Chapter 172: Don’t Open Your Eyes Until I Call You

Chapter 172: Chapter 172: Don’t Open Your Eyes Until I Call You

「At dusk.」

The streets of Gray Rock Town were gilded in a warm, orange-red glow by the setting sun.

Lance and Cecilia were walking single file down the stone-slab path that led to the small courtyard he rented.

Cecilia trailed closely behind, her fingers lightly clutching the hem of Lance’s tunic.

The young woman had clearly taken great care with her appearance today.

She had shed the drab, coarse-spun cloak she usually wore in favor of a simple white dress that cinched at her waist.

A light blue silk ribbon gathered her long, silver hair at the nape of her neck, revealing its fair, elegant line.

While she had been like a possessive little lioness in front of her roommate Yuna that morning, fiercely determined to defend her territory, now, walking before Lance, that commanding presence of a rightful partner had evaporated completely.

She was once again the timid, demure girl who couldn’t help but blush at the slightest glance from Lance.

Of course, this frequent blushing was largely because the sight of Lance’s back made her mind uncontrollably replay the events of last night’s historical projection.

’Those images were just so mortifying.’

Walking ahead, Lance could also sense the subtle atmosphere emanating from behind him.

However, when he had seen Cecilia at White Oak Manor that afternoon, her gaze had been evasive, but she hadn’t shown any signs of withdrawal or rejection.

This allowed Lance to breathe a sigh of relief.

He was now quite confident about how Cecilia saw him.

As for why Cecilia had changed into such a lovely outfit, it was all because Lance had casually invited her and Yuna to his home for dinner when he visited her that afternoon.

Lance had only said he wanted to cook a nice meal to celebrate their safe return, not revealing the surprise he had planned for her birthday.

But during their conversation, Yuna had accidentally let something slip.

Because their internship mission had ended early, they were to leave Gray Rock Town the next morning and return to White River City.

The news didn’t just surprise Lance.

Cecilia herself had been kept in the dark; it was the first she was hearing of the internship ending ahead of schedule.

The moment she heard the news, a clear flicker of panic flashed in the Half-Elf Maiden’s eyes.

She was not at all mentally prepared to be separated from her senior, even temporarily.

’But I only just resolved today to become his rightful partner!’

’I can’t believe the first piece of news is that we have to say goodbye.’

Fortunately, Lance immediately noticed her change in mood and gently reassured her.

He told her that while they would be apart for a while, White River City wasn’t too far from Gray Rock Town.

He also promised that as soon as he finished his work, he would visit White River City often to have dinner with her and Yuna.

Moreover, they could stay in touch by writing letters to each other through the Guild’s couriers.

Besides, Violet Academy had long, scheduled holidays every year, so Cecilia could come visit him in Gray Rock Town whenever she wanted.

With these concrete assurances, Cecilia’s anxiety about their impending separation finally began to subside.

Just as Lance was about to take them both home, Yuna suddenly slapped her forehead.

She said she had a farewell dinner with Valeria’s squad that evening and was completely tied up, so she wouldn’t be able to crash the party at Lance’s place.

After expressing her apologies, Yuna turned so her back was to Lance and winked furiously at Cecilia.

Cecilia immediately understood her roommate’s intention.

’Yuna is doing this on purpose to give us a chance to be alone. She’s being my wingman!’

At this thought, Cecilia’s spirits soared.

She made a silent vow.

’Before dinner is over tonight, I have to get a promise from him. I need to know for sure what I mean to him.’

And so, blushing, she asked Lance if he could give her a little time to get ready.

After Lance agreed, she ran back to her room and meticulously put herself together.

She wanted to show her senior her most beautiful side before this short internship came to a close.

She didn’t want to leave him with the same old impression of a clumsy, dust-covered rookie.

And that was what had led to the present scene on the street.

By the time they reached the small courtyard Lance rented, the sun had completely sunk below the rolling mountain range.

One by one, the town’s magical streetlamps flickered to life.

Lance pushed open the wooden door, leading Cecilia into the house.

He skillfully lit the lamp, and the living room was instantly filled with a warm, orange glow.

"Today is a special day."

Lance turned his head to look at the still-reserved maiden.

"Wait here for a moment. I’m going to get things ready."

Cecilia nodded obediently.

While she waited, she clasped her hands behind her back and looked around like a curious kitten.

This was her first time visiting her senior’s home.

The house’s furnishings were simple and tidy, exuding the crisp efficiency of a single man.

Before long, Lance emerged from the kitchen.

He walked up to her and said gently, "I need you to sit in this chair and close your eyes. Don’t open them until I say so."

Hearing this strange request, Cecilia blinked.

Still, she nodded obediently and did as he asked, sitting down in the wooden chair he had pointed to. She placed her hands on her knees and squeezed her eyes shut.

With her sight gone, her senses of hearing and smell became exceptionally sharp.

In the quiet living room, she could even hear the frantic thumping of her own heart.

"BA-DUMP, BA-DUMP."

’What on earth is he planning?’

Her mind couldn’t help but conjure up all sorts of romantic scenes from one of Yuna’s novels.

Soon, however, she heard the soft sound of his footsteps as he moved about the room.

Then, a rich, sweet, creamy aroma, mingled with the scent of freshly baked pastries, wafted to her nose.

Next, she felt the air around her grow a little cooler, as if the entire room had suddenly been plunged into darkness.

Even with her eyes closed, she could sense the change in the ambient light; all that remained was a single, faint point of light that seemed to flicker before her eyes.

"Alright, you can open them now."

Hearing Lance’s familiar voice, Cecilia slowly opened her eyes.

The first thing she saw was a small, exquisite, round cake sitting on the living room table.

In the very center of the cake, a single slender candle burned quietly.

The lights in the room had been turned off.

Only the faint candlelight flickered gently in the dim air.

In its orange glow, Lance’s gently smiling face looked exceptionally tender.

"This is..."

Cecilia stared blankly at the object on the table.

In the traditional culture of this world, people only celebrated coming-of-age ceremonies, advancement rituals, or religious festivals with great fanfare.

The concept of celebrating birthdays simply didn’t exist.