Attention

It was the next day, and I couldn't wait. Today was the day of my date with Valeria, as promised earlier. With it lingering on the back of my mind constantly, the day went by a lot quicker than I anticipated, and the evening was upon us.

I changed my attire to match something that someone like an upper-class noble would wear, though I had to rummage around my wardrobe a bit to find something ordinary like this. I usually don robes and loose-fit clothing, but upon breaking the news that I'm going out with Valeria to Hagen and Zorro, they couldn't contain their excitement.

The outfit in question that I put together was a Regal Blue coat that Hagen lent me. It had a lot of detailed embroidery and also had small reflective pieces of Eldorite that shone like dragon scales. Beneath the coat was a finely crafted, tailor-fit pale moon white tunic made from the finest silk the kingdom had to offer, and it was topped off with a set of blue lower garments matching the regality of the coat. After I put myself in these clothes, Zorro and Hagen were overcome with joy. Perhaps a bit too much? I feel like it is.

Their reactions were more in line with a group of girls getting excited over their friend getting a date. That energy was rubbing off on me, and even I became giddy and excited.

I made my way out of my room and headed to the guardsmen's quarters on the top floor, where Valeria resided. As I turned the corner to the balcony overlooking the edge, I saw her there, perched atop the railing.

She was wearing a form-fitting tunic that changed into different shades of green with how the light hit it, a sleeveless black leather overcoat on top with intricate patterns, fitted trousers of a similar regal-looking green, and some black boots with metallic accents on the bottom.

She exuded an air of both elegance and a wild, adventurous spirit. Her outfit reflected her unique personality, a blend of athletic attire and opulent fashion.

As she looked out over the city of Amberhelm, its ancient buildings rising majestically under the starry night sky, her eyes sparkled with wonder and determination, and I was drawn into the abyss by those bewitching eyes.

At that exact moment, she turned around and finally noticed me gawking. She tensed up for a bit, then let out a naughty smirk as her eyes fixed on me and she scooted over to where I was standing.

"What's with the dress-up?? It looks weird on you." Valeria snaked at me, making a mockery out of the outfit Zorro and Hagen really helped him put on.

"Look who's talking, dressed like a guy." I hit back with a comment of my own.

"It's practical, unlike the gowns and skirts that women wear, and it's much more suited to what I do." She folded her arms up in protest and pouted to the side.

"Do you rob people for a living? If we're going out like that, won't you attract a lot of attention?"

"Attention? What kind of attention?" She genuinely looked confused for a second, failing to notice in the slightest bit that her outfit was very revealing, especially compared to her contemporaries. I totally don't mind such an outfit, but seeing mere mortals gawk at my goddess' body in such a manner is something I will not forgive.

"You know, The kind of attention you don't really want for yourself."

"Huh? What kind of attention, though? Like from the enemy?"

I wanted to give up explaining this to her at this point; she isn't going to get it anyway and doesn't seem to be the type to listen to such things. 

Her lack of understanding started to lead to frustration on her part, and she started to get in my face. "Tell me what kind of attention it is! I want to know now!"

"Look, I don't think it's appropriate for me." I said that but She kept getting closer, and I could now clearly see her cleavage, and that ground my gears to a halt. The effects of someone who hasn't interacted with women at all in the eighteen years of his existence really started to kick in, and my heart was now beating in my mouth.

Suddenly, it appeared to click in Valeria's mind, and her confusion turned into confidence.

"Oh, I exactly know what kind of attention this outfit is going to draw." She whispered into my ear with a raspy voice that sounded desperate to be quenched.

I tried to compose myself, but all this stimulation was proving too much, and I couldn't mouth a proper reply.

Before I could respond, Valeria took matters into her own hands. She grabbed me and pulled me in close to her face ."You're worried about the attention this outfit is going to get? Then show me your undivided attention." 

Saying that, she closed her eyes and leaned back gracefully, taking me with her over the railing.

"Hey, what are you doingaaaa AAh!" Before I could even comprehend what she was doing and why, both of us were free-falling from the tower.

My eyes darted around as I racked my brain, trying to take stock of the situation and come up with a plan to save both of us, or at least Valeria. She had a devilish smile plastered on her face as she grabbed one of my hands and muttered "Transference". We were surrounded by an ethereal green glow all of a sudden, and when she opened her eyes, both of them were glowing a sharp emerald green—the same set of eyes that initially made me fall for her.

I could sense a gust of wind swirling under us, and as we were just about to hit the rooftop, we stopped and gently landed on the rooftop.

"W-what was that!?" I exclaimed, realizing that Valeria could control the wind with her blood-borne abilities.

"This is the power of the wind, my ability. It's considered super special to be able to use elemental magic along with blood powers, but there are a few who can do that, like Gelidra. Now, hold my hand and don't let go."

Before I could realize what was happening again, I felt a burst of wind beneath me as we launched into the starry night sky of Amberhelm. The rushing of wind over my face felt exhilarating.

"This is amazing!" I shouted at the top of my lungs.

Valeria laughed, her joy infectious. "See? With a little bit of magic, we can move through the city without attracting any attention at all!"

As we hopped from one rooftop to another, I marveled at the city below us. The starry night sky provided a stunning backdrop, and the ancient buildings seemed to come alive with a mystical glow.

With each leap and bound, my initial awkwardness and hesitation melted away, replaced by a sense of wonder and excitement. Valeria's carefree spirit was contagious, and I found myself reveling in the moment.

As we continued, Valeria turned to face me and extended both hands once again. 

"Wanna give it a try alone?"

I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I could control the magic as skillfully as Valeria. But her encouraging smile spurred me on.

"Alright, here goes nothing," I said, taking her hand.

Valeria's magic surged through me, and I felt a surge of energy. With a newfound confidence, I channeled her power, and we leaped even higher, soaring through the night sky like shooting stars.