At the entrance to the "Danbral" restaurant, the valet respectfully opened the car door, and Reyn took his seat.
" So soon? " Viola asked with a smile. " Don't you want to chat a bit more with your old flame? "
" She's just a classmate; what flame? " Reyn explained calmly, gently taking her hand. Smiling, he added: " I have only one beloved—and that's you. "
Viola nodded contentedly. Sensing keenly that something was troubling Reyn, she scooted closer and asked quietly:
" What happened? "
" Nothing major, " Reyn replied. " Deysia mentioned my little brother—he enrolled in the Supernatural Academy. Things aren't great with my father right now; I haven't seen the family in ages. But it's minor. I'll find time to go home, talk to Dad, and it'll sort itself out. "
" If you need help, just say the word, " Viola said, concern in her voice.
Reyn smiled:
" I will. "
The car sped through the streets—Viola's personal vehicle. Reyn asked the driver to take him to his apartment in the Los district.
The car pulled up to the entrance, drawing curious stares from the many workers just finishing their shifts. On Koshem Street, where mostly poor migrant renters lived, luxury cars signaling high society were rare guests, especially in the evening.
Viola looked around and shook her head:
" So this is where you live, on Koshem Street. First time here for me. "
There was no disdain in her words, just mild curiosity.
Reyn grinned carefree:
" For a regular guy, owning an apartment is already a blessing. I was just a poor student before; you think I'd rent in the Silver district? "
" True enough, " Viola understood the struggles of common folk. She glanced at Reyn. " Couldn't afford it before, but now you have money. Maybe time to move? Want me to help find a nice place in the Silver district? "
She knew Reyn had made good money recently from the Demon Hunter magister, and the demon extermination squad paid well too. Silver district apartments were pricey, but he could afford them now.
If not for worrying about hurting Reyn's pride, she'd gladly buy him a house. A few hundred gold shields were nothing compared to the melody "Viola by the Lake" he'd given her.
Reyn pondered. It was time to ditch this apartment. Lately, he'd spent most nights at the "Basilisk" tavern honing his skills and rarely came back here.
Renting in the Silver district was a good idea—it would simplify things.
" In that case, I'd be very grateful, " Reyn didn't stand on ceremony with Viola and agreed right away.
They lingered in the car a bit longer. It had only been a few hours since their relationship turned truly intimate, and parting suddenly felt unbearable.
Viola wasn't one to hesitate long. The idea hit her instantly:
" Tomorrow's the weekend; let's go to Winter Thunder Lake for a couple days? Autumn's coming; it's the most beautiful time there. My 'Dance by the Lake' was inspired by it. I go a few times every fall. Come with me this time? "
Early September marked summer's end in the Empire; autumn was at the door.
Reyn had never been to Winter Thunder Lake. Viola's words sparked his curiosity.
" Great! " he smiled. " How do we get there? "
" Steam Yacht, of course. The family has a few private ones; I'll have them prepare everything, and we'll leave tomorrow, " Viola said with anticipation, beaming happily. " You don't need to prepare anything; just be at Silver Star Pier tomorrow morning. "
" I'm all yours. "
Reyn didn't hesitate, kissed her tenderly on the cheek, said goodbye, and got out.
The car drove off quickly. Reyn felt the stares of passersby and those peeking from neighboring windows; he heard their hushed whispers.
" Can't stay here anymore; too conspicuous, " Reyn muttered and entered the building.
The next day, before dawn, Reyn got up, washed, and meditated. When morning light began to break, he changed into a new suit and headed to the "Basilisk" tavern.
Viola said the autumn trip would be flawless, but Reyn didn't dare drop his guard.
Entering the "Basilisk" tavern, he retrieved his refined iron warhammer and shotgun, packed them in a canvas bag, and only then took a hired carriage to the pier.
Arriving at Silver Star Pier, Reyn spotted the Steam Yacht right away.
The snow-white vessel, about fifty meters long, stood at the dock. Three decks rose one above the other. Despite the steam engine, it had tall masts with sails. Its shuttle-like design featured smooth lines and exuded true artistry.
On the hull gleamed a prominent crest: seven stars forming a ring around a silver flame—the Silvery family emblem. It might go unrecognized elsewhere in the Empire, but in Longsand, no one dared treat it lightly.
Dockworkers watched the yacht from afar, their gazes full of awe and envy.
A middle-aged man who looked like the steward stood on deck, directing servants decorating the yacht and loading supplies from the pier.
Reyn didn't see Viola; she was probably in a cabin.
He headed for the gangway. Two armored guards watched the entrance. Spotting Reyn, one stepped forward respectfully:
" Mr. Reyn, I presume? "
" That's me, " Reyn thought; Viola had indeed planned everything, even having him greeted at the pier.
" Mr. Reyn, please come aboard, " the guard escorted him up immediately.
All eyes on the yacht turned to him. Servants whispered, eyeing Reyn stealthily. They were all ducal family retainers and knew Lady Viola was taking an autumn outing with a friend today. Rumors said it was a young man—and he was the only guest.
It was like a public announcement: Lady Viola finally had a lover!
Everyone wondered who the lucky guy was. Seeing him in person, they perked up: at least, looks-wise, this young lord was worthy of Lady Viola.
Under so many eyes, Reyn stayed calm. He'd long foreseen this day.
As soon as he entered the cabin, Viola appeared, naturally taking his arm and smiling:
" You made it. Breakfast? "
" Not yet. "
" Perfect timing then. I made some rolls and juice myself. " Viola wore a loose yet elegant casual outfit today. Her golden hair was casually tied back, revealing her small pointed ears. It didn't detract from her beauty but added a cozy charm.
" Then I must try it, " Reyn set his bag on the cabin floor with a dull thud.
Viola guessed it held his weapons but ignored it, pulling him to the second deck.
A small table and chairs stood there. A vase of fresh flowers graced the table, and light fabric draped the railings, turning the deck into a balcony-like space.
Looking up, Reyn saw a luxurious sofa on the spacious top deck, with a Clavichord nearby. He wondered how they'd hauled it up there.
Reyn could only admire the rich's ingenuity for comfort before sitting down.
Viola served breakfast. Reyn was hungry and dug in.
Credit where due: Viola cooked excellently. It was the best breakfast Reyn had since arriving in Ellunes. Plus, it was a token of her affection, so he savored it immensely.
Viola sat to eat too, her manners graceful and natural, a stark contrast to Reyn's hearty appetite.
Soon, servants finished loading for the autumn trip and left with the steward, keeping only three or four for cabin service and two guards.
The yacht pulled away from the pier swiftly, following the Ferreglen River northward.
The Ferreglen was the duchy's largest river, splitting Longsand in two, flowing south to north. Longsand to Winter Thunder Lake was just over two hundred li. In the Auriens Empire, a "li" was roughly nine hundred meters by Earth standards; the Steam Yacht could make it in three or four hours.
The yacht quickly passed the city outskirts. Passing vessels eyed it curiously.
Reyn lounged on the top deck sofa, idly tinkling the Clavichord keys.
Viola, avoiding undue attention, wore a straw hat with a light white veil cascading from the brim, hiding her face.
The sky was perfectly blue, the sun gentle, creating a pleasant, comfy vibe. The Ferreglen's flow was calm, banks gently sloping. Endless fields stretched out, and the fresh river breeze cooled the face, bringing lightness and serenity.
The helmsman and servants stayed below, not disturbing Reyn and Viola, letting them enjoy each other.
Admiring the scenery, snacking on delicacies and fruits with a beautiful companion, Reyn felt utter bliss.
Half a day slipped by unnoticed.
" Winter Thunder Lake, " Viola announced cheerfully, pointing ahead to the vast water expanse.
The yacht pressed on and soon entered the huge lake. No shores in sight; if not for the crystal-clear emerald-azure water and distant elegant islets and hills, it could pass for sea.
" Where to? " Reyn asked, admiring the lake expanses and mountain landscapes, then turned to Viola.
" Definitely not Winter Thunder City, " Viola, a frequent visitor, had planned the autumn trip long ago. " We'll head to the lake center. There's an islet covered in red firs—stunningly beautiful, few tourists. "
Over an hour later, the yacht reached the spot and docked at the islet shore.
Everywhere, the small hilly islet was blanketed in tens of thousands of tall red firs, their foliage turning autumn hues. The fall breeze rustled the trees, vast red canopies waving like ocean swells. The crimson forest reflected in the lake, inspiring awe.
The sight made Reyn itch to recite poetry. His personal library had fitting ones to borrow, but translating ancient verse to Auriensky was no easy task.
Reyn fumbled for words, but only blurted:
" Wow! What beauty! "
Viola nearly choked on her juice, barely keeping composed.
Suppressing laughter, she said:
" Since we're at Winter Thunder Lake, shouldn't you play 'Viola by the Lake' in honor? I even brought the Clavichord. "
" So that was your scheme. "
Reyn smiled wryly but didn't refuse. Amid such lakeside beauty, the melody would fit perfectly, enhancing the scene.
He sat at the Clavichord, took a deep breath, and his fingers danced over the keys. The lovely tune poured from his hands, rippling across the lake.
Viola watched Reyn intently, absorbed in the music, her eyes shining with joy and delight.
When the melody faded, she applauded enthusiastically:
" Magnificent! I love this music, Reyn. Thank you. "
" You play too, so I can hear, " Reyn offered her the seat.
" Alright, " Viola stood.
Reyn leaned on the railing, ready to enjoy her playing.
Just then, a maidservant ascended to the deck with a tray of fruits and snacks. Bowing slightly, she climbed to the top deck to set it on the table.
Reyn glanced at her and realized she was unfamiliar. Another had brought food before. Instinctively, he activated his Soul Eye.
Her head turned translucent, revealing her spiritual state.
" Fourth-level Shooter! "
Reyn's face twisted. Before he could speak, the fake maidservant flung the tray aside—revealing a hidden Spiritual Rifle etched with runes—and fired at Viola.
In a flash, Reyn lunged without hesitation, shielding Viola with his body and fully activating Steel Body.
Bang!
The deafening shot echoed over the lake.