Imperfectly Perfect

Mishelam Resort, Crossbell - September, Septian Year 1207

Alfin stood in front of the mirror in her royal suite at Mishelam Resort, adjusting the delicate hairpin she’d chosen for this special day. She’d planned this date for months, agonizing over every detail to ensure it would be perfect. After all, it wasn’t every day she got to spend time alone with Rean Schwarzer, the Ashen Chevalier, and the man she had grown deeply fond of over the past year.

With a final check of her outfit—a beautiful summer dress that was both elegant and relaxed—Alfin took a deep breath. “Today will be perfect,” she whispered to herself, determination shining in her eyes.

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Plan 1: Early dinner at Fortuna Restaurant

Their first stop was a quaint, upscale restaurant  in Mishelam Resort's Lobby. Alfin had chosen it specifically for its romantic ambiance, imagining the two of them sharing a meal overlooking the sunset, exchanging smiles and soft conversation.

Except… there was one problem.

“I’m terribly sorry, Your Highness, but it seems we don’t have a reservation under your name,” the maître d’ said with an apologetic bow.

Alfin’s eyes widened. “What? That can’t be right. I… I was sure I booked it months ago!”

Rean, standing beside her, offered an understanding smile. “It’s alright, Alfin. We can always find somewhere else to eat. No need to worry.”

But Alfin was already flushed with embarrassment. How could she have forgotten something so important? She glanced around the restaurant, her mind racing for a solution, but all she could see were the reserved signs on every table.

The maître d’ offered a consolatory smile. “There’s a lovely café down by Mishelam Wonderland that I’m sure could accommodate you both on short notice.”

Rean chuckled softly, placing a reassuring hand on Alfin’s shoulder. “See? No harm done. Let’s try that café.”

Alfin sighed, trying to smile through her disappointment. “I’m so sorry, Rean. I wanted this to be perfect…”

Rean shook his head, his eyes warm. “We’ve got all day, Alfin. As long as I’m with you, I’m sure it’ll be perfect in its own way.”

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Plan 2: Evening park walk and ice cream dessert

After a pleasant, if unexpected, dinner at the café, Alfin led Rean to one of the many picturesque parks in Mishelam, where they planned to stroll and enjoy the famous Mishy  ice cream together. She’d imagined them sitting on a bench, ice cream in hand, as they watched the sunset filter through the trees and deep into the horizon.

However, as soon as they stepped into the park, they were immediately swarmed by enthusiastic fans. Or rather, Rean was.

“Oh my gosh, it’s the Ashen Chevalier!” a young woman exclaimed, rushing over with her friends in tow.

“You’re much more handsome in person!” another fan added, holding out a notebook. “Can I please get an autograph?”

Rean looked apologetically at Alfin, who stood to the side, her ice cream slowly melting in her hand as she watched the scene unfold. “It’s fine,” he mouthed to her as he tried to politely handle the situation.

But the crowd only grew larger, and within minutes, Rean was surrounded, signing autographs and taking pictures. Alfin bit her lip, her earlier embarrassment returning tenfold. This wasn’t how she’d imagined their peaceful walk at all.