Chapter 225: The Lingering Magic of the Night
Over an hour later, an amused Lariette stared at the plaque in her hands while Ruediger drove by her side. They were on their way back to Lumina Spring. The clock pointed to a quarter before eleven.
As Ruediger’s navy blue truck sped down the streets, the city lights cast a warm glow over the windshield. The rays shimmered against the sleek curves of the vehicle, also illuminating the interior of the truck.
Lariette glanced at Ruediger, finding his posture relaxed but steady as he drove. She smiled when he briefly looked at her, the right corner of his lips tugging upward.
"Still looking at it?" asked Ruediger, his voice low and smooth, "You’ve been staring at the plaque since we left, Lettie."
"I just didn’t expect we’d get the third place for Best Couple Outfits," Lariette remarked, playful laughter laced her voice, "Hehe, not so bad, right?"
"I was surprised too," Ruediger nodded, thinking the same as Lariette. Then, he purposely lowered his voice further, sounding conspiratorially, "Maddie didn’t pull some strings to let us win at least one place, right?"
"Hahaha! I wonder about that~"
Ruediger laughed alongside Lariette, amused by his own conspiracy theory. They briefly looked at each other before he focused back on the road ahead.
Lariette and Ruediger were both shocked when Madeline announced they won the third place for Best Couple Outfits. Because they were confused, William ushered them to the makeshift stage.
Madeline presented a plaque in the shape of a wooden stick, surrounded by ivy and rose vines. She also gave them a coupon, citing it could be used at the cafe throughout the year.
"I like the second couple’s outfits better," Lariette commented as she recalled the pair, "Very fairytale-like. Flowy dress that shimmers under the light, its silhouette, the floral crown... Everything was so gorgeous. Her partner’s suit also matched well with hers."