Party (2)

After finishing his training and receiving healing from Seraphina, Elion intended to head home, but she halted him with a bright smile. 

"Let's go shopping for clothes! As my escort, you can't be anything less than the most dashing man at the party."

"Don't worry about that Princess, I can buy clothes alone, you don't have to waste your time on that," replied Elion.

Seraphina leaned in closer to Elion, her warm breath brushing against his skin, making him a bit uneasy. 

"No. Can. Do," said Seraphina, pausing at each word.

"You're coming with me, and I'll ensure you meet my standards," Seraphina insisted. 

"Okay, Princess. Let's go," Elion replied, deciding not to argue. After all, it was just shopping for clothes—how troublesome could it be?

Seraphina smiled at his agreement, and together they strolled through the bustling streets of Eldoria, searching for clothing that would befit a male human attending an important social event.

As Elion and Seraphina wandered through the lively streets of Eldoria, they passed a myriad of shops, each boasting vibrant displays that caught the eye. 

The aroma of freshly baked pastries wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and chatter from the crowd. Elion couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the bustling life around him, but Seraphina had a singular focus: finding the perfect outfit for him.

They explored shop after shop, each one offering a range of styles, but none quite matched Seraphina's standards. 

Elion felt a mix of amusement and exhaustion as they delved deeper into the heart of Eldoria, the sun slowly dipping toward the horizon, casting a golden glow over the buildings.

Just when Elion thought they might never find the right place, they stumbled upon an interesting boutique nestled between two larger shops. The sign above the door read "Aurora's Atelier," and the moment they stepped inside, they were enveloped by an enchanting atmosphere. 

The boutique was adorned with beautiful, handcrafted garments that seemed to shimmer as if infused with magic. Each piece was unique, made from fabrics that flowed like water and glimmered with iridescent hues.

Elion's eyes widened in awe as he examined the garments hanging from ornate displays. Some robes sparkled like starlight and tunics changed color with the light. Seraphina, clearly impressed, moved gracefully through the place, her fingers brushing against the fine materials.

"This is it!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. "These clothes are stunning. You'll look incredible in one of these."

After a few minutes of deliberation, they settled on a rich, deep blue tunic adorned with intricate silver embroidery that seemed to dance under the light. It was the perfect balance of elegance and strength, just what Seraphina envisioned for her escort.

The shopkeeper, a kind-hearted woman with a twinkle in her eye, offered to tailor the tunic for Elion, ensuring it would be ready by tomorrow morning. "We'll have it prepared for you, my dear. You'll be the talk of the party!"

After taking Elion's measurements and finalizing their order, Seraphina turned to him, her eyes gleaming with delight. "See? That wasn't so difficult at all, was it?"

Elion chuckled, feeling a sense of relief for finally finishing this ordeal. "Not at all, Princess. I think I'll actually enjoy wearing this."

'I prefer fighting a week in the borders than shopping a day again with the Princess,' thought Elion after the exhausting day looking for clothes.

"Let me accompany you to your accommodations, Princess, that's the least I could do for your help," offered Elion.

"All right, let's go, my escort," replied Seraphina with a smile.

After escorting Princess Seraphina to her lavish accommodations in one of Eldoria's finest hotels, Elion made his way to his own temporary residence.

Upon arriving home, Elion found Valeria in the kitchen, busy preparing dinner. She glanced over her shoulder and greeted him with a curious look. "Hey, brother! What took you so long to get back?"

Elion responded with a smile. "Hi, Val. I was buying clothes with a friend for the newcomers' party this weekend."

"A friend, huh? Does this friend happen to have huge boobs, brother?" Valeria teased, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. 

Elion's face flushed crimson, and he stammered, "W-What? It's not like that!" He averted his gaze, feeling a little embarrassed by her playful antics.

He couldn't deny that the Princess possessed a pair of impressive 'assets' that could easily gather anyone's attention.

It was very much in line with Elion's preferences.

"Hahaha, so it is true! Is she your date for the party? I can't believe you have one and didn't even tell me!" Valeria exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Elion managed a small smile and replied, "Nothing like that; I'll just be escorting her. I only found out about the party today."

"Okay, I'll take your word for it. Just so you know, I also have a companion for the party," Valeria said with a hint of pride.

"Oh really? Who would be brave enough to ask my brute sister to accompany him? I have to meet this guy!" Elion chuckled, genuinely intrigued.

Valeria smirked, crossing her arms. "I won't tell you!"

Elion raised an eyebrow. "Keeping a secret from you brother now, are we?"

"Hehe, don't worry brother. You'll meet him in two days, at the party. He is actually a really nice guy."

"I see, I see. I'll be looking forward to it," Elion replied, intrigued.

After their lighthearted conversation, Elion joined Valeria in the kitchen to help with dinner. The warm, inviting aroma of spices filled the air as they worked side by side, chopping vegetables and stirring pots. 

Valeria hummed a cheerful tune, her energy infectious, and Elion found himself smiling as they cooked together. 

Once the meal was ready, they set the table, the clinking of dishes punctuating the comfortable silence that enveloped them. 

As they sat down to eat, they exchanged occasional glances and small smiles, enjoying the familiarity of each other's company. 

'I missed this when I was away from home,' thought Elion.

The dinner was simple but delicious, and they savored every bite. After finishing their meal, they cleared the table and washed the dishes.

Elion made sure to send some beast cores to Fenrir, who was comfortably nestled in the space ring Dorian had left for him. Although he hadn't introduced Fenrir to Valeria yet, he planned to do so soon. 

'I'm certain she'll love Fenrir,' Elion thought, a smile tugging at his lips. 'She always had a soft spot for cute animals.' 

The image of Valeria's delighted face filled his mind, and he felt a warmth in his chest at the thought of sharing this special moment with her. Fenrir's playful nature would surely charm her.

Once everything was cleaned up, they made their way to their respective rooms. Elion felt a sense of contentment as he climbed into bed, the warmth of family and shared laughter lingering in his mind. Sleep came quickly, wrapping him in a peaceful embrace as he drifted off.

—

The day of the party arrived quickly. Elion had arranged to meet Princess Seraphina near Eldoria's gate.

The event was set to take place within the academy itself, utilizing its grand main hall, which was large enough to accommodate all the students comfortably.

This party would also give him a chance to observe his fellow students and identify those who might be aligned with the demons. 

He planned to discuss his suspicions with Lucius and Dorian later. Even though Lucius's influence wasn't as strong in Eldoria as it was in Varzinhein, he was still a vampire Duke with authority that stretched across Alastor—more than enough to be of help.

'I also need to find out who Valeria's escort is,' Elion mused, a slight frown forming. 'It's her first time outside Skywood Village, and I can't let her be tricked by some scheming noble playboy. I'll make sure he suffers if he dares to break my sister's heart.'

As Elion continued walking, his eyes were drawn to the radiant figure of Princess Seraphina.

She was dressed in an exquisite gown of deep crimson and black, she stood out like a goddess among mortals. The dress clung perfectly to her slender frame. Her long silver hair cascaded down her back, styled in elegant waves that resembled angelic wings, framing her sharp features with an ethereal glow.

It was impossible not to notice the attention she gathered. Heads turned as students passed by her. 

Commoners and nobles alike were unable to resist stealing glances. Her beauty, combined with the regal confidence she exuded, left a trail of admiration and awe in her wake.

In the brief moment Elion spotted her and began walking in her direction, he noticed two other students approach her, likely hoping to win her favor for the evening. 

With confident smiles, they made their invitations, but their efforts were swiftly dismissed with a polite refusal. 

The rejection came with such ease that it was clear to anyone watching—Seraphina had no intention of entertaining their advances. They left, slightly crestfallen, as if the mere thought of accompanying the princess had been a fleeting dream.

"Good evening, my lady. May I have the honor of being your escort tonight?" Elion asked, offering a formal salute before extending his hand toward Princess Seraphina.

Seraphina turned at the sound of his voice, her face lighting up with a radiant smile.

The nearby students, watching the scene unfold, assumed he was just another bold fool, destined to be rejected like the others.

But to their astonishment, this time was different.

"Of course," Seraphina responded, her voice soft and warm. "I've been waiting for you," she added, gracefully placing her hand in his.