Chapter 57
For Theo, that moment felt like the first gift from God to His angel, a silent acknowledgment for a heart that understood the hidden meaning behind a gaze almost devoid of emotion.
A stillness enveloped the scene, as if time itself held its breath to give space for the depth of that interaction.
After a few seconds that seemed eternal, Aldraya nodded slowly, granting approval for the agreement Theo had proposed earlier.
The nod was more than a mere movement; it was a subtle confirmation that the path ahead was now open, without resistance or further questions.
The decision came without words, yet it was decisive enough to bring Theo a relief almost beyond expression.
Once the approval was conveyed, Aldraya stepped forward again with a natural rhythm, no longer needing any push or guidance from Theo.
Each of her steps now flowed with its own balance, reflecting acceptance of the instructions and promises previously stated, while reaffirming the control Theo still held over the course of the scenario.
'Finally, it's done. At least for now, I've managed to sideline Aldraya—and that entire philosophy seminar that keeps popping up out of nowhere.
God, thank You; perhaps this is a small blessing worth celebrating with a cup of coffee tonight.'
Fuuuuaahh!
'W-wait a moment, I just promised to answer one of Aldraya's questions seriously.
Even one question from her alone is enough to make my head heat up seven degrees. If this time the question goes deeper—more absurd—I might be finished before I can think rationally.'
Shiffffh!
'It's okay, only one question. Just one. And the rest I can answer carelessly later.
Yes, carelessly, after all Aldraya has no expression to judge what's serious and what's a lie.'
Fu - fu - fu!
'Hopefully her question won't be tangled like a math problem on an exam, where the more I answer it, the more complicated it becomes, until I get lost in endless logic.'
Theo exhaled deeply, relieved for a moment that he had managed to sideline Aldraya and the potential questions that could make his head spin.
There was a small sense of gratitude because at least for now, he could still control the pace of the interaction, avoiding the sudden explosions of questions that were usually unpredictable.
Yet, a new awareness soon crept in, reminding him that his decision to answer one of Aldraya's questions seriously could bring disaster faster than simply avoiding the potential chaos itself.
A single seemingly simple question could evolve into a chain of far more complex problems.
Still, Theo calmed himself. He knew he only needed to focus on that one question, one alone, and address it with full concentration.
Afterward, he could return to improvisation to answer other questions, albeit more randomly and less seriously.
Even so, in his heart, there was a faint hope that the single question would not branch into excessive complexity, like a math problem that twists the mind until it loses its way.
Each of Theo's steps felt like weighing possibilities and risks.
He realized that facing Aldraya's questions was not just about answering words, but also about controlling rhythm, emotions, and thinking strategy.
Every second spent gathering an answer was a gamble between logic, intuition, and the ability to avoid intellectual traps that could appear at any time.
'What kind of question will she ask next? Maybe about love? About sin? Or perhaps about the meaning of human existence that she has never truly understood?'
Uaaaaah!
'It's better not to think about it now.
I need to focus on this moment—their date has just begun, and I must catch every important detail that happens.'
"Hello."
"Ah, glad you came—"
Fiiiih!
"...."
"Why?"
"Your outfit suits you very well."
"That's unnecessary."
Fuuuuuuus!
"The reason I'm late is that I haven't yet understood the meaning of 'late' for humans."
"Oh my… That's the most annoying answer I've ever heard!
Control yourself, Theo. Remember, focus on observation.
Don't let emotions take over."
Fuuuuh - faaah - fuuuuh!
"It's fine. I'm glad you came.
So, where shall we begin?"
Momentarily setting aside the answer he intended to give, Theo focused on the interaction before him.
Aldraya greeted Ilux in a flat tone, explaining that her lateness was not intentional, only due to her lack of understanding of what "late" meant for ordinary humans.
Hearing that, Theo felt a subtle yet tangible irritation—a mix of frustration and admiration for Aldraya's steadfastness and innocence in expressing herself.
Ilux responded warmly, showing no trace of annoyance at the delay. He refrained from comments or complaints, choosing instead to focus on the moment and the closeness Aldraya herself requested.
This demeanor made the interaction appear light, almost like a pre-arranged game, though Theo knew every movement, every word, held potential risks for the scenario's flow.
Politely, Ilux asked if Aldraya had decided where they would go, emphasizing his role as a follower in the scenario led by Aldraya. His presence here was solely at her request, and he adjusted entirely to the rhythm set by Aldraya.
Theo observed from a distance, sensing a blend of tension and relief. Every second of that interaction was both an opportunity and a test.
Even as he still weighed answers for Aldraya's question, he chose to remain silent, letting the moment flow so that Aldraya and Ilux's steps remained steady and uninterrupted.
"Follow."
Aldraya responded with her usual flat reaction, only a brief nod marking the decision without words.
Without waiting longer, she stepped forward, her posture erect and rhythm steady, leading their short journey.
Ilux followed behind, adjusting his steps to match Aldraya's rhythm, completely following the direction given by the girl who had long been the focal point in their little scenario.
Every movement Aldraya made seemed calm yet firm, asserting the control she held over the situation.
No hesitation.No pause.Only the natural flow of steps emanating from a simple yet meaningful decision.
Theo, observing from afar, felt a mix of relief and caution. Relief because the interaction proceeded smoothly without disruption, and caution because each of Aldraya's steps still held the potential for a question or action that could alter the overall rhythm.
Those steps marked the beginning of their journey, a date seemingly simple on the surface yet laden with hidden tension.
Theo knew that beneath the calm rhythm, sparks could emerge to test the balance and strategy he had prepared.
He remained silent, holding his breath, letting them move ahead while evaluating every detail, every gesture, as if mapping a chart of possibilities for the next move.
The silence and rhythm made the entire garden feel momentarily paused, giving Aldraya and Ilux room to move without interruption.
Meanwhile, Theo positioned himself just right to monitor and anticipate any developments that might arise from the interaction.
'These seven locations always appear on every route of Ilux and Aldraya in the game. Worth noting.'
While trailing at a safe distance, ensuring Aldraya did not suddenly notice him, Theo momentarily lowered his attention from their steps to jot important notes in the yellow notebook he always carried.
Each stroke of ink felt swift yet neat, forming a list of the seven places that should be visited, in line with the scenario he had studied from the course of the date in the world of Flo Viva Mythology.
To be continued…