Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1704: 541: Carnival_3
Previously on Shadows of the Deep Space...
Yet, Novlin's face clearly betrays her tension and a touch of uncertainty.
Su Ming naturally realizes this attire must be her finest choice.
“Lord Su Ming, apologies for the wait. My friend runs a restaurant nearby; let's head there to dine and talk.”
Novlin knows well that Su Ming struggles with some local foods, so she's arranged a decent treat for him.
“Sure!”
Su Ming accepted readily, sensing Novlin's true intentions.
“This way!”
Novlin quickly guided Su Ming forward.
…
Soon enough, they stepped out of the club and reached a modest eatery called Little Ye nearby.
The place measures only about sixty square meters, its rectangular tables lined up like in a humble roadside diner.
“Sister Nuo, what brings you in today?”
Right then, a rotund landlady with a mole by her mouth emerged from the kitchen, sounding astonished.
“Eva, I've brought a friend for some food.”
Novlin smiled as she explained to Eva.
Eva grew even more amazed upon Novlin's words, fully aware of her usual frugality—yet here she was, treating a guest.
She stole several extra glances at Su Ming.
Despite Su Ming's hood concealing his looks, she could sense his appeal, prompting her warm smile and question.
“Alright, what do you want to order?”
“One stir-fried meat, one bone-in meat plate…”
Novlin placed the order without delay.
“Got it, I'll serve them up soon.”
Grinning, Eva retreated to the kitchen.
Su Ming and Novlin settled at a table in the rear.
“Conditions here are basic; I hope it's okay.”
Novlin apologized to Su Ming.
“No issue, it's perfectly fine.”
Su Ming smiled back.
“Um, Lord Su Ming, do you need something from me?”
Novlin asked with evident nerves.
Su Ming scanned the surroundings, confirmed no other patrons, and spoke softly.
“Here's the deal: the Dark Star Empire's mounting an assault on the Federation. For your Holy Army, this strikes me as a rare chance. How about partnering with the Federation to strike back at the Dark Star Empire now?”
“We've considered it ourselves—it's truly an excellent opening. Still, despite deploying their full might, their home base brims with defenses, so we hesitate to rush in. Plus, this is no small decision; only Legion Commander Jikol can approve it.”
Novlin responded to Su Ming's proposal.
“Got it. Can you introduce me to Legion Commander Jikol?”
Su Ming nodded before inquiring.
“Our Legion Commander isn't in the Land of Lost right now.”
Novlin informed Su Ming.
“What rotten luck.”
Su Ming muttered, head aching.
“But no worries. The day after tomorrow marks Lost City's Carnival. A massive tournament kicks off there, with the victor claiming a fresh Fake V Generation Mecha! Our Holy Army joins in, Legion Commander Jikol returns for the festivities, and we'll follow with a full meeting on striking the Dark Star Empire. I'll bring you along.”
Novlin assured Su Ming.
“Sounds good.”
Su Ming agreed with a nod.
At that instant, Eva delivered the dishes, placing them before them.
“Su Ming, food's ready—dig in.”
Novlin grabbed chopsticks, wiped them on her sleeve, and passed them to Su Ming.
“Uh, sure.”
Su Ming accepted the chopsticks and started eating.
“Mr. Su Ming, if you're free lately, come watch my team train at the club and my bout the day after tomorrow.”
Novlin suggested to Su Ming.
“You're entering the competition as well?”
Su Ming questioned, mildly shocked.
“Yeah, that Fake V Generation Mecha is invaluable—even cash won't snag one—so I registered too.”
Novlin shared with Su Ming.
“Awesome, I'll root for you.”
Su Ming grinned.
“Thanks!”
Novlin beamed in delight.
Su Ming then spotted Novlin untouched chopsticks and probed.
“Why aren't you eating?”
“I'm full already. Eat up more!”
Novlin smiled.
“Okay!”
Su Ming smiled in return.
Of course, he saw through her claim; her penny-pinching nature had her saving it all for him.
Still, Su Ming let it slide and went along.
…
More than an hour passed.
Su Ming and Novlin departed the eatery toward the club.
No sooner had they entered than they bumped into a hulking figure in Third Generation Exoskeleton Armor—2.6 meters of pure brawn, face etched with scars—striding over with his crew.
“Yo, if it isn't Novlin?”
“Anton Lu.”
Novlin stated coolly.
“Word is, you've entered your squad for tomorrow's event?”
“Yes.”
“Haha, count me in too. Here's some friendly advice: your crew's doomed—quit now and spare the wasted grind.”
Anton Lu boasted.
“Giving it my all suffices.”
Novlin answered stoically.
“Fine, just looking out for you—don't cry over repair costs later!”
Anton Lu chuckled as he departed with his men.
Su Ming caught the sycophantic chatter from Anton Lu's followers.
“Boss, why bother warning her? Let her crash and burn!”
“Haha, we're same legion mates, sure. But I'm going all-out this time to impress the Legion Commander—might snag his spot.”