After the sparring session and dismissing the soldiers, Arthur and his team returned to their quarters.
His mind was on the imminent war that was looming over them, in just one week they would be dispatched to the battlefield, in an attempt to reclaim the three planets that had fallen completely to the Chimerians in the last war.
After saying goodnight to Leo, Elena, and Samir, Arthur entered his room. He tossed his jacket onto the chair, closed the door behind him, and pulled the obelisk from his dimensional storage.
He had been extremely busy for the past week and now that his work was done, he returned to Thyrandel. A whole week had passed on the Dreadnought but only a bit more than five hours had passed here.
Arthur checked the sky outside through his window.
A silver moon still hung over Brightwater City. Seeing there was still time till sunrise, he decided to sleep.
He tossed himself onto the bed and closed his eyes, surrendering to sleep with a heavy, contented sigh.
…
Arthur woke up to the sunlight spilling into his room through the glass window.
Stretching and freshening up quickly, he was just about to put on his shoes when he heard a familiar voice outside his door.
"Arthur! You ready?" Finn's voice called him from just outside his room.
Arthur slipped into his shoes, and stepped outside.
Finn was already there, tapping his shoes on the floor, clearly excited about today.
"Let's go, man. Gotta get some fancy dress for tonight," he grinned.
Arthur shook his head, clearly amused. "You're a little too excited about wearing a suit."
"Hey, can't help it. When else do I get to look like a rich heir?"
They made their way toward the academy's front courtyard, where Leon, Eva, Natalya, and Sophia were already waiting.
Leon gave them a nod. "Took you long enough."
Eva smiled warmly. "Morning."
Natalya offered a shy smile, and Sophia gave a small wave.
After greeting each other, they set off toward the city's shopping district.
The streets of Brightwater bustled with people as always, merchants calling out from stalls, children weaving between adults, and carriages pulled by elegant horses rattling over the cobblestones.
The group walked together while having a relaxed conversation. After discussing for a bit they decided on the shop and found themselves in front of a sleek, polished building, a high-end boutique known to serve Brightwater's elites.
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "We're going all out, huh?"
Sophia smirked. "Well, we are representing Velcrest Academy. Can't let others catch us lacking."
Finn muttered under his breath, "Pretty sure my wallet's already crying."
The bell above the door chimed softly as they stepped inside.
The air smelled of lavender and fresh linen.
An assistant, a young woman with elegant posture and a professional smile, glided over to greet them.
"Welcome to Liora's Atelier," she said warmly. "How may we assist you today?"
Sophia stepped forward smoothly. "We're attending a banquet tonight. So, we need something appropriate to wear."
The assistant's smile widened. "Of course, you've come to the right place. Please, follow me."
She led them through a set of intricately carved doors into a private fitting room.
"Please have a seat," she gestured, before disappearing for a moment.
When she returned, she arrived with two men pushing in two small trolleys stacked with rolls of luxurious fabrics, deep blues, silvers, golds, blacks, and in various other colors.
"These are our finest selections," the assistant explained. "Brought from across various kingdoms. They are light, durable, enchanted against wear and tear, and they will retain a subtle fragrance for years."
Arthur ran his fingers over one of the fabrics. It was softer than silk but felt impossibly strong for a piece of fabric.
Sophia and Eva started discussing options immediately, while Finn looked like he was trying to figure out if he could get away with picking the first thing he touched.
As they were debating over colors and textures, a new figure entered the room.
A middle-aged woman, with dark hair tied into a neat bun and sharp, assessing eyes.
She exuded the no-nonsense energy of someone who'd dressed royalty and wasn't about to lower her standards for anyone less.
"This is Madam Liora, she will be taking your measurements." The assistant introduced the lady and stepped out of the room.
"Hmm," she hummed seeing the group before her, giving them all a once-over. "I will be personally tailoring your outfits."
She handed out a thick brochure filled with design sketches, tailored tuxedos, slim-cut dresses, elaborate vests with embroidered patterns.
"For a banquet such as tonight's," she said, tapping a design with her manicured finger, "tuxedos for the gentlemen will be most appropriate."
Finn asked surprised, "Oh, you know about today's banquet."
"Humph..Of course I know. If I didn't know something like that, how would I run my business." Liora said.
After they made their selections she wasted no time.
"Alright, boys, up!" she clapped her hands sharply. "Measurements first."
Arthur, Leon, and Finn obediently lined up as she worked with seamless efficiency, jotting down their numbers, adjusting their stances, and making small comments like, "Good shoulders. We'll accentuate that." or "Hmph, needs a little more tapering at the waist."
After she finished pinning the last measurements, she waved a hand playfully.
"Alright, boys. Shoo out. Go loiter somewhere else."
Arthur nodded, exchanged glances with Leon and Finn, and the three of them left the room.
They waited at the boutique's stylish reception area, lounging on cushioned chairs and flipping through a booklet full of sketches of people wearing clothes worth more than their tuition fees.
After almost half an hour, the girls finally emerged, all smiles and chattering.
Madam Liora followed, a satisfied glint in her eyes.
"The garments will be ready in four hours," she said. "You may stay here or return later to collect them."
Arthur nodded, and after paying for the clothes and the service fee which made Finn wince dramatically, they decided to make the most of their free time.
"Should we go visit the market?" Leon suggested.
"Definitely," Sophia readily agreed.
"Maybe we'll find some good street food," Finn added hopefully.
And so, they left the atelier, blending back into the vibrant life of Brightwater's streets.
…
After leaving Liora's Atelier, the group strolled lazily down Brightwater's vibrant streets. Arthur walked a few steps ahead, glancing back at his friends with a thoughtful expression.
"I was thinking…" Arthur said, slowing his pace, "we should pick up something for the kids at the orphanage."
Eva's face lit up immediately. "That's a great idea."
Natalya smiled brightly. "Yes, let's do it."
Sophia added after thinking for a second. "There's a good clothing store nearby. Let's head there."
They soon arrived at a large shop with wide glass windows displaying all kinds of clothing, colorful dresses, sturdy trousers, soft jackets, and boots lined neatly in rows.
The assistant at the door welcomed them warmly, sensing they were serious buyers.
Inside, the group split up almost instinctively, moving from rack to rack.
There were nearly a hundred children back at the orphanage, ranging from tiny two-year-olds to lanky fourteen-year-olds. Arthur made sure to choose all kinds of clothes, warm coats, comfortable casuals, festival outfits, and even sturdy shoes for all of them.
The girls took it a step further, picking matching sets and coordinating colors.
"Oh, this tiny green frock would look adorable on little Lisa," Sophia cooed, holding up a frock.
Natalya giggled, "And look at this tiny pair of boots!"
Eva meanwhile carefully sorted through dresses, picking the soft ones.
Even Leon and Finn pitched in, Leon selecting practical clothes for the boys while Finn looked completely lost between two racks.
"Uh, Arthur?" Finn called helplessly. "How do you pick clothes for a two-year-old? They're like, half a meter tall!"
Arthur laughed. "Use your instincts, Finn."
Finn muttered, "My instincts are telling me to just buy socks."
After a good hour of enthusiastic choosing, they had amassed a mountain of clothes, enough to create a tiny avalanche.
Arthur moved to the counter, ready to pay, when Eva spoke up.
"Wait," she said, stepping forward, "We'll pitch in too."
Arthur paused, shaking his head. "It's fine. I've got it."
"No way." Sophia crossed her arms stubbornly. "It's for the kids. We're all helping no matter what."
Leon simply placed a pouch of coins on the counter without even saying a word.
Finn sighed dramatically and pulled out his wallet. "You guys are bleeding me dry," he said in mock despair.
Sophia grinned, "Finn, stop being a cheapskate. We know you're loaded."
Leon scoffed, "Right? He is from a merchant family. And he cries over some pocket change."
Finn clutched his wallet dramatically to his chest. "It's the principle! What would you understand about saving money!"
Everyone laughed, even a few nearby customers chuckling at their antics.
In the end, Arthur accepted the money with a resigned sigh and a warm, quiet "Thanks."
The shopkeepers packed everything neatly and Arthur put them inside his dimensional storage.
As they left the shop, Finn suddenly spun on his heel.
"Alright, time to recharge!" he declared dramatically.
Before anyone could ask what he meant, he grabbed Arthur's and Leon's arms and started dragging them down a nearby alley.
"Come on! Best food stall in Brightwater! You guys owe me this much!"
Laughing, the others followed him.
After a few turns, they arrived at a small but busy food stall nestled between two larger buildings. The aroma of sizzling meat and rich spices hung thick in the air.
The stall owner, a stocky man with a booming laugh, recognized Finn immediately.
"Ah! Young Master Finn!" the man bellowed. "Back for more?"
Finn grinned proudly. "Of course, Uncle Ren. Six servings of the special meat skewers, please!"
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "You come here often?"
Finn puffed his chest. "Regular customer privileges."
The group gathered around a small wooden table near the stall as Uncle Ren grilled up skewers right in front of them. The scent was mouthwatering, juicy cuts of seasoned meat sizzling over open flames.
When the food was finally served, they wasted no time digging in.
Arthur bit into his skewer and widened his eyes at the unexpectedly rich taste.
"Holy hell, this is good," Leon muttered between bites.
Sophia's eyes widened. "This might be the best thing I've ever eaten."
Eva nodded enthusiastically, even though she was from a noble family and hadn't tried stall foods in her life, she was surprised at the taste. And Natalya, usually more reserved, looked absolutely delighted as she munched.
Finn looked smug. "Told ya."
They finished off the skewers in record time, feeling full and content.
"Well worth the detour," Arthur admitted as they wiped their hands and stood.
"Always trust me when it comes to food," Finn said with a wink.
With satisfied stomachs, they made their way towards the orphanage.
…
As they reached the gates of the orphanage, laughter and shouting echoed from the small courtyard where several younger children were chasing each other, while older ones sat in rows in the adjacent building, receiving lessons from the teachers.
As they approached the courtyard, a high-pitched voice pierced the air.
"Awuthur!!"
A tiny figure bolted toward them like a cannonball. Lisa, with her small legs pumping furiously across the field.
"You're back!" she cried, raising her arms eagerly for a lift.
Arthur knelt down and picked her up into his arms.
Arthur chuckled, "Hey, Lisa. How's your studies going?"
Lisa beamed, swinging her feet happily. "The teacher said I'm a prodwigy… but I don't know what that means."
Arthur smiled warmly. "It means you're very smart and strong."
Lisa's eyes grew rounder. "Reawlly?"
"Really," Arthur said, patting her head gently.
Lisa grinned shyly, then leaned closer, whispering as if sharing a great secret. "You know, you know… the teacher also said I'm like a faiwry."
Arthur laughed. "Oh? So Lisa is our little fairy now?"
Lisa shook her head side to side, giggling while covering her mouth with a hand. "Nooo! How can I be a faiwry I can't even fly! She's so dumb! Hehe!"
Arthur chuckled deeply, "Hmm, that is also true, our Lisa is so smart."
Lisa preened at the praise, looking very proud.
From the side, Sophia's eyes were glittering. She clasped her hands to her cheeks and squealed, "Oh my god!…She's such a cutiepie!"
Before Arthur could react, Sophia snatched Lisa from his arms and began twirling her around.
Lisa squealed in delight while Eva and Natalya immediately joined in, fussing over her and peppering her with compliments.
Arthur just stood back, smiling to himself.
As they were laughing and talking, Butler Hudson approached them from the side in his usual composed self.
"Welcome back, sir," Hudson said, bowing slightly.
Arthur nodded. "Good to see you, Hudson. Everything running smoothly?"
"Yes, sir. The children are doing well, thanks to your generous support."
Arthur smiled faintly, then asked, "Where do you generally store things bought for the children?"
Hudson blinked in surprise but led them to a large storeroom nearby.
Once there, Arthur waved his hand, and dozens upon dozens of outfits appeared neatly folded on the floor.
Hudson's eyes widened. "Sir… this is…"
Arthur placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's a gift. For the children… and for the staff too. Don't forget to take some for yourself."
Hudson's throat bobbed slightly as he nodded deeply, genuine gratitude shining in his eyes.
"Thank you, sir."
Arthur smiled. "No need to thank me. Just make sure they're happy."
After that, they spent the next few hours playing with the children, helping teach the older ones, and fixing a few broken toys and shelves around the orphanage.
It was already time for them to collect their dresses from the boutique by the time they said their goodbyes.
Lisa clung to Arthur's leg for a moment, pouting adorably before Eva pried her away with promises of sweets the next time they visited the orphanage.
…
Finally, they returned to Liora's Atelier.
Their garments were ready and neatly packed. The assistant who had helped them earlier smiled warmly.
"Please visit us again," she said as they left.
With their suits and dresses in hand, they made their way back toward the academy, Eva separated from them on the way as she had been called by her mother, the banquet was being held at Marchioness Irene's estate, Eva's mother.
After saying goodbye, they went to their respective dorms to prepare themselves for the night.
***
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