Na-Isekai Ako
Chapter 62: Banter Served Fresh, with a Side of Sass

Chapter 62: Banter Served Fresh, with a Side of Sass

As they entered the restaurant, a soft hum of music welcomed them, blending seamlessly with the tantalizing aroma of spices and freshly cooked dishes wafting from the kitchen. The walls were adorned in warm hues, and flickering lanterns cast a golden glow, creating an atmosphere that was both intimate and inviting.

Adolfo glanced at Katherine, amusement dancing in his eyes. "This is one of my favorite spots. They have a balcony that overlooks the market—I think you’ll love it."

Katherine returned his smile, a flutter of anticipation stirring in her chest. "I already like the sound of it."

Adolfo led her up a graceful spiral staircase, where the noise of the bustling market softened into the gentle clinking of cutlery and the hushed chatter of other diners. When they reached the top, Katherine was momentarily speechless. The balcony was exquisite—small and elegant, with a table set for two, delicate tableware, and candlelight flickering in the soft evening breeze. Below them, the festival thrived in a sea of colorful lanterns and lively stalls, while in the distance, the academy’s silhouette loomed against the night sky.

"Wow," Katherine breathed, her gaze sweeping across the scene. "This is incredible."

Adolfo leaned against the railing, watching her reaction with a knowing smirk. "Are you just going to stand there gawking, or do I get some credit for my excellent choice?"

Katherine turned to him, arms crossed in mock indignation. "Oh, you want praise now? I was under the impression you were humble."

"Humble? Me?" He placed a hand over his heart in exaggerated offense. "That would be terribly out of character."

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress her grin. "Fine, fine. You have impeccable taste. Happy?"

"Delighted," he said smoothly, pulling out a chair for her. "Now, let’s see if the food lives up to your impossibly high standards."

They settled into their seats, the festival’s music and laughter drifting up from below. Katherine leaned over the balcony’s edge, marveling at the dancing lights and colorful banners swaying in the night breeze. "It’s like something out of a storybook."

Adolfo rested his chin on his hand, watching her. "I suppose it has its charms. But I’d argue the ambiance up here is what truly matters."

Katherine narrowed her eyes playfully. "That sounds suspiciously like you’re fishing for compliments again."

"And if I am?" He smirked. "Would that make the evening more magical?"

She huffed, feigning exasperation. "You really do have a flair for theatrics."

"I prefer the term ’refined elegance.’"

"You prefer whatever makes you sound the most impressive."

Before he could reply, a distant rumble cut through the night. Katherine paused, her fork halfway to her mouth. "What was that?"

Adolfo’s lips curled into a knowing smile. "Just wait."

Seconds later, the sky ignited in a burst of colors as the first firework blossomed overhead, bathing the balcony in a soft, shifting glow. Katherine gasped, eyes widening as another explosion of crimson and gold painted the heavens. Below, cheers erupted from festival-goers, their joy echoing through the streets.

"This is amazing!" she laughed, tilting her head back to watch the shimmering display. "Did you plan this too? Bribe the city to set off fireworks at the perfect moment?"

Adolfo chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "I’m flattered you think I have that kind of influence."

She turned to him, warmth curling in her chest, not just from the beauty of the fireworks but from the quiet, effortless way the night had unfolded. "Thank you, my lord. For this."

His usual teasing expression softened. "Consider it a small gift for a night well spent."

As another firework painted the sky in cascading silver, Katherine found herself committing this moment to memory—the glow of lanterns, the laughter below, and the way Adolfo looked at her, as if this festival, this city, and this night were meant just for them.

***

As Katherine and Adolfo made their way back from the restaurant, the warm glow of the lanterns lining the streets reflected off the cobblestones, creating a shimmering pathway. The festival was still alive around them, laughter and music filling the evening air, but their conversation had turned toward the future.

"So," Katherine began, glancing sideways at Adolfo, "when do you think we might be able to visit the North? It’s been on my mind since we talked about it last."

Adolfo considered her words for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly. "I think it would be best to wait until after the Summer Symposium," he replied thoughtfully. "There are only a few weeks left, and while I would prefer to go sooner, it would be wise to finish that first. Don’t you agree?"

Katherine nodded, a soft sigh escaping her lips. "I suppose. Though if I have to watch another pair of students flirt their way through a lecture instead of actually learning, I might expire from secondhand embarrassment."

"Careful, someone might think you’re an academic rebel," Adolfo teased. "Blaspheming against the sacred Symposium."

"Guilty as charged," she said with mock solemnity. "I’ll take my punishment in the form of a trip to the North, please."

They continued walking under the starry sky, their footsteps echoing softly. Yet, something about the atmosphere felt different. While they often enjoyed playful banter, their exchanges now had a deeper intensity to them. Minor disagreements that would usually spark laughter seemed to spark something else.

"Honestly, would it kill you to at least pretend to care about the symposium? It’s all anyone has been talking about," Katherine said, her tone teasing but exaggeratedly dramatic.

Adolfo chuckled, shaking his head. "And it wouldn’t hurt you to watch where you’re going. You nearly walked into that lamppost back there."

"I was admiring the scenery!" she declared. "Some of us appreciate the finer things in life."

"Ah, yes. Street lamps. Truly breathtaking."

Katherine tilted her head, a smirk playing on her lips. "I was distracted by the lovely sights. Can you blame me for being captivated?"

"I can’t decide if I should be impressed or worried," he muttered, running a hand through his hair.

"Perhaps a bit of both?" she offered, her tone softer now.

Before he could respond, Adolfo stopped abruptly, fishing something out of his pocket. "Wait right here," he instructed, turning away from her for a moment.

"Are you going to reveal your secret identity as the festival’s mysterious benefactor?" she quipped, trying to lighten the mood.

Then he turned back, a small, elegantly wrapped box in his hands. "No, but I do have a gift for you."

Katherine raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. "A gift, my lord? Should I be worried?"

"Just take it," he insisted, a playful seriousness in his tone. "Before I change my mind."

Intrigued, Katherine accepted the box, her heart fluttering with curiosity. She opened it carefully, revealing a delicate keychain shaped like a flower, its petals intricately designed and adorned with tiny, colorful beads that sparkled in the dim light.

"Oh," she breathed, surprise washing over her. "This is beautiful!"

Adolfo watched her closely, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

Katherine’s mind shifted back to that day—a vibrant stall overflowing with handmade treasures where she had hesitated over the keychain, only to discover later that someone else had bought it. A pang of disappointment had lingered, but here it was now, right in her hands. The memory ignited a warmth within her, and she couldn’t help but smile.

"I thought someone else bought it! The merchant told me..." she started, but her voice trailed off, realization dawning on her.

"I happened to buy it," he admitted, somewhat sheepishly.

Katherine looked up at him, eyes twinkling. "Thank you, even if you just ’happened’ to buy it."

He grinned, but his eyes seemed kind. "It’s just a small gesture. Don’t get too sentimental on me."

They began walking again, her fingers brushing over the keychain as they chatted about everything and nothing, the easy camaraderie returning. The awkwardness of their earlier bickering faded into the background, replaced by the warm glow of shared moments.

"I should have known. The master of all things beautifully vague," she teased.

"Careful, I might just take offense," he said, looking at her with mock seriousness.

"Oh, please. I’m sure you thrive on being vague. Keeps everyone guessing, doesn’t it?"

"Not everyone," Adolfo replied with a smirk. "Some people can see right through it."

Katherine raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? Care to enlighten me on who these exceptional people are?"

"I’ll give you a hint," he said with a wink. "You might just be one of them."

She rolled her eyes. "Well, aren’t you full of yourself tonight."

"I only speak the truth, my lady," he replied with exaggerated grandeur.

She let out a dramatic sigh, smiling. "I should’ve known I’d be the one to suffer through your endless charm."

"Ah, but it’s for your own good," he teased. "You’re getting an education in my unmatched wit."

Katherine chuckled. "If this is what ’education’ looks like, I think I’m better off failing."

"You wound me," he said, clutching his chest in mock despair. "Such harsh words from someone who just praised my brilliance."

"Did I? I must have been daydreaming," she said with a chuckle.

They shared a brief silence, the playful tension hanging between them as they continued walking. The sound of their footsteps echoed softly on the cobblestones, and the air seemed to hum with something unspoken. Every now and then, Katherine could catch the glint of amusement in Adolfo’s eyes, and she couldn’t help but smile to herself.

As they reached the academy’s residence, Katherine felt a twinge of reluctance to part ways. "Well, this is me," she said, slowing her pace.

"Just a moment," Adolfo said, stopping a few steps away from her. "Before you go, I..."

He hesitated for a moment, his expression turning more serious. "We still haven’t bought things together for the trip," his playful smile returned, "But I’ll just send things so you don’t have to tire yourself."

She blinked. "Send?"

Adolfo just smiled. "Good night, my dear lady." He took Katherine’s hand and kissed the back of it, leaving her momentarily entranced.

She stared after him, half-expecting him to turn back with another witty remark. But instead, he simply gave her a knowing smirk before disappearing into the night.

With a soft chuckle, she whispered, "Good night, my lord."

A smile danced on her lips as she entered her room, the warmth of the evening filling her with a sense of hope and excitement for the days yet to come.

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