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Aglaea sits beneath the giant tree in the Garden of Life, a cup of afternoon tea cradled between her hands, the scent of jasmine drifting lazily in the breeze. Her moment of tranquility suddenly interrupted by a familiar voice.
“Agy! You’ve got a letter!”
Tribbie flits into view, waving a cream-colored envelope sealed with gold.
Aglaea glances up, her expression softening. “Teacher. What a pleasant surprise.”
“Here, open it.” Tribbie hands over the elegant envelope with a conspiratorial grin.
Aglaea accepts the letter, carefully breaking the wax seal. Inside, a sheet of heavy cream paper unfolds in her hands. The handwriting was elegant and flourished.
To Lady Aglaea,
When the sun leans soft at afternoon’s peak,
Its warmth can’t match the light in your gaze.
When petals stir in garden breeze,
They echo your calm, your golden ways.
If elegance had form, it would mirror your step.
If serenity spoke, it would borrow your name.
Might I tempt you with sweet indulgence?
A table for two at Celestial Cone,
This very afternoon.
“Huh? There’s no sender’s name.” Aglaea turns to Tribbie, brow furrowed. “Teacher, do you know who sent this?”
Tribbie shakes her head. “No idea. All we know is that it’s for you.”
Aglaea nods thoughtfully. “Hmm… I see. It’s alright. Thank you for delivering it, Teacher.” She looks back down at the letter, her fingers tracing the edge.
“No problem! But Agy, we’re kind of curious, what’s the letter about?”
Aglaea smiles faintly. “Nothing much. Just a poem... and an invitation to Celestial Cone.”
Tribbie’s eyes light up. “Oh! Isn’t that the new ice cream shop that just opened in Marmoreal Market? We’ve heard their ice cream is amazing. You should definitely go, Agy!”
Aglaea looks at her, surprised. “You’re saying I should go, even though I don’t know who sent the letter?”
Tribbie nods enthusiastically. “Mhm! You deserve a break. Go enjoy some ice cream, Agy. We’ll cover your duties while you’re gone.” She tugs gently on Aglaea’s hand, urging her to stand.
Aglaea sets her teacup down and rises. “Very well, if you insist, Teacher.” She gives Tribbie a small goodbye wave before making her way toward Marmoreal Market.
Meanwhile, at the Grove of Epiphany.
Anaxa works quietly in his alchemy laboratory, focused on one of his usual experiments. When a soft knock at the door breaks his concentration. He turns and opens it.
“Hyacine? What brings you here?”
Hyacine stands just outside, holding a sealed envelope. “Good morning, Professor Anaxa. I have a letter for you.”
Anaxa raises an eyebrow. “A letter? From whom?”
Hyacine shrugs. “I’m not sure. Why don’t you read it?” She holds out the envelope.
Without much interest, Anaxa takes the envelope and tosses it aside, returning to his experiment.
“Aren’t you going to read it, Professor?” Hyacine asks, frowning.
“I have better things to do than read a letter from an unknown sender.” Anaxa replies bluntly, picking up a potion vial.
Hyacine steps forward, voice firm but gentle. “Maybe you should at least take a look. People don’t send letters to you unless it’s important.”
Anaxa exhales and looks at her. “Fine, since you’re so insistent.”
He picks up the envelope, breaks the seal, and unfolds the letter. His eyes scanning the elegant handwriting.
Dear Anaxagoras,
When shadows dance beneath the afternoon sun,
Their grace is nothing compared to your calm mind.
When quiet strength holds the world in balance,
It finds a mirror in your steady hands.
If wisdom had a face, it would wear your expression.
If patience had a voice, it would echo your name.
Might I invite you to a moment of respite?
A shared table at Celestial Cone,
This very afternoon.
“How ridiculous.” Anaxa mutters, shaking his head.
Hyacine tilts her head, curious. “What is?”
“A date.” Anaxa cuts in bluntly.
“A date?” Hyacine blinks, surprised.
Anaxa sighs, rubbing his temple. “An invitation to go to Celestial Cone.”
Hyacine’s eyes light up. “Oh, Celestial Cone! Cassie and I went there the other day. The ice cream there is really good, I think you’d like it, Professor.”
“That’s a bold claim.” Anaxa says, raising an eyebrow. “Hmph. I’ll see it for myself.” He sets his experiment aside and stands.
He pauses at the door, turning back to her. “Hyacine, make sure no one comes in while I’m gone.”
Hyacine smiles confidently. “Don’t worry, Professor Anaxa. I’ll look after your things.”
Anaxa nods and steps out, heading toward Okhema.
A few hours earlier, at the Hero’s Bath.
Hyacine feeds Little Ica, gently patting it with her hand when Tribbie suddenly steps into view.
“Oh, Lady Tribbie! What a pleasant surprise. What brings you here?” Hyacine asks with a warm smile.
“Cinny!” Tribbie waves cheerfully. “We’re here to check on Agy and Naxy’s relationship counseling progress. So, how’s it going?”
Hyacine sighs, her shoulders sagging slightly. “Unfortunately, there hasn’t been much progress. They’ve both been stubborn, rarely opening up during sessions. I’ve tried nearly every approach I know, but nothing seems to work.”
Tribbie strokes her chin thoughtfully. “Hmm… I remember Trianne mentioning a new ice cream shop that just opened in Marmoreal Market. The quality and taste are exquisite, and it apparently has a unique way of bringing people together.”
Hyacine’s eyes brighten. “Oh! I’ve heard of it. What’s the name again? When Cassie and I went during their opening, the place was packed—mostly couples, though. Apparently, there’s even a ‘Lovers’ Exclusive’ ice cream that’s really popular.”
Tribbie nods eagerly. “Exactly. We’re thinking maybe Agy and Naxy should go there. See if a little ice cream date might help.”
Hyacine considers for a moment. “Ah, so you’re suggesting they go on a date to see if it helps their relationship?”
“Yup! We can write them letters inviting them to meet there.” Tribbie says excitedly.
Hyacine furrows her brow. “That sounds like a great idea, Lady Tribbie, but… wouldn’t it be hard to set up a date for them? Both Lady Aglaea and Professor Anaxa are very busy, and they probably wouldn’t accept an invitation from a stranger.”
Tribbie puts her hands on her hips confidently. “Don’t worry. We know how to convince Agy to go. All you need to do is get Naxy on board.”
Hyacine smiles, hope flickering in her eyes. “It might be difficult, but I’ll do my best.”
Tribbie hands her a sealed envelope. “Here. Trinnon helped write this. Just give it to Naxy.”
Hyacine tilts her head, curious. “Wait, you already prepared the letters? Lady Tribbie, did you plan this long ago?”
Tribbie grins proudly. “Yup! As soon as we heard about the ice cream shop, we knew it’d be perfect place for a date. So Trianne, Trinnon, and I planned it out and wrote these letters. What do you think, Cinny? Isn’t it great?”
Hyacine looks down at the envelope in her hand, then back at Tribbie, a hopeful smile spreading across her face. “I’m sure it’ll work out.”
Presently, at Celestial Cone.
Aglaea strolls down the left path while Anaxa approaches from the right. As they round the corner, they come face to face at the shop’s entrance.
Aglaea raises an eyebrow. “What brings you to Okhema, Anaxagoras?”
Anaxa folds his arms, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “I was invited. But more importantly, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be stalking the citizens with your golden threads?”
Aglaea scoffs. “It’s not stalking, it’s monitoring. Besides, you’re the one who helped me build the world wound web.”
Anaxa snorts. “Hmph. I have better things to do than waste my time talking to you.”
“Agreed,” Aglaea replies coolly, then turns and steps inside the ice cream shop. Anaxa follows.
The waitress greets them with a warm smile. “Lady Aglaea, Lord Anaxagoras, welcome to Celestial Cone. We have a table reserved under your names. This way, please.”
“Huh?” Aglaea glances at Anaxa, confusion flickering in her eyes before following the waitress. Anaxa trails behind, arms folded, silently wondering. Is Aglaea the one who sent this letter? It can’t be her... can it?
Once seated in the cozy booth, the waitress leaves them to their own devices. Aglaea smooths her dress, looking composed and elegant as ever. Across from her, Anaxa settles in, crossing one leg over the other and resting his arms on the table.
Aglaea glances around, noticing the couples dinning around them. “Did she forget to bring us a menu?”
Anaxa shrugs. “Probably. But more importantly…” He slides an ivory envelope sealed with green wax across the table. “Did you send me this?”
Aglaea’s stares at his envelope, surprise. She reaches into her bag and pulls out an identical one, sealed with yellow wax. “I received one too.”
“Someone set us up,” Anaxa mutters, irritation tightening his tone.
Aglaea smirks, fingers lightly tracing the edge of her envelope. “I have a pretty good idea who’s behind it. But for now, let’s play along. Since we’re already here, might as well see if the ice cream lives up to the hype.”
Anaxa leans back. “I guess I’m intrigued as well.”
Aglaea rests her hand on the table, settling into a contemplative pose. “So, Anaxagoras, how have you been lately? Still conducting your blasphemous experiments?”
Anaxa raises an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Since when did the illustrious Lady Goldweaver take an interest in my personal affairs?”
Aglaea shrugs, lips curling faintly. “Just making polite conversation.”
“Hmph. I’ve been well—better, in fact, when I’m not graced by your presence.” Anaxa mutters with a dry scoff.
Aglaea smiles sweetly. “The feeling is mutual.”
Before the tension can escalate any further, the waitress returns, carefully placing an elaborate ice cream cake between them. It’s layered with rose and pistachio ice cream, sculpted into a heart. Raspberry and strawberry scoops are carved into delicate roses, artfully arranged around and atop the cake. Heart-shaped strawberry slices and milk chocolates complete the romantic display.
“This is the Lovers’ Special.” The waitress announces cheerfully. “It’s what was ordered when your table was reserved.”
Both Aglaea and Anaxa stare at the cake in stunned silence.
Aglaea slowly turns to the waitress, her voice composed. “Do you happen to know who placed the reservation?”
The waitress beams. “Why yes! It was Lady Hyacine and Lady Tribbie. They came by the other day to book this table under your names. Said it was to help with your relationship. Isn’t that sweet?”
Aglaea forces a tight, graceful smile. “Thank you. That’ll be all.”
“You’re welcome! Just call if you need anything.” The waitress replies with a polite bow before departing.
Aglaea turns back to Anaxa, her expression a mix of resignation and wry amusement. “I didn’t expect Hyacine and Teacher. I was sure it was Cifera’s doing.”
Anaxa snorts softly. “This does seem like something Cipher would pull. But apparently, it was Tribbie and Hyacine. Meddling medics.”
Aglaea eyes the cake, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of the plate. “A heart-shaped ice cream cake… I’ll admit, it’s rather exquisite.”
Anaxa smirks. “So, does the demigod of Romance approve of the Lovers’ Special?”
Aglaea casts him a sideways glance. “Aesthetically? It certainly does screams romance. Let’s try it before it melts.”
Aglaea gracefully uses a fork and knife to cut a precise slice of cake, while Anaxa simply stabs a chunk out with his fork.
“Mmm…” Aglaea savors the bite, her expression softening. “It’s quite good. Rose and pistachio, I believe.”
Anaxa chews thoughtfully, then nods. “Not bad, I guess.”
They continue eating in comfortable silence until Aglaea speaks again, her tone casual but curious. “So, what’s your favorite ice cream flavor?”
Anaxa stabs the cake again, taking another bite. “Why do you care? Why don’t you go first?”
Aglaea sets her fork down and delicately dabs at her lips with a napkin.
“I’ve slowly lost my sense of taste over the years.” She admits quietly. “But when I was younger, I loved saffron ice cream. Teacher used to tell me stories while we carefully infused the saffron strands into the cream. It was a rare treat, and the scent always felt like a warm embrace.” Her voice softens at the memory.
Anaxa studies her for a moment, his tone easing. “That sounds nice. Mine would be matcha. My sister and I used to pick green tea leaves from our garden to make it at home. She always added too much sugar, claimed it made it taste like spring.”
Aglaea’s expression warms into a gentle smile. “Seems like we both have sentimental reasons behind our favorites.”
“I guess we do have some things in common.” Anaxa concedes, almost grudgingly, but there’s no venom in it, only quiet amusement.
After finishing the ice cream cake, Aglaea rises gracefully and makes her way to the counter, Anaxa following closely behind. She hands the cashier her credit card.
“So, how was the ice cream?” The cashier asks with a friendly smile.
Aglaea returns his smile. “Delectable. Truly exquisite. The flavors and textures blend beautifully.”
Anaxa nods in agreement. “Delicious. Now I understand why everyone raves about this place. It’s definitely worth the visit.”
The cashier hands Aglaea back her card, eyes bright with appreciation. “Such high praise from Lady Aglaea and Lord Anaxagoras. We’re delighted you enjoyed it. You’re always welcome here.”
They exchange polite farewells and step outside. The warm Okhema air greets them, and sunlight spills over the street, casting a golden glow around them.
“So, what now?” Anaxa asks, glancing at her.
Aglaea rests a hand thoughtfully on her chin. “Well, since we’re on a… ‘date’, why not do something couples do?”
Anaxa scoffs, crossing his arms, unimpressed. “Seriously?”
She shrugs with a sly smile. “Why not? I asked Teacher to cover my duties, so I’m free for the rest of the day. Besides, I rarely get time to relax.”
Anaxa exhales, rubbing the back of his neck. “Fine. I told Hyacine to watch over my laboratory, so it should be fine. Where do you want to go?”
Aglaea’s eyes gleam as she takes his hand, leading him forward. “I know the perfect place.” She pulls him gently toward the Dromas Workshop.
Anaxa feels a warm flush creep up his cheeks at her touch but says nothing, letting her guide him.
“So,” Aglaea says casually, a teasing lilt in her voice, “why is your heart beating faster, Anaxa?”
He looks away, a bit flustered. “It’s nothing. It’s always been like that.”
“But the threads say otherwise~” Aglaea murmurs with a knowing smile.
Anaxa mutters a curse under his breath, and Aglaea lets out a soft giggle.
At the Dromas Workshop.
Aglaea picks up a bag of red soil feed and hands it to Anaxa. “Here, I heard you love Dromas.”
“They’re majestic creatures and deserve to be loved.” Anaxa replies as he begins feeding the nearby blue Dromas. Aglaea stands beside him, watching quietly.
After a while, Anaxa turns to her, passing the bag back. “You should try feeding them.”
Aglaea looks at the bag in her hands, slightly hesitant. “I’m not sure…”
Anaxa tilts his head. “What are you afraid? They don’t bite.”
“Of course not.” Aglaea scoffs lightly. “It’s just… I’ve never done this before. What if I mess up?”
Anaxa shrugs. “No one’s going to make fun of you if you do.”
Aglaea eyes him suspiciously. “Really? Even you?”
Anaxa’s face flickers with surprise before he composes himself and mutters, “Yes… I won’t make fun of you.”
Aglaea smiles gently, pulls out some feed, and holds out her hand. A Dromas tentatively licks it, causing her to giggle. “Hehe, it tickles.”
Anaxa watches the sight, his expression softening. It’s been a long time since he’s seen Aglaea show this much emotion. He almost forgot how endearing she looks when she lets her guard down.
A worker approaches them and bows respectfully. “Lord Anaxagoras, Lady Aglaea. What a pleasure to have you visit today. How may I assist you?”
Anaxa waves a hand dismissively. “Oh, it’s nothing, we’re just visiting.”
The worker nods with a warm smile. “I see. Would you care to ride a Dromas? We have one ready and waiting.”
Aglaea turns to him, eyes brightening. “Really? That would be wonderful. Thank you.”
Anaxa raises an eyebrow, a teasing edge to his voice. “And what about my opinion? Aren’t you going to ask me about my thoughts?”
Aglaea smirks. “Please. I already know you want to ride one. You’ve been eyeing them for quite some time now.”
Anaxa looks away, cheeks flushing slightly.
The worker leads them over to a majestic purple Dromas equipped with a comfortable padded seat on its back.
“Ladies first.” Anaxa says, offering his hand to help Aglaea onto the seat before climbing up himself.
Aglaea looks around in awe, her voice soft with wonder. “Wow… this is my first time riding a Dromas.”
Anaxa arches an eyebrow. “Really? You’ve lived in Okhema your whole life. You could’ve ridden one anytime.”
Aglaea blushes, averting her gaze. “Truth be told, I never had the chance. My family usually travels by private chariot.”
Anaxa mutters under his breath. “Wealthy families.”
Aglaea pretends not to hear and turns her gaze outward, looking at the scenery around them as the Dromas begins to walk slowly.
Anaxa turns to look at Aglaea. The setting sun casts a soft, golden glow over her face, making her hair shimmer like threads of light. Her warm, genuine smile takes his breath away—so elegant, so beautiful—that for a moment, Anaxa is completely mesmerized.
Aglaea catches his gaze and smiles playfully.
“Enjoying the view?”
Anaxa blinks, shaking off his daze. “Oh, yes. The view is… very lovely.” He replies a little awkwardly.
Aglaea giggles, shifting a little closer, their hands nearly brushing. The sky deepens with golden hues as the sun dips lower, and a gentle chill begins to settle in the air. Noticing her slight shiver, Anaxa immediately slips off his jacket and drapes it carefully over her shoulders.
Aglaea looks away, cheeks tinged with a delicate blush.
“Thank you.”
Anaxa nods silently, placing his hand gently atop hers. After a moment, Aglaea leans her head softly against his shoulder. They sit quietly on the Dromas, sharing the peaceful moment, and savoring each other’s presence as twilight settles around them.
From a nearby bush, Hyacine and Tribbie watch the scene unfold, their faces glowing with sweet satisfaction.
“Mission accomplished.” Hyacine whispers.
They share a quiet high five, eyes sparkling, as the two on the Dromas slowly fade into the distance, their figures growing smaller with each step.
For a fleeting moment, they think they caught a glimpse of Aglaea giving Anaxa a quick peck on the cheek, but it’s too far to be certain.
Maybe it’s just a trick of the light or maybe… something more.