Translator: Nox

Chapter 24

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Students scattered toward their lessons once dinner ended. Anika claimed leisure time and slipped away to meet companions. She savored quiet moments alone in her chamber. Parents appeared fleetingly, called to a neighbor’s gathering for a mere ten minutes. The break felt solid, spared only the drag of duties.

She reflected that existence improved markedly without employment’s shadow.

Renewal sped the calendar forward. The appointed day to repay Everette’s handkerchief favor arrived unnoticed. She chose her spare fine gown for the outing and arrived at the fountain ahead, determined not to repeat past delays. The knight stood waiting.

“Women merit perfect timing.”

He offered his palm.

She laid her fingers atop, sensing his arm curve supportively around her side as he led onward. The clock tower caught his eye, prompting a halt.

“Ample margin remains.”

This venue differed from their prior choice, yet the booking allowed leisure.

Gazing at his thoughtful pause, she ventured an idea.

“Nearby tea salon appeals?”

The spot drew crowds reliably.

Clerk hesitated over the packed roster.

“Join the line or pass?”

Fashionable crowds formed a serpent of waiters among elite girls. Their meal slot loomed too near for delay.

“Another occasion suits better.”

Departure left hours dangling awkwardly. Sidewalk merchants brimmed with patrons. Postwar energy pulsed through markets on this free midday.

“Guild spot calls.”

Everette named the district’s outlier, immune to frenzy.

She anticipated its bareness would anchor them comfortably.

Door chime welcomed them into Kyle’s cafe. Barman surfaced with practiced warmth, face falling upon spotting the pair.

“Fantasized fresh arrivals.”

Grumble carried clearly.

“Service entry exists.”

Knight brushed aside the protest. Proprietor exhaled, guided them inward, and presented a slate screaming in caps—no whiskey, water only—a pointed custom for the guest.

Past hydration pleas shone through; the page screamed rejection of local roasts.

Everette dismissed it with a huff.

Clerk’s tone thinned to a pinpoint edge.

“Plain water incoming for him.”

Awareness dawned of her presence.

“Preference, Ms. Diaz?”

Anticipation lit his features. Matching simplicity tempted strongly.

Locals treated the blend like venom.

Paternal vibes eroded her guard.

Aura evoked her father’s essence vividly.

She summoned the brew, sealing eyes in quiet tribute. Alertness returned swiftly. Beaming server withdrew to craft.

Gruff summons drew her name.

Attention swung; tension in his features eased.

“Kyle pursues females voraciously.”

Assault continued abruptly.

“Tally exceeds ten personally confirmed.”

Devoted knight image clashed sharply.

Inner pardon rose for pairing him with her devoted parent, first flame wedded enduringly.

Composure wavered visibly. He noted the faint wince, lips curving upward.

“Entire roster caps at those ten.”

Beverage tray in hand, Kyle caught the remark and countered indignantly as glasses settled—water his, brew hers.

“Reputation intact: encounters flew fast but solo each turn.”

Side figure’s allure dimmed for her reader heart amid reputed flings.

She inclined head neutrally. Focus shifted sharply.

“Every one outaged me. Wager eleven follows suit.”

Theatrical dip toward Everette capped it; he vanished promptly.

Matchmaking scheme crossed her mind.

Sudden romantic detour baffled, though originator wore smug ease.

Post-swallow, he eyed her vessel.

“Endure it well, Ms. Diaz?”

Unease colored her query.

“Mirrors my earlier sample?”

“Assuredly—his craft holds steady.”

Dump urged firmly.

Nape burned under hopeful scrutiny.

Cup lifted despite; first draw taken. Elated proprietor melted toward guild links.

Dissatisfaction crashed immediately.

Mind had romanticized the flavor cruelly.

Shock warped remembrance perhaps.

Tidal sourness evoked infant bile, chased by scorch, aroma absent, scent foul outright.

Further sips risked upheaval.

Vessel returned; sidelong whisper sought.

“Misstep mine?”

Torment relish possible.

Eyes brimmed stinging.

His stare lingered on them before glass nudged close.

“Warned precisely thus.”

Anxiety threaded his words.

Fault lay solely hers for ignoring counsel.

Gulps chased residue unsuccessfully; assault clung.

Decay screamed certainty.

Coffee wisdom escaped her grasp.

Study marathons bred aversion to budget granules and diner sludge.

Varietals blended indistinctly, yet deviation rang alarmingly wrong.

Gloom deepened post-assault. Proxy remorse flowed for host.

“Intent pure—talent stalls.”

Defiance welled hot.

" Pinnacle artisans crumble on tainted stock.”

Volume swelled across deserted space, piercing hideaways.

Voices layered in riposte—knight then proprietor resurfacing.

Unacquainted with rot across lives, certainty blazed absolute.

“腐敗 confirmed outright.”

No life yielded such depravity.