Natalia stood outside The Crimson Lantern, its opulent façade gleaming with gold trim against deep crimson walls. The restaurant's reputation preceded it—the most exclusive dining establishment in New Vein City, where only S-Rank Hunters and the elite of society dined.
A nervous tremor ran through her fingers. She'd always imagined walking through these doors after her first A-Rank promotion, not as someone's guest.
"This is..."
Satori stood beside her, watching her face with that unnervingly perceptive gaze of his.
"You're not ready for this place, are you?"
"It's where my father brings his colleagues to celebrate after successful A-Rank missions," she admitted, her voice softer than intended. "I always thought I'd come here after I made A-Rank. When I'd earned it." Natalia looked down at the immaculate sidewalk, ashamed of her vulnerability. "This feels like cheating somehow."
