Livia's mind was in turmoil. She was still trying to figure out what Eryx's sudden interference meant, whether Edgar's arrangements were intentional or had hidden motives, and—most pressing of all—what Marcellus's situation was at that moment…
But Elias nonchalantly interrupted her thoughts. "Thinking about all that won't change anything. Today, I'm taking you out—to eat, to have fun. Let's take a break."
Livia looked up at him. His expression held an unusual seriousness, as if he had planned this all along. There was no urgency in his gaze, no command—only a quiet expectation, like he was waiting for her answer.
She hesitated. It was true—these past few days, her mind had barely had a moment's rest. Problems tangled together, suffocating her. Maybe, just maybe, taking a break would actually help her sort things out.
In the end, she gave a slight nod.
Seeing her agree, Elias's lips curved into a relaxed smile. "Then let's go. I've planned everything for today."
—
As night fell, the town came alive under the warm glow of streetlights. Vendors called out from both sides of the bustling streets, the scent of grilled meat mingling with the caramel sweetness wafting from dessert stalls. Laughter and chatter filled the air.
This was the liveliest part of town at night, yet Livia still felt like an outsider. Even surrounded by the noise and lights, her thoughts weighed heavily on her.
Elias, on the other hand, seemed completely at ease. He strolled along leisurely, occasionally stopping to glance at the wares on display, all the while sneaking thoughtful glances at Livia.
"You're not thinking of buying me something weird again, are you?" Livia shot him a sidelong look, her tone flat.
Elias chuckled and casually picked up a candied apple from a vendor's stall. "How could I? I wouldn't do something so unwelcome."
He held the apple out to her. The glossy sugar coating glistened under the lights. After a brief hesitation, Livia reached out and took it, taking a small bite. The syrupy sweetness wrapped around the crisp apple, an unexpectedly pleasant taste.
Elias, satisfied, nodded. "That's better. You put too much pressure on yourself. Relax a little. Sweet things help lighten the mood."
Livia didn't respond, simply following behind him.
They wandered through the busiest parts of town—the bustling marketplace, the quiet benches along the streets, the dazzling jewelry stalls, even a small hidden theater tucked away in a corner. Elias had clearly planned this in advance, avoiding formal or serious places and instead choosing spots brimming with the warmth of everyday life.
"You planned all this beforehand, didn't you?" Livia finally asked.
Elias shrugged, smiling. "You're too sharp. Nothing escapes you."
Livia sighed, then turned her gaze upward, eyes reflecting a mix of emotions as she stared into the night sky.
She knew Elias was trying to help her relax, but there were too many unresolved knots in her heart—Marcellus, Edgar, Eryx… and even herself.
Still, she had to admit—this whole day had indeed lightened her mood.
—
The night deepened, and Elias led Livia to the far end of the plaza. There, a towering Ferris wheel stood, its softly glowing carriages casting a dreamy light against the dark sky.
Elias pointed at it, lips curling into a faint smile. "Want to give it a try? They say if you make a wish at the highest point, it'll come true."
Livia gazed at the slow-moving carriages, hesitated for a moment, then stepped inside.
As the Ferris wheel ascended, the night breeze drifted through the window, carrying the blended sounds of the city's liveliness and tranquility. Elias sat beside her, his gaze never leaving her, while Livia stared silently out the window, lost in thought.
"Livia."
His voice was soft, yet carried an undeniable warmth.
She turned, only to find Elias watching her quietly, his eyes filled with something she couldn't ignore.
Her heart trembled slightly. She wanted to look away, but before she could, he had already taken her hand.
She didn't pull away. Her emotions were a mess—Elias was one of the few people she could rely on, someone who had always been there, offering his support and warmth. But what about her? What could she give him in return?
Her heart was tangled in the love and hate surrounding Marcellus. She didn't even know what she truly wanted.
Elias leaned in slowly, his gaze filled with expectation and hesitation.
Her rational mind told her she should push him away, refuse him. But after a whole day of warmth and comfort, her heart wavered.
He moved closer, just about to press his lips to hers—
Then, suddenly, the Ferris wheel lurched violently!
"What's going on?" Livia snapped back to her senses, eyes widening in alarm.
In the distance, a flash of fire erupted against the dark sky.
A split second later, a deafening explosion shattered the night.
The city seemed to jolt awake in that instant. Panic spread like wildfire—screams rang out, people ran in all directions.
Livia's pupils contracted as a sense of urgency gripped her. In an instant, her calm and vigilance returned.
Elias's expression turned serious. He quickly stood and peered through the carriage window.
"That's… the construction site for the expansion project!" Livia gasped.
Elias frowned. "Looks like our 'break' is over."
The Ferris wheel accelerated its descent. As soon as their carriage reached the ground, Livia jumped out, immediately sprinting toward the explosion.
Elias followed close behind.
Their figures vanished into the night.