The next day.

"Aya, are you ready?" you asked from outside the door.

"A-almost!"

A faint rustling sound came from inside the room. After a moment, the door opened. Aglaea had shed her usual elaborate robes, wearing a light-colored dress instead. Her golden hair was simply tied back with a ribbon, revealing her long, fair neck. The normally dignified and majestic demigod now looked like an ordinary noblewoman.

"How is it?" Her voice held a hint of uncertainty. "Is it… too plain?"

You looked at her, momentarily speechless. "It's beautiful," you said sincerely.

A faint blush spread across her cheeks. "Then let's go."

The first stop was Ohema's busiest market.

"Remember, we need to appear intimate," you whispered a reminder.

"I know."

Then, Aglaea actively linked her arm through yours. Her movement was a bit stiff, but she tried hard to act natural. A soft touch came, and your body stiffened slightly.

"What's wrong?" she asked nervously. "Is it too deliberate?"

"No, it's fine." You adjusted your expression. "Let's go."

Walking side by side down the street, they immediately attracted countless gazes.

"Isn't that Lady Aglaea?"

"Who's the man beside her?"

"Oh my god, they look so intimate!"

Whispers rose and fell. Aglaea's body visibly stiffened for a moment—she had never been so exposed to public view.

"Don't be nervous," you gently comforted her, taking her hand in yours. "Just pretend they don't exist."

The warm touch gradually made her relax. As you passed a snack stall, a fragrant aroma wafted over.

"What do you want to eat?" you asked.

"I…" She hesitated. "I rarely eat street food, actually."

"Then let's try a bit of everything."

You bought various snacks and then naturally fed them to her mouth.

"Ah—"

Aglaea froze, then her face turned as red as a ripe apple. But under everyone's gaze, she still cooperatively opened her mouth. More exclamations came from the surroundings.

"So cute!"

"Turns out even a demigod can be shy!"

As you passed a jewelry stall, an exquisite hair ornament caught your eye.

"Boss, how much is this?"

"Good taste, customer! This is carved from Cloud Cliff Stone, perfect for your lover!"

Lover… Even knowing it was fake, hearing that term made Aglaea's heart skip a beat.

"Let me put it on for you."

You picked up the hair ornament and gently placed it in her hair. So close, she could even feel your breath. In that instant, her pupils constricted slightly—the demigod's instinct was warning her of an intrusion. But she forcibly suppressed this instinct.

"Does it look good?" she asked softly.

"It looks very good." You looked at her seriously. "The best in all of Ohema."

In the afternoon, the two found a restaurant for a meal.

"Phew…" After sitting down, Aglaea visibly relaxed. "Acting is really tiring."

"You worked hard." You poured her water. "But it worked very well; I heard many people discussing it just now."

"Mm." She picked up the cup, hiding a fleeting hint of disappointment in her eyes. Yes, it was just acting.

"How about going to see a play this afternoon?" you suggested. "I heard there's a very popular one recently."

"Okay," she replied softly.

In the theater box, the two quietly watched the performance on stage. It was a story about a mortal and a deity falling in love. Ultimately, the deity abandoned her divine position for love, choosing to spend a brief lifetime with the mortal.

"What a clichéd plot," you commented softly.

Aglaea, however, watched very intently, tears glinting in her eyes. "But…" she whispered, "it's good to be together. Even if it's only for a few decades."

You turned your head to look at her. "Are you crying?"

"No." She hurriedly wiped away her tears. "Just… thought of some things."

In the evening, according to the plan, you arrived at the famous public bathhouse.

"There are a lot of people here, perfect for more people to see," you said.

Aglaea nodded, but her fingers trembled slightly. It wasn't shyness, but a deeper resistance.

"Are we… really going to the mixed bath?" Her voice was very small.

"This is the most convincing," you said definitively. "Don't worry, I'll be mindful of the boundaries."

By the hot spring pool, the two met again. The thin bath robe outlined Aglaea's perfect figure, and her damp golden hair was spread over her shoulders. She was completely uncomfortable, subconsciously wrapping her arms around herself.

"Don't keep staring…"

"Sorry." You shifted your gaze. "Let's go down."

There were already a few couples in the hot spring pool, and they showed surprised expressions when they saw Aglaea and you approach. You found a corner and sat down. Warm spring water enveloped their bodies, and steam diffused around them.

"Actually…" Aglaea suddenly spoke, her voice very soft. "I was very happy today. Although it was fake, but… being able to spend a day like this with you, I'm truly happy."

You silently looked at the water's surface.

"Orion." She turned her head and said with courage. "I know Cifera is still in your heart. But, can you… give me a chance? A chance to fall in love with someone else again?"

Sunlight spilled onto the water, and her eyes were full of anticipation and nervousness. You opened your mouth, wanting to refuse. But looking at the light in her eyes, the words on your tongue turned into: "I… I'll try."

"Really?" She excitedly grabbed your hand, surprise blooming in her eyes.

"But I can't promise I can do it," you reminded her.

"It's okay… as long as you're willing to try."

Just then, discussions came from other couples nearby.

"That Lady Aglaea, is she really dating, as the rumors say?!" a young man exclaimed in surprise.

"So what if she's a demigod? She also has the right to pursue her own happiness. Look how loving they are." The young man's girlfriend looked at you with envy.

"Really? If they're lovers and so loving, will they kiss like us?"

"Of course! Lady Aglaea should be the more dominant type, the active one…"

Kiss…

You and Aglaea froze simultaneously. Aglaea's face instantly turned crimson. "Sh-should we… to make everyone believe…"