Miracle Card Shop: All My Cards Can Be Actualize

Chapter 419: A Slow Day - 03

"By the way, why are you here?" Daniel asked. "I heard you said you came for a diplomatic trip. Are you going to be an ally to the US government or something?"

"Haha, you must be kidding," Anastasia giggled. "Everyone in the Curtained World knows that the uncrowned ruler of the US is Ms. Greed. Anyone with ties to the mages knows this fact." She explained further,

"No, we're not here for that. We, the Romanov dynasty and the Romanov dynasty alone, want to form an alliance with you, Lord Emberweave," said Anastasia.

"What do you mean, 'Romanov Dynasty alone'? Does this mean the Russian government doesn't count?" Daniel asked.

"Yes, they don't count," Anastasia nodded.

Hearing this from Anastasia made Daniel more confused. Then it dawned on him that although Russia is a monarchy state now, most day-to-day affairs and country development decisions are in the hands of the cabinet.

Since the Hightower event that erased normal folks' memories about magic controversies, the number of people aware of magic has decreased, including those usually in control of many monarchies that are mage families.

So, it's normal for them to have ambitious thoughts about gaining control of the entire country for themselves.

"That's very interesting," a familiar voice sounded out as Envy and Koyuki entered the scene, while Penthesilea in her green suit and bodyguard attire followed not far behind.

Envy exudes elegance in a fashionable dress that struck a perfect balance between contemporary style and timeless class. Her polished heels clicked rhythmically on the pavement. Koyuki, on the other hand, remained true to her signature look - a vibrant red jacket over a branded T-shirt paired with a denim skirt. However, her steel-capped boots weren't ordinary.

Daniel recognized them instantly – the ones he'd personally reinforced with Atlantean steel.

Koyuki shifted uncomfortably under Daniel's gaze. "What?" she blurted out, noticing his attention fixed on her footwear.

"Are you sure you came for a date and not to stomp someone to death?" Daniel teased.

"Like you said, just in case," Koyuki smiled knowingly, referring to Daniel's paranoia and his tendency to over-prepare with the phrase 'just in case.'

Daniel shrugged it off and let out a smile, he stood up and turned toward his girls. "Only the three of you? Where are the others?" he inquired.

Koyuki giggled. "Greed lost the rock-paper-scissors match, so she's off with Sylvana to visit Pride. Penthesilea won against Michaela, so she came instead of her on bodyguard duty. They all wanted to come, but for a date, I think the three of us should be just right, wouldn't you say?" she explained playfully.

"Lady Envy, good afternoon," Anastasia politely greeted Envy and nodded.

Envy, however, retreated quickly, leaving him with a lingering peck on his cheek.

The teasing was overwhelming. Daniel felt the urge to scream. He fought his body's response with all his willpower, but just as he was about to succumb, Envy pulled away.

Desperate to regain control, his mind conjured images of the latest wrestling championship he'd watched, specifically the musclebound competitors grappling and grunting in the ring. The mental picture effectively dampened his desire.

Envy's audacious display of affection left both Koyuki and Anastasia speechless, astonished by her boldness. Svetlana felt hot on her cheek while Penthesilea also felt hot, but in a different and more secretive place, she really wanted to join in.

"Could you ladies please give me a break?" Daniel sighed wearily, eliciting a chorus of giggles from Koyuki and Envy.

"Alright, alright," Envy chuckled, peeling Anastasia off Daniel's arm with a playful nudge. "Let's move on, shall we?" She then took Anastasia's place, her arm slipping around Daniel's bicep.

Anastasia bristled, a complaint forming on her lips. However, she wisely kept silent. Envy, after all, not only wielded immense magical power, but also commanded far greater respect within the Curtained World than even her father, the Tsar himself.

Left with no choice, Anastasia cast a longing glance at the spot Koyuki occupied on Daniel's other arm. Koyuki, however, returned the look with a steely glint in her eyes, a silent challenge that Anastasia knew better than to accept.

Svetlana, ever vigilant, intervened before the tension could escalate. "Your Highness," she addressed Anastasia sternly, "please refrain from causing Lord Emberweave any further trouble. You must remember, Koyuki Mori No Tokugawa is the princess of both the Tokugawa and Mori clans. Her status is no less esteemed than yours, whether in the Normal World or the Curtained World."

"Yes, ma~," Anastasia mumbled with a bored sigh. A light tap on the head from Svetlana served as another firm reminder.

"Your Highness," the stern maid continued, "please conduct yourself with proper decorum and respect for etiquette."

Anastasia, finally subdued, sighed once more and fell into line behind Daniel, maintaining a façade of propriety.

Daniel, having made a reservation beforehand, ushered the girls to a luxurious French restaurant near Union Square. He proceeded to check in, unaware that his companions' striking features had caught the attention of a man observing from the restaurant's top-floor office.

The man, without hesitation, dialed the internal phone line. His call reached the front desk where Daniel's reservation was being processed.

"Manager," the man's voice boomed, "remove that man's from the reservation list." The manager, momentarily stunned, could only nod in bewildered agreement.

"Yes sir," he stammered, promptly deleting Daniel's reservation.

Despite their heightened senses exceeding human limitations, Daniel, Envy, Penthesilea, and Svetlana all distinctly heard the exchange. However, they were in an awkward position. Pointing it out would be futile, as the other patrons wouldn't hear it like they did, potentially leading to an embarrassing accusation with no proof.

"Sir, I don't see your reservation on record. Are you absolutely certain you made one?" The manager's voice held a hint of skepticism, not outright denial. This implied it wasn't the first time the top floor had pulled such a stunt.