Lucan blinked in surprise as his eyes fell on Julia, standing at the entrance of the staff dormitory. She looked entirely different from her usual self. Dressed in an elegant white gown that shimmered softly under the evening light, she looked more like a noblewoman attending a grand ball than the feisty, tsundere adventurer he was used to seeing.


    The gown clung to her slender frame, entuating her curves while flowing gracefully down to her ankles, with a slit at the side that offered a glimpse of her long, shapely legs. The fabric was smooth, delicate, and embroidered with silver patterns that shimmered subtly with each movement.


    Her hair, usually tied back in a practical ponytail, was now styled into soft waves that cascaded down her back. The front of her hair was parted elegantly, framing her face, with a few loose strands delicately curled to highlight her features. A silver hairpin with a small gemstone added a touch of elegance to her overall look.


    Lucan noticed her makeup was more refined than usual. Her lips were painted a soft shade of pink, glossy but not overpowering. Her eyes, already striking, were enhanced with subtle eyeliner and a light dusting of silver eyeshadow, making her gaze seem deeper and more enchanting. There was a hint of blush on her cheeks, giving her a soft, almost ethereal glow.


    "You look stunning, Julia," Lucan said as he looked at her.


    Julia''s cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink as she averted her eyes, the usual tsundere defensiveness surfacing. "I-I just thought it would be nice to dress up for once. It''s not like I did it for you or anything!" she quickly added, folding her arms, though her flustered expression betrayed her true feelings.


    Lucan chuckled softly, stepping closer. "Regardless of who it''s for, you look beautiful. Really, you do."


    Julia shifted ufortably, but there was a small, pleased smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "T-Thanks... but we should get going. I was thinking we could have dinner together."


    Lucan nced down at himself, realizing he was still wearing his casual work clothes—a simple shirt and trousers, entirely inappropriate for an evening out with someone dressed as elegantly as Julia.


    "I can''t go out like this," Lucan said, shaking his head with a yful grin. "You''ve set the bar too high. I need to change into something that matches your style."


    Julia''s flustered expression softened, and she nodded. "Well, hurry up then! You always keep ady waiting."


    Lucan chuckled again, "I''ll be quick," he promised and quickly made his way back to his room. Your journey continues with mvl


    He sifted through his wardrobe, picking out a formal ck coat with silver trimmings thatplemented the elegance of Julia''s dress. He paired it with a crisp white shirt and dark trousers, along with polished ck shoes. Satisfied with his appearance, Lucan gave himself onest look in the mirror before heading back down.


    When he returned to the entrance, Julia gave him a quick once-over and nodded, though the slight blush on her face betrayed her approval.


    "Not bad, I guess," she muttered, trying to hide her smile.


    Lucan chuckled as they walked and reached carriage. Lucan went and held the carriage door open for Julia, offering his hand as she stepped up into the plush interior. She hesitated for a moment, ncing down at his outstretched hand before taking it, her grip soft but slightly tense. Her cheeks were still faintly pink, and Lucan couldn''t help but smile at the sight of her flustered expression.


    "Don''t make such a big deal out of it," Julia muttered, quickly looking away as she settled into her seat. "It''s just… proper manners, that''s all. It''s not like I needed your help or anything."


    Lucan chuckled as he climbed into the carriage, sitting across from her. "Of course, just proper manners. I wouldn''t dream of thinking otherwise."


    Julia shot him a quick re, but itcked its usual bite, her blush deepening. "Good," she mumbled, crossing her arms defensively.


    The carriage jolted into motion, the rhythmic tter of the horses'' hooves filling thefortable silence. Lucan watched Julia from across the carriage, noticing how she fidgeted with the fabric of her gown, asionally ncing out of the window but never for too long.


    Despite her usual confidence, it was clear that she wasn''t used to dressing up like this, and it was endearing to see her so out of her element.


    "You really do look beautiful tonight, Julia," Lucan said again.


    Julia stiffened at thepliment, her gaze snapping to meet his. "W-Why do you keep saying that?!" she stammered, her blush now a deep crimson. "I told you, it''s not a big deal! Stop acting like I''m some kind of… of princess or something!"


    Lucan couldn''t suppress his smile. "I''m just being honest. You''ve always been beautiful, Julia, but tonight… it''s like you''re glowing."


    Julia sputtered, her hands flying up to cover her face as she tried to hide her embarrassment. "Y-You''re impossible, you know that?!" she grumbled from behind her hands. "You… you can''t just say things like that so casually!"


    Lucan leaned back, crossing his arms with a satisfied grin. "Why not? If it''s the truth, I should be able to say it."


    Julia lowered her hands just enough to re at him, her eyes narrowing despite the blush that still colored her cheeks. "Because it''s embarrassing, that''s why! Ugh, you''re so frustrating…"


    Lucanughed softly, his gaze never leaving her. "If I''m frustrating, why did you invite me to dinner?"


    Julia huffed, crossing her arms again and turning to look out of the window. "Don''t get the wrong idea! I just… I just want to go that restaurant but Hima, and others weren''ting with me and I don''t want to go alone, that''s why. It''s not like I wanted to spend time with you or anything!"


    "Oh, I understand," Lucan teased, his tone light. "It''s purely for your benefit."


    Julia shot him another re, but before she could retort, the carriage began to slow, signaling their arrival at the restaurant. The carriage came to a stop in front of a grand establishment, its fa?ade lit up by warm golden lights that reflected off the polished stone walls. It was clearly an upscale ce, the kind of restaurant frequented by nobles and those with status.


    Lucan stepped out first, offering his hand to Julia once more. She hesitated again but took it, carefully stepping down from the carriage.


    "I can walk on my own, you know," she muttered as her hand slipped from his as she looked down at her hand, still feeling warmth of his hand that she want to feel it again.