The Long-Awaited Date

The morning air carried a fresh breeze between the buildings of Corvocitta. It was a sunny day, perfect for Arya and Edward's outing.

Even though the intent was for a moment of rest for the two of them, it was undeniable that both felt a nervousness tightening around their necks. With their hands timidly intertwined, the couple set out to explore the surroundings of the Guild’s base.

The city was full of cool tones and black, with bronze accents scattered throughout. The noise of gears and the smoke from chimneys were already underway, creating the atmosphere of an industrial and mechanical city, but one that was also full of joy, with children playing in the streets and people chatting everywhere.

Edward and Arya walked unhurriedly, enjoying every second of that moment dedicated just to them. They stopped to look at every shop window along the way, as well as took in the smallest details of the city as if they were seeing everything for the first time.

They finally arrived at the central plaza, a broader space with a fountain in the middle and several benches available. The couple sat on one of the benches, right in front of the clock tower. The tower wasn’t very tall, but it stood out among the surrounding buildings, especially due to the clock face with its bronze hands.

“Edward, look! How amazing!” Arya had seen clocks before, but was impressed by the idea of making one that large and placing it on a tower.

To truly enchant Arya’s eyes, the hands aligned to show exactly nine o’clock, a window opened below the clock face, and small winged figures made of iron appeared, performing a mechanized choreography.

“Oh, look at them! They’re so cute!”

“They’re representing crows. That was really cool.”

“Right? They’re adorable, don’t you think?”

“Eh, yeah, they’re cute.”

Beeep! The sound of a horn drew the couple’s attention. It was a driver warning some careless children not to run in front of his vehicle.

“That’s a car, right?”

“Yes, though I’d call it more of a motorized cart.” Edward was right; the vehicle had tall, thin wheels—an old-fashioned model of the so called car.

Arya watched as the children moved away, playing and chatting among themselves.

“Did you remember them?”

“Yes, it’s hard not to.”

“I suppose it’s inevitable. You got along really well with them.”

“Maybe I have a way with kids? I’m not even sure how true that is.”

“All the village kids adored you, I’m sure that part is true. Unlike you, I never really knew how to deal with them.”

“To be honest, it was easier to get close to the village children than to the adults. I didn’t feel such a big gap, you know? That sense of curiosity about the world and the lack of understanding when adults talked about serious things—I think I had that in common with them.”

“Are you saying you get along with kids because you’re actually just a big kid yourself?”

“Hmph!!!” Arya gave Edward a light pinch on the arm.

“Ow, alright, alright, no need to get mad.”

“Idiot.”

The couple enjoyed their moment, laughing lightheartedly and chatting about the memories they had written together.

Suddenly, the silhouette of an old man approached the couple. The serious expression on the elderly man’s face made it clear his intentions were anything but friendly.

“A star thief…”

Sooner or later, this was bound to happen. Even in the middle of a crowd, the smell of death was still unmistakable. Sensing that a confrontation was imminent, Edward prepared to drive the man away with words, but Arya stepped in front of him.

She remembered the tips she had received from Naoko the day before, about the best way to deal with those who held deep hatred toward necromancers. “In that kind of situation, all you need to do is…”

Smile. And with the kindest expression you can muster, just answer: “Yes, I am a star thief. Can I help you with something?”

There was no malice whatsoever in Arya’s words, but they pierced the old man’s soul. All the grief he had carried in his heart… The mere possibility made his face fill with terror. Without another word, the old man walked away from the two, trembling on the inside.

“What was that?”

“‘Despite appearances, the humans who hate us the most are those who deep down wish they had our power.’ Naoko taught me how to handle that kind of person.”

“That’s good. Anyway, let’s not let this hiccup get in the way—we still have plenty of time to enjoy together.”

The lovebirds continued walking through the plaza until they noticed a few two-wheeled vehicles parked near a metal-fenced area.

“B-Bicycles?! I wasn’t expecting to find any of these around here!” Edward’s excitement overflowed in his voice.

“Bicycles?”

“How can I explain... You can use them to get around. They’re kind of like small horses, but you move them with your feet… It’s easier to show than to explain.”

A young man approached the bikes and pulled one from the “parking” area.

“Excuse me!”

“Yes?”

“Do these bicycles belong to someone? Who do we talk to if we want to go for a ride?”

“Hm? No one, you can take them if you want—just remember to return them after you're done.”

“Thank you!” Edward turned to Arya with a smile on his face.

“...Shall we take one for a spin?”

“It’s been a while since I last rode one, but I think a bit of practice will help me get the hang of it again.” Edward pulled out one of the bicycles, hopping on a bit hesitantly. After a few wobbly pedal strokes, he regained his balance and began circling around in loops.

“Ah, just like they say! Once you learn how to ride a bike, you never forget!”

“Never forget… I don’t think that applies to me. I have no idea how to ride one!”

“That’s alright, you can ride with me—just hop on the back. What do you say? It’s not as elegant as a horseback ride, but would you like to go for a little spin with me?”

“... Are you sure we won’t get hurt?”

“With you by my side, I’ll be extra careful. I’d never do anything that might hurt you.”

“...Alright. I trust you.”

Following Edward’s instructions, Arya sat sideways on the rear rack above the back wheel and wrapped her arms around his waist.

“Hold on tight, I’m starting!”

“O-Okay!”

Edward began pedaling, and the bike moved until it stabilized at a certain speed. Just like that, the two of them began their small two-wheeled adventure, exploring the streets of the city.

The wind played with Arya’s hair, making it ripple. She felt a mix of adrenaline and wonder as she watched the city pass before her eyes. With each turn, she clung a little tighter to Edward’s waist, seeking a sense of safety.

Edward rode with confidence, adjusting his speed to avoid obstacles in the busy streets. As they ventured through the city, they passed by fancy cafés, shops filled with curious gears, and places bustling with people.

Suddenly, Edward spotted something that caught his attention and came to a stop nearby. He extended his hand to help Arya off the bicycle and then dismounted, leaning the bike against a post.

“Are you okay?”

Arya was still euphoric, filled with adrenaline that was slowly fading. “I’m great! That was so much fun! Let’s do it again!”

“Alright, on the way back I’ll try teaching you how to ride.”

“Really?”

“Yes, but first let’s take a look at this place.”

The name was written on the storefront in an elegant script: Atellier Pierot. It was a boutique filled with stunning dresses, all with unique details and a wide variety. It would be hard for anyone to choose just one.

Arya gently ran her fingers along a row of dresses, unsure of which one to try on. The shop attendant was kind and selected a few dresses that she thought would suit the girl’s face. In the end, Arya was torn between two options. While Arya went into the changing room, Edward waited anxiously, seated on a bench.

After a while, Arya came out wearing the first option—a light dress in pastel tones, giving her a soft, simple appearance that suited her perfectly.

“...Well? What do you think?”

“Arya… You look absolutely perfect…” Edward wasn’t exactly an expert at giving compliments, but even so, that was all she wanted to hear.

The girl shyly retreated back into the changing room, leaving only her face showing as she softly said, “Thank you.”

Quite some time passed, enough for Edward to start getting worried, and he asked the attendant to check on her. With all politeness, the woman entered Arya’s changing room, but the girl was too embarrassed to come out.

“Come on, don’t be silly. You look stunning. Your boyfriend’s going to love it.”

“I-I don’t know if I’m ready to wear something like this…”

The curtain was suddenly pulled open by the attendant, revealing Arya’s second choice: a tighter red dress, with a more revealing neckline, some buckles around the waist, and a garter belt holding up her stockings. The look gave her a much more daring and bold appearance.

“Edward…” Arya no longer knew where to hide her face, filled with regret for choosing something so bold.

On the other side, Edward was on the verge of a nosebleed.

“You look… so beautiful…”

“You think so?”

The compliment gave Arya a bit of courage, and she stepped out of the changing room, spinning around in a little twirl. Edward, however, couldn’t handle the temptation, and before he realized it, his nose had become a waterfall of blood.

“Edward!” Arya and the attendant had to rush to help him before he died from blood loss.

In the end, they decided to only buy the first dress.

(...)