While she was deep in thought, a black shadow enveloped them, followed by a voice.
"Praise the shadow. I am sorry to disturb you, but I am being sent here by my father. I hope you don't mind me barging in here."
Turning his gaze, Alex was met with a round, smiling face.
The man was shorter than Alex, around eye level, but his body was three times wider than Alex's.
Alex could see his triple chin jiggling when his lips moved to say something.
The man then shamelessly picked an empty chair between Lilly and Alex and sat on it.
CREAK!!! Alex could hear the protesting sound of the chair as its legs had already started to bend under the man's weight.
"Do you know him, Lilly?" Alex asked, while his eyes were still studying the man with short black hair and eyes.
Despite the man's size, his bonny cat tail and ears were small, making him look comical.
Lilly shook her head since she didn't know who he was.
The man then interjected, "My name is William. I am no one special. I am just a lazy bump who got forced to come here to greet you.
Ah, by the way, my father is one of the owners of the restaurant you just ate at."
William then put both hands together in front of his chest and shook them up and down, creating a gesture that Alex was familiar with.
"Thank you, sir, for your contribution to our earnings. By the way, what is your name, sir?
I know her name since she is very famous, but no matter how I try to look, I cannot find who you are?"
Alex's lips curled into a smile. "So you are saying you ran a background check on me?"
"Of course, sir. Who wouldn't? The other is just hypocrites; they just don't dare to admit it to your face.
You come out of nowhere holding the crystal bangle, with our esteemed Guardian Captain following you everywhere; of course, people will feel curious about your background."
"I heard this identity gives me many immunities. You are quite brave talking like that to my face. Aren't you afraid of what I will do to you?"
William chuckled, "No, sir. I may be a lazy bump and the biggest Felidaen, but I am sure I can run away."
His words surprised Alex, making him laugh.
Then he remembered some of his favorite novels. Almost all of them had chubby characters like William, and they never became the antagonists. "I am Alex. So, what is your real purpose for coming here? I don't believe it's just for greeting."
"My father told me to butter you up, then find out what your purpose at this place is. You know many people will pay a good price for that information."
"And by telling me this, you think I will talk about it?"
"Of course not. My only choice is to come here or go to the restaurant to help take care of the customers. The choice is very obvious."
William said while a woman came putting many dishes on the table. Based on the interaction, Alex could see the woman was William's personal attendant.
After putting on the food, she smiled toward Alex and the others. She looked more attractive than average but not to the level of jade beauty, just two levels below it. Her height was similar to William's, but she was not fat.
"I am sorry, sir Alex, my young master lacks manners, but he is good at heart."
She then politely offered to order some food for Alex and Lily if they wanted it. But Alex rejected it since he was still full.
"Hey, Roxy, how many times have I told you just to call me by name when the geezer is not around? Being called young master is just weird. And who are you calling impolite?"
William then addressed Alex. "Which will you choose, meeting someone talking behind your back while smiling? Or someone who just talks to your face?"
Alex chuckled. "Who likes being talked behind their back? The answer to your question is very obvious."
He then turned his gaze toward Lilly, who was sitting in silence, watching their interaction. "What do you think?"
"I honestly prefer someone honest," Lilly said with a tone that suggested she was also unsure how to answer. As a princess, other than the Guardian Captain, this was the first time she met someone like William.
William, without caring, enjoyed his meal and then said while chomping on food, "Don't mind me... Chom... Chomp... Just continue your discussion... Treat me as air."
"Young Master, no eating while talking," Roxy said while standing behind William.
Alex chuckled, seeing this, then pointed at the empty seat. "You should just sit, Roxy. I am sure Lilly also doesn't mind."
"Yes, just sit. This is another reason I left the castle," Lilly said while starting to eat the meat skewer in her hand.
Roxy hesitated for a moment, but William pulled her hand to the empty seat beside him, making her awkward if she didn't sit.
Alex then asked, "William, since your father is the restaurant owner, he should be involved with many businesses. Do you know about the auction that will start tonight?"
William wanted to talk even though his mouth was still full of food. However, after feeling Roxy's gaze, he gulped it all and then drank some water.
He then replied, "Of course, I know, Sir Alex. It's one of the biggest events this year. By chance, do you want to participate?
Actually, my father is one of the committee members responsible for managing the security at the auction. I am sure he can get you in easily."
"Security? Didn't you say your father owns a restaurant?"
"Well, he has many businesses, from restaurants, retail stores, and news to security. Everything is running almost automatically, But every time there is a big event one, my dad will always interfere directly to make sure everything runs smoothly."