Chapter 21 – Low Key Charm
The elevator hummed softly as it ascended, a smooth glide through luxury—wood-trim walls, soft gold lights, music that felt like rich people's apologies. Lux stood there alone, hands in his pockets, eyes watching the digital numbers climb.
One floor.
Rooftop.
Ding.
The doors slid open, revealing a short hallway that led directly to the restaurant entrance. A luxurious wooden sign gleamed beside the frosted glass doors, etched in gold.
"Aurum Lumen – Sky Dining at the Sovereign Grand."
The place even sounded expensive.
And it was.
Gilded in subtle elegance, the restaurant was all marble, warm lights, quiet fountains, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls that gave a direct view of the entire skyline.
Stars above.
City lights below.
Romantic ambiance? On steroids.
Lux walked toward the doors, posture casual. Confident.
Then the host stand came into view.
And so did the two staff standing guard beside it.
Both were young—early twenties at most.
One male, tall, with a slick earpiece and a clipboard.
The other, a shorter brunette girl with a tidy bun and a digital tablet in hand. Uniforms sleek. Expressions politely firm.
"Good evening, sir," the male staff said, stepping slightly forward. "I'm sorry, but the restaurant is fully reserved tonight. We're closed to the public."
Lux blinked once, letting the words sink in.
Then gave a small, pleasant smile.
"Oh? That's strange. I also made a reservation," he said, tone smooth and conversational. "Could you maybe check one more time?"
A lie, of course.
The female staff tilted her head slightly. "I'm sorry, sir. But tonight's event is fully private. Reserved by a single client."
"Right," Lux nodded slowly. "And that would be…?"
"I'm afraid I can't share that information," the male said firmly.
Lux turned his gaze slightly toward the girl.
Didn't say anything for a beat. Just let his expression shift.
Subtle.
A little tilt to his brows.
A soft, confused smile tugged at the corner of his lips. A touch of innocence. Maybe even just the slightest hint of embarrassment. The kind of look that said, 'Look, I'm not trying to be difficult, but I was really hoping for something tonight. Something important.'
The girl blinked.
Her stance softened.
[The staff isn't rich but she is quite cute. Do you want me to release your Incubus Pheromones?]
'Nope. This is just casual lobbying mode,' Lux replied internally.
[Acknowledged. Keeping pheromones sealed. Low-key charm mode engaged.]
Still… the girl blushed.
Just a little.
"I really don't want to cause any trouble," Lux said, voice softer now, that gentle velvet edge sliding in. "But I promise—I'm not lying. I'm pretty sure I booked a table here. Could we check together? Just to be sure?"
Her fingers fidgeted around the tablet. She hesitated.
"…Fine," she said finally, glancing at her coworker, who gave a tight shrug like he wasn't going to argue. "We'll check."
"I appreciate it," Lux said, dipping his head politely. "I just want to make sure."
She moved to the counter nearby—a sleek bar built into the entrance with a standard-issue computer and a sleek black tablet stand. The screen was already glowing with soft interface lights.
"What's your name, sir?" she asked as she began typing.
"Lux Vaelthorn."
He followed her behind the counter.
Her fingers hovered over the keyboard.
Lux's hand casually touched the back of the screen.
No movement. No sound.
Just a small, invisible pulse from his fingertips.
'TechnoGreed,' he used his skill.
[Effect: Override & Control Digital System (Temporary)]
[Input Registered: Find Reservation – Lux Vaelthorn]
[Override Outcome: Reservation Confirmed – Best View Table Assigned]
[Subtle Suggestion: Adjust Lighting + Mood Enhancement Protocol ]
The screen flickered.
And then—
"Oh," the girl blinked, eyes widening as lines of confirmation filled the screen. "Oh my god, sir. I'm so sorry. I… I must've missed it earlier. You do have a reservation."
Lux offered a gentle smile, casual as ever. "Thank you. I figured something just glitched. Happens all the time."
"Yes, I—I'm really sorry," she said again, flustered now. "It's right here. Table thirteen, private section near the edge. Gorgeous view."
"Perfect," Lux said smoothly. "Shall we?"
"Right this way, sir!" she said quickly, stepping out from behind the counter and motioning toward the grand doors. Her coworker just blinked, stepping aside.
They passed through the threshold into the restaurant proper.
Lux could feel the shift instantly. The temperature dropped slightly from hidden ventilation, perfumed subtly with lavender and bergamot. The faint sound of strings echoed from invisible speakers. Light shimmered like candle glow, despite the high-tech modern aesthetic.
The whole place was still empty.
No chatter. No guests.
The table was perfect—set for two, tucked beside a glass wall that curved along the edge of the rooftop. The skyline stretched infinitely beyond it. A crescent moon rested over the city like it was watching, quiet and distant, as if observing the devil that somehow booked the best seat in the world like it was casual routine.
A soft breeze drifted through, teasing the linen napkins and carrying the faint scent of vanilla, cedar, and something that smelled stupidly expensive—probably the candles hidden in crystal holders.
The female staff—still a little flushed from earlier—pulled out his seat with professional grace.
"Please, take your time. Would you like sparkling or still water to start?"
"No," Lux said, lowering himself into the seat like he owned not only the chair, the table, the restaurant, but the night sky itself.
"I want your best wine," he added, adjusting the cuff of his sleeve with the smooth precision of someone about to sign a hostile takeover contract. "And I do mean best. Not whatever bottle you hide under a velvet cloth and pretend is rare. The real one. The kind you keep for diplomats, ancient demons, or billionaires that don't blink at seven-figure tips."
The girl blinked—just a flicker—and nodded quickly. "Of course, sir. I'll… bring the reserve list."
She started to step away, then hesitated. "And what would you like to order?"
Lux gave a faint smile, eyes flicking toward the untouched menu at the center of the table.
"I haven't decided yet,. Bring me the menu.," he said casually, fingers tapping the crystal rim of his glass.
He tilted his head slightly. "Also, my partner will arrive shortly. Naomi Delacour. Please make sure she's escorted straight here the moment she arrives."
The staff's eyes widened slightly—recognition flickering through her expression. Naomi's name still carried weight in certain circles, especially when it came paired with men like Lux.
"Yes, sir," she said quickly. "I'll inform the elevator host. Please enjoy your evening."
Lux dipped his chin once. Dismissal by grace.
She left, shoes clicking against marble, posture just slightly straighter than it had been before.
He exhaled.
Let his posture soften just enough to release tension.
Not enough to look casual.
Just enough to stop looking like he was about to eat someone alive.