Chapter 046
The night sea of Eclit was romance itself.
Perea lifted the corners of her lips as she took in the multicolored lights shimmering before her eyes and the cool breeze brushing her face.
Ray and Berry also spent a relaxed time chatting about how they had been lately.
Theo, however, seemed exhausted after everything that had happened today and nodded off while sitting in his chair.
Seeing Theo fall asleep instantly, even with a delicious Goldenstone drink in front of him, Berry laughed loudly.
“No matter how noble someone is, a kid is still just a kid!”
Ray and Perea skillfully took care of Theo and hurried back to the hotel.
Just as they were about to return to their room, a staff member at the counter hurried over.
“Did you enjoy your outing? Kitten Perea-nim, a letter has arrived for you.”
Perea’s eyes widened when she saw the envelope handed to her with a polite bow.
Then she smiled brightly when she noticed the name ‘Dia’ written on it.
Dia had said she would send an invitation as soon as she arrived at the theater—and she had kept her promise.
After thanking the staff, Perea got on the elevator.
The elevator used magic stones and a large pulley system to carry guests.
It was a rare mode of transportation even within the Empire and one of the hotel’s greatest prides.
Instead of climbing stairs, reaching the tenth floor by elevator took less than a minute.
The sensation of a huge box floating upward felt strangely fascinating.
Even Theo, who had sharp senses, shifted slightly as if the rising motion felt odd to him.
“Aren’t you amazed, Ray-nim? No matter how many times I ride an elevator, I think it’ll always feel strange.”
“Well… I wouldn’t say it’s amazing. It’s just fast.”
As expected, Ray replied without much emotion.
Considering that he moved around while riding monster bodies with abilities far beyond normal people, a box going up and down on fixed ropes probably didn’t impress him much.
“I see.”
“There are buildings over twenty floors tall in the imperial palace. They have elevators, too. I rode them often.”
Feeling that his answer might have sounded too indifferent, Ray added an explanation.
Those tall buildings were fortress-like structures where knights and mages stayed. Since Ray was responsible for the knight order, elevators were familiar to him.
Still, he felt that the hotel’s elevator was about twice as fast as the palace ones, which made it less stifling.
“There are buildings that tall in the imperial palace?!”
Perea, who had never even been near the capital, was shocked.
“They’re behind the palace. Buildings for rear defense. Knights and mages stay there.”
“Wow…! Twenty floors must be really, really high!”
“Mmm. If you ever come to the palace, I’ll show you around.”
Ray spoke naturally, making a promise about Perea visiting the imperial palace.
Perea nodded without thinking much of it.
The moment she nodded, Ray added another task in his mind for when Perea came to the capital.
‘It’s a good thing my office is on the top floor.’
He didn’t like the palace much, but the view from the wide windows was something he liked—and he was sure Perea would like it too.
Ray’s tail swayed gently.
After laying Theo on the bed, snoring softly, Ray removed his cloak.
With the thick black fabric gone, his face appeared—elegant and beautiful, like a sculpture displayed in a museum.
Silver hair colder than moonlight fell neatly over his forehead.
The hand that brushed his hair back showed thick veins, yet instead of looking rough, it highlighted his pale skin like a finely crafted ornament.
A short breath escaped his lips, red like crushed ripe fruit.
A man who looked as if the Creator God had poured care into every detail was now troubled by a single concern.
‘What am I supposed to talk about if I go out to the living room?’
He could say they should rest because they were tired—but he didn’t want that.
Since they had time alone, he wanted to spend it a little more closely.
‘I just want us to be close enough that being together doesn’t feel awkward…’
It was a small, modest wish.
After fixing his collar for no reason, Ray quietly walked into the living room.
“Perea.”
“Ah! R-Ray-nim? When did you come out?”
Because Ray was used to walking silently—and the hotel floor was carpeted—he startled Perea again as she sat on the sofa.
He felt sick at heart, thinking he was building a bad impression from the start.
Still, Ray firmly sat down beside her and pointed to what she was holding.
“What’s that?”
“Oh, this? It’s an invitation Dia sent.”
Perea showed him the invitation.
It was smooth, luxurious paper decorated with gold-embossed floral patterns.
Each word seemed carefully chosen, as if it were meant for special guests.
“From the gazelle beastman.”
“Ray-nim, are names hard for you to remember? Or are they… annoying?”
“…Let’s say hard.”
In truth, it was annoying. Calling her a gazelle beastman was enough.
Ray shrugged and looked over the invitation.
“It’s her first performance.”
“Yes! It’s next week. Doesn’t it sound amazing? I’m so excited!”
Perea clasped her hands together, her eyes sparkling.
She was clearly imagining Dia as the most beautiful lead actress.
Seeing her look like a child the day before a picnic, Ray smiled quietly to himself.
‘She’s cute.’
While silently admiring her, Ray noticed small text on the back of the invitation.
“Did you see this? Children under twelve aren’t allowed. And there’s a dress code.”
“Huh…? Wait, I didn’t see that.”
She had only focused on the fancy parts and hadn’t checked the back yet.
Perea leaned forward to look at the invitation in Ray’s hand.
The distance between them suddenly shrank, and her brown hair brushed against his arm.
“…!”
Ray almost jumped up, but instead clenched his thighs and held his breath.
Perea’s scent—rich floral fragrance—filled his nose.
He froze, unable to breathe out or move away.
‘It’d be easier if this were a monster…’
Even making such a ridiculous comparison, Ray stayed frozen.
Meanwhile, Perea was completely focused on the notice.
[Please bring your invitation light ticket when attending.
Children under the age of twelve are not permitted.
Masks are allowed for this performance.
Dress code: Black & White.
Please be seated 20 minutes before the performance begins.]
Most of the notices were fine—except one.
Theo was only five years old.
“Ah… what should we do? It looks like Theo-nim can’t go…”
Seeing Perea’s brows droop at the thought of leaving Theo behind, Ray’s mind lit up.
He took the invitation and said,
“What about asking Berry to watch him?”
“Berry-senior…?”
Ray nodded. Berry would watch Theo, especially if it was for Ray.
And Theo would be fine staying with Berry for a few hours.
Both Berry and Theo already knew about Ray’s feelings for Perea, so Ray wasn’t worried.
And Theo would be safest with Berry.
After a moment of thought, Perea nodded slightly.
They were sure Berry would agree.
Clenching his trembling fingers tightly, Ray felt his heart race with excitement.
It would be his first date.
