Chapter 43: Chapter 43 – The Double-Date (4) : Aurelia’s POV

The morning sun filtered through the curtains of her room, casting a golden glow across polished marble floors and the ornate weapons hanging on the walls.

Aurelia Drayden sat up, her long red hair cascading over her shoulders, and stretched with a languid sigh.

“Today’s the day,” she said aloud to no one, brushing a lock behind her ear. “That guy better have an answer.”

She rose gracefully, each movement practiced, purposeful. Her morning routine began—the precise brush of her hair, the selection of her training uniform, her favorite lightweight armor laced just tight enough. As she adjusted her gloves, her gaze flicked to the mirror.

“Hmph… It’s not like he has a choice anyway,” she murmured, a confident smirk tugging at her lips. “I caught him off guard with that proposal. He’s awkward, yes—but he’s not dumb.”

Her fingers paused mid-buckle.

Not dumb… and not boring either.

“Tch. It’s not like I fell for him at first sight or anything,” she muttered, suddenly avoiding her reflection. “I have my reasons for approaching him.”

But even as she spoke the words, a faint blush rose on her cheeks.

“Still…” Her voice softened. “If I didn’t like him, even a little, I wouldn’t have bothered. I, Aurelia Drayden, don’t go around proposing marriage to just anyone. Obviously.”

She fastened her last strap and flicked her spear into place on her back, striding toward the door with all the elegance and fire of a noble daughter of one of the strongest families in the Empire.

By the time she reached the training grounds—the same one he always used—her thoughts had quieted into a simmer.

There he was.Luca Von Valentine.

As soon as he saw her, he smiled that clumsy, too-honest smile of his. And then—before she could even press him for an answer—

He asked her out.

On a date.

She blinked, stunned for half a heartbeat.

He’s really doing this now? she thought. No preamble? No ceremony? Just casually throwing the word “date” around like it’s candy?

You would’ve lost points if you agreed to marry me too easily, she thought. That would’ve meant you were just after my family name, or worse—hopelessly whipped. So I didn’t dislike the idea.

Of course, she didn’t show her surprise. She folded her arms and lifted an eyebrow, cool and composed.

A date. Hmph. Fine. Acceptable.

But then—

“It’ll be a double date.”

…What?

Her heart sank, just a little.

A double date? With others? Why complicate things?

Her lips twitched downward for a split second before she regained her composure. He probably thought he was being clever, easing the pressure. Maybe even trying to make it seem less serious.

Still…

She let out a breath and allowed herself the faintest of smiles.

So even though the “double” part was annoying, the rest?

She didn’t hate it.

Not one bit.

The days passed like a breeze.

And before she knew it… the weekend had arrived.

She stood in front of her wardrobe, arms crossed, eyes scanning through rows of combat-ready gear and high-class noble attire.

None of it felt right.

Not today.

Today was… different.

A slow smile curved her lips. If he was going to ask her out, then he better be prepared for consequences.

She finally picked an outfit that was anything but subtle—a cropped black T-shirt that exposed her toned midriff and the light sheen of her training scars, paired with skin-tight black leather pants that molded to her every curve like they were tailored by fate itself.

Her ponytail was tied high, letting her sharp features show with a little extra edge. She dabbed on a hint of gloss—not that she needed it—and turned once in the mirror.

“Hm,” she said, checking the angle over her shoulder. “Yeah. That’ll do.”

Just imagining his flustered little reaction already feels worth it.

And when she met him at a designated spot?

Oh, it was worth it.

Luca stood there in casual clothes—and a nervous smile that screamed, “I have no idea what I’m doing.”

He froze for a moment when he saw her.

Eyes dropped—then immediately shot back up.

She smirked.

“Like what you see, fiancé?”

The poor guy nearly choked on air.

Perfect.

She walked past him with a sway of her hips, satisfied. A little extra bounce in her step for effect. Confidence wasn’t just armor—it was a weapon.

But as they walked together toward the main city gate, she stole a glance at him from the corner of her eye.

Hmm… not bad.

There was something about seeing him out of his usual combat gear that made her pause. He didn’t clean up like a prince—but there was a kind of honest roughness to him. Not polished. Not rehearsed. Just…

Real.

He had potential.

And the Date began.

Of course, the first thing she did was drag him straight to the meat stalls. Pastries? Please. That was food for old ladies sipping tea in flower gardens.

“Pastries are for old people,” she declared proudly, tossing her ponytail back. “This is fuel for warriors.”

Luca tried to protest—something about his sensitive stomach and wanting something soft to start with—but she ordered the spiciest skewers

on the menu before he could finish the sentence.

He took one bite and immediately looked like he’d seen the Goddess herself.

“Oh my god—it’s lava—my tongue is dead—”

She snorted, tearing into hers like it was just another training ration. “Weakling.”

And then, because watching him suffer was way too entertaining, she grabbed another one and waved it in front of his face.

“Open.”

He blinked, startled. “W-What?”

“I said open.”

He obeyed, reluctantly, cheeks already red—and she shoved the skewer into his mouth like she was feeding an especially disobedient puppy. His face contorted into a mix of betrayal, heat, and sheer panic.

Aurelia bit back a grin, lips twitching. He’s too easy to tease… and kind of adorable when he’s suffering.

She pretended not to notice the way Lilliane was giggling in the background, clearly amused—and clearly watching.

As they continued walking through the city, they passed a boutique with dark velvet curtains and gold-lettered signage that read “Velvet Chains.”

Luca stopped. “That sounds like a dominatrix’s lair.”

She grabbed his wrist before he could flee. “It’s just fashion. Stop being dramatic.”

Inside, soft lighting, expensive fabric, and the faint scent of enchanted cologne filled the air. She moved quickly, scanning the displays, until she found it—a deep red jacket, lined with gold threading, subtle but elegant. Without asking, she held it up to his chest.

“Try this.”
₎

He blinked at her. “I already have a jacket.”

“This one hugs your shoulders better,” she said casually, but her eyes didn’t miss a thing. “You’ve been working out, haven’t you?”

His ears turned red.

Bingo.

He stammered something unintelligible, and she stepped closer, brushing a nonexistent speck of dust off his collar. Her fingers lingered just long enough.

“You should wear clothes that show you off more,” she murmured. “No point hiding when you’re mine.”

He froze. His brain clearly short-circuited. The look on his face made the price tag feel like a discount.

She turned away before he could recover, hiding the faint blush that had crept onto her own cheeks. So cute when he’s flustered… This is getting dangerous.

Later, at the Lakefront Plaza, the pace of the day finally slowed. They sat on a low stone wall, facing the shimmering lake where swan boats drifted gently across the surface. The breeze was soft, carrying the scent of summer flowers and something… peaceful.

Aurelia kicked off her boots, letting her toes dip into the cool water. Her spear callouses tingled against the ripple of the lake, and for the first time in a while… she felt still.

“I like this town,” she said, watching a boat pass lazily by.

Luca turned to her. “Don’t act so surprised. I can be peaceful too.”

She gave him a mock glare. “Your idea of peaceful is punching someone with good intentions.”

He chuckled, and she sighed, leaning back on her hands. “You’re lucky I like you.”

She wasn’t even sure when the words left her mouth.

Maybe she didn’t mean to say them out loud.

But… it wasn’t a lie.

And then—without thinking—her head came to rest gently on his shoulder.

She stiffened. Why did I do that? Her expression remained cool, composed, like nothing had happened. Act natural. It’s not like he can hear your heart trying to punch its way out of your chest.

He didn’t pull away. In fact, he slowly leaned his head against hers.

Her heart skipped.

This is… new. Nice. Scarily nice.

She glanced sideways. He looked peaceful. Dorky, yes, but real. And honest.

It’s my first date too, idiot. You just don’t get to know that.

For a second, it felt like time had folded in on itself. The world could wait.

Movement to her right drew her attention. She peeked past Luca and stifled a laugh.

Lilliane was trying way too hard to look casual as she handed Aiden a drink. She nearly dropped it, then sat beside him like she was defusing a mana bomb. Her smile looked like it had gone through five rehearsals and still wasn’t approved.

That girl is trying so hard, it’s painful… but adorable.

Just as she was getting comfortable by the lake, Luca suddenly straightened.

“Hey! I just remembered—there’s this mountain trail behind the academy. Great view of the sunset. Why don’t we go there?”

Aurelia arched a brow. “You mean Lover’s Point?”

He flailed instantly. “Wh—what?! No! I mean—yes! But it’s also called Cloudtrail Ridge, right?”

She hid her grin behind a yawn. He really was hopeless at pretending.

Beside them, Lilliane froze. “L-Lover’s?”

“I-It’s not like I’m suggesting we… confess or anything! It’s just scenic!”

Aiden gave a soft chuckle. “Sure. Let’s go.”

“Huh?” Luca blinked.

“I like quiet places,” Aiden shrugged.

“Me too,” Lilliane added almost too quickly.

Aurelia stretched lazily and smirked. “Then it’s settled. Lead the way, my brave, awkward little fiancé.”

As Luca moved ahead, flustered but trying to play it cool, Aurelia followed behind—arms crossed, steps light.

Watching the sunset with him, huh?

She could feel her cheeks heat up.

Tch. Ridiculous… It’s just a view. Just a sky. Just… him and me. At sunset.

She looked away quickly, pretending to study the trail.

This better not become a habit, she thought—

—but her smile lingered longer than she’d admit.

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