Chapter 734: The Date Begins

A date was supposed to be a simple affair.

Two people meeting, spending time together, and perhaps learning something new about each other.

However, Ezra had never been someone who looked at things from only one perspective.

Even when preparing for something as ordinary as a date, his mind could still wander towards other matters.

When trying to figure out a schemer working behind the scenes, the first thing he had to consider was their motive.

Why would someone target him?

What reason would make them come after him in such a venomous manner?

That was the first step towards identifying the people who might hold a grudge against him for that particular reason.

It was a mindset Ezra had placed in his mind a long time ago.

Inside the residence of Ezra Ashenlocke...

"Master looks really ready for his date."

Lucy said with a satisfied smile as she examined the clothes her Master was wearing.

She stood behind him, taking a moment to look over his appearance before making another adjustment.

Her eyes moved from his shoulders to his waist, checking whether everything was in place.

"Lucy."

Ezra called her name, looking plainly at the dressing mirror in his room.

"Is this really necessary?"

He asked, tilting his head slightly to the right as he examined his clothes.

Ezra was wearing a white shirt beneath a black and burgundy waistcoat.

A thin gold chain was attached to one of the buttons near his waist, while a black long coat with golden lines along its edges covered the outfit.

He also wore black trousers and a pair of polished black shoes.

The combination was formal without being too extravagant.

The colours matched, and the gold details added a little distinction to the otherwise dark outfit.

However, Ezra’s attention was less on how well the clothes matched and more on the amount of effort Lucy had put into preparing him.

She had even made him wear a Starlix-branded wristwatch, one of the top wristwatch brands in the kingdom.

Ezra also owned an Eclipse wristwatch, but Lucy had prepared that one for his date with Lady Willow Derlis.

Apparently, she had decided that this particular occasion deserved a different choice.

Lucy reached forward and adjusted the black tie around his neck.

She straightened it, checked its position against his shirt, and made a small correction before stepping back.

She then picked up his perfume and sprayed a little around him.

"Ahhh."

Lucy exhaled in satisfaction.

"I really love your perfume, Master."

She placed her left hand on his shoulder and leaned closer, taking another breath of the fragrance.

For a moment, she seemed more interested in enjoying the scent than in finishing her work.

Ezra remained in front of the mirror.

Lucy eventually moved back and brought her hands together.

"Done."

She said, looking rather pleased with her work.

Her gaze travelled over him once more.

The tie was straight, the coat sat properly on his shoulders, and there was nothing out of place that she could immediately notice.

She appeared satisfied with the result.

"Ever thought about being a stylist?"

Ezra asked plainly.

"Master, don’t make jokes like that."

Lucy replied, pouting.

"As your maid, I’m the only one who can be your stylist."

She placed her right hand on her chest, puffing it out with a proud smile.

Her expression carried the confidence of someone who had just completed an important task.

"Whatever you say."

Ezra replied dryly.

He turned away from the mirror and began walking towards the door.

His clothes moved slightly with each step, while the polished surface of his shoes caught the light from the room.

However, before leaving, he stopped beside Lucy.

He raised his right hand and patted her hair once.

"I’ll be back around the evening, but don’t miss me that much."

Ezra said calmly, his expression remaining simple.

There was no smile or frown on his face.

His features were relaxed, without any noticeable tension in his facial muscles.

"O...Okay."

Lucy replied unconsciously.

She watched as her Master continued towards the door and left the room.

For a brief moment, she remained where she was.

Wha...Wha...WHAT?!

Lucy’s mind screamed.

She hurriedly brought both hands to her face.

The warmth spreading across her cheeks soon became difficult to ignore.

Why does Master feel like he’s so gentle today?

No.

He’s always gentle.

But today...

Her thoughts trailed off.

She lowered her hands and looked towards the door through which Ezra had just left.

Thud!

The sound of the main entrance door echoed through the residence, signaling that her Master had left the house.

Lucy’s light-brown eyes lingered on the door of his room.

Her right hand slowly moved to her hair, touching the spot Ezra had patted.

"It’s not like I want you to look that good for other ladies."

She said to herself, pouting.

Her lips remained pushed forward for a moment before she let out a small sigh.

"But as a maid, I have to make sure he doesn’t let a lady down just because he doesn’t feel the need to dress his best."

Lucy said with a helpless smile.

"Good luck, Master."

She said before turning to leave the room.

However, her eyes moved around the room first.

The place was spotless.

Even after handing Ezra his clothes, he had rearranged the room again, leaving everything in its proper place.

There was no clothing scattered around or anything else that needed her attention.

She looked over the neatly arranged furniture and the clean surroundings.

Typical Master.

She thought to herself as she closed his room door.

***

A few minutes passed as the Royal-Eclipse Cab Ezra had ordered travelled along the road towards the Main Academy Administrative Center.

He had arranged for the vehicle to take him to the first location, where he would pick up Selena Galehart before they commenced their date.

The Cab continued along the academy grounds, passing through the roads that connected the various buildings.

Its movement was steady, and Ezra remained seated inside, waiting until they reached their destination.

Eventually, the vehicle arrived at the Main Academy Administrative Center.

The Royal-Eclipse Cab came to a stop.

Ezra stepped out and entered the reception building.

He registered what he was going to do at the location before heading towards the place Selena had messaged him about.

It did not take him long to find her.

Selena was seated quietly on a polished wooden bench beside a park within the Main Administrative Center.

The place had a tinted glass roof overhead, shielding the area from direct sunlight and preventing snow from disrupting those who wished to sit there.

Light passed through the glass, though the tint softened its brightness.

The covered space also allowed people to enjoy the park without having to worry about the weather outside.

Several Royal Staff members and students passed through the area.

Yet, quite a few of them could not help turning their attention towards Selena.

She was dressed in a beautiful emerald gown with short sleeves that left her shoulders exposed. White and golden lines ran along the clothing, blending with its soft layers and elegant draping.

An emerald brooch rested around her neck, adding another detail to the outfit.

A white waist belt and bodice complemented the gown, while a pair of white heels completed her appearance.

Her hair had been neatly arranged with white and emerald petals woven into it.

An emerald hair ornament had also been added to her half-tied hairstyle, giving it a refined finish.

Nothing about her appearance seemed out of place.

She sat gracefully on the wooden bench, her posture composed.

Even while waiting, she carried herself in a way that naturally drew attention.

People passing by occasionally glanced in her direction.

Some continued walking after a brief look, while others found their eyes returning to her before they moved on.

Selena was truly a Flower of the Kingdom, from what everyone could see...

That was a solid fact.

The sound of a vehicle approaching soon reached the area.

A Royal Steam Eclipse Cab came to a stop in front of her.

The door opened.

Ezra stepped out and turned towards Selena.

"Good morning, Lady Selena Galehart."

He greeted her calmly, moving his right hand forward to receive her.

Selena looked at him.

Her eyes widened slightly at the sight of the young gentleman standing before her.

For a brief moment, her attention remained on his appearance.

The clothes suited him so well.

His black long coat, burgundy waistcoat, and white shirt gave him a neat and formal look.

The golden details added a touch of elegance, while the wristwatch on his hand completed the outfit.

It was not only Selena who noticed the change.

The people around them had much the same reaction.

In fact, some might have been even more surprised than she was.

"Good morning, Mr. Ezra Ashenlocke."

Selena replied lightly, taking his hand.

Ezra helped her into the Cab gently before entering after her.

The door closed, separating the two from the people watching nearby.

"Isn’t that Ezra Ashenlocke and Lady Selena Galehart?"

A student passing by with his group paused, looking bewildered.

His eyes followed the Cab, as though he needed another moment to make sure he had recognized the two people correctly.

"Keep walking, guys. You’ll get yourselves killed with jealousy if you keep looking."

A fellow friend said as he continued walking.

His voice sounded indifferent, and he did not even turn around to look at the Cab again.

However, his hands were gripping the books he held tightly.

The way he held them made it seem as though he was about to lose his cool.

The Royal Eclipse Cab drove away.

For their date...

Selena had been told about the Royal Academy’s light spot, a place built for dates and relaxation within the Academy.

It was one of the locations where students could spend their free time without having to leave the Academy grounds.

The place had been arranged to accommodate different kinds of activities, whether someone wanted to enjoy a meal, visit the domestic animal farms, or simply spend time with another person.

There were five-star restaurants serving top-level dishes.

Domestic animal farms.

An aquarium filled with harmless and beautiful fish.

Even game centers were available.

There were also pavilion spots made with materials that could preserve the privacy of the people inside, allowing them to hold discussions and enjoy the view without worrying about others overhearing them.

It was a place designed for romance, properly maintained within the Royal Academy.

The variety of facilities meant that visitors did not have to limit themselves to one activity.

They could spend their time eating, walking around, or enjoying the other attractions available within the area.

For students looking for a place to relax with someone, it was a suitable destination.

Before they reached their destination, however, the Cab made another stop.

Ezra had remembered the two books Professor Millicent recommended they get.

He stopped at the bookshop to purchase them.

Selena also took the opportunity to get the books.

After they had obtained what they came for, they resumed their journey towards the Academy’s light spot.