Cain and Beil went to the place Calbot had suggested, at the time for dinner Ivela agreed on.

“... Well, it is huge. It must be it.” Cain looked at a huge building with a fancy decoration. Fine Dine signage made of lumines crystals was hanging on the second floor.

They entered the restaurant and looked around. It is indeed a fancy place. Floral with golden decoration filled the place. And it’s well illuminated with a giant lumines crystal floating on the tall ceiling. Only few tables were occupied.

“Welcome, Master Cain! We are waiting for you.” an elderly man with a neat suit greeted him while bowing a bit. With two waitresses behind him also bowed.

“Ah, hi! How do you know my name? And why are you waiting for me??” said Cain, he was confused.

“How could we not know about a person who has been granted with Master Liberator Honor?” said the elderly man while smiling.

“I am I’Var Haustra, the head steward of Fine Dine. We’ve been notified by the Palace’s servant that you will come.” he continued.

“Words travel fast, eh.” said Cain.

“We’ve prepared our best table for you, please follow me,” said I’Var. “Ah, before that, would you like your pet to be bathed?” I’Var looked at Beil then to Cain.

“Bath?” asked Cain.

“Yes, nobles occasionally bring their pet here, so we opened a pet grooming service for them.” said I’Var.

“Uhh… Beil?” Cain looked at Beil.

“Meip!” Beil stepped forward. He looked like not objected.

“I think he wants that.” said Cain.

With a nod, I’Var snapped his fingers. Then, the two waitresses behind him took Beil to one of the waitress’s hand, gently.

“Now, please follow me, Master Cain.” said I’Var.

They went to the second floor. On the second floor, the decoration was not so different from the first floor. But it had more people.

Even though it was more crowded, the gap between each table was quite wide. So each table’s conversation wouldn't really disturb others.

I’Var took Cain to one table with two chairs past a small circular flower bed. It’s a bit isolated than the rest, but it still could be seen by other tables.

It had a little fountain behind it. With translucent sparkling blue water flowing the fountain, it made the atmosphere somehow relaxing.

“This is your table, Master Cain.” said I’Var while pulling the chair and invited him to sit.

The table was round with a golden colored sheet covered it, and a tableware in front of each chair. The table size was perfect for two.

“Are you sure this is the right table?? It’s too fancy for me!” said Cain.

“The servant said, King Calbot specifically asked his favourite table for your visit, Master Cain. And this is it,” said I’Var. “Please, have a sit.” he tapped the pulled chair.

“O-okay.” Cain sat on the chair.

“And please don't worry about anything, it’s all on the house.” said I’Var.

“Eh!? Why? Your boss knows about this??” responded Cain.

“Treat this as my thanks for bringing an end to the slavery system in Farferis. And my older brother Norja said you took nothing in return for helping our King Calbot, just a tiny amount of rewards from Hanearian’s Rest he said. You have the most noble heart than those Farferis nobles, Master Cain,” said I’Var, then, he leaned a bit to Cain and whispered. “Besides, I’m the boss.” he then winked to Cain.

“Woaah! You?” Cain responded with a surprised face.

“Now, I’ll be back with your companion when she comes.” said I’Var while leaving, ignoring Cain’s response.

“Now, he got me nervous!” said Cain. “(And how the heck he knew Ivela is coming? Ugh, must be Calbot… or Jared… ugh whatever.)” thought Cain.

Cain checked his appearance, he was still wearing the trench coat. He nervously waited for Ivela to come.

Then, after fifteen minutes, he could see I’Var came. Behind him, a woman with a magenta off shoulder dress walked behind him.

As they walked to the table, all of the people there couldn't escape their minds to the beauty behind I’Var.

Ivela walked elegantly, with a slit on her dress, her beautiful thighs made an appearance. Her ample chest and dancer-like waist under the slightly tight dress made them gulped. While her exposed flawless shoulder combined with the collarbone blew their minds away. Her skin was so fresh like it was just had been touched by the morning dew. Her nude delightful reddish pink lips were perfectly placed on her exquisite face. Her gaze was coldly warm, like a sunlight in the icefield, melted their hearts. All of those were perfected with her side swept-bangs that cascading with her medium length layered silver hair.

Cain couldn’t say any words. He was about to stand up to greet Ivela, but I’Var hand signaled him to stay seated.

“This way, Lady Caral.” said I’Var. He pulled the chair for Ivela to sit.

“Thank you, I’Var.” said Ivela as she sat across from Cain.

I’Var nodded. “I’ll bring you the specialty of our full course dinner, recommended by our chef.” said I’Var.

Both Cain and Ivela nodded.

I’Var bowed his head then left.

“Sorry I’m late.” said Ivela.

“No problem, it’s worth the wait.” responded Cain.

“Worth? I’m worth the wait? Pffft! Heard that a couple of times already. Try harder, Cain of Palvaran.”

“Wh-Wha-”

Ivela laughed softly. “I’m just joking, but seriously, that one is overused.” said Ivela.

“Ah, hahaha, okay. By the way, you look great, Lady Caral.”

“Hmm, I did not look great when I was wearing my armor, then? Just good?”

“That’s not what I meant, it’s just I never see you without that armor.”

Ivela smiled. “I rarely wear something like this. Maybe on a special occasion like a ball or something. And you can stop calling me with my last name, just Ivela is fine.”

“Alright, Ivela. You can also call me Cain. Not that I have a last name or something” said Cain.”

Ivela laughed softly.

I’Var came to them with a series of appetizer.

He also poured a Trevel Wine, a very light wine but filled with rich flavour and scent.

“Enjoy.” said I’Var as he left.

“So, how you’ve been? I mean, are you okay after all that happened at Arozora?” asked Ivela.

“I’m good, thank you. Well, Calbot gave me a good distraction from it.”

“You mean the battle at Haneama Palace?”

“You heard? Yeah, also the treasure hunting at Hanearian’s Rest.”

“Tell me about it.” Ivela smiled.

“Okay,” Cain also smiled. “It began when I…”

They chatted warmly. Then, two waitresses came to them. One with a mini cart, another with Beil on her hands.

“Meip!”

“Ah, Beil.” said Cain as he saw they were bringing him over.

The waitresses put Beil on the mini cart and served him some food. After they bowed to Cain and Ivela, they left.

Cain looked to Ivela. “Tell me about yourself, Ivela.” he said.

“Me? I’m not as interesting as the people said. Oh well, as you know I’m the little sister to Bagulv. My family, including me are actually not from Arozora. We moved from Hazthala to Arozora when I was three. We occasionally go on holiday to Hazthala, but I’ve never been back to my homeland since I joined the Kingsmight.” said Ivela.

“Hazthala? What is it like?” Cain was curious.

“It’s a vibrant land with a lush Sehesha flower bed span across the horizon. The Capital City, Devel, built in between the Jhiple River and Bohgren Mountain. You know Sehesha flower? It has a crystal like petals, so, when the sun is set on the horizon, the flowers glitter, making a rainbow on the land, not in the sky. Mmh, now you make me homesick.” said Ivela.

“Sounds like a nowhere land in a fairytale.”

Ivela chuckled. “You should try to go there.” she said.

“Good idea.” responded Cain.

Beil was just enjoying the food on the cart near the fountain.

Then, I’Var came with a cart. He served the main course. A well done grilled Blue Scaled Buffalo meat, a honeyed deep fried Thunder Fish fillet, a soup of Horned Wingless Duck breast, and a stir-fried spicy Deep Mountain Lamb leg.

“Wow!” said Cain. He was amazed by the smells.

“Bon appétit!” said I’Var.

“Mmhm! This is so good! The chef must be used shrimp broth for the seasoning.” commented Cain after he took a sip of the duck breast soup.

Ivela did not seem impressed as she cut the fish fillet. But she showed a delighted expression when she took a bite.

“So, Cain, how does it feel to be trained by the strongest man in Valfikr?” asked Ivela.

“Well, he actually just taught me the basic, but even though it’s only the basic, it’s a… well, it’s tough for a talentless like me. Higa and Lexa were just breezing through the training where I, almost everyday could not keep up with them. But I knew they were geniuses.”

“Talentless? You? You’ve wrecked my squad, clearly you are not.” said Ivela.

Cain just smiled, then, he told Ivela how he practiced alone two times harder from what Higa and Lexa got from Igo. And about a book that was given by Igo, that changed his fate, his path, his perception towards the impossible things.

When Cain showed him the book. Ivela was shocked.

“You were given that book by King Iligo!? And you actually learnt the techniques and magic from that book!?” asked Ivela with a serious expression on her face.

“Yeah, and it seems none other than me could learn from this book, Higa and Lexa tried it before.”

“... Do you know that book origins, Cain?” asked Ivela.

“I don't really know, All I know is, its owner was the ancient mysterious hero, Gomara.”

“That book is the national treasure of Arozora, Cain. Well, the useless national treasure to be exact.”

“... For real!!?” Cain was shocked.

Ivela chuckled then nodded. “King Iligo certainly didn’t tell you, did he?” asked Ivela.

Apparently, Igo never told him about the book more than that it was a technique and magic book. And the little Cain was just happy he could learn the techniques where he couldn't learn them from Igo.

“Uhh… should I return it?” said Cain.

“I don't think so, that’s called the useless treasure for a reason. No one ever could learn from that book, including me, except you apparently. If that book becomes a useful treasure in your hands, I think it’s better if you keep it. Also, if King Iligo was the one who gave it and did not ask it back for over the years, that means you’re the owner of that book now.” Ivela replied.

“Okay, that’s good to hear.” said Cain, relieved.

Then, a serene instrumental music was being played by a group of minstrel that just came. They took a staged spot in the corner of the place.

“I think that’s enough for the book,” said Cain, he then stood up and offered his hand to Ivela. ”Shall we dance?”

“Dance?” Ivela looked so surprised. “Sure.” With a smile, she took Cain’s hand.

Cain looked to Beil. “Stay there, Beil.”

“Meip?” Beil only tilted his head.

They went to the center of the circular flower bed that was decorated with a beautiful floral pattern on the vinyl floor.

Cain held Ivela’s hand gently, and put his another hand to Ivela’s waist. He pulled Ivela’s Casela lily-scented body to his, but did not let her chest touched him. He was actually a bit nervous.

But Ivela pressed herself to Cain. “If you want to do it, do it the right way.” said Ivela as she put her hand to Cain’s shoulder. Ivela with her height that touched Cain’s eye, made their faces got so close when she pressed herself to Cain.

“... Right…” Cain replied. He did not expect that.

One step, two steps, three steps. Ivela’s footworks were sharp yet elegance, and Cain was able to follow it. Their movement was in harmony.

“My, my, you know, Cain. You’re a box full of the unexpected.” Ivela smiled.

Cain just replied with a smile. “(I never thought that out of nowhere-dancing class when I was trained by Igo could came in handy!)” what Cain had in his mind.

The people there were watching their dance. Some of them were amazed, the rest were just jealous.

Cain looked to I’Var that stood behind the counter. I’Var gave an ok hand sign and nodded a couple of times.

Cain chuckled a bit.

“What’s wrong?” asked Ivela.

“Nothing. You smell good, Ivela. Wait... was that weird?”

Ivela laughed softly as she shook her head a bit.

They found themselves gazing deeply into each other’s eyes.

The guests on the second floor of Fine Dine also started to dance with their partner because of that dance from the youngsters of Arozora.

Beil ran to them and cheerfully rolled over here and there near Cain's feet. Looks like he did not want to miss out the moment.

Cain and Ivela laughed as they saw Beil’s action.

The atmosphere there was so pleasant with almost all of the guests were dancing.

“I’m thirsty.” said Ivela.

“Shall we go back to the table?” asked Cain.

Ivela nodded. They went back to their table. Beil was still rolling there among the dancing guests.

Then, I’Var came to them with desserts. A purple pumpkin pie, a crémé winter brûlée, a mint island pudding, and a cup of honeydew frozen cream.

“That was lovely dance, Master Cain and Lady Caral.” said I’Var.

“Thank you, I’Var.” responded Ivela.

I’Var nodded and left.

“I’ll take the pudding.” said Ivela as she pointed the spoon she held towards the mint island pudding.

“Woah! As you wish, Lady Ivela.” Cain gave her the pudding.

Ivela laughed softly.

Cain took the crémé winter brûlée.

“Come to think of it, I think the last time I ate a crémé winter brûlée was… when the old man took us to a small village in the east of Arozora. On my birthday.” said Cain.

“... I think today is my birthday too.” he continued.

“You think???” responded Ivela.

Cain scratched his head. “I’m too distracted to even remember my birthday I guess. I think old man Igo also forget about it.”

“Hmm… I could buy you a gift.” said Ivela.

“Hahah, no need. This, this is the best gift I ever had.”

Ivela just smiled. “How old are you now?”

“I’m 21 now,” Cain took a spoonful of the crémé winter brûlée. “Mmh! This crémé winter brûlée has three layers of different caramel! So good!” said Cain.

“You know, Cain,” said Ivela as she took the last spoon of the pudding. “You’re the first.”

“First of what?” asked Cain.

Ivela put her right hand on the table and supported her face on it. Her gesture was like evaluating Cain.

“Well, most men, no, all men. When they saw me, their first five seconds was either into my face or my chest. The second five seconds was either into my chest again, or my hips, or my legs.” she said.

“But you, all this time, you locked your gazes into my eyes even though I’m wearing this revealing dress.” Ivela continued.

“Uhh… it’s not a bad thing, right?”

She laughed softly. “I thank you for that.” said Ivela.

“I was actually the type that flirt often,” said Cain. “But, just that, I never took a step more than that. Higa and Lexa always teased me about that,” he laughed. “So, this is actually the first time I have dinner with a woman.” he laughed again.

“Me too, this is my first time to have dinner with a man,” she chuckled. “All I could see was lust in the eyes of all men that invited me to a dinner.” she sighed.

Then, Beil came to them and jumped onto Ivela’s lap.

“Meip.”

“What’s wrong?” said Ivela as she stroked Beil’s head.

Beil curled his body and closed his eyes.

“Looks like he’s tired from all that dancing,” said Ivela. “Shall we go home?”

“Alright.” Cain replied.

They went to the counter, Ivela was holding the sleeping Beil on her hands.

“Are you done, Master Cain and Lady Caral? asked I’Var.

“Yeah, thank you, I’Var. Those dishes are spectacular.” said Cain.

“We’re honored to have your satisfaction.” said I’Var.

Then I’Var took them to the front door on the first floor.

“Say hi to old man Norja from me.” said Cain to I’Var.

“Absolutely, Master Cain.”

“Bye I’Var.” said Ivela.

“Thank you for your visit, Lady Caral. Well, I’ll be waiting for your next visit, both of you.” after he bowed his head and smiled, he went back into the restaurant.

“So, where do you stay?” asked Cain to Ivela.

“King Calbot accommodates his guests in an inn near the Palace.”

“I’ll walk you there. Here.” said Cain as he put his coat to Ivela.

“Thank you.” she smiled.

“Want me to take Beil?” asked Cain.

“It’s okay, I don't want to wake him up.” Ivela replied.

They walked to the inn. They chatted and laughed as they strolled through the night street, illuminated with poles of lumines crystals along the way.

Some of the food stalls on the streetside were still crowded with people that looking for a night snack.

“You know, I noticed you have a chemistry towards food, Cain.” said Ivela.

“Hehe, maybe because I can cook. Well, a bit.”

“Really? Then, next time we should eat your cookings.” said Ivela.

Cain looked at Ivela with a surprised expression. “Are you planning the next one already?”

Ivela smiled. “You don't want to?”

“I’d love to!” said Cain immediately.

They both laughed.

“Well, here it is.” said Ivela. They stopped at an expensive-looking inn. It wasn’t far, only 20 minutes of walk.

“Thank you for today, Cain. It was fun.”

“I had fun too.” Cain replied.

“Here.” Ivela raised her hands to hand him the sleeping Beil.

“Ah, yes.”

When Ivela handed Beil, she stole a kiss on Cain’s cheek.

“That’s your birthday gift,” she said while smiling. “And here.” she gave back Cain’s coat.

“See you later, Cain.” Ivela turned around and went inside the inn.

Cain was still frozen. Then, he inhaled and exhaled a deep breath. He put the coat on his shoulder. Beil was on his left hand.

He turned around and walked away. After several steps, with his right hand, he punched the air in triumph. He then walked again.