NOVPUBBeneath the iron tower, the two individuals locked eyes.
For a moment, neither spoke, and the quiet lingered.
In the distance, as the morning mist on the surface of the Selina River began to dissipate, the rising sun cast myriad golden rays that danced atop the sparkling water, and a few elegant white swans glided by, leaving a trail of ripples.
Talia looked at Lanci, who had remained silent, and she cleared her throat.
"Lanci, I’ve thought it over carefully. Since we met, you’ve been helping me. A lot has happened between us, and gradually, we’ve become friends. We’ve grown increasingly familiar with each other, to the point where we can be considered uniquely close confidants,"
Talia said this earnestly and with a touch of vexation, looking quite the cool beauty.
"To thank you for all the help you’ve given me, and seeing that you seem a bit down today, I think it’s necessary to take you out for some proper fun, to let you experience my care."
As she looked at Lanci again, her gaze carried a touch of maternal concern, much like how she usualy looked at Hyperion.
"Ah?"
Lanci was full of disappointment, even a tinge of existential doubt.
Talia’s expression stiffened slightly as she nervously turned her head and pursed her trembling lips.
Then she felt a surge of ecstasy.
Indeed, this was just right!
...
An hour earlier.
Pari North Shore District 2, Asturias’ Count’s Mansion.
Through the towering five-meter high windows, inlaid with Poson patterns, one could see the sycamore leaves in the courtyard shifting from rich green to gold, occasionally fluttering to the ground with the breeze, like graceful butterflies in the air.
The distant slopes of Montmartre Heights loomed faintly through the mist.
"Why didn’t you invite Lanci out today?"
Inside the drawing room, three ladies lounged on a set of uniquely styled sofas, engaged in casual conversation.
Aitio, dressed in a pure white lace dress, gazed at Talia with curiosity tinged with bewilderment.
Her ice-blue eyes held a gentle and dignified warmth, revealing a sweet inquisitiveness.
Aitio’s outfit today was as light as a dandelion in the wind, the dress’s thin, sheer hem flowing with her movements. Her silver necklace adorned her slender white neck, only highlighting her flawless complexion.
After witnessing the grand battle two days ago, she had seen the Demon King descending in Tata’s guise.
At that moment, Aitio suspected Tata’s true identity, and later, without hiding anything, Tata had approached her to help with the aftermath.
Aitio felt as if she were dreaming.
When all seemed hopeless, Isatia’s sister, the most incredible princess of the Demon Race, had appeared just as Isatia described her.
And Aitio could never have imagined that Miss Tata was none other than the legendary Talia herself.
The only thing that puzzled Aitio was that in her everyday life, Miss Tata showed no signs that she was such a Demon King...
In short, was it a bit disappointing? Or did it make her seem cuter and more approachable?
"Why should I go out with him? That guy always likes to tease me, and I can’t stand it anymore."
When Talia brought up Lanci, she was clearly annoyed,
"Besides, I think you’re all misunderstanding my relationship with Lanci, there’s no reason for me and him to be together today."
If Lanci had proactively invited her and given her a few reasons why they must go on a date, she might have reluctantly considered whether to go out with him.
Listening to Talia speak.
...
Countess Rosalinda, on the opposite side, said nothing while seated in her wine-red, velvet gown. She reclined against the sofa backrest, her slender waist accentuated by her fitted bodice. Her gold hair was slightly secured, casually draping over her shoulders with a few errant strands playfully curled.
Rosalinda held her tea cup with fingers painted black, gently stroking the rim, seemingly in contemplation.
She had really seen enough of Lanci and Tata’s antics.
She wondered if this was how they behaved in front of Hyperion.
"When I saw him today, I just felt a bit uncomfortable."
Talia always felt there was something off with her heart, and continued to whisper.
This morning, after watching Lanci finish his breakfast, she had returned to her room to check her blood pressure, and sure enough, both her blood pressure and heart rate were a little higher than usual.
Moreover, ever since that day’s battle, she kept recalling the way Lanci held her cheek with a stern attitude that day, staring at her intensely as he spoke.
In the end, she concluded that she definitely disliked Lanci even more, ultimately finding him intolerable.
"But didn’t you both trust each other at the crucial moment that day?"
Aitio straightened up, puzzled.
From what she had witnessed of the battle, if it weren’t for Talia and Lanci entrusting their lives to each other, such rapport would not have been possible.
"That was a special situation, you don’t know how annoying he is ordinarily. Every time I look at him with disgust, he starts to get a little excited, and as soon as I prepare to act, his heart races."
Talia grew increasingly angry as she spoke, popping two milk candies into her mouth one after another,
"Even when I try to teach him a lesson, he just doubles down on making me mad!"
During the conversation, she picked up a piece of mochi, took a light bite, and her eyes once again revealed pleasure, prompting the other two to also taste.
It was always a delight to watch Tata eat.
The red tea on the coffee table steamed ever so gently. Beside it, a three-tiered dessert tray displayed golden, buttery cookies fresh tangy citrus milk candies, and the smooth surface of matcha cheesecake mochi.
