Flickering light dust waved through the air, enveloping the playful pixies that flung freely into the city. Due to The Peace Festival, the city center of Pei Jin bloomed with lives. Amidst the crowd, a couple ran together, brimming with smiles.

As the couple ran through the crowd, their laughter resonated with the joyous ambiance of the festival. The city, usually characterized by its daily hustle and bustle, now transformed into a haven of celebration and unity. Street performers showcased their talents, colorful stalls adorned with trinkets and treats lined the pathways, and the air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of exotic foods.

“Look at that, Arthur! It’s a giant fish in the middle of the desert!” Luciel said, tugging Arthur's hand. The two of them looked at the magic illumination of the fish and flew in the air controlled by magic.

Arthur chuckled, “That’s a whale. A humpback whale to be precise,” he then held his girlfriend's hand and started explaining, “Before the thousand years of war, the sea was full of these magical beings. They have the formidable sharks, Killer whale the apex of the sea, and also the sweet dolphins with their sweet smile.”

“Wow, what a nerd! You sure know a lot, Artie,” Luciel remarked.

But Arthur was used to Luciel's nonchalant words, so he shrugged, “Well, I don’t have much to do besides reading. Anyway, what should we do first, Lu? Do you want to eat?”

Luciel grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Definitely! Let's explore the food stalls. I heard they have this amazing dish called 'Celestial Spice Delight.' They say it's a combination of flavors from all over the realms. I'm curious to try it!”

Hand in hand, Arthur and Luciel navigated through the lively crowd, their senses overwhelmed by the myriad of sights, sounds, and smells. The stalls showcased an array of magical and delectable treats, from sparkling elixirs to enchanted pastries. As they approached a stall with a sign that read "Realm Fusion Delicacies," a friendly vendor greeted them.

"Welcome, lovebirds! Care to try the Celestial Spice Delight?" the vendor asked a mischievous glint in their eyes, “Careful, it’s burning spicy, mate Don’t want to embarrass yourself in front of your fine lady, right?” he continued.

Arthur crossed his arms, “Five bowls for me. BIG bowls, and one for her, a small one!”

The Vendor was surprised, “F-F-Five, are you sure?”

Luciel giggled, “Oh Mister, you shouldn’t underestimate him. Not only did he have an iron tongue, but my man even got a leviathan, living inside his stomach. He could actually eat your whole shop if we have the time.”

The Vendor laughed, “Hahhaa, you’re right! Who am I to judge you guys. Alright, five big servings and a small serving coming right up!”

The vendor prepared the dish with a flourish of magical gestures, creating a spectacle of colors and sparkles. The aroma wafted towards Arthur and Luciel, making their mouths water in anticipation. The Celestial Spice Delight was served in iridescent bowls, each bite a burst of unique and harmonious flavors. As they savored the magical culinary creation, Arthur and Luciel enjoyed the enchanting melodies from nearby performers.

“So how was it?” Luciel asked, resting her face on her hands, gleefully watching Arthur eat.

“What do you mean? The food? It’s absolutely amazing, of course!” Arthur answered.

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“Nooo, I mean, our first meeting with Mom. Don’t you think, she would give us the green light?”

Arthur choked on his food and quickly gulped the water, “You’re joking, right?”

Luciel burst into laughter, “Well, so much for a first impression. But, if you got out of that situation unscathed, then it was a good sign,” she relaxed her shoulder and continued,

“You see, Mom is so overprotective to me, that she would scare away boys around me all these years. She would meticulously select who I should befriend and who I should stay away from. One time, she even paid a close friend of mine to leave me, just because she knew we fought a little. Of course, I protested and kept her as my friend.’

Arthur laughed, “Well, thank the gods. Sounds like an overbearing Mother. But Luciel, actually, I think, she just really adores you.”

Luciel looked at her cup of coffee, smiling sheepishly, “Adores, huh? She loves me so much that I’m confused about how to give back to her. Artie, what do you think? What should I do to repay her kindness?”

Arthur pondered for a moment, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I think the fact that you're even thinking about how to reciprocate your mother's love shows what a caring and thoughtful person you are. Love isn't about keeping score or finding perfect ways to give back. It's about being there for each other, understanding, and appreciating the effort. I'm sure your mom knows how much you care for her.”

He smiled, his eyes meeting Luciel’s. "Maybe the best way to show your love is by being yourself, by being the wonderful person your Mom raised. And, of course, by introducing her to the amazing guy who's lucky enough to be with you, which you already did,” he added with a playful wink.

Luciel grinned, reaching across the table to hold Arthur's hand. “G-Geez, you always know the right things to say, Artie. I'm lucky to have you,” but then, seeing as everyone looked at them and laughed awkwardly, Luciel quickly let go of her boyfriend’s hand and said,

“A-A-Anyway, Mom is a softie. I’m sure, given time and effort, she would finally accept you as my boyfriend, Artie.”

Arthur smiled. A softie, she said? Perhaps Luciel was so dense that she didn’t feel it. Back then, when her Mom met him, the first word she said was not out of her lips, but rather her glare.

That woman knew that Arthur was a human.

It took years for Arthur to perfect his disguise as Daemon Vampyris, using Black Death legends for his own purpose. Combining rare materials from the south, he could make fragrance even fool the sharpest nose of Daemon Dogs, covering his true identity as a human. With that, Arthur could infiltrate the town and bewitch one of The High Court, to allow a human settlement in this free city of Pei Jin.

Yet, Arthur’s people faced harsh discrimination in this city. They couldn’t even shop peacefully at the marketplace, let alone access to healthcare, water, or any necessities. That was when a stroke of luck stumbled upon him. A young and naive rich merchant came to him, asking for a collaboration to make a pharmacy branch of her company.

Luciel was so oblivious and gullible, that with sweet nothing whispers, Arthur easily seduced her. Now, with her heart imprisoned by Arthur, he could inherit the wealth of one of the richest merchants in the town.

If he could have that much money, he could buy his people’s rights in this town. No one would discriminate against them anymore, because in this city, money is power.

Yet, the biggest hurdle was actually Luciel’s Mom, Clair. Arthur had researched her background but came out with nothing. The Woman was a master at covering her tracks, almost as if she were a master spy. The only thing Arthur knew was her company and how she managed to open a new branch in other countries.

Yet, it didn’t make sense. Clair’s wealth was astounding. It wasn’t something that could be achieved with a small alchemical company. She hid something beneath this alchemical shop, a secret that was the main source of her income.

And yet, another mystery gripped Arthur’s heart. How the hell did Clair see through his disguise? Knowing Arthur was a human was enough for her to stop trusting him. Seducing her was also a no-choice. Or perhaps, should Arthur take out Clair soon? No, that would be too suspicious.

The only key Arthur had now was Luciel. If he plays the cards right, the woman soon start accepting him. Once the marriage happened… He would take down the two of them and gain the wealth for himself.

That was the way of Noctis, the long-lived family of liars.

Arthur took a sip of his water, “Yes, I’m sure our love will win her heart,” he said with a devious smile to his “girlfriend”.