The morning sun spilled golden light across the Roschild estate. Birds chirped from the rooftops, and the maids were already bustling with chores, carrying baskets of laundry or trays of breakfast dishes. Within the luxurious confines of Leo's room, however, the young master was sprawled on his bed, arms spread like a man crucified by laziness.
His silver ring glinted faintly as he stretched, yawning, his hair disheveled from sleep.
"Today's the day, huh…" he muttered, staring at the ceiling. "My first official date. How exciting."
Despite his words, his grin was mischievous, not nervous. The thought of Rina blushing, stammering, and falling into his traps of playful teasing brought a chuckle from his lips. He could almost imagine her already—hands clenched at her chest, pink eyes wide as she scolded him.
"She'll probably scream 'pervert' before the day even begins. I'd bet my allowance on it."
Dragging himself out of bed with all the effort of a condemned man walking to execution, Leo dressed simply but neatly: light gray trousers, a crisp white shirt with rolled sleeves, and a silver chain at his neck. His hair, a messy mix of white and gray, was combed just enough to appear effortlessly stylish.
By the time he reached the estate's front courtyard, Rina was already waiting.
She stood stiffly, fidgeting, clearly nervous. Her outfit was a white summer dress with subtle lace patterns, paired with a pale blue ribbon around her waist. Her long pink hair was tied into a half-ponytail, and the soft morning light made her porcelain skin glow like moonlight against dawn.
The instant Leo laid eyes on her, he whistled. Loud.
"Well, well, who's this beautiful maiden? Surely not my childhood friend. Rina would never dress up so cutely—unless…" He leaned forward, his grin sharp as a knife. "…unless she's trying to impress me."
"Y-you—!" Rina's face ignited crimson, her hands instinctively rising to cover her cheeks.
"Don't say things like that so casually! And who said I dressed up for you?!"
"Mm-hm, sure," Leo said, pretending to look away, then immediately snapped back with mock seriousness. "Wait, don't tell me… you actually dressed up for Artur?"
Rina's jaw dropped, her blush deepening.
"Of course not! Why would I—how could you even—!" She stomped her foot, glaring at him.
Leo threw back his head, laughing.
"Hahaha! I knew it! The tomato look is back again." He tapped his chin with exaggerated thoughtfulness. "Honestly, Rina, at this rate, I should carry a basket and start selling you at the market. One red tomato per coin."
"Die!" she shouted, swinging her small fists at him. He dodged with ease, hands raised in mock surrender.
Their banter carried them all the way to the gates where a car awaited, elegant yet discreet. Leo, with exaggerated gallantry, opened the door. "Milady, your chariot awaits."
Rina sniffed, lifting her nose proudly as she stepped in. "Hmph. At least you know how to behave sometimes."
Leo smirked as he followed her inside. Hook, line, and sinker.
The western part of Babylonia city stretched out before them by midmorning, bustling with life. Stalls lined the cobbled streets, their awnings bright with colors, while hawkers shouted about fresh fruit, jewelry, and trinkets. The aroma of baked bread, sizzling meats, and candied nuts filled the air.
Rina pressed her hands against the carriage window, her pink eyes sparkling with wonder. Though she often visited the city with her family, it felt different this time. This wasn't just an errand or duty. This was—
"Hey." Leo's voice cut into her thoughts, smooth and teasing. "You're sparkling like a little kid seeing candy for the first time. Careful, Rina. People might mistake you for a commoner."
Her cheeks puffed instantly. "I-I can't help it! It's lively! And who's fault is it that I'm excited? You're the one who said we'd explore the shops today!"
Leo chuckled, leaning lazily against his seat.
"True, true. But you're making it too obvious. Your pink eyes are practically glowing, you know? If someone saw you now, they'd think you've fallen in love."
The words hit her like a slap. She whipped around, face blazing, ready to scream denial—but froze at the sly grin playing across his lips.
"You're impossible!" she snapped, looking away with arms crossed. Her ears, however, betrayed her, glowing red.
The carriage halted, and Leo stepped out first, offering his hand. "Come on, Rina. Don't make me carry you out like a princess. Or… would you prefer that?"
Her eyes widened. "A-as if I'd let you do something so embarrassing!" Still, she placed her hand in his, her fingers trembling slightly.
Leo's grin softened for just a moment as he helped her down. So easy to tease, yet… she really is adorable.
Their first stop was the famed pastry shop Leo had mentioned. Its windows displayed rows of colorful tarts, cakes, and cookies, each more elaborate than the last. The moment they stepped inside, the sweet aroma nearly overwhelmed them.
Rina's eyes darted from shelf to shelf, mouth watering. She looked like a child lost in paradise.
Leo watched with amusement. "Careful, Rina. If you drool any harder, they'll start charging you for the floor."
"I—I'm not drooling!" she said, wiping at her lips instinctively.
Leo leaned closer, whispering in her ear.
"Oh, but you almost were. Should I get a handkerchief ready next time?"
Her face turned scarlet as she shoved him lightly. "You're so infuriating!"
They eventually ordered a selection: fruit tarts, cream-filled pastries, and small cookies dusted with sugar. At a corner table, they sat across from each other, the sunlight streaming through stained glass, casting colorful patterns across the table.
Rina took the first bite of a tart, her eyes lighting up in bliss. "Mmm! This is delicious!"
Leo smirked, sipping his tea. "See? I told you it'd taste good. Though, honestly, I think you just like sweets so much you'd praise even dirt if it had sugar sprinkled on it."
Rina glared at him between bites. "You're so rude! Can't you just say something nice for once?"
"But teasing you is so much more fun," he said smoothly, reaching across to swipe a crumb from the corner of her lips.
"See? Even the food agrees—you can't eat without looking cute."
Rina froze, her blush spreading like wildfire.
"W-w-wha—!"
Leo chuckled, leaning back. "There it is. I win again."
Meanwhile, unnoticed, a shadow lingered near the shop's entrance.
Artur.
He had followed discreetly since the estate, his eyes burning as he watched Leo and Rina laugh together. From his vantage point outside, he saw Rina's bashful smile, Leo's teasing grin. Each interaction was like salt poured on raw wounds.
They're enjoying themselves… without me.
His grip on the wooden training sword he carried tightened until his knuckles whitened. But he did not move. Not yet.
For now, he could only watch.