Chapter 23: A Day of Ease

After days of relentless training and tense planning, Arthur found himself in a place he hadn't expected—the grand mall of Astrea. The towering glass ceilings reflected the sunlight, bathing the space in a warm, relaxed glow. Crowds moved leisurely through the shops, and the bustling energy was a welcome distraction from the weight of the academy's recent events. Today wasn't about dungeons or magic; it was about letting their minds rest, even if just for a little while.

Arthur had come here with Leora. She had suggested the idea, a rare sparkle in her eyes as she proposed taking a day off to unwind. After everything they had been through, she wanted to get away from the pressures of training and just enjoy life for a moment. Arthur agreed, curious to see a different side of her.

Now, as they walked side by side through the mall, he couldn't help but notice the subtle changes in Leora. She seemed lighter, more carefree than she ever was at the academy. Her golden hair swayed as she moved, and her usual fiery demeanor was softened by the smile she wore. She glanced at Arthur from time to time, her amber eyes catching the light, though she quickly looked away whenever their gazes met.

"So, what's next? Want to hit another shop?" Arthur asked, grinning.

Leora laughed softly, shaking her head. "You're surprisingly good at this, Arthur. I thought you'd get bored after the first store."

"I'll admit, I didn't think mall-hopping was my thing," Arthur replied, giving her a playful nudge. "But with you? It's actually kind of fun."

Leora blushed, her cheeks warming at his words. She was used to Arthur's teasing by now, but somehow, today it felt different. There was a lightness to it, a casual intimacy that hadn't been there before. He wasn't just poking fun at her like usual; there was a warmth behind his teasing that made her heart flutter.

They passed by a window showcasing a collection of rare magical artifacts, but Arthur wasn't paying attention to the displays. Instead, his eyes lingered on Leora, taking in her reactions. She was beautiful, confident, and always so strong. But today, in this moment, she was also something else—vulnerable, in a way that made Arthur's chest tighten.

"You know," Arthur began, his voice lowering as they continued to walk, "I didn't think I'd enjoy spending time with such an annoying girl."

Leora shot him a mock glare, though her smile betrayed her. "Oh? Annoying? You're the one who keeps dragging me into trouble."

Arthur chuckled, leaning closer. "Maybe. But I don't mind it so much anymore. I actually kind of like this side of you."

Leora's blush deepened, and she quickly looked away, trying to hide her flustered expression. Arthur smirked, enjoying the effect his words had on her. She was always so composed, so in control, but today he saw a different side of her—a side that made her blush when he teased her, a side that seemed to enjoy his attention more than she let on.

As they stopped by a café to grab a drink, Leora couldn't help but reflect on how easy it was to be around Arthur. He had a way of putting her at ease, of making her forget the burdens of training and the academy. She realized, with a start, that she liked this—being with him, laughing with him. It felt natural, effortless.

Arthur, for his part, found himself relaxing in ways he hadn't expected. For days, his mind had been consumed with the mysteries of the dungeon break and the schemes unfolding around him. But here, with Leora, those worries seemed distant. He wasn't thinking about conspiracies or power struggles. Instead, he found himself enjoying the moment, caught up in the simple joy of making Leora blush.

As they sipped their drinks, Arthur leaned forward with a sly grin. "So, when are you going to admit it?"

Leora raised an eyebrow. "Admit what?"

"That you like spending time with me," Arthur said, his tone playful yet pointed.

Leora sputtered, caught off guard. "W-What? Who said I liked it?"

Arthur laughed, reaching out to gently tap her hand. "Your face says it all, Leora. I think you might even be blushing again."

Leora huffed, trying to hide her embarrassment, but the pink tint to her cheeks gave her away. "You're impossible."

"And you love it," Arthur quipped, leaning back in his chair, clearly enjoying himself.

As much as Leora tried to deny it, she couldn't help but smile. She did love it—the banter, the teasing, the way Arthur made her feel seen and understood. And maybe, just maybe, there was something more growing between them. Something she wasn't quite ready to admit yet.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of laughter and lighthearted teasing, with Arthur never missing a chance to make Leora blush. By the time they left the mall, the sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the city. Arthur walked her back toward the academy, their conversation still flowing easily.

As they reached the gates, Leora paused, turning to face him. "Thanks, Arthur. Today was… nice."

Arthur smiled warmly. "Anytime, Leora. I had fun."

She hesitated for a moment, then gave him a quick, shy smile before turning and walking into the academy. Arthur watched her go, his own smile lingering. His mind, for the first time in a while, felt clear. Spending the day with Leora had made him realize something—this annoying, fiery girl wasn't just a friend. She was someone he genuinely liked. And he wasn't going to let that feeling slip away.

To be continued...