NOVEL WEB Chapter 244: Strolling Around
"Young Master, look!" Rina tugged gently on Orion's arm, drawing his attention towards a young mage conjuring tiny glowing butterflies of fire. Her eyes sparkled, mesmerized by the beautiful illusion.
Fiora's own eyes widened in innocent wonder. "It's beautiful..." she murmured softly, stepping a bit closer to Orion unconsciously.
Orion smiled gently, quietly enjoying the peaceful moment with the two of them. "Magic truly does have its beautiful moments," he quietly remarked, captivated by their happiness.
After enjoying the street performances, Orion guided the group to a grand theatre known as "Lumina Hall," renowned throughout the kingdom for its dramatic and immersive performances.
[Hehe, is it my turn to shine, Master? (૭ ｡•̀ ᵕ •́｡ )૭]
He couldn't help but let out a chuckle hearing her words. 'It's just the name of the theatre, they aren't inviting you to perform.'
They purchased seats in a private balcony overlooking the lavishly decorated stage.
The theatre soon dimmed, hushed anticipation filling the air. An intricately choreographed play unfolded, blending traditional acting with spellcasting.
Actors wove spells seamlessly into their performances, bringing forth vivid illusions that captivated and astounded the audience.
As the story reached a climactic moment, Fiora instinctively clutched Orion's arm, her eyes wide and absorbed.
Orion glanced at her softly, warmth blooming in his chest as he gently reassured her with a quiet smile. Fiora's face flushed even brighter, but she did not let go, shyly savoring the closeness.
On Orion's other side, Rina leaned in subtly, her voice soft and playfully teasing near his ear. "Young Master, if I didn't know better, I'd think Fiora planned this just to cling to you."
Fiora quickly heard and stammered, releasing Orion's arm slightly but still remaining close, "R-Rina, it's not like that!"
Orion chuckled softly, gently squeezing Fiora's hand reassuringly before turning back to enjoy the performance. Fiora's heart raced, warmth filling her at Orion's comforting gesture.
Rina pouted before reaching forward and grabbing Orion's hand. He turned his head and looked at her. She just smiled playfully and turned her head back to enjoy the show. He simply shook his head before tightening his hold on her hand and continued to watch the show.
After the theatre, Orion led them leisurely down lively streets, stopping at various small stalls.
Lucan, unable to resist his playful nature, amused the group by dramatically bargaining with merchants, drawing laughter from Orion, Rina, and even the shy Fiora.
They paused briefly at a small boutique selling delicate accessories. Orion thoughtfully selected simple yet elegant necklaces for Rina and Fiora, causing Rina to tease playfully, "Young Master truly knows how to win a girl's heart," while Fiora quietly, shyly whispered her heartfelt thanks and accepted the shiny necklace.
Continuing their stroll, they stopped next at a famous sweets vendor. Fiora, initially hesitant, soon found herself delightfully enjoying a small cake, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
Orion watched her softly, warmth blooming gently within him as he quietly admired how radiant Fiora looked in that moment.
Despite her shy demeanor, Fiora possessed a figure that turned heads, her curves notably pronounced even compared to the charming Rina. Her dress accentuated her form beautifully—a sight Orion discreetly appreciated.
Rina, noticing Orion's lingering gaze towards Fiora, leaned playfully toward him and whispered teasingly, "You know, Young Master, if you stare much longer, poor Fiora might faint."
Orion chuckled, gently shaking his head as Fiora blushed furiously, her gaze dropping bashfully. "I can't help it," he confessed openly, voice soft yet sincere. "Both of you are incredibly beautiful."
His earnest compliment caused even Rina's confidence to waver briefly, her playful demeanor softening into genuine warmth, while Fiora's heart fluttered furiously.
The vibrant streets of the entertainment district hummed gently with life and laughter as Orion, Rina, and Fiora continued their leisurely stroll beneath the warm glow of colorful lanterns and magical lights.
Lucan and Edgar followed quietly behind, exchanging gentle smiles as they watched the three enjoy their evening together.
As they moved further down the bustling street, their attention was drawn by a boisterous voice echoing clearly through the air, belonging to a man holding brightly colored posters, energetically advertising an attraction.
"Step right up and experience thrills unlike any other!" the poster man proclaimed, waving his hands animatedly. "Come and challenge your courage at our magical Horror House! Witness true terror through illusions woven by our talented mages! You won't find an experience like this anywhere else in the kingdom!"
Rina's eyes immediately lit up with excitement as she clasped her hands together, her playful gaze turning eagerly toward Orion. "Young Master, let's go there! It sounds absolutely thrilling!"
Orion chuckled softly at her enthusiasm, raising an eyebrow curiously. His eyes turned gently toward Fiora, noticing the hesitant expression appearing on her delicate features. "What about you, Fiora? Do you want to try it?"
Fiora nervously fiddled with the hem of her dress, her eyes wide with uncertainty as she prepared to politely refuse. "U-Um, Young Master, I-I don't really—"
Before Fiora could complete her sentence, Rina leaned in closer, whispering softly into her ear with playful mischief, "Fiora, if we go there, you'll have a perfect excuse to cling tightly to the Young Master. Imagine how safe you'll feel being so close to him~"
Fiora's face instantly turned a fierce shade of scarlet, her eyes widening in shock and embarrassment.
Her mind raced with possibilities, her heart thumping wildly as she shyly glanced toward Orion, imagining herself being comforted by his gentle, reassuring presence.
After a brief, shy internal debate, Fiora softly murmured, her voice barely audible, "T-Then, I suppose... it could be fun."
Rina smiled triumphantly, giving Orion an innocent, charming grin as if she'd done nothing mischievous at all.
Orion gently shook his head with amused resignation, turning to Edgar and Lucan behind them. "Are you two joining us as well?"
Lucan immediately raised his hands dramatically, shaking his head in mock horror. "Young Master, I'll stay outside, thank you very much. Horror houses and I simply don't mix."
Edgar gave a calm, subtle smile, nodding politely. "I will accompany Lucan. You three should go enjoy yourselves."
Orion chuckled lightly, understanding their intentions clearly. "Very well, wait for us here then."
After quickly purchasing tickets, Orion guided Rina and Fiora toward the eerie entrance of the Horror House, its facade illuminated by dim, flickering magical lights that cast unsettling shadows across its walls.
The chilling decorations and distant, haunting sounds created an ominous yet thrilling atmosphere.
The staff member at the entrance grinned mischievously, his voice deliberately sinister as he handed them each a small glowing charm. "These charms indicate your willingness to participate. Hold onto them tightly—they'll ensure your safe passage through our house of nightmares."
Rina giggled playfully, clearly thrilled, while Fiora visibly gulped, gripping the charm tightly in her trembling fingers.
Orion smiled reassuringly at her, gently taking her free hand into his, squeezing it softly to calm her nerves.
"Don't worry," Orion reassured softly, his voice calm and comforting. "Remember, I'm right here with you."
Fiora's tense shoulders relaxed slightly, her shy eyes rising hesitantly to meet Orion's gentle gaze. Her blush returned furiously, though a small, shy smile also appeared on her lips, trusting in Orion's promise of safety.
Rina, seeing this, also extended her hand softly toward him while saying, "Young Master, I'm also very scared. Hold my hand as well."
"…You don't look very scared to me." He shook his head and took her hand gently.
"Hehe," she just softly giggled and looked ahead.