A/N: Recently I decided to remake the story from the first chapter, so for those of you who have just read this chapter, please refrain from reading the next chapter, because the storyline will be diverted. (Please read chapters that have additions (Re-make) in the title)
(I will add the word (Re-make) to the chapters that I have finished)
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After awakening from his dream, Fawwaz remained seated on his bed, trying to process the vivid experience he had just undergone.
"The pain felt too real for it to be just a dream," he mused.
Memories of the pain from being struck by the vehicle and Luna's tight grip on his neck lingered in Fawwaz's mind, casting doubt on the dream's authenticity.
"But if this isn't a dream..."
Despite his logical mind entertaining the possibility that his experience wasn't merely a figment of his imagination, Fawwaz chose to dismiss it.
"There's no way Luna could be capable of such things," he rationalized, reaffirming his trust in her and her inability to possess mana in their world.
Fawwaz found himself in an inner conflict, torn between rejecting and accepting the unsettling notion.
"Young master... what happened? You appeared quite distressed when you fell asleep, with cold sweat on your face," Selena, observing Fawwaz with a complex expression, cautiously inquired.
"It was just a nightmare," Fawwaz replied after deliberation, choosing not to disclose the sensation of real pain he experienced in the dream.
"I see. It seems you're going through it too," Selena remarked, prompting Fawwaz's surprise as he wondered if Selena had shared the same dream.
"Indeed, but given my family's expertise in illusion magic, I have a certain immunity to such phenomena," Selena explained carefully in response to Fawwaz's astonishment.
"What do you mean... Could this dream not be a natural occurrence, but rather involve some form of intervention?" Fawwaz inquired, intrigued by Selena's insight.
"I cannot draw such a conclusion without evidence or the ability to substantiate my speculation," Selena replied humbly.
"You're right," Fawwaz acknowledged, realizing the complexity of the situation.
.
Growl, growl.
In the ensuing silence, Fawwaz, who hadn't eaten anything, was reminded by the rumbling of his stomach.
"Ughh... Let's eat now," he said, his face flushing with embarrassment as he invited Selena to join him downstairs to satisfy his hunger.
Seeing his flushed face, Selena smiled awkwardly, feeling a pang of guilt. "I should have brought food for the young master," she thought to herself.
As Fawwaz's servant, Selena was well aware of his status as the second son of Duke Everglen and his "ostracized" state, unable to qualify for "Spatial" magic. Despite this, whether out of sympathy or loyalty, Selena was determined to continue supporting Fawwaz and remaining by his side.
To add to her self-reproach, Selena had forgotten to bring food for her master, further deepening her sense of guilt.
"Let's go now, Selena," Fawwaz said, unaware of the conflicting emotions swirling within Selena as he led the way to the inn's restaurant on the first floor.
.
.
As Fawwaz and Selena entered the inn's restaurant, a thought crossed Selena's mind.
'Wow, this is classy, very different from the scenery in the anime.' he mused, comparing the real-life setting to what she had seen on her smartphone screen, which depicted only a few tables, benches, and some basic dishes.
The sight before them transformed Fawwaz's impression of the restaurant entirely. The restaurant boasted elegant chairs and tables decorated with natural beauty and possibly enhanced by magic. At its center, a stage showcased musicians skillfully playing instruments, filling the air with harmonious tones that created a romantic atmosphere.
Local paintings adorned the walls, depicting enchanting portraits of nature, while vases of flowers graced each table, enhancing the restaurant's ambiance.
"Isn't this a restaurant for couples?" Fawwaz pondered, initially taken aback by the sophisticated interior design. However, as he observed further, he became increasingly convinced of its romantic appeal.
"Um, young master, I'll return to my room. I'll get something to eat outside," Selena suggested, sensing the romantic atmosphere and not wanting to intrude on Fawwaz's experience.
"No, eat with me," Fawwaz insisted firmly, refusing to let Selena leave. He didn't want her to go hungry just because he felt uncomfortable in the restaurant. The thought of Selena enduring hunger for his sake made Fawwaz feel guilty.
"But young master... I'm just a servant. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to eat at the same table with you, especially in a restaurant meant for couples," Selena protested, feeling uncomfortable with the idea.
"It's fine. No one knows about my identity here," Fawwaz reassured her.
"But..."
"Come on, follow me," Fawwaz insisted, guiding Selena to a suitable spot. As soon as they sat down, a waiter approached them.
"Welcome, honored guests. Would you like to order something?" the waiter, a man in his late 50s with a greying beard and hair, clad in a formal suit, greeted them warmly.
"I've ordered a package with a room, so please bring that," Fawwaz requested, recalling that the room he booked included a meal at the restaurant. He preferred to utilize what he had already paid for rather than spend additional money.
"Understood. Please wait a moment, I will bring the dishes," the waiter replied before heading off.
As they waited for their meal, Fawwaz and Selena engaged in conversation. Despite her initial reluctance, Selena, with her training as a waitress, quickly adapted to the surroundings.
"I would like you to try the dishes from this restaurant," Fawwaz said, prompting Selena's curiosity.
"After hearing your enthusiasm, I'm eager to try them too," Selena replied with a smile.
Having seen the restaurant's dishes in the Dawnfall anime, Fawwaz was excited to experience them firsthand.
After a long wait, their dishes finally arrived, served by the waiter.
"Um, are all these ours?" Fawwaz asked hesitantly, surprised by the abundance of food.
"Yes, sir. This is part of the room you booked. As you've reserved the highest room in our inn, this meal is included," the waiter explained.
"Oh, I see," Fawwaz responded awkwardly, glancing at the extensive menu spread out before them. Vowing not to take advantage of his room privileges again, he enjoyed the meal with Selena.
.
.
Lunch concluded, and now Fawwaz found himself in the secluded alleys of Serenia.
Every beautiful city has its untouched side, and Serenia was no exception. Despite its surface beauty, narrow alleys teemed with scavengers and thieves.
Amidst these alleys, Fawwaz walked, exploring one after another.
"It should be around here," he thought to himself.
While Fawwaz had come to Serenia seemingly without a purpose other than to take a stroll, he harbored a more significant motive.
In the Dawnfall anime, during Avan and his friends' visit to Serenia, Avan fell victim to theft. Caught off guard, he allowed beggars to steal his money, but Fawwaz, who was nearby, swiftly apprehended the thieves and meted out appropriate punishment.
However, Avan, moved by sympathy, chose to give the money to the thieves instead. They were revealed to be teenagers, around 15 years old, not much younger than Fawwaz and Avan themselves. They had stolen to fund their seriously ill grandfather's treatment.
Learning of Avan's intention to donate his money to the thieves' grandfather, the old man bestowed upon Avan a mysterious book as a token of gratitude.
In subsequent episodes, the book's true nature was revealed: it was a compendium of magical knowledge. Not finding it suitable, Avan passed it on to Fawwaz.
As Fawwaz retraced the events in his mind, he cautiously navigated the shadowy alleys.
"I'll retrieve that book," he resolved.