The Return Of The Exiled Villain

Seraph led Gray through the scenic outer district as the sun continued its slow descent, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and gold.

The air was cool and pleasant, carrying the faint scent of blooming spirit flowers from the nearby gardens.

Seraph’s hand remained gently intertwined with his, her fingers occasionally squeezing his as they walked.

She seemed more relaxed now that Maelis was gone, though a faint blush still lingered on her cheeks from their earlier conversation.

”...You still didn’t say where we’re going,” Gray spoke, breaking the silence.

”You’ll know it in a bit!” Seraph grinned.

Eventually, Seraph stopped right in front of a charming, upscale restaurant nestled between two elegant buildings.

The sign above the entrance read Eternal Hearts in flowing golden script, and soft lantern light spilled out from the windows, creating a warm, romantic atmosphere.

A small line of couples waited at the entrance, and a polite attendant in a formal uniform was checking each pair.

’...Is this a couple’s restaurant?’

Seraph turned to Gray with a small, slightly mischievous smile.

”This is a famous couple’s restaurant,” she explained softly. ”They only allow couples inside. To prove it... you have to kiss in front of the attendant.”

Gray raised an eyebrow, but didn’t object. He had suspected something like this from her earlier playful expression.

They joined the short line.

When it was their turn, the attendant smiled politely.

”Welcome to Eternal Hearts. May I see proof of your bond?”

At this moment, Gray silently stared at Seraph.

’Was she really going to kiss me?’ he couldn’t help but wonder.

He certainly knew about her feelings towards him. The attachment she had towards him during their childhood followed her even into adulthood

Then, Seraph turned to Gray, her cheeks flushing a soft pink.

She stepped closer, placing her hands gently on his chest, eagerly looking directly into his black eyes.

’...I guess it was bound to happen someday.’

Gray looked down at her, then leaned in without hesitation.

”Chuu~♡”

Their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss.

Seraph’s lips were warm and surprisingly eager, pressing against his with gentle affection.

The kiss lasted a few seconds longer than necessary, her fingers curling slightly into his shirt as she savored the moment.

When they pulled apart, Seraph’s face was a deeper shade of red, but she looked happy. The attendant smiled warmly and gestured them inside.

”Enjoy your evening.”

The interior of the restaurant was beautifully designed, with dim, romantic lighting from crystal chandeliers, private booths with soft cushions, and tables adorned with fresh flowers and floating light orbs.

Soft music played in the background, creating an intimate atmosphere. They were led to a secluded booth near a large window overlooking a small garden pond.

They sat down across from each other.

Seraph’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Gray.

”I’ve always wanted to come here,” she admitted softly. ”But I never had anyone I wanted to bring... until now.”

A waiter soon arrived, handing them elegant menus.

The restaurant specialized in spirit-infused cuisine, dishes that not only tasted exquisite but also provided mild cultivation benefits.

Seraph ordered a delicate crystal fruit salad with honey-glazed spirit fish and a light floral wine.

Gray chose a hearty grilled thunderbird steak with mana-infused herbs and a glass of deep red spirit wine.

As they waited for their food, Seraph reached across the table and gently took his hand again, her thumb stroking the back of his palm.

”Thank you for coming with me today,” she said quietly. ”Even with Maelis crashing our time... I still enjoyed being with you.”

Gray gave her hand a light squeeze.

”It wasn’t bad,” he replied honestly.

”Though the clothing shop was... eventful.”

Seraph laughed softly at his words. She knew how much Gray hated shopping; even as a kid, he would throw a fit just not to go shopping.

”She’s always been like that with you... a little possessive. I remember when we were children... she would glare at anyone who got too close to you.”

The waiter arrived at their table at that moment, carrying a large tray with their orders. He placed the dishes down with professional grace.

For Seraph: a delicate crystal fruit salad with shimmering honey-glazed spirit fish, garnished with edible flowers that glowed faintly with mana.

The fish was perfectly steamed, its flesh tender and infused with gentle wind mana that gave it a light, refreshing taste.

For Gray: a hearty grilled thunderbird steak, seasoned with rare herbs and drizzled with a rich, slightly spicy sauce.

The meat was cooked to perfection, juicy and full of energy, accompanied by a side of mana-infused golden rice and roasted spirit vegetables.

The waiter also set down two glasses of fine spirit wine, a deep crimson for Gray and a lighter floral one for Seraph.

”Enjoy your meal,” he said with a bow before leaving them in peace.

Seraph picked up her fork and took a small bite of the fish, her eyes lighting up at the flavor.

”This is really good,” she said softly. ”The spirit fish is so tender. Try some of yours, Gray. It looks delicious.”

Gray cut a piece of the thunderbird steak and ate it. The meat was rich and flavorful, the herbs enhancing the natural energy within it.

He nodded in approval.

”It’s good,” he replied.

They ate for a few moments in comfortable silence before Seraph spoke again, her voice gentle.

”About the Royal Banquet... it’s going to be a big event. Almost all the major noble families will be attending. The D’Aurélion Family, of course, the Elysium Ducal House, the Viremont Marquisate, the Sylvaine Count House, and several others.”

”Even some representatives from allied kingdoms will be there. The Emperor himself will host it in the Imperial Palace.”

She took a sip of her wine, her golden hair catching the soft lantern light.

”It’s not just a social gathering. There will be important announcements, alliances being formed, and probably some subtle power plays between the families. My father... he’s been preparing for it for months. And with my engagement being one of the announcements...”

Seraph’s expression grew a little somber for a moment before she continued.

”The banquet is scheduled right after the Academy Inter-exchange ends. That was quite a surprise even for me. Usually, the two events are separated by at least a month to give everyone time to prepare. But this year, the Royal Family decided to hold them back-to-back. It’s going to be exhausting for everyone involved.”

Gray paused mid-bite, his black eyes narrowing slightly.

”Back-to-back?” he repeated in surprise.

”That’s unusual.”

Seraph nodded.

”Yes. The Inter-exchange ends, and then the Royal Banquet begins the very next week. Many people are complaining about it in private, but no one dares say anything publicly. The Emperor seems to have a reason for rushing it.”

She looked at Gray with a small, knowing smile.

”With you attending the Inter-exchange as part of Clementine’s academy... and possibly the banquet with me... things might get very interesting.”

Gray took another bite of his steak, chewing thoughtfully.

”Interesting indeed,” he murmured.

After a long and pleasant dinner filled with quiet conversation about the upcoming events, their shared memories from childhood, and light-hearted teasing about the chaotic shopping trip earlier, Gray and Seraph finally finished their meal.

The spirit-infused dishes had left them feeling refreshed and energized, the gentle mana from the food subtly nourishing their bodies.

Gray paid the bill without hesitation, leaving a generous tip for the attentive waiter. Seraph tried to contribute, but he simply shook his head.

”My treat,” he said calmly.

Seraph smiled softly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she accepted.

They left the restaurant together, the cool evening air greeting them as they stepped outside.

The sun had fully set, and the academy district was bathed in the soft glow of magical lanterns and floating light orbs.

The paths were less crowded now, with couples and small groups strolling leisurely under the starlit sky.

Seraph gently took Gray’s hand again, her fingers intertwining with his as they walked.

”There’s a place I’d like to show you,” she said quietly, a hint of shyness in her voice.

”It’s not far.”

Gray nodded, allowing her to lead the way.

Seraph eventually guided him toward a small, arched stone bridge that spanned a gentle stream.

The bridge was a well-known dating spot among the academy students, beautifully lit by soft blue lanterns hanging from ornate posts, with flowering vines climbing the railings.

The water below reflected the lanterns and stars, creating a serene, romantic atmosphere.

They stopped at the center of the bridge, leaning against the stone railing side by side.

The stream flowed quietly beneath them, the gentle sound of water providing a peaceful backdrop.

Seraph looked out at the water, her golden hair glowing softly in the lantern light.

”This place is always beautiful at night,” she said softly.

”I used to come here alone sometimes... thinking about things. About the future. About you, sometimes.”

She turned to look at him, tears almost glistening in her eyelids.

”Gray... thank you for today. Even with everything that happened... I enjoyed spending time with you.”

For a moment, Seraph simply looked at him, her long silver hair glowing softly in the lantern light.

Then, without another word, she leaned in closer.

Her hand gently cupped his cheek as she pressed her lips against his in a soft, lingering kiss.

Her lips were soft and sweet, tasting faintly of the floral wine she had drunk earlier.

She lingered for a few heartbeats, savoring the closeness, her eyes fluttering closed as she poured her feelings into the kiss.

Then, just as suddenly as it began, she pulled back.

Her cheeks were flushed a deep pink, and her eyes were wide with a mix of shyness and boldness.

She looked at him for one last second, a small, nervous smile on her lips.

Before Gray could say anything, Seraph turned and ran.

Her silver hair flowed behind her like a banner as she hurried down the bridge, her elegant dress swaying with each quick step.

She didn’t look back, though her hand briefly touched her lips as she disappeared into the lantern-lit path leading back toward the academy dorms.

”...Sigh.”