies room. Will you please escort me?" said Rum with a concerned expression and a convincing tone.

"Of course. Please follow me."

"Thank you. You're very helpful," said Rum with a relieved tone as she patted the waitress shoulder, leaving a tracker under her apron.

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Ramenman smiled as he watched Rum return.

"You're on time. Our dinner has just arrived," said Ramenman.

Rum looked at the food on the table. She gently pokes the space oyster and smells it.

"Hmmm... Not bad," she mumbled.

"You just poked it a few times and you know it's good?" Ramenman asks as he eats a piece of salmon.

"Oh, my hometown is near the sea so eating seafood is part of my life. Usually, we judge a good restaurant based on the raw seafood they serve," said Rum.

"As expected from a sailor's daughter," said Ramenman. "Well, it's my turn to take the man's room."

"I bumped into a waitress near the kitchen. I suggest you pick another spot to snoop," said Rum.

"Got it!"

As soon as they finish their meal, Rum and Ramenman leave the restaurant with filled bellies and a satisfied feeling.

"I should take Axion there sometimes. The food was good," said Ramenman.

"Better than ramen?" Rum asks.

Ramenman gasp. "Nooooo. I like the food, they're tasty. But ramen stays number one," he said dramatically.

"Is that something you should say with confidence?" Rum asks.

"Well, I thought my eyes were playing on me. Turns out, it's really you, Rum," said a woman's voice.

Rum and Ramenman looked at the source of the voice. It's Yuxiang and Mithra.