43 - A Night of Revelations!

A Night of Revelations!

Jon and Elara exit the Imperial Academy promptly at 7 p.m.

"So, what's the first stop on our evening escapade?" Jon inquired, a playful smile gracing his lips as he avoided eye contact with the beautiful girl clinging to his arm.

With a twinkle in her eye, Elara replied, "How about we just take a stroll? After all, this is a casual outing, isn't it?"

"Perfect," Jon said, his smile tinged with a hint of shyness.

They walked through the bustling city streets, passing by shops that displayed a fascinating array of goods. Inevitably, Jon's gaze was drawn to a store specializing in adventurer's gear. Magic-infused swords, enchanted shields, and an assortment of magical potions piqued his interest.

"You look like a kid in a candy store," Elara noted, her smile teasing.

Jon chuckled awkwardly. "I can't help it. This stuff has always fascinated me."

Elara smiled back, her eyes momentarily drifting to a neighboring shop showcasing the latest teen fashion from Frostpeak. As she watched Jon, she was struck by a quiet revelation: the same man who exuded an aura of an unflappable, focused warrior during the skills test also had an incredibly youthful and almost childlike side. This contrast left her somewhat stunned but also more intrigued and enchanted by him.

After wandering through various streets and exploring a series of intriguing shops, the two finally arrived at a place that was a true magnet for Imperial Academy students. It was an open-air square, dotted with tables and chairs arranged in two sections: one casual and the other visibly more sophisticated and reserved. Groups of young people were scattered around, engrossed in lively conversations and laughter, the atmosphere buzzing with youthful energy and a palpable sense of anticipation.

Taking in the scene, Jon was hit by a wave of nostalgia. 'This reminds me of that hangout spot always teeming with college students back on Earth,' he thought, observing the lively setting.

In the more refined section of the square, a stunning young man dressed in noble attire with neatly cut black hair exuded an air of superiority as he dined elegantly. Beside him sat a beautiful young woman with long red hair and captivating blue eyes. "So, your friend finally made it into the academy," Roderic observed, casting a glance at Gwen, who remained unfazed by the comment. He had decided to invite her to dinner after rumors about Jon had circulated through the academy, and now had her confirmation that it was, indeed, the same Jon.

"Jon has always been exceptionally talented. If I'm considered a prodigy of my generation, he's definitely on a level above me," Gwen responded, not hiding or disguising any information from Roderic. Their engagement wasn't forced; ever since she left Riverwood, Roderic had tried to get close to her. Initially, Gwen ignored him, both for what he had done to Jon in Riverwood and suspecting he just wanted to toy with her emotions. However, Roderic confessed that he had sabotaged Jon because he had fallen in love with Gwen the moment he laid eyes on her.

After years of unsuccessfully trying to win Gwen's heart, Roderic saw an opportunity when her mother, Aela, fell seriously ill. Using his family's resources, he funded and continues to fund Aela's treatment. All he asked in return was a chance with Gwen. Recognizing his sincerity, she finally relented, and the two became a couple and eventually got engaged.

It would be untrue to say Gwen no longer had feelings for Jon, but it would also be a lie to claim Roderic's efforts to win her over hadn't had an impact. She was in an emotional dilemma, a conflict she wouldn't even admit to herself.

"Is he aware of our engagement?" Roderic hesitated before asking the question. Though a young noble, he couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy toward Jon. Reluctantly, he went ahead and asked.

Gwen paused, setting her fork down. She was about to reply when Roderic's surprised voice interrupted her. "Well, isn't this an interesting coincidence." With a smile that blended sincerity and ulterior motives, he stood up, signaled a waiter, and pointed at something. 'What is he up to?' Gwen wondered, following Roderic's gaze. For a moment, she was stunned to see Jon and Elara, arms entwined, chatting and laughing heartily.

"Excellent, I've been looking for a chance to apologize to Jon for my past actions," said Roderic, his smile now sharply contrasting with the air of elegant superiority he had displayed moments earlier.

…

"Do we need to call a waiter, or can we just sit down? We don't need a reservation, right?" Jon inquired, glancing at the empty seats.

"That depends on how much you're willing to spend to impress the lovely lady beside you," Elara replied, flashing a smile while trying to appear shy.

"How much is this going to set me back?" Jon was concerned; he had always been poor. Throughout his years in Riverwood, even with the goblin dungeon at his disposal, he had failed to amass wealth. If it weren't for the 50,000 Tils his parents gave him when he left for the academy, he would be completely broke.

"Pfft... hahaha!" Elara couldn't contain herself. How many wealthy young men had already proposed, offering lucrative deals to her family? Yet her parents, who owned most of the potion and elixir shops, never cared. They wanted Elara to choose her own spouse. Now, here she was, interested in an unknown guy who even hesitated to pay for their date. She couldn't help but laugh heartily.

Interrupting Jon and Elara's conversation, a waiter approached and announced, "Good evening. Young Master Roderic Stoneheart has requested that you join him at his table." Elara shot an inquisitive look at Jon. "Do you know Roderic?" she asked.

"We've crossed paths. It was in Riverwood, six years ago, when he sabotaged my chance of getting an internship at the academy," Jon replied. His eyes locked onto a couple in the more secluded area of the establishment. There was Roderic, the face he had always wanted to punch, waving and smiling in his direction.

'So that's it. I knew Gwen's odd behavior had something to do with this jerk,' thought Jon. He had already come to that conclusion but realized he was wrong in one aspect: he had thought the duke's family was blackmailing Gwen through her mother's health.

"Shall we go over there or decline the invitation?" Elara, sensing that Jon wasn't on good terms with Roderic, left the decision to him. Her family had enough resources and connections, so she wouldn't mind offending Roderic.

"Let's go. Gwen has been acting strangely; maybe I'll find out why," Jon replied. Elara felt a twinge of discomfort, noticing that Jon seemed focused on Gwen, even with her by his side. Nevertheless, she followed him to where Roderic and Gwen were seated.

Jon had expected a series of developments upon talking to Roderic, but what he heard was unsettling on multiple levels.

"Jon Woodmoon..." Roderic began, extending his hand for a handshake. "It was quite a surprise for me, while enjoying a moment with my FIANCEE." He emphasized the word 'fiancee,' as if wanting to etch each syllable into Jon. "Then, I saw someone I've long wanted to apologize to for a terrible mistake I made in the past." Feigning remorse, Roderic looked at Jon with a melancholic expression and concluded, "Could you forgive me for what I did in Riverwood?"