Chapter 49 - Second Date
The two girls were walking side by side down one of the many familiar streets of Thundrel in silence. Their hands were intertwined, both wearing rings that shimmered beautifully in the evening lights.
Lilly wore the same dress she had been wearing last time, the red one that once belonged to her mother, while Mia wore a new purple one she had bought for this night on the day Gramps passed away. They both contained heavy symbolic meaning for the two of them.
The people they met bowed and smiled as they passed, showing their gratitude to the hero who saved the land and her beloved.
The streets took them to a familiar place, one they both had happy memories of. The Skyview Restaurant was still running, but today it was closed to everyone but two people.
A waiter stood by the stairs and waited for them, as waiters should, presumably. It was not the same man as last time; this one looked a fair bit older and more experienced.
He bowed deeply as he welcomed them. “Good evening, My Ladies! It is a pleasure to have the honor of serving you tonight. Please follow me.”
Lilly exchanged a small smile with Mia as she followed the man, feeling more nervous than she expected. Unbeknownst to Mia, this wasn’t just a second date.
All the tables in the restaurant were removed except for one standing on a slightly raised platform by the edge. Now it was definitely the best spot in the restaurant, still giving a perfect view of the city.
It was set with mithril cutlery, which surprised even Mia as she looked at them in wonder. It seemed the restaurant owner had gone all out for the two of them that night.
‘Well, I did tell them it was a special occasion, but this feels excessive…’ Lilly thought, feeling somewhat over-accommodated. No amulet was on her chest tonight, so she had her head to herself.
“Here you are, My Ladies! Will you be using the automated serving, or would you like me to serve you personally?”
“I think we’ll be using the automated system, sir,” Lilly replied as she sat on her chair. “What dishes will you be serving tonight?”
“Ahh, this night will be a culinary marvel! Nothing but the very best of ingredients will be brought out tonight. We start with a chilled sea emperor carpaccio with shimmering leaf oil and crushed sea tears for the appetizer, then a light gold sparrow consomme with floating gold leaves and flaring mushrooms. Then we have the main course, aged dragon ribeye, seared rare and served with starfruit compote and moonglow risotto, with the side dish of–”
“Hey, let’s make it a surprise for the rest. I love surprises!” Lilly interrupted, fearing the menu would take up most of the evening.
The waiter seemed unbothered by the interruption and bowed. “Certainly. Will there be anything else before we start?”
Lilly glanced at Mia, who was just smiling back. “No, thank you. We’re looking forward to it!”
The waiter left the two of them alone, which made Lilly feel much more comfortable. She sighed lightly as she looked out toward the city streets. “It’s a shame that I still feel the need to shut out other people’s glances. Last time, it was due to our unusual relationship; now it’s because I’m the great savior of everything ever.”
Mia chuckled and leaned forward on the table. “I’m sure you’ll get used to it in time.” She looked around the restaurant, reliving the memories of their last visit. “I must say, I’m glad you invited me out for a second date. I was worried you wouldn’t contact me again after the first one, but here we are.”
Now, it was Lilly’s time to chuckle. “Hah, well, it’s understandable with how long it took me to arrange it. It’s not easy to get spots here, you know!”
Mia smiled at her. “I was a bit surprised you chose this place again. Not that I mind, of course. At this point, it feels… nostalgic, I guess.”
Lilly thought about the bejeweled ring she had hidden in her purse but tried to keep her expression neutral. “Well, since it did take so long, I thought it was more fitting. Besides, a basement restaurant can only be so amazing, don’t you think?”
“Well, perhaps we can go there next time. If you decide to invite me again, of course. I don’t want to seem presumptuous,” Mia joked with a wink. “Have you heard from Adelia since the coronation?”
“Oh, yeah, she sent me a letter. She asked how much land I would like to receive and if I was fine with the title of Duchess… I haven’t replied, but I think I might have to talk with her in person.” Lilly sighed, thinking about the unruly princess made queen. Common sense was not one of her superpowers, but Lilly did appreciate her immense support.
“... Duchess, huh? Isn’t that a bit… too much?” Mia asked, not seeming entirely sure of how high a position that was.
“It is way too much; it’s the highest position under the queen. She insists on giving me Thundrel and the surrounding land that was taken after the massacre two hundred years ago, and that’s… Well, I guess it’s fine. It does belong to the Vermilion Family, so it’s hard to refuse. Selene will still take the position as Lady Protector, though.”
“Right! She and her loyal elven bodyguard. Do you think there’s something budding there?” Mia asked, looking curious.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
“I think… I have no idea. Selene is a mystery to me.” In more ways than one, she thought silently. She still had no idea what relation that enchantment in her core had to the divine, but she had researched her name. Selene was said to be the name of the moon in ancient texts from the east, increasing her suspicion that the Divine Seraphim was involved.
A sudden movement from the ground interrupted her thoughts as the restaurant started floating. The novelty of flying had lost most of its effect for Lilly at this point, but seeing how excited Mia was made it more than worth it.
“Ah, I wish our house could do this!” Mia said as she looked at the city falling further and further below them. The millions of lights in the city had never looked better than they did reflected in her emerald eyes.
Lilly was only stunned by the sight for a second before she shook her head. “That would have taken so much longer to build! Be happy it’s finished, instead. I’ll take you flying anytime you want.”
Mia looked displeased by her offer. “But it’s so small! I like having the ground beneath my feet!” She sighed, knowing her dream of a flying house would never be. “I’m glad we moved out, though. Elly and Dahn might need some time alone going forward.”
“Yeah, I think they’ve decided to grow their family,” Lilly said, smiling. The smile faltered a bit as she remembered the gift Eolande had sent them, though. A crate filled with potions granting the consumer some additional traits, including a promise to refill the crate at any time. She was ready to see some grandchildren, hoping they could raise their children together.
It was still unopened as they both felt nervous about it. ‘But perhaps an engagement might make us braver?’
The first dish floated in as they admired the view, landing softly on the table. It was followed by a small plate carrying tall glasses of wine, one for each of them. The plates were covered by a thin layer of light pink cured meat under a fancy layer of oil and shimmering crystals.
Lilly studied it closely, feeling the scent of salted seafood making her mouth water. “I’m very curious about this food, honestly. Most of the ingredients were supposed to come from high-tier beasts, and I remember that arcane deer tasted delicious last time.”
Mia seemed just as interested in the mithril fork they were supposed to use for the meal as the meal itself. The design of all the cutlery was very sleek and smooth, meaning they must have been made by an expert. “Well, let’s dig in!”
The first bite brought with it a unique blend of salt, sweet and savory. The cured seafood had a strong flavor that was enhanced by the oil, while the crushed sea tear seemed to have a sweet flavor, bringing the sensations together into a dance. It was lovely.
“Mmmh, I can feel the mana from the sea emperor. This is amazing!” Mia exclaimed after the first bite. She also took a sip of the wine and seemed to enjoy it immensely. “And this is only the appetizer, whew.”
“I hope you’re hungry, Mia, because this is a seven-course meal. I’m curious about the aged dragon meat; it sounds tough.”
Mia nodded absentmindedly. She looked up at Lilly thoughtfully, like she had something to say. “Hey, Lilly? Uhm… I was wondering… Or, I heard…” She seemed to struggle with her words, unsure whether she should continue.
“Yeah?” Lilly replied, trying to drag it out of her. She was curious about what could have caused such a reaction.
“... Well, it’s probably nothing, but… Ugh.” She covered her eyes with her hands like she didn’t want to be seen. “It’s just my biggest insecurity, so I have to ask! Someone told me you recently went to a different blacksmith, the one near the Aether’s Echo. But I know we’re partners and all, so I dismissed it as a stupid lie. But it’s been bugging me, okay?”
Removing her hands, she looked straight at Lilly, anxiety clear on her face. “I hate to ask, I really do. But can you tell me if it’s true?”
Lilly wasn’t quite sure how to react. This was exactly why she hoped Mia wouldn’t hear about it, because she was so insecure about her own abilities as her blacksmith. She found it to be cute but also silly and thought it best to dismiss her anxiety once and for all.
“Hey Mia, have you heard of Ignus?” she asked, smiling lightly.
Mia shook her head, looking confused.
“He’s a demigod, a son of the Divine Dragon, and the inventor of dragon steel. Probably the greatest blacksmith in the world, according to Goddon. He suggested that Ignus and I team up as partners to make the greatest enchanted items in the world. But I told him I already have a partner. I did not hesitate for a second.”
Mia’s expression turned into a sad smile. “I’m sorry, Lilly; I knew you wouldn’t go to anyone else for smithing. I’m just stupid.”
Lilly tried suppressing a smile but feared she wasn’t all that successful. “No, that part is true… I had hoped to wait a little while longer, but this is fine.”
Grabbing the little box from her purse, she stood up and walked to Mia’s side. “There was something I couldn’t ask you to make, you see.”
Mia looked confused, but there seemed to be a part of her that knew what might be happening. She kept quiet, staring at Lilly with wide eyes.
“... These last few months have been extremely challenging in many ways, and while some parts have been very tough to handle, you’ve always been there to support me through it. It’s hard to say what would have happened without you.”
With eyes wide as saucers, Mia now seemed unable to sit still. “Lilly, what is…”
“The accidental look into your soul led me to consider things I never thought about before. And what I found was that the idea of being together with you filled me with much more joy than fear. And it turned out I was right, because you are the best thing that has ever happened to me.”
Tears rolled down Mia’s cheeks as Lilly kneeled before her, presenting the red box in her hand. She opened it to reveal the most beautiful red ruby imaginable, glowing faintly from within, standing on top of an intricate golden ring.
“Mia Gorton, will you marry me?”
Speechless, Mia could only nod while wiping her tears. She tried to speak, but only choked-up sounds came out.
Lilly felt a tear roll down her own cheek as well as she took the ring from the box and asked for Mia’s hand. Mia held it out for her, keeping the other in front of her mouth while striving to look through her tears.
The ring slid onto her finger, fitting perfectly. The soft glow illuminated the strong and calloused hand, like embers dancing across her skin.
Unable to handle her emotions any longer, Mia fell out of the chair and embraced Lilly tightly, forcing them both to the ground. “Uwaah, I’m so happy! I love you so much!”
Lilly was now equally teary eyes and overwhelmed by emotions, unable to hold it together anymore. Happy tears fell everywhere as the city shone in the background.
“I love you too.”
That night marked the start of House Velimia, The Vermilion Protectors.