A Snake’s Life Ch 81

Chapter 81

 

I had spread out the collection of gems on my bed. They weren’t of the finest quality, but they were still a satisfying testament to my efforts—small tokens of gratitude received in exchange for sharing my divine power. Tiny as they were, they were mine.

 

I had repeatedly warned the servants and knights not to let Ian find out. The same went for Paul and Wol. Thankfully, Casa wasn’t around—he reported every detail of my activities to his master without fail, which was… problematic.

 

A knock sounded at the door. I quickly threw the blanket over the gems just as Ian entered.

 

“Shuiren, His Highness requests your presence for dinner outside.”

 

“Outside?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Understood.”

 

Dinner outside? Was this an impromptu outing? I tilted my head in confusion. Maybe he was enjoying the trip more than I thought. The old him would never have suggested something like this. I shooed Ian away with a wave.

 

First, I needed to hide these gems. The moment Ian left, I swept them into a pouch, tied it tightly, and tucked it into the upper part of my bed frame. No one would think to look up there, right? People only search at eye level, after all. Satisfied, I dusted off my hands.

 

“Perfect.”

 

Proud of my handiwork, I turned to prepare for my meeting with Zerpell—only to pause at my reflection. My outfit was… well, what I usually lounged around in. The clothes Ian laid out for me were comfortable, but hardly suitable for a *date*.

 

If I had to compare it to my past life, it was like showing up to a fancy dinner in sweatpants. Not exactly proper etiquette. I bolted up and flung open the door—only to find Ian still waiting.

 

“Give me a minute to change.”

 

I slipped past him into the dressing room, where rows of garments—from modest to extravagant—awaited. Honestly, I’d only worn a handful since arriving here. The flashier pieces had gone untouched. What was the point of dressing up when I barely left my room?

 

Guilt prickled at the sight of dust gathering on them. These clothes had been neglected, just like me.

 

“Though some are a bit too much for daily wear… But that’s exactly why I should wear them *now*.”

 

My current appearance wasn’t bad, but it needed refinement. Ian tried to assist, but I waved him off, rummaging through the options myself. There were so many I’d never even noticed before. I held them up one by one, deliberating.

 

“This one’s nice… but so is this… Hmm.”

 

A growing pile of discarded clothes later, I still hadn’t found *the one*. Maybe I should just grab something and go? But—

 

A soft *ahem* interrupted my thoughts.

 

Ian was still there, watching. My face burned. Had he been standing there the whole time, witnessing my frantic indecision?

 

“His Highness has arrived.”

 

“Already?”

 

The sun had just set—early for him. With no time left, I grabbed the least objectionable option.

 

*’He once said white suits me…’*

 

I sprinted down the stairs, nearly tripping over myself, and found Zerpell waiting.

 

“You’re early?” I panted.

 

“You didn’t have to rush.”

 

He brushed a hand over my back as I caught my breath.

 

“I couldn’t keep you waiting.”

 

A gentle smile played on his lips. I coughed awkwardly, resting a hand on my hip. *Well?* My sidelong glance asked the question I couldn’t voice. But he just stared blankly, leaving me deflated. No reaction at all? I fiddled with my sleeve. Did it not suit me?

 

White wasn’t exactly a dramatic change, but the embroidery and cut were different… I’d put in effort. Was a single compliment too much to ask? He was usually so free with praise—why not today? Swallowing my disappointment, I changed the subject.

 

“Where are we eating?”

 

“I reserved a nice place.”

 

“Oh?”

 

My tone was casual, but his attention was already elsewhere, speaking to the coachman about our destination. I sighed. Well, fine. His idea of a “nice place” probably involved hours of research or polling the staff. The thought made me smile.

 

As I moved toward the carriage, he murmured:

 

“It suits you.”

 

“Eh? What?”

 

“I said it suits you. Did you dress up for me?”

 

The delayed compliment hit like a sneak attack, doubling my embarrassment. His whisper alone was enough to stain my cheeks red. *Why say it so late?* I grumbled under my breath. If he’d just said it earlier, I could’ve basked in it properly. Was he doing this on purpose?

 

His smirk suggested yes.

 

Not wanting him to see my flushed face, I hurried toward the carriage—only to freeze at the sight of the dragon emblem emblazoned on its side.

 

“Wait… we’re taking *this*?”

 

“Is there a problem? Or did you have another in mind?”

 

The royal crest was unmistakable, but the plush cushions visible through the open door were too tempting to refuse. At least we didn’t have to hide this time.

 

The carriage rolled smoothly out of the palace and into the city’s heart. The moment we entered the main district, whispers erupted. Of course. A crowd gathered, curiosity burning in their stares as we passed.

 

“Let’s go.”

 

Zerpell opened the carriage door without hesitation, offering his hand to help me down. My breath caught at the sight before us—a towering, gilded restaurant, more mansion than eatery. Stained glass cast kaleidoscopic patterns across the floor, and through the transparent walls, nobles dined in elegant clusters.

 

This was clearly a place for the elite. And *expensive*.

 

A waiter spotted the carriage and promptly shrieked.

 

“Ghk—!”

 

He took one look at Zerpell and fled inside before I could even react.

 

“Where’d he go?”

 

“Wait.”

 

Before Zerpell finished speaking, the manager appeared, trembling but composed.

 

“Your Highness, we’re honored by your presence. Your full-course meal is prepared as requested. Please, follow me.”

 

He ushered us inside with a bow.

 

The interior was dimly lit, a stark contrast to the gilded exterior—perfect for ambiance. Most tables were occupied by couples. One noblewoman, upon locking eyes with me, dropped her fork with a clatter. The entire restaurant fell silent.

 

The manager smoothly guided us upstairs. The higher we climbed, the fewer tables there were—until we reached the secluded terrace on the third floor. Each table was spaced for privacy, and soft music drifted through the air.

 

Our spot overlooked the city. As I sat, the horizon blazed with the sunset’s dying light, melting into twilight.

 

“…Beautiful,” I breathed.

 

Zerpell chuckled. The promise of nightfall and the city’s eventual illumination already had me eager. Only when the last streaks of daylight faded did I turn back.

 

“Done sightseeing?”

 

“Yeah… Eating out isn’t so bad. But why the sudden invitation?”

 

After publicly declaring our relationship at the knight’s event, was he now flaunting it? The murmurs from below made my ears burn.

 

“I thought you might enjoy it. And I wanted to see you smile.”

 

“I smile all the time.”

 

Anyone listening would think I was some stoic statue. If anything, I smiled *more* around him.

 

“True. But when you’re truly happy, your lips part slightly. Like now.”

 

My mouth snapped shut. *…Huh. I guess that’s different.* His knowing gaze made me look away. Had he really been observing me that closely? His fingers traced the curve of my smile.

 

“Your meal is served.”

 

A waiter arrived with a tray, setting dish after dish before us.

 

The first course was an appetizer, followed by wine. My eyes nearly bulged at the sight. *Alcohol*—my mortal enemy. The memory of my last drunken disgrace made me cringe.

 

Zerpell uncorked the bottle and poured without hesitation.

 

“W-wine? Last time you said—”

 

“With me, it’s fine.”

 

A hazy recollection surfaced. Had he said that? My memory of that night was spotty at best.

 

“Try it. It’s different from the banquet’s.”

 

I eyed the glass warily. Like a butterfly drawn to nectar, my resistance crumbled. The wine’s ruby glow was hypnotic. Zerpell filled my glass with practiced ease.

 

“Just don’t overindulge.”

 

I nodded, taking a sip.

 

“It’s delicious! You have good taste.”

 

Flattery was obligatory, of course. I kept drinking, while Zerpell set his glass down after a single sip.

 

“You like it?”

 

I nodded vigorously. He watched me eat with an expression that suggested my enjoyment was enough for him.

 

Then it hit me—this place must be *expensive*. The last gift he’d given me still sat on my bedside, occasionally fiddled with. I hadn’t even repaid him for that yet…

 

“Something wrong?”

 

He noticed my fidgeting. My mind raced. *A gift… I need a gift…*

 

I forced a smile. His brow twitched, but before he could press further, the moment passed, and the thought drifted away.