章節 29: Chapter 29: Reflections in the Moonlight
The festival's vibrant energy swirled around Arthur and Leora as they wandered through the bustling streets. Colorful lanterns hung overhead, casting a warm, flickering glow on the excited crowds. Music filled the air, a blend of drums and flutes that gave the evening an exhilarating pulse. Despite the noise and commotion, Arthur found his mind drifting.
As they strolled, Leora was animated, pointing out various booths and attractions with her characteristic enthusiasm. Yet, even as she laughed and tugged him toward different stalls, Arthur couldn't shake the lingering thoughts of his recent time with Claire. The quiet moments they had shared in the library seemed a world away from the lively chaos of the festival.
"Hey, are you even listening to me?" Leora's voice cut through his reverie, pulling him back to the present. She gave him a playful nudge, her red hair catching the glow of the lanterns.
"Sorry, I got distracted for a moment," Arthur replied, offering her an apologetic smile. "What were you saying?"
Leora rolled her eyes but grinned. "I was saying we should try some of those fried dumplings. They're supposed to be the best in Astrea."
"Sounds good to me," Arthur said, trying to refocus on the moment.
They made their way to the food stand, the delicious scent of the fried dumplings drawing them in. As they waited for their order, Arthur noticed how effortlessly Leora seemed to brighten the mood around her. She was like a spark of fire, always burning brightly, always pushing him to let go of his worries—at least for a little while.
When the food arrived, they found a quiet spot under a large cherry blossom tree, its branches adorned with soft pink flowers. The festival carried on in the distance, but here, beneath the tree, the noise felt muted, the world a bit more peaceful.
Leora took a bite of her dumpling, her eyes lighting up with delight. "Mmm, these are amazing! You've got to try them."
Arthur laughed and took a bite. The crispy exterior gave way to a flavorful filling, and he had to admit, it was delicious.
"Okay, you're right," he said between bites. "These might be the best dumplings in Astrea."
"Told you!" Leora grinned, clearly pleased with herself. But as the laughter between them faded, a comfortable silence settled in. For a moment, they simply sat, watching the festival lights twinkle in the distance.
Leora broke the silence, her voice softer than usual. "You've been different lately."
Arthur looked at her, surprised by the sudden shift in tone. "Different? How?"
She shrugged, gazing out at the festival with a thoughtful expression. "I don't know. You're still the same Arthur, but something's changed. It's like… you've been carrying a lot more on your shoulders."
Arthur frowned slightly, not entirely sure how to respond. He had been preoccupied, not just with the mystery of the siphoned dungeon energy, but with the growing bonds he was forming with those around him—bonds that felt more complex with each passing day.
"I guess I've just had a lot on my mind," he said eventually, choosing his words carefully.
Leora turned to face him, her expression open, almost vulnerable. "You know you don't have to carry everything by yourself, right? You have us—me, Elara, Seraphine, Claire. We're all here for you."
Her words touched something deep within him, a reminder that despite his immense power, despite his hidden identity as the Supreme Being, he wasn't alone. These people—his friends, his comrades—were by his side, willing to support him in ways that even he hadn't fully realized.
Arthur gave her a small smile. "Thanks, Leora. I appreciate that. Really."
A light blush dusted her cheeks, and she quickly turned her gaze away. "Don't mention it. Just… don't keep everything bottled up, okay?"
He nodded, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. Leora had a way of cutting through the noise, of reminding him that sometimes, it was okay to lean on others.
As the evening wore on, they continued to wander through the festival, laughing and enjoying the simple pleasures of the night. But as the crowd began to thin and the stalls started to close, Arthur found himself feeling restless once again.
After leaving the festival behind, they walked through the quieter streets of Astrea, the moon hanging high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the city.
"You want to head back?" Leora asked, breaking the silence.
"Actually," Arthur said, stopping near a bridge that overlooked a small river, "I think I'll stay out a little longer. Clear my head."
Leora tilted her head, studying him for a moment before she nodded. "Alright. Don't stay out too late, though. Tomorrow's going to be another intense training session."
Arthur chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind."
She gave him one last smile before heading off, leaving Arthur alone on the bridge. He leaned against the railing, watching the water ripple below as the moonlight reflected off its surface.
As much as he had enjoyed the evening with Leora, the weight of his responsibilities still pressed down on him. There was so much more happening beneath the surface—questions that needed answers, threats that needed to be dealt with. And then there was the growing complexity of his relationships with the people around him.
Leora, Elara, Seraphine, Claire—they were all becoming more important to him in ways that went beyond friendship or camaraderie. And yet, he couldn't ignore the fact that his true nature, the immense power he held as the Supreme Being, was something he still kept hidden from them. Could he really continue to form these bonds while keeping such a significant part of himself concealed?
As he stood there, lost in thought, the sound of footsteps approaching drew his attention. He turned to see a figure stepping out of the shadows, their presence familiar yet unexpected.
"Arthur," the voice called out softly, and as the figure came into view, Arthur's eyes widened in surprise.
"Elara?" he asked, unsure of why she was here at this hour.
She smiled faintly, her silver hair catching the moonlight. "I didn't expect to find you out here."
"I could say the same about you," Arthur replied, raising an eyebrow. "What brings you here?"
Elara stepped closer, her gaze drifting to the water below. "I needed some air. It's been… a lot, lately."
Arthur nodded, understanding the feeling all too well. They stood in silence for a moment, the soft sounds of the night surrounding them.
Then Elara spoke again, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you ever wonder what the future holds for us? With everything that's happening… with all that we're facing… sometimes it feels overwhelming."
Arthur glanced at her, sensing the weight of her words. "Yeah, I do. But whatever happens, we'll face it together."
Elara looked up at him, her eyes searching his. "Together?"
Arthur met her gaze, his voice firm. "Always."
To be continued...
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票