Afternoon

In the Nod-Krai College Library, the afternoon sun filters through the huge stained-glass windows, creating dappled and tranquil halos that silently bathe the dark-colored long tables and towering bookshelves.

The occasional soft sound of pages turning in the distance only served to emphasize the absolute tranquility of the place.

Ruby sat in a corner by the window, her fiery red curly hair unusually quiet and loose today, with only a few unruly strands sticking up.

She was practically sunk into the large armchair, with an ancient magic book, thick enough to be used as a brick, spread out on her lap.

Her emerald eyes scanned intently through the intricate ancient characters, her fingertips unconsciously twirling a strand of hair as she was completely absorbed, like a small mushroom quietly growing in a forest of knowledge.

A figure quietly appeared behind her chair.

Himmel arrived sometime earlier, her blue hair gleaming softly in the tranquil light.

He didn't try to conceal his presence, and his steps were even as leisurely as usual, but Ruby focused on the contents of the book to notice him at all.

Normally, a mage's magical energy detection would be able to detect it, but Himmel didn't deliberately conceal her aura, or perhaps she simply wasn't good at it.

She was indeed a bit careless; of course, this was the library of Nod-Krai, one of the safest places available.

Time flowed slowly in the stillness.

Inside the library, there was only the occasional soft sound of pages turning.

He stood there quietly, looking down at the fluffy red head on the chair and the eyelashes that trembled slightly as he read, his blue eyes holding a very faint, gentle smile that blended almost perfectly with the surrounding tranquility.

He didn't disturb her, but simply stayed with her, sharing this silent moment.

After what seemed Ruby finally let out a long sigh, closed the massive book, and let out a soft sigh of satisfaction mixed with weariness, "Ah... I've finally finished reading it..."

She stretched her arms and yawned comfortably, like a cat that had finally had enough sun.

At that very moment when she was most relaxed and least guarded—

A pair of hands reached out from behind and gently covered her eyes.

"Whoa!" Ruby was startled and let out a short gasp, her body tensing up instinctively.

"There's a flaw," Himmel's gentle voice whispered in her ear, her breath brushing against it. "Guess who I am?"

"Ah! It's Himmel!" Ruby immediately recognized the voice, her tense body instantly relaxing. Then, she puffed out her cheeks, turning around with a mixture of embarrassment and annoyance at being teased. "W-what are you doing here! You scared me to death!"

"You're not welcome here?" Himmel released her hand, smiling as she looked at her sulky face.

"Uh..." Ruby's cheeks flushed slightly. She looked away and muttered softly, "Of course you're welcome... but! I scared Ruby! You have to make it up to me!"

"Alright," Himmel readily agreed, bowing slightly and gesturing invitingly, "Then, shall I take Lady Ruby, who's been frightened, for a stroll in the streets and buy her some good food to calm her nerves?"

"Okay... no, not at all!" Ruby's eyes lit up for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure, puffing out her rather large chest and trying to make her tone sound forced. "Hmph! Since you've invited me so sincerely... fine! It's your honor to Ruby Lady Ruby shopping!"

"Of course," Himmel straightened up, the corners of her mouth widening, "It would be my pleasure."

"Wait... Ruby isn't a child anymore..." Ruby suddenly realized something was wrong and tried to put on a serious expression. "Ruby is 20 years old! She's an adult! She doesn't eat anything delicious!"

The market streets were bustling with activity.

"Mmm... this honey painting is delicious... and these roasted chestnuts smell so good too..."

She held a sugar painting in her left hand and a hot chestnut wrapped in oil paper in her right, her cheeks bulging as she ate, her emerald eyes squinting contentedly.

"So, has Ruby forgiven me now?" Himmel followed beside her, offering her a glass of refreshing juice.

"Of course..." Ruby swallowed the food in her mouth, deliberately drawing out her words, and winked mischievously, "... No! That's not enough! I'm not going to forgive you so easily!"

"Hmm... it seems my path to redemption is still long, and I still need to work hard." Himmel sighed, feigning distress, but her eyes were full of indulgent smiles.

"Of course!" Ruby proudly raised her chin, like a little peacock who had won a game.

"Oh my! This young lady is so beautiful, she and this handsome gentleman are a match made in heaven! Come and see the new jewelry!" a young female vendor greeted them warmly, her gaze shifting between Himmel and Ruby.

"Sigh... we're not..." Ruby instinctively wanted to retort, her cheeks flushing red, but her gaze was unconsciously drawn to the sparkling ornaments in the glass case.

Hair clips, bracelets, necklaces...

Finally, her gaze settled on a simply designed ring. The band was silver, with a small flower meticulously carved from some kind of white gemstone set in the center.

"Oh my, Miss, you have excellent taste!" The girl immediately noticed her interest, and her smile became even brighter.

"This Mirror Lotus ring was carved by my master over three months! Although the material isn't top-grade magic gemstone, it's all-natural, perfectly suited to your naturally lovely self! Moreover, the Mirror Lotus symbolizes 'eternal love,' making it an ideal match for such a perfect couple as you two..."

The girl was showering emotional support on the girl.

"N-Nonsense! Eternal love and all that... it's not true..." Ruby's face flushed even redder, as if it were burning. She hurriedly looked away, instinctively taking a step back, wanting to escape this heart-pounding atmosphere. "Let's go, let's go, Himmel, there's nothing to see..."

"I want it." Himmel's gentle yet firm voice rang out, interrupting her retreat.

"Hey..." Ruby surprise, stamped her foot, but didn't know what to say, only feeling her face burning hot.

The setting sun grew even more intense at this moment, its golden-red light bathing the streets and casting a warm filter over everything.

Himmel took the carefully wrapped ring from the girl's hand, and then...

He flicked his cloak with a graceful, fluid movement, then knelt on his right knee, looked up at the bewildered girl before him, and took her slightly trembling left hand in his. His blue eyes, clear in the setting sun, held a gentle yet solemn light.

"Then, Your Excellency Ruby," his voice was deep and reassuring, "Would you accept this ring, and my humble apology and... token of my affection?"

"I..." Ruby her mouth, her voice barely audible.

She looked at her reflection in Himmel's eyes, at the ring shimmering with a warm glow in the setting sun, and finally, with a very light and quick nod, squeezed out an almost inaudible syllable from her throat. "... Mm."

Himmel's smile was warmer than the setting sun. He carefully and solemnly placed the Mirror Lotus Ring gently on Ruby's left ring finger. The size was, as expected, perfect.

The ring's cool touch against her skin felt like a burning heat that reached right to her heart. Ruby stared blankly at the ring on her finger, then looked up at Himmel, who had stood up and was gazing at her tenderly, and felt the surrounding noise fade away.

A long time.

Himmel stood up, still holding her hand, her fingertips gently stroking the brand-new ring. "It's beautiful."

Ruby snapped back to reality, quickly pulling her hand back and hiding it behind her back as if the ring would burn her. She stammered, "Idiot! Who told you to suddenly... with so many people watching!"

Himmel smiled.

"Let's go," Himmel said naturally, taking her hand, which was adorned with a ring, her fingertips gently enveloping hers. "That dessert shop up ahead seems to have launched a new limited-edition cake."

"... Mmm." Ruby lowered her head, letting him lead her, walking half a step beside him, feeling the reassuring warmth from his palm. The setting sun seemed to deliberately intertwine their shadows, as if they could never be separated again.