Chapter 372 - 371. First Date (3)
Disguised in my Ocean form, I perched on the sturdy branch of an old oak tree, hidden beneath the veil of my invisibility spell. Nox nestled comfortably on my shoulder, his feathers ruffling slightly as he observed the scene below with keen eyes. From my vantage point, I watched Celestia’s maids bustling around her, fussing over the final touches of her attire. They had dressed her in a delicate pink gown—far too extravagant for a noble girl intending to go out incognito. The soft shimmer of the fabric caught the sunlight filtering in the room, making her seem almost ethereal.
With a measured breath, Celestia pulled on a deep red cloak, the hood slipping over her lavender locks just as a knock resonated at the door. One of the maids opened it, revealing another servant waiting in the hallway.
"His Highness is waiting at the entrance," the maid informed her in a respectful tone.
Celestia inhaled deeply, her hands clenching for a brief moment before she relaxed them. "All right, I’ll be heading out now."
As she stepped forward, her maids dipped into a bow, their expressions unreadable. I watched as Celestia squared her shoulders, determination settling into her features, and left the room.
The moment she exited, I leapt from my branch, maneuvering gracefully through the palace grounds to avoid the patrolling guards. I soared effortlessly to the entrance, landing soundlessly on the tiled roof above. Settling myself comfortably, I peered down, waiting for the duo to appear.
A few minutes later, Rune and Celestia emerged from the palace doors. Rune was clad in a crisp white shirt, layered with a brown vest and tailored black trousers. A sleek black cloak rested on his shoulders, adding a refined touch to his otherwise simple ensemble. He looked presentable, yet there was an undeniable stiffness to his posture—an awkward tension that betrayed his nerves.
I watched as he extended his hand toward Celestia, hesitating only slightly. Celestia, without pause, placed her small hand in his, allowing him to assist her into the carriage. Rune followed suit, and once both were seated, the driver gave a curt nod before urging the horses forward.
With a nimbleness honed through years of training, I leapt onto the carriage roof, ensuring my landing was featherlight. My presence went undetected, and I crouched low, straining to hear their conversation.
Except... there was none.
Silence stretched uncomfortably between them, thick with an unspoken awkwardness. I frowned, leaning closer to the edge of the window, curiosity piqued. Inside, Celestia sat demurely, hands neatly folded in her lap, while Rune looked as if he were contemplating the mysteries of the universe rather than speaking to his date.