Chapter 117

As the golden sun ascended above the horizon, its warm rays enveloping the city, I gracefully departed from my familia manor.

Today marked the long-awaited culmination of my plans for a date with Hephaestus, and I was determined to ensure its success.

Concealing my distinctive draconic features beneath an elegant cloak, I revealed my impeccably dashing attire underneath.

Though Hephaestus was a prominent figure in the public eye, I sensed an underlying discomfort in crowds and a shy disposition beneath her composed persona.

At least, that's what I believed, or perhaps, what I desperately wanted to believe. Musing over these thoughts, I traversed the bustling streets of Orario in search of the perfect location for our rendezvous.

Regret momentarily gripped me as I pondered why I hadn't planned this sooner. The remnants of the previous night's rain had transformed the once pristine ground into a muddy obstacle course.

My shoes, once immaculate, now bore the signs of the muddy struggle, and even my cloak had suffered from the occasional droplets of earthy stain.

"If only I could discreetly soar through the skies, I wouldn't have to endure this tiresome walk," I grumbled in frustration. Nevertheless, I refused to allow this inconvenience to dampen my spirits.

Fortunately, a glimmer of inspiration struck me as I realized that the secluded spot where I had taken Bahamut on a date previously was not suitable for a repeat performance with Hephaestus.

Determined to find a new venue, I undertook a thorough exploration of Orario's nooks and crannies. Finally, after much deliberation, I stumbled upon a hidden gem nestled in a quiet corner of the city.

Upon closer inspection, it was not truly hidden, but with careful planning, it had the potential to create an enchanting atmosphere.

An inviting restaurant emerged before me, adorned with its balcony adorned with vibrant, blooming flowers. Its picturesque setting offered a decent view of the surrounding scenery.

"This may just be the perfect place," I mused to myself, before stepping inside to sample the fare. Alas, the food proved to be only average at best.

"No wonder the restaurant remained sparse with customers, despite its romantic ambiance," I quietly surmised.

Summoning the resolve to pursue my vision, I approached a waiter and inquired about meeting the owner. Initially skeptical, the waiter reluctantly summoned the proprietor.

Revealing my intention to rent the entire restaurant for the day and personally prepare the meal, I encountered initial resistance from the owner.

However, the mention of it being for a date seemed to touch a sentimental chord within him. It turned out that he had acquired the establishment in an earnest attempt to impress his late wife during their courtship.

The balcony that overlooked the city was where their love story had taken root, and the owner kept the restaurant running as a tribute to their memories, hoping others would also find love within its walls.

Offering my heartfelt gratitude to the owner, I bid him farewell and embarked on the task of scouting additional potential locations for our date.

Simultaneously, I carefully procured the finest ingredients necessary to manifest the culinary masterpiece I planned to create.

As the sun reached the zenith of its journey, casting a resplendent glow upon the urban landscape, I increased my pace in preparation of the venue and the meals.

Soon evening was approaching so, I made my way to Hephaestus' workshop to fetch her. Her delicate hands, adorned with blacksmithing smudges, hesitantly interlaced with mine.

Her captivating red eyes flickered with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation.

"I have something extraordinary planned for us today," I whispered softly, my voice dripping with intrigue and mystery.

A genuine smile gracefully adorned Hephaestus's lips as she loosened her grip on my hands, a sign of her relaxation and comfort. Soon she was all cleaned and dressed up, ready to go.

"You look absolutely stunning today," I complimented her outfit, a navy blue gown that beautifully complemented her fiery red hair and the silver jewelry she adorned.

I could sense that she was slightly uncomfortable in the outfit, as she rarely wore such clothes, but I was grateful that she had made the effort for me.

With our cloaks donned, I led Hephaestus out of her workshop and into the bustling city street. Hephaestus wasn't one for the outdoors and preferred to remain in her workshop, immersed in her craft of smithing.

While this wasn't necessarily a bad thing, I believed she deserved to venture out and have fun once in a while.

After leaving her office, we entered a carriage that I had previously arranged. I didn't want Hephaestus walking on the muddy, wet ground.

The carriage set off as we engaged in lighthearted banter, enjoying each other's company until we reached our destination, the restaurant.

Upon arrival, we entered the seemingly empty establishment. I had taken the liberty of modifying it to create a more romantic ambiance.

As we strolled up to the balcony, Hephaestus's gaze was fixed on a vibrant flower, mirroring the warmth of her blushing cheeks.

A gentle breeze caressed our faces, gently tugging at her hair as if whispering secrets of love. Nestled in the canopy of vivid foliage, we took our seats.

Observing Hephaestus's eyes widen with wonder, I could see the joy on her face, as she experienced the taste of pure love for the first time.

It was something she believed would never happen to her. Subconsciously, she reached up to touch her eyepatch, a reminder of her insecurities.

"It's okay to take it off when it's just you and me," I reassured her gently, sensing her hesitation.

"Ah," Hephaestus snapped back to reality, realizing what she was doing.

Getting up from my seat, I walked around to hers, reaching out to remove her eye patch. Hephaestus appeared unsure of how to react, as this was an entirely new experience for her.

"Relax. It's just you and me," I whispered into her ear, causing her cheeks to turn even redder.

"Hmmm," Hephaestus responded, still seemingly lost for words.

I then entered the restaurant to begin serving the five-course meal I had prepared. I wanted this date to be special, so I had taken the time to plan a delightful menu.

For hors d'oeuvres, I planned to serve Shallot and Pancetta Tortilla Crisps. The appetizers consisted of deviled eggs, and the salad was a refreshing garden salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and tart vinaigrette.

For the main course, I prepared a perfectly cooked steak, although I preferred mine well done, but I acknowledged that some might argue about that. Lastly, for dessert, I presented a luscious fruit tart.

As I began serving the first course, Hephaestus's gown swayed gently in the wind, harmonizing with the rhythmic beat of her heart.

With each passing moment, she shared more about herself, and in turn, I unveiled my world to her, painting vivid pictures of passion and adventure.

Time seemed to stand still as we reveled in each other's presence. The delicate touch of her hand against mine sent shivers down my spine, igniting a fire that neither of us could deny.

It was in that moment that I knew, with utmost certainty, that the connection we shared was something magical and rare.

A/N: Will conclude the date in the next chapter lol.