Things were progressing really smoothly.
Trying his best to peer into his memories as much as he could remember, this was most likely the best progression thus far.
At least, if things really did indeed go well.
He had equipped this continent with the necessary tools and weapons.
If the technicians could learn from the blackmarket's artifacts and gadgets, then it would all work in his favor.
However, there was still so much more to do.
But regardless of that, today, Brandon could take a break.
Because today was none other than Christmas Eve.
December 24, 2149.
Snowflakes drifted softly from the sky as Brandon walked with Amelia and Aurelia through the bustling streets.
"Are we really going to the carnival~?"
Aurelia asked, her eyes sparkling
Amelia smiled down at her.
"Yep, and we're going to have so much fun. Games, rides, and the big Christmas tree lighting tonight!"
"Yay~!"
They arrived at the Christmas carnival.
The place was alive with holiday cheer. Strings of glowing bulbs crisscrossed the streets, casting a myriad of colorful glows. The sounds of games, bells, and carols filled the air.
"Where should we start?"
Amelia asked, looking at the map of the carnival.
Aurelia immediately pointed toward the merry-go-round.
"The horses!"
Brandon smirked.
"Merry-go-round it is."
They made their way over, and soon, Aurelia was perched on top of one of the colorful horses.
And then, it started, the horses going around in circles.
"Uwaa~!"
"Aurelia, look over here?"
"Un?"
Click!
With her smartphone, Amelia took a picture of the joyful Aurelia.
After the ride, Aurelia tugged on Brandon's sleeve, her eyes shimmering.
"Brandon, Brandon~!"
"Yes?"
Brandon held her up, cradling her in his arms.
However, what was confusing was why she didn't run up to Amelia. If anything, the two were closer.
But his confusion was soon answered as he turned to the side and noticed Amelia drooling over the food vendors.
She didn't even try to hide it.
"You want something?"
"Slurp~ Ah?"
She shook her head.
"No, I'm good. I'm not that hungry."
Brandon raised a skeptical eyebrow, clearly not convinced by Amelia's answer.
She had been eyeing the food stalls since they arrived, and he knew better than to believe her "not hungry" excuse.
"Really?"
"Fine. Maybe I'm a little hungry."
Brandon laughed.
"Let's grab something to eat, then."
"It's so high up!"
Brandon and Amelia sat close together, her head leaning on his shoulder as they watched the view below them.
"This day was so nice."
"I hope this peace will last forever."
Brandon replied softly, wrapping an arm around her.
As the wheel reached its peak, they had a perfect view of the human domain's large Christmas tree, which was located in the central park not so far away.
Brandon raised his head and pondered.
For the second semester's curriculum, there was an academy exchange event.
The academy festival.... A tournament.... Exams.... Artifacts he planned on proposing.... Meetings.... Presentations....
Training.... Exams....
Milis....
"What are you thinking about?"
"Ah?"
He was snapped out of a daze.
"Just.... relax. Feel the festive mood, look at your eyes, you're barely getting any wink of sleep these days."
Amelia said, pointing at the bags under his eyes.
She was right.
He had to.... relax.
The Ferris wheel slowly descended, and once they stepped off, they made their way toward the city's Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the central park.
The massive tree stood tall, glowing with thousands of lights.
They found a spot near the front of the crowd, waiting for whoever was in charge to give the signal for the tree lighting.
"When's it gonna light up~?"
Aurelia asked, her voice filled with anticipation.
"Any minute now,"
Finally, someone took the stage, a man who seemed to be of relevant importance, giving a short but heartfelt speech about the importance of family and the joy of the holiday season.
All that stuff.
"And now, for the moment we've all been waiting for...."
"Five... four... three... two... one!"
Flick—!
As the Christmas tree lit up, casting a warm glow over the entire square, the crowd erupted in unison.
"Merry Christmas!"
But Brandon and Amelia didn't join them. They stood slightly apart, their eyes meeting under the glow of the lights.
A soft smile tugged at Amelia's lips as she leaned closer.
Brandon, without a word, gently cupped her face.
And under the dazzling lights of the giant tree, they shared a long, sweet kiss.
The world around them seemed to fade.
The noise of the crowd seemed distant as they embraced the quiet moment, wrapped in the warmth of each other.
Aurelia, holding her cotton candy, glanced up at them with a knowing smile.
"What are you two doing~?"
Brandon chuckled, breaking the kiss but keeping Amelia close.
"Merry Christmas."
He whispered, his forehead resting against hers.
Amelia smiled softly, whispering back.
"Merry Christmas, Brandon."
And soon after, they returned home as Belle, Brianna, and a bunch of other people who used to work for the Locke family finished their preparations.
The party was underway.
And after waiting for a few minutes.
Their guests had arrived.