Chapter 111
In the deepest layer, the toy necklace Theo had just bought emitted a warm golden glow that shimmered softly.
Shades of pink, pastel yellow, and light blue blended as simple yet striking accents, giving it a childish and cute appearance.
Tiny pendants shaped like stars, crescent moons, or miniature phones appeared visually within the same space without merging or covering the original form.
The toy necklace remained present as its own identity, bringing a worldly warmth that contrasted with the sacred aura of Aldraya's original necklace.
When the two necklaces merged into one, the effect resembled two dimensions passing through each other.
From certain angles, the cracked angelic sigil remained clearly visible on the outer layer, while pastel-colored star silhouettes appeared inside when viewed from the right.
Seen from below, the milk-opal stone still emitted its soft glow, now mixed with a childlike pink hue radiating from the toy necklace.
Theo realized this merging was not merely a physical combination but a symbol of delicate harmony between a sacred past and a simple, earthly present.
"Put this necklace on me."
'Tcckkk! The excuse of 'her old necklace is still there' no longer applies.
She even merged it with the toy necklace I bought.
I really have no reason to refuse now.'
"Fine. But remember, this is the first and last time I'm doing this."
Theo looked at Aldraya's right hand, swiftly extended toward him, realizing that this request was not a mere formality.
The necklace she held was now a single unique piece, combining oxidized dark silver with the warm golden glow of the toy necklace—making Theo's previous reason for refusing completely irrelevant.
He took a long, heavy breath and allowed himself to agree, though with a thin hint of reluctance, marking that this act would be a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Every second felt slow as he observed the combined necklace in Aldraya's hand, understanding that this moment was filled with symbolism only a careful observer could perceive.
The necklace was taken carefully.
His fingers brushed against the contrasting materials—the cold celestial metal and the warm golden glow of the toy necklace.
Theo held himself back from rushing, aware that every motion would be noticed and felt by Aldraya with the same meticulousness she had shown when merging the two necklaces.
Aldraya's posture remained straight and calm, giving Theo enough space to adjust his movements, while also presenting an unspoken tension between them.
When Theo stood directly behind Aldraya, he sensed a distance that felt familiar yet calculated.
The necklace rested in his hands, and the silence around them seemed to emphasize the importance of this moment.
Theo's eyes focused on the same point as Aldraya's—her neckline, the place where the necklace would rest—while he struggled to suppress the odd mix of admiration and awkwardness rising within him.
Even the fragrance of her clothes is more intoxicating and distracting than all the heavenly gardens she and Her Siblings have ever breathed.
"Loosen your collar a bit. It's completely covered here."
"Understood."
Theo exhaled quietly, his attention pulled not by the necklace or its merged forms, but by the overwhelming natural fragrance radiating from Aldraya.
It wasn't the scent of worldly perfume—it felt innate, appearing with an intensity far surpassing the gentle aroma of heavenly flora.
He closed his eyes briefly, attempting to steady himself against the distraction tugging at his focus, then shook his head slightly to dispel the rising unease.
Realizing the access to Aldraya's neck was blocked by her tight clothing, Theo cautiously asked her to loosen it slightly.
Aldraya, calm and expressionless as always, provided the needed space without comment, allowing Theo to adjust his position slowly.
The motion was simple but executed with precision, as even the slightest change could disturb the balance of the moment.
Theo used the small opening to clearly view Aldraya's neckline, noting the delicate contours previously hidden by her clothing.
He drew a deep breath, keeping his movements gentle and precise, knowing the necklace he was about to place was not just a physical object but a symbol of their unique interaction.
'This situation is far from normal, more complicated than swallowing the highest level of spicy food.
Damn it, her neck and shoulders…
How can they be as soft as silk?
Unbelievably smooth.'
Hhhh–hhh!
'I'm absolutely not ready to deal with this kind of temptation.'
"You're putting it on so slowly. Are you planning to enjoy my skin a little longer?"
'Grr…! Her jab hit the mark perfectly.
Damn it, she really thinks I'm some obsessed fan taking advantage of the situation!'
Theo leaned in carefully, trying to withstand the natural scent that tugged at his senses.
His hand held the merged necklace with high precision, while the back of his left hand occasionally wiped away the sweat caused by tension.
Every movement felt heavy and deliberate because this situation was far from normal—far more difficult to face than any extreme challenge he had encountered in Flo Viva Mythology.
Theo focused entirely on the necklace's position, Aldraya's neckline, and the precision of every gesture, ensuring that each touch remained gentle and within the unspoken boundaries set by the girl.
Each time Theo's fingertips brushed against the skin of Aldraya's neck and shoulders, he noticed the extraordinary softness, elasticity, and smoothness.
Tiny ripples appeared on her pale skin, as if reacting to even the slightest contact.
The sensation made Theo pause momentarily, battling a wave of instinct and tension from what should have been a simple task.
He understood that even the smallest mistake could turn this formal moment into something far more difficult to control.
The sense of overwhelm grew stronger, making each second feel longer than usual.
Theo adjusted his breathing and pace with careful precision, trying to stay focused on the necklace and Aldraya's neckline without letting his attention drift toward the instinctive curiosity arising within him.
He knew that Aldraya would notice any haste or carelessness, and that awareness added to the tension he felt in every breath.
'That's not why I'm taking so long, damn it.
Why do I have to suffer like this?'
"It's done. And seriously, your overpowering perfume would pair perfectly with the stench of the thickest sewer."
'Aldraya is pleased? She's actually pleased?'
Fuuuuh!
Theo stepped back a few steps, his breath still unsteady from the small panic that erupted during the process.
He clicked his tongue in irritation, blaming Aldraya's scent, which he found too distracting—comparing it in his mind to the thick, foul smell of sewer water.
His movements were quick and precise as he retreated, ensuring a safe distance while calming himself from the unusual sensations brought on by touching her.
Aldraya, as usual, ignored Theo's comment entirely.
Her eyes remained cold for a moment before her attention shifted to the necklace now resting around her neck.
To be continued…