CHAPTER 57: PREPARATION FOR DATE

There was a long pause after Max asked his question. He wondered if Stelle was just too overwhelmed by emotions or maybe she was just thinking of rejecting him.

[I can’t. There are people watching over the clan, you know.]

"I didn’t know you were so obedient to your Elders," Max smiled and said. "You’re listening to all of their orders."

[I am not! They can go to hell for all I care. Where do you want me to meet?]

"Just come out your clan and I’ll come to pick you," Max said as he stood up. "Tell me where you will be?"

[There’s a small entrance in the back of the manor. I’ll come there!]

"Good! Give me one hour and I’ll be there," Max was too excited about it, but he still wanted to prepare a few things for her.

[I need some time to prepare my escape as I need to bribe a few people here. We can have fun in evening!]

"Sounds good! I’ll be there at 6 then!"

There was a short silence before Stelle asked again.

[Dummy, why are you doing this?]

Max paused, hearing the trembling voice in his ears. Of course, she had tried to hide it, but she was an amateur at it.

He smiled and said, "You’re my friend and also a valuable cohort member. Your happiness is my happiness and we need to celebrate it."

[...thank you!]

"No problem! Just prepare yourself for a full night date," Max chuckled.

[It’s not a date!!]

"Whatever you believe. I’m cutting off because I need to prepare a few things," Max said.

[Alright. Bye!]

"Time to get on work!"

Max quickly scanned his wardrobe and realised that he didn’t really have proper clothes for a date.

But then he reminded himself that it would probably be a hidden date as Stelle didn’t want anyone to recognize her, so wearing too flashy clothes wouldn’t suit it either.

Still, he was confused about what to wear, so he went downstairs and found Melissa in the kitchen.

"Aunt, can you help me choose some clothes?" Max pleaded by joining his hands over his head.

"Hmm? So urgent...are you going on a date?" Melissa raised an eyebrow and asked.

"Something like that!" Max grinned.

Melissa was genuinely surprised, but then a sweet smile formed on her lips as she dropped her work and dragged Max to his room.

She seemed more excited than Max himself, as she talked about a lot of things he needed to be careful of while dealing with girls.

Entering the room, she scanned the wardrobe, which didn’t really have many clothes, and clicked her tongue in distaste.

"What is this, Max? You don’t have a single piece for this occasion," Melissa shook her head in disappointment.

"Aunt, we don’t want to attract attention as my date’s identity is very sensitive," Max sighed. "So, I don’t want something fancy anyways."

"Is that so? Then, we need to have some things changed," Melissa smiled and once again dragged Max downstairs.

She stopped near reception and said, "Honey, Max has a date today so I’m helping him pick up a few things. Can you handle the Inn for an hour or two?"

John gave a curious glance at Max and shrugged, "Sure!"

Then, the next four hours passed by in a second for Max, as Melissa dragged him through many shops and had him try out clothes, shoes, watches, and so many things.

She was smiling throughout that time and was so excited as if it wasn’t Max who had a date but her.

Finally, they came back in late afternoon and Max had to excuse himself to recharge his social battery.

Even for someone like him, Melissa was... overwhelming with her enthusiasm and stamina that seemed endless.

"Thank you, Aunt Melissa. I’m really, really thankful for your help," Max gave a light bow and thanked her.

"There’s no need for that. It’s been a long time since I’ve had this much fun in shopping. Also, make sure you impress my niece-in-law," Melissa winked at him and left to do her work in the kitchen.

She was still brimming with energy to finish her work.

’Man, I need her energy!’ Max sighed and went upstairs.

In the room, he threw all of his stuff in the wardrobe as he didn’t need all of them now.

Something dropped off from one of his pants and he picked it up, only to throw it back in the wardrobe.

’What the hell? What was she thinking dropping a packet of condoms in my pants? Also, all-size condom? The hell is even that?’ Max’s lips twitched, finding the situation too ridiculous.

[Usually a date leads to a happy night. As for the size of condom, I’ll say it’s technologia!]

’Never thought technology would be used in this way...’ Max shook his head and focused on the other task at hand.

He spent the rest of his free time going through the internet to look for places he could take Stelle without worrying too much about her identity being leaked.

When he was done with it, he called Harley and asked, "Hey, can you lend me some money?"

[Why?]

"Just give me ten thousand Sel for now. I’ll give you fifty-five Gold coins later on," Max said, not wanting to go into details.

[Fine!]

[Your account XX9003 has been credited with 10000 Sel!]

Max knew he had more than enough money for this date, but he didn’t want to take a risk.

Feeling his wallet heavy, Max grinned and left to take a bath. That was very important, and Melissa had even given him many things he needed to use while bathing to get his hair better, his smell better, and a lot of other things.

She really didn’t spare any effort to get him ready.

Coming out completely refreshed, Max donned a bomber jacket over a light T-shirt, joggers, and sneakers along with a cap and mask.

Then, he went downstairs and waved at both Melissa and John, who waved him good luck.

Before he left, Melissa came towards him and stuffed a packet in his hand, saying, "I personally made these cookies with all my love. Just give her these and they’ll work like a love potion."

Max was speechless and couldn’t help but chuckle softly, "I will!"

Then, he came outside and found the familiar car of Fastec waiting there for him. As he entered the car, he found the driver the same as before.

"It’s you again! Where do you wanna go now?"