Strongest Necromancer System Chapter 815: Meeting The Family

"It's wonderful that you emerged safely from the Gate, young Francis! We must depart now. Kindly convey to Madam Mira that the meal was, as always, exquisite. Inform me if my guild can be of any assistance to Monarch!"

Falco chuckled, patting his stomach as he commenced his departure. His two assistants, who had been trailing behind, offered respectful bows to Juliet and Francis before following their boss into the waiting limousine. Juliet simply inclined her head and proceeded towards the entrance. The door was opened for her as she approached, and she offered a nod of thanks before finally stepping inside the family restaurant.

"Order for table seven: two burgers and three fries. The downstairs area is fully occupied; please direct incoming customers to the upper level. Table ten requires a drink refill."

From her position behind the counter, Juliet observed Janet Marc issuing instructions. Seven servers were actively circulating, attending to the approximately twenty tables occupied by guests. Laughter and smiling faces filled the air as patrons engaged in conversation within the relaxed atmosphere. It was certainly a more at ease scene than Juliet had ever witnessed here before! The sight of so many affluent individuals seated in the modest, family-sized restaurant, enjoying burgers and pancakes, was rather amusing, yet inexplicably, it felt appropriate! The Marc establishment possessed a unique charm that had this effect on people! It was commonly understood that Mira no longer needed to operate this restaurant out of financial necessity. Her son commanded the world's preeminent guild, and the Marc family's wealth far surpassed that of everyone present combined. Therefore, Mira's continued daily operation of this restaurant, serving a multitude of patrons, indicated a motivation beyond mere profit. Mira was engaged in this endeavor purely because it was her passion! It was this dedication to her craft that drew countless individuals to Mira's restaurant each day!

"I'll have someone attend to that immediately, ma'am."

A young server promptly complied with the directive, and Janet nodded before her gaze shifted upwards, noticing the new arrivals. Janet's eyes lit up as she saw Juliet smiling in her direction.

"Oh, Juliet, you're here! And Francis too!? When did you get out of the Gate?"

Janet expressed surprise at Francis's presence, knowing he was scheduled to be within a Gate. Juliet, however, merely smiled at Janet's astonished reaction. Did Janet truly believe the Alpha Squad couldn't conquer an Orange Gate in under a day? A shared smile passed between Janet and Francis, and Juliet nearly chuckled as she noted a faint blush creep onto Janet's cheeks. Janet made a visible effort to regain composure, but Juliet had already noticed. Janet quickly gestured for them to approach, calling out to her mother.

"Mom, Juliet is here again. And she's brought Francis with her."

"Oh, that's wonderful news. Give me just a moment."

After swiftly washing and drying her hands, Mira emerged from the kitchen, a broad smile gracing her features. She embraced Juliet warmly over the counter, scrutinizing her with the attentiveness of a mother hen ensuring her chick was well. Patting Juliet's cheek, Mira remarked,

"You've been working late into the nights again, haven't you? Just look at these dark circles under your eyes. I thought I instructed you to cease such habits."

Juliet felt a slight blush of embarrassment as she noticed the subtle snickers from the influential figures present. Nevertheless, she smiled at Mira and assured her that she would endeavor to improve. Mira accepted the response with a nod before turning her attention to greeting Francis. Juliet seized the opportunity to observe Mira more closely. Despite Mira appearing healthier than ever, Juliet could discern an undeniable sadness in her eyes, a sorrow that had lingered for the past two months.

It was a profound grief that Juliet felt incapable of truly comprehending. No matter how much she wished to, she couldn't find the words to console Mira for her immeasurable loss. How does one offer solace to someone who has lost both their husband and their only son in such a manner? Both Jason and Richard had vanished without the opportunity to bid Mira farewell, leaving her only with the agonizing wait and fervent prayers for their safe return! Juliet was uncertain of what else she could offer Mira, but by visiting weekly, she knew she was providing Mira with something to anticipate! If this was the sole comfort Juliet could extend to Jason's mother, then she was committed to doing so for the remainder of her life!

"Hey Francis, I've got those CDs you were inquiring about. They're in the back; let's go."

Juliet turned as Janet’s voice called out for Francis, and a smile graced Juliet’s lips as Francis’ eyes brightened, prompting him to hurry around the counter to meet Janet. Mira, also observing the exchange with a smile, merely instructed one of the restaurant staff to cover for Janet until her return. Much like Juliet, Mira had been witnessing the interactions between Janet and Francis, and she could clearly discern their mutual affection! Janet had previously endured heartbreak in love, and though that period had deeply pained Mira, she recognized that Janet had emerged stronger, no longer the easily deceived girl she once was! Francis appeared to be a far kinder individual, someone Mira felt she could place her trust in, and her greatest hope was that Janet’s current relationship would endure this time!

In the preceding months, Janet’s former boyfriend had attempted to reach out numerous times. However, Janet had not only changed her phone number and all her social media accounts but had also blocked him everywhere, ensuring no possibility of further contact between them! Mira felt an immense surge of pride in her daughter at that moment!

Mira then turned her gaze to Juliet, and a knowing glance passed between the two women as they watched Janet and Francis retreat to the back. Mira let out a soft sigh before guiding Juliet to a seat at the counter, encouraging her to relax.

"Are you hungry? I imagine you must be. You appear so slender, as if you haven't eaten in days."

A blush crept onto Juliet’s face as she quickly gestured with her hand!

"N-No, I've actually been eating! I was merely… on a diet—"

"Oh, that’s utter nonsense. You certainly don't need a diet. You are far too exquisite for such restrictions. Barnabas, please go to the kitchen and prepare a platter for our dear Juliet."

Mira addressed one of her employees, and the young man nodded respectfully before departing to fulfill the request. Juliet offered a faint smile, appreciating Mira’s maternal concern, and decided to acquiesce to Mira’s wishes. Despite being on a diet, Juliet knew she only frequented this place once a week. She resolved to designate this day as her cheat day, allowing herself to indulge in the copious amounts of food Mira invariably insisted upon! Juliet wasn't some sort of superhuman possessing an unnatural metabolism capable of burning through excessive calories! Nevertheless, since it was only a weekly occurrence, Juliet concluded it would be perfectly fine!

BOOM!

A tremendous sound suddenly reverberated from outside the establishment. Everyone’s attention snapped towards the large glass window in stunned silence, eager to witness the cause of the commotion beyond!