Bab 15: Evening Party 1

As they left the throne room, Shin turned to Valeri, his brow furrowed and eyes narrowed, lost in thought. "Since the evening party is tomorrow, would you like to have dinner together? It might be nice to get to know each other better."

Valeri looked at him with a nod, her eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and warmth. "I'd like that. It's probably a good idea for us to start building a connection, considering we're going to get married."

As they walked toward the dining area, Shin's thoughts were focused on the importance of this evening. 'It's essential that we start on the right foot. If we can become friends, or even more, it would make our future together much smoother.'

Valeri shared similar thoughts. 'This dinner could be the start of something positive. If we can find common ground and understand each other better, it might even lead to something deeper over time.

As they settled into their seats, the soft glow of the candlelight created a cozy and inviting atmosphere around them. Shin glanced at Valeri, feeling a slight knot of awkwardness in his stomach. He fiddled with the edge of his pants, his fingers tapping rhythmically as he gathered his thoughts. Taking a deep breath, he broke the silence.

"So, Valeri, what do you enjoy?" Shin asked, trying to keep his tone casual despite the flutter of nerves.

Valeri, appearing more at ease, looked up with a warm smile. "I enjoy playing music, studying magic, and reading. Each of these activities helps me relax and learn something new."

Shin's eyes brightened. "Really? I also have a passion for studying magic. Perhaps we could study together on the way back to Lupp. It might be fun."

Valeri's eyebrows lifted in surprise, and she hesitated for a moment before responding with a shy smile. "Um, that might be a bit fast for me. I'm still getting used to all of this." She took a sip of her drink, her cheeks flushing with a hint of embarrassment.

Shin, realizing his suggestion might have been too forward, took a sip of his own drink to hide his growing discomfort. He mentally chastised himself. 'Why did I say that? We've only just met. Why am I so nervous around her?' He wondered, his thoughts swirling as he tried to regain his composure.

Valeri noticed his unease and offered a reassuring smile. "It's okay, Shin. I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to get to know each other better. Let's just enjoy the evening."

Shin smiled gratefully, feeling a bit more relaxed. "You're right. Thanks for your understanding. I'm really looking forward to our future conversations."

As the dinner came to an end, both began to feel more comfortable around each other.

Shin stood up, preparing to leave. "Well, it's been a pleasure talking with you, Valeri. I hope you have a good night."

Valeri rose from her seat as well, her smile warm and genuine. "You too, Shin. It's been nice getting to know you. Good night."

"Good night, Valeri."

With a final exchange of smiles, they parted ways, each feeling a bit more connected as Shin headed off for the evening.

After Shin left the dining room, the emperor and empress entered and took their seats across from Valeri.

The empress's expression was marked with concern, and asked, "How was it, Valeri?"

Valeri, offering a small, reassuring smile, replied, "It wasn't bad. I don't dislike him and am interested in getting to know him better."

The emperor and empress gave each other a reassuring glance, their worry fading as Valeri's words reassured them.

***

After waking up, Shin enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. Several hours before the evening party, he decided to explore the capital and see its sights. As soon as the party concluded, they would head straight to Lupp.

Shin and Laura set out from the palace and began wandering through the city. The capital sprawled before them, a blend of bustling marketplaces and ancient stone buildings stood proudly alongside newer structures.

"Is there anything you need to buy, Laura?" Shin asked.

Laura nodded in response. "Yes, I need to pick up supplies for our journey."

"Finish your shopping and then meet me at the restaurant on the corner," Shin instructed.

"Of course, Young Master. I will return as quickly as I can."

After Laura's departure, Shin found himself wandering aimlessly through the streets, his mind adrift in a sea of unfamiliar thoughts. The bustling world around him faded into the background as he grappled with a question he'd never had the luxury to consider before: 'What do I truly want from life, beyond merely becoming stronger?'

In the unforgiving depths of the Abyss, survival had been his sole focus. There, the harsh reality of the strong preying on the weak left no room for broader aspirations. Every waking moment had been devoted to gaining strength, as it was the only path to security and longevity in that merciless environment.

But now, standing under an open sky and surrounded by civilization, Shin realized the world had expanded exponentially. The constant threat of danger had receded, replaced by possibilities he'd never dared to imagine. For the first time, the concept of a "normal life" wasn't just a distant dream, but a tangible option.

As he continued his solitary walk, a mix of excitement and uncertainty welled up inside him. The freedom to choose his path was as exhilarating as it was daunting. What would he discover about himself in this new chapter of his life?

Lost in thought, Shin found himself at a restaurant without realizing how he'd gotten there. A waiter seated him at a quiet table and took his drink order. As he absently scanned the menu, still pondering his new life.

Laura arrived just as Shin was about to order. "Young master, I have everything," she said with a slight bow, drawing curious glances from other customers.

They quickly left the restaurant and returned to the palace to change for the party.

As Shin adjusted his formal attire, he sighed. "Why call it an evening party when it starts so early? Such a waste of time."

Laura smiled sympathetically. "It's tradition, young master. These events often last well into the night. Shall we go? The emperor doesn't like to be kept waiting."

Shin nodded reluctantly, steeling himself for the long social gathering ahead. As they walked towards the grand hall, the sounds of music and chatter grew louder, signaling the beginning of what promised to be an eventful evening.