Chapter 289

Chapter 289

"Time really does fly when youre having fun."

Lilly murmured, shaking the drink in her hand.

"The festivals almost over already."

The sun had already set.

But Crossroads central square was still brightly lit, filled with people joyfully singing and dancing.

As Lilly watched those savoring the festivals final moments, Godhand, who was holding the handles of her wheelchair from behind, chimed in.

"Youre right, Miss Lilly. It went by in a flash."

Lilly chuckled softly as she looked up at Godhand.

"Did you enjoy the festival, Godhand?"

"Absolutely. This was the most fun Ive ever had at a festival in my entire life."

Godhand grinned widely, though his hair was pulled and tugged at various places, and some strands even appeared scorched. It was a consequence of getting scolded by Lilly on the first night of the festival. Still, he seemed quite cheerful, which made him look somewhat foolish.

Well, hes been focusing on me since then...

She felt there was no more need to scold him.

Quietly, Lilly deactivated a Level 1 skill, [Fire Cannon], she had stored in her magic power.

Even so, walking around with this activated seemed a bit excessive...

As he carefully observed Lilly, Godhand hesitated before asking,

"Did you really enjoy yourself, Miss Lilly?"

"Hm?"

"Um... its my first time going on a date, so..."

Godhand scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

"I was worried you might not find the time spent with me enjoyable."

"..."

"Im not exactly... the most fun guy to be around..."

Staring intently at the flustered Godhand, Lilly burst into soft laughter.

"Just being with you is good enough for me."

Lilly didnt ask for anything extraordinary from her lover.

Sharing the same space, seeing the same scenery, experiencing the same things, and creating the same memories.

That was more than enough to make her happy, especially over these fleeting two days.

"..."

Mesmerized by Lilly, Godhand slowly moved to the front of her wheelchair.

"Mi, Miss Lilly!"

"Hm?"

Stuttering and hesitating, he slowly knelt on one knee.

"I know its a bit late to say this now! But still, even if its late!"

Frantically, Godhand took something out of his pocket.

It was a short piece of metal roda bland, clunky lump of iron.

But at Godhands fingertips, that metal rod blossomed into a rose in an instant. It was a feat only possible because he was a metal mage.

As Lilly watched this miraculous scene in awe,

"Please... will you officially date me?"

With his eyes tightly closed, Godhand held out the metal rose.

"I will make you happy for as long as were together. I cant say itll be forever, but"

His speech cut off as he bit his lip.

He spoke too hastily and ended up biting his lip. Despite the embarrassment and pain, Godhand somehow finished his confession.

"I will... make you happy."

"..."

Staring at the awkward Godhand, Lilly let out a brief laugh.

"Let me see your lip."

"Huh?"

"Your lip. It looks like its bleeding. Show me."

Godhand hesitantly leaned his face forward. Lilly, who had been holding his chin to examine his wounded lips, lightly kissed him.

"...?!"

Godhands face instantly flushed red. With a similarly reddened face, Lilly grinned.

"Id love to date you. But theres one thing you must promise."

"W-what promise?"

"Never lie to me. No matter the situation, always tell me the truth. ...Can you promise that?"

Without hesitation, Godhand nodded.

"Of course, my lady."

The two awkwardly chuckled, their eyes meeting for a long moment.

Just when the mood was becoming perfect,

Bang! Thud!

A sudden crashing noise came from the side.

"Hehe. Wasnt it?"

"Im looking forward to next year!"

As I mumbled, Evangeline and Damien responded with broad smiles.

"Next year, huh."

Junior gave a bitter smile and took a puff of her cigar,

"..."

Lucas stayed silent, only watching the dispersing fireworks.

It was then.

"Your Highness."

A clear voice rang out from the edge of the square. I looked and saw Serenade standing there.

Under the colorful lighting of bursting fireworks and with her glossy hair fluttering in the autumn wind, Serenade somehow looked like a mermaid. Scales or no scales.

I felt as if a refreshing scent, like sea foam, emanated from her.

I quickly stood up and faced Serenade.

"Serenade, youve worked really hard throughout this festival."

I awkwardly scratched the back of my neck.

"While you were busy working, I just enjoyed myself. Im sorry."

"Hehe, dont mention it. Im glad that you had a good time, Your Highness."

Serenades silvery eyes rounded as she offered a sweet smile. Suddenly she exclaimed, "Ah!" and extended one hand toward me.

"Your Highness, since Ive worked hard throughout this festival... Will you give me a reward?"

"Of course. What would you like?"

As I asked with a sly grin, I remembered something Serenade had once asked me for.

You know, that... s-s-seed...

Ahem!

As long as its not that kind of thing, I can happily oblige.

I waited for Serenades response with slight tension.

Then, giggling, Serenade took a step closer and opened her palm.

"Would you dance a song with me?"

"Huh? You mean, dance?"

"Yes. The day of the Dance Festival isnt over yet, is it?"

Her face was flushed as she boldly made the request. Was she a bit nervous?

Pausing for a moment, I broke into a carefree smile and slowly stood in front of Serenade, taking both of her hands.

"My pleasure, partner."

Boom... Fizz...!

Under the bright light of the bursting fireworks,

At a moment when everyones attention was fixed on the sky, we hid outside their line of sight. Not in the center of the plaza, but in a quiet corner.

We began to waltz slowly.

There was no music, no chandelier, no stage, but the atmosphere had its own charm.

Having spent a long time in the Imperial Capital, we danced together seamlessly.

Serenade, her face aglow with happiness in my arms, whispered softly.

"Your Highness."

"Hm?"

"Do you remember when I said, a few days ago, that I had something important to tell you?"

I remembered.

On her first day arriving here in Crossroad, Serenade had said with a determined expression:

- I have something important that I must tell Your Highness directly.

The message that she said she had to personally convey to me, making the long journey from the Imperial Capital to this place, Crossroad.

Her real reason for visiting this remote southern region.

But whether it was because we hadnt had a chance to be alone, she hadnt told me until now.

I swallowed hard. What could she possibly want to say to me?

Could it be a co, co, confession?

Ah, Im not emotionally prepared for this yet...! Even I think its pathetic, but I really cant handle this kind of thing...!

Serenade glanced around nervously, confirming that nobody was nearby.

As we continued to waltz, after making sure multiple times that no listening ears were around, Serenade whispered softly into my ear.

"...There is a conspiracy unfolding."

My mind went blank.

I couldnt understand what she was saying all of a sudden. I blinked in confusion and asked nervously,

"What?"

"There is a conspiracy unfolding in the Imperial Capital, Your Highness."

Serenade repeated, her face deadly serious, whispering once more into my ear.

"Second Prince Fernandez is planning to rebel...!"