This was not the time to be screaming about it. Their attire was inconspicuous, and it helped that the business was booming. Maybe because of the rain that a lot craved for some hot pot.
Fortunately, they still managed to get a private room for themselves, though small, which was enough for the two of them. It was better than being accidentally recognized while eating.
Even if Savier doubted anyone could as no one would have thought the crown prince of the empire would eat hot pot in some random restaurants. It was better this way.
"What do you like?" Savier looked at the menu and the available ones, since some weren't. His gaze was looking at the tablet, and he calmly browsed through it while waiting for Sir Rylan's answer.
Yet, he waited for a minute and had yet to hear any answer, prompting him to lift his head and look at the alpha sitting across from him.
At first, he was quite puzzled but noticed that the other was not holding a tablet. And thought that was probably why. He put down the tablet on the table and pointed at the other tablet.
"There's another one." Savier took it and put it in front of Sir Rylan, opening it and showing him. Again, he asked. "What do you like to eat? Do you prefer spicy or not?"
He showed a variety of ingredients and side dishes. While he talked for some minutes, his voice slowed down until he could only fall silent.
"Uh... don't you like it here?" Savier suddenly felt like cold water had been poured on him, and his enthusiasm slightly faded.
Darn, he should have asked first! He knew how the other could only follow him without expressing his opinion first.
Savier scratched the back of his neck and put down the tablet. His shoulders then drooped, and he leaned his back against the seat.
His demeanor made Sir Rylan blink, who looked startled. He quickly shook his head. "No, it's not like that, Your Highness."
Savier averted his gaze and looked at the tablet. "Why are you so quiet, then?" His voice was low and sounded like a pout.
If Arle were here, he would surely cringe and say he was too dramatic and hopeless. But since it was Sir Rylan, none of that would have happened, and instead, a panicked voice resounded.
"I'm just at a loss, Your Highness. I'm sorry for being inattentive."
This made Savier lift his gaze again and look at Sir Rylan. Sure enough, the other already looked guilty after apologizing. Savier blinked the confusion in his eyes for a moment.
He shook his head.
"No, it's not your fault." Savier was about to say something else, but he left it at this.
One of these days, he would definitely ask why Sir Rylan always looked so scared of him. Especially when he apologized out of nowhere. But not now. He did not want this rare opportunity to eat together with Sir Rylan alone.
Without waiting for Sir Rylan to speak again, though he was not one to speak first. Savier already gave a small and reassuring smile.
"Let's do this, then." Under the other alpha's gaze, Savier decided what to order. "It's your first time eating here, so we'll just order everything available on the menu."
The smile on Savier's lips grew until he was already so pleased with himself with this idea.
Surprised, Sir Rylan protested. "No need, Your Highness. We can—"
Savier cut him off, and the surprise at this action was late.
"I said I'll treat you. And, I can afford to order a lot. Or..." Savier paused, blinked, and subconsciously cursed in his mind. What, did he just interrupt Sir Rylan while talking?
Damn, might as well continue.
Savier firmly held the tablet; the smile was still on his lips as he stared at Sir Rylan.
"...you don't think I can?"
His smile became genuine as seconds passed, nervousness thrown out of the window. Seeing how Sir Rylan lost for words and yet not averting his gaze made his expression more readable.
There was surprise and confusion in there, but most of all... he looked so cute.
Savier bit his lips and was the first to avert his gaze in the end, looking at the tablet instead, and continued to order.
Fuck. Could an alpha even be called cute, Savier? But... Sir Rylan is so adorable!
He could not help it! Hopefully, his fondness did not reflect in his expression, and his thinking would not be exposed. After all, Sir Rylan was still an alpha and had his pride and might become offended.
In the end, Sir Rylan did not protest any longer, and their order went through. A staff member arrived just to confirm the order. Since the staff inside were alerted of the big customer, and only made sure they correctly ordered.
After getting the answer, the staff gave an excited smile and left. It did not take long, and with two other staff, he returned. They set up the pot and the soup.
It was divided into two: spicy and mild. Then the ingredients arrived and were put down on the table one after the other. The staff were busy, not having the time to scrutinize their customers.
Savier's gaze was focused on Sir Rylan the whole time, eyes glimmering with amusement. He was convinced it was his first time eating at this kind of restaurant.
Sir Rylan was innocently watching as the staff became busy, eyes following them with extreme vigilance yet innocence. Of course, Savier was aware that it was more becoming alert as a bodyguard, but the staff did not know that.
Even to this, he was still guarded, but his eyes, which scrutinized the staff and food, did not give off a scary vibe; he looked more excited instead with how he watched the staff.
"Don't worry, sir. You'll get to eat soon." The staff smiled and teased.
Sir Rylan seemed taken aback, and the vigilance seemed to dissipate in the air. Being teased like that... His lips pressed, awkward. "I don't..."
The staff only laughed and urged the others to hurry up.
"Come on, our customers are already hungry!"
Sir Rylan's mouth opened, and surprised at how such staff teased their customer. It seemed he was not used to this.
Savier bit his lips again, holding his laughter. He gave a thumbs up to the staff in his mind for showing him such an adorable expression of Sir Rylan!
While holding his laugh, Sir Rylan happened to make his gaze over to him, and a weak sigh left his lips. It seemed the other alpha noticed him stifling his laughter.
His expression afterward, one that was helpless but completely amused, blew Savier's mind.
Fuck. Fuck.
He looked so cute. Damn it.