Island Night Market

Night fell like a soft, deep blue velvet cloth, gently covering the tropical island.

The daytime heat was carried away by the sea breeze, and the air was filled with a salty, cool scent, mixed with the enticing aroma of various foods being grilled in the distant market.

On the edge of the hotel's open-air terrace overlooking the sea, Lowell leaned against a low stone railing.

Below, the inky black seawater gently kissed the beach, making a continuous and soothing gurgling sound. He toyed with an unidentified purple seashell in his hand, his gaze fixed on the scattered fishing lights in the distant harbor.

Frieren sat in a large wicker chair beside him, almost sinking into it. She had changed into a light, white, sleeveless nightgown, revealing her slender arms and legs.

She didn't tie her hair in a ponytail, as if Frieren (in her childhood) had made a limited-time return; her long silver hair was loose and swayed gently in the breeze.

She held up a container bigger than her face, carved from a whole coconut, filled with colorful shaved ice, topped with mango, pineapple, and a translucent, chewy local fruit.

She was using a slender wooden spoon to carefully scrape the coconut milk-soaked ice shavings, her emerald green eyes half-closed in satisfaction, like a cat being stroked.

"Hmm..."

She let out a very soft sigh, and stuck out the tip of her pink tongue to lick away a trace of milky white residue from her lips.

Lowell turned to look at her. "How does it taste?"

"Sweet," Frieren replied briefly, scooping out another spoonful and holding it to Lowell's lips. "Want to try some?"

Lowell ate it from her hand. The cool sweetness melted in his mouth, carrying a rich tropical fruit flavor.

"Hmm, not bad."

"It seems quite lively over there." Frieren pointed with her spoon towards the direction of the harbor, where the faint sounds of bustling crowds could be heard.

"It's a night market. Would you like to go check it out?"

Frieren thought for a moment, shook her head, and hugged her coconut shaved ice even tighter. "No. There are too many people. I haven't finished this yet."

"There might be a stall selling treasure chests."

"What are you waiting for?" Frieren immediately put the shaved ice aside.

Haha, you...

At this moment, the entrance to the night market was brightly lit.

Lupa peered around curiously. Countless stalls lined both sides of the road, adorned with all sorts of lanterns and magical orbs, illuminating the night like day. The goods for sale were dazzling: sizzling fish and shrimp, spiced rice wrapped in leaves, brightly colored fruit juices, hand-woven straw hats, and uniquely shaped seashell wind chimes...

The air was filled with a mingled mix of scents, vibrant and full of life.

"So many people!" Lupa excitedly tugged at Linié's hand. "Linié, look! That glowing fish!"

Linié followed quietly, her deep blue eyes reflecting the shimmering light and shadow. She wore a sundress, the same style as Lupa's but a different color, which Lupa had practically dragged her to buy that afternoon. The pale pink fabric was printed with tiny white starfish.

Her gaze swept across the noisy crowd, finally settling on Lupa's tightly clenched hands.

"Her body temperature is slightly elevated," she stated.

Lupa reacted as if burned, instinctively trying to let go, but Linié gripped her hand even tighter.

"To prevent them from getting separated," Linié explained, her tone flat.

"Oh...!" Lupa turned her head away.

They stopped in front of a stall selling grilled squid. The stall owner skillfully flipped the squid on the hot plate, brushed on sauce, and the aroma was irresistible.

"Would you like to eat this?" Lupa asked.

Linié looked at it. "We can try."

Lupa bought two skewers. Linié imitated her, taking small bites. Sauce got on the corners of her mouth.

Lupa instinctively reached out to help her wipe, but remembering what had happened not long ago, she withdrew her hand.

Linié stuck out her tongue and precisely licked off the remaining sauce.

"It has a spicy and slightly sweet flavor, and a chewy texture."

Lupa couldn't help but laugh as she watched Lupa's serious analysis of the food.

"The point of laughter is unclear." Linié tilted her head.

"It's nothing! Come on, let's go take a look over there!"

Moonlight spilled onto the path.

Lupa and Linié, tired from playing, walked ahead.

After browsing the market, Frieren finally finished her giant shaved ice on the platform and let out a satisfied burp.

"I'm sleepy." She rubbed her eyes.

"Let's go back." Lowell stood up.

Frieren naturally offered him her hand. Lowell took it, gently pulled her up from the chair.

The two walked down the platform side by side.

As the first rays of sunlight pierced through the clouds, the sea was dyed golden red.

Frieren was awakened by the increasingly bright daylight. She rubbed her eyes and sat up. She looked at Lowell, who seemed to still be fast asleep beside her, and then at the quiet tent not far away.

Frieren woke up early, apparently because of the different climate in the south.

She yawned, her emerald eyes glistening with moisture as she awoke. Then, like a cat, she tiptoed closer to Lowell, extending her slender fingers to carefully lift the straw hat covering his face.

The fingertips just touched the edge of the straw hat--

"Awake?" A languid voice, tinged with laughter, came from under the straw hat.

Frieren paused, pouted, and withdrew her hand. "Hmm. I'm hungry."

Lowell lifted his straw hat, revealing clear, dark eyes. "Shall we go find something to eat?"

Just then, the tent flap was lifted, and Lupa emerged, looking energetic, her pink twin ponytails swaying lively. Linié followed behind her, her deep blue eyes calm and undisturbed, her clothes spotless.

"Good morning, Master! Lady Frieren!" Lupa greeted energetically, "I'm going to pick some fresh coconuts!"

A new day begins in the clear morning light of the Southern Archipelago.