Chapter 95: Chapter 95: The DinnerThe streets of Valon were alive.

    Glowing lanterns swayed gently above the cobbled roads, their colors shifting from gold to lavender as spring whispered its arrival through the breeze. The smell of roasted chestnuts, spices, and sweet syrup drifted from street vendors. Children ran between carriages. Nobles and merchants bustled through the main square in tailored coats and early spring dresses.

    Noel walked ahead, hands in his pockets, the light brushing against his face.

    ’Spring’s almost here... That means my birthday too.’

    His thoughts trailed off until—

    "Noel," Elena said, cutting into the quiet.

    He turned, slightly startled. "Hmm?"

    "I thought we’d be alone tonight."

    He blinked. "Why would you think that?"

    She gave him a half-smile that didn’t reach her eyes. "You invited me, didn’t you?"

    "Yeah, but I also owed Selene a favor," he said simply. "She helped me a few weeks ago with something important. And since you helped me study today, I figured... two birds, one dinner."

    "...I see." Her gaze drifted to the other girl walking beside them.

    Selene didn’t say a word. She walked with her usual discipline, eyes forward, expression unreadable. Her outfit was simple but elegant—a dark navy blouse and slacks, her hair tied into a high ponytail. She didn’t seem out of place, despite the stares from passersby. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ’I guess I got my hopes up for nothing,’ Elena thought, keeping her smile polite.

    "There it is," Noel said, gesturing ahead.

    They arrived at a towering stone building wrapped in warm golden light. Polished glass doors stood beneath an arch etched with runes. Outside, fine carriages lined the street, and attendants in velvet uniforms opened doors with practiced ease. A trio of musicians played near the entrance, their strings weaving soft harmonies into the night air.

    The building had three floors—each one more opulent than the last. At the very top, a glowing terrace overlooked the entire city.

    Noel looked up.

    ’I will enjoy the view.’

    "Good evening, how may I help you?" the host asked with a courteous bow.

    Noel stepped forward. "Reservation under the name Thorne."

    "One moment, please." The man consulted the enchanted scroll on his podium, his finger glowing faintly as it moved down the list. "Ah yes, dinner for three at 8:30 PM. Right this way, please."

    As they followed the host through the grand lobby, Elena leaned closer to Noel and whispered, "Noel... don’t you think this place is a little too expensive?"

    He raised an eyebrow. "Surprised? We’re all from noble houses, right? Not exactly strange for us to be here."

    "That’s not what I meant," she said, eyeing the polished marble floor, the gold-leafed columns, the nobles in gemstone-studded cloaks. "I mean, how do you afford this?"

    Noel smirked slightly. "You don’t remember? Our dear friend Balthor was kind enough to leave us with some extra coins, remember?"

    Elena blinked, then gave a faint chuckle. "Right... I forgot about that ridiculous game of poker."

    They ascended a wide staircase to the third floor. The air changed—less noise, more refinement. The host opened a pair of glass doors that led out to the terrace.

    City lights stretched below them like a sea of stars. The moon hung low over the horizon, casting a silver glow across the rooftops. Their table sat near the edge, surrounded by blooming dusk-lilies and gently glowing crystal lanterns.

    "We’ve arrived," the host said with a flourish. "Your table."

    ’Might as well enjoy what this world has to offer while I can,’ Noel thought as he pulled out a chair.

    "Order whatever you like," he said aloud. "Everything’s already paid for."

    Moments later, a young waiter arrived and handed them each a menu.

    "I’ll have the grilled wyvern steak," Elena said, a bit hesitant.

    "Same," Noel added.

    Selene, however, was a different story.

    "I’ll take the spiced boar ribs, the stuffed sea serpent rolls, two portions of fire-roasted pheasant, a bowl of glazed roots, the drake bone soup, and—" she paused, finally looking up. "What?"

    Noel smiled faintly. "Nothing. Order whatever you want until you’re full."

    Elena watched in stunned silence as Selene calmly added three more items to her list.

    ’Well... thanks to her, I managed to rewrite the story. This is a small price to pay.’

    The food arrived not long after—tray after tray, delivered by a line of well-dressed staff who bowed before placing each dish on the table.

    The wyvern steaks glistened under the terrace lanterns, perfectly seared. Elena adjusted her napkin delicately, posture elegant and composed. Noel followed suit, calmly slicing into his steak with practiced ease.

    Then there was Selene.

    Her fork was a blur.

    In seconds, she was on her third plate—her expression stoic as ever, even as she tore into fire-roasted pheasant like it was a battlefield.

    Noel watched, biting back a grin. "I guess all that training really builds up an appetite."

    "I didn’t expect this side of you," Elena said with a soft laugh. "Since you barely speak, I thought you’d be... quieter at the table."

    Selene paused mid-bite. "A warrior must feed properly."

    Noel nodded seriously. "Of course. Please, don’t let us stop you."

    Selene resumed her feast without another word.

    Elena looked away for a moment, resting her chin lightly on her hand. "The exams are coming fast," she said. "I’ve barely had time to study anything other than theory."

    Noel sipped his drink. "You’ll be fine. You were top in theory last time, right?"

    "Still... I don’t want to fall behind in practicals."

    Selene suddenly spoke again, this time looking straight at Noel. "I’ll rank first in all the practicals this time."

    Noel met her gaze, then smirked faintly. "Yeah. I’m sure you will."

    Elena watched the interaction, a mix of curiosity and something else flickering behind her amber eyes. But she didn’t comment.

    The conversation drifted for a while longer—exam strategies, rumors about which professors would grade which subjects, how some students were bribing seniors for notes.

    By the time the stars dotted the sky above, Selene was leaning back in her chair, eyes half-closed in satisfaction.

    Elena glanced at Noel, then at the night sky.

    ’Even if we weren’t alone... it hasn’t been so bad.’

    The evening wind rolled gently across the rooftop terrace, carrying with it the scent of warm food and blooming spring petals. From their elevated view, the city of Valon stretched out in glimmering threads of lanternlight and cobbled streets.

    Selene had gone quiet—arms crossed, eyes scanning the skyline as if plotting the next monster to slay.

    Noel, meanwhile, leaned slightly against the terrace railing, a glass of something amber in hand. His thoughts were distant again.

    ’This world’s full of risks, regrets, and twisted plots... but moments like this? I’ll take them.’

    Across the table, Elena was quietly watching him. Her posture was relaxed, but her thoughts weren’t.

    "Noel," she said softly, almost hesitant.

    He turned.

    She smiled. "Thanks... for inviting me. I know it didn’t go exactly how I imagined, but... it was nice."

    He blinked, surprised at the sincerity in her tone. Then he gave a small nod. "Yeah. I’m glad you came."

    Behind him, Selene stood up abruptly. "I’m heading back."

    Noel raised a brow. "Already?"

    "I’ve eaten enough. I have training tomorrow."

    Noel nodded. "Want me to—?"

    "I’ll be fine," she said, already walking toward the stairs. "Thanks for the food."

    She vanished as suddenly as she’d come.

    Elena stood slowly, brushing down her coat.

    They walked side by side out of the restaurant, descending the polished stairs until they reached the main avenue again. The night was quieter now, the rush of nobles thinning out.

    As they reached the main street, Elena slowed.

    "Noel?"

    He looked over.

    She hesitated, then smiled faintly. "Even if we weren’t alone... it hasn’t been so bad."

    ’What do you mean by that, what don’t tell me. It can’t be right? Right?’