The **Ark of Serrooth**, also known as the **Serrooth Kingdom**, floated above the sea like an enchanted fortress.

  Famous across the entire continent as the **Fortress of Love**, it was the favorite destination of couples, nobles, and young lovers.

  The air was filled with exotic perfumes and magical fragrances, overpowering even the salty scent of the ocean.

  The ark’s polished wood gleamed like diamond under the evening light, and the corridors were decorated with silk tapestries and floating crystals that cast soft reflections across the visitors’ faces.

  At the central table, several nobles chatted in scattered groups.

  Thirga had wandered off, fascinated by the ark’s architecture. Her eyes traced every carved rune as if deciphering an ancient secret.

  Souta walked with elegance, dressed in a stylish black suit.

  Beside him, Meliora wore an extravagant red dress, open at the back, with golden details that highlighted her silhouette.

  She walked slightly hunched, blushing, trying to hide her face.

  A few noblewomen stopped to stare at them, stunned.

  Souta smiled naturally, almost teasing, as if he were the host of the evening.

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  “What’s wrong, Meliora?” he asked, leaning toward her with charm. “Why so serious?”

  “It’s… a little embarrassing to walk around dressed like this,” she murmured, looking away.

  “Why? I thought you looked very elegant.”

  “S?sir Kihara!” Meliora nearly stumbled over her own words, her face burning.

  “Hahaha… my bad,” Souta laughed, clearly amused.

  Later, they sat on an open balcony where the sea reflected the starry sky.

  The gentle breeze played with Meliora’s hair as she tried to focus on her meal, though she couldn’t stop stealing glances at Souta.

  *This is strange… I can’t help feeling like this is a date…*

  Souta placed his hand on her head, leaning in with a teasing smile.

  “Are you enjoying the date, Meliora?”

  She almost choked on her wine.

  “S?sir Kihara!”

  He only smiled, satisfied with her reaction.

  Meliora suddenly stood up, trying to escape the tension.

  “I… I’ll be right back. I’m just going to the restroom…”

  As she turned, she bumped into someone.

  “Ow!” she exclaimed, falling to the floor.

  “Careful, can’t you see where—”

  The voice stopped mid?sentence.

  “Miss Meliora?”

  Her eyes widened.

  Souta, still seated, lifted his gaze, now serious.

  “What are you doing here?”

  Before them stood a man with impeccable posture and sharp eyes.

  Beside him, a woman with a cold expression wore a provocative gala dress.

  “Gabriel Gaiden… the Sword Hero…” Meliora whispered from the floor.

  “And Bullet Rongar… the Gun Hero…”

  Gabriel looked confused.

  “So Meliora is here.”

  Bullet finished the thought.

  “Then he must be here too.”

  Souta’s firm gaze sharpened.

  Bullet stepped back, revealing her divine relic, **Rocket**, a rifle.

  Souta responded by releasing his distorted aura.

  The area was already empty, but the tension filled the silence completely.