The Velvet Academy promenade was supposed to be serene. Cherry blossoms drifted down like pink snow. Couples strolled arm in arm. Street performers juggled enchanted marbles. The air smelled faintly of roasted chestnuts and… anxiety.
Because Rei was on a date.
Not just any date—The Date. The one Emilia had fought for, declared for, and risked igniting civil war over. The wives had called it The Day of Infidelity. The faculty had declared DEFCON-1. The Academy Guard had been mobilized. Students whispered like survivors of a disaster film.
And Rei? He just wanted ice cream.
"Vanilla," Rei muttered, peering into the frosty glass display. "Simple. Harmless. No ulterior motives. Just… dairy."
"Rei," Emilia smiled, her silver hair gleaming like moonlight as she stood beside him. "It's fine. Pick anything you like. Today is ours."
