Samael was not a fool. He certainly had not forgotten Altera's identity.
The appearance of the King of the Huns in the capital of Rome was suspicious no matter how one looked at it.
Surely she had not traveled thousands of miles just to attend the Festival of Pan.
With doubts in mind, the Ancient Serpent took advantage of the goodwill he had built by buying snacks for Altera and began probing indirectly, trying to learn the purpose of her visit.
However, the seemingly easygoing, expressionless girl became evasive whenever the questions touched on anything important. As Samael continued to probe, a trace of suspicion gradually appeared in the way she looked at him.
Tch. She was not that easy to fool after all.
After several failed attempts, Samael gave up trying to extract information for the time being. Instead, under the pretense of sightseeing, he focused on easing the wariness that had begun to grow in Altera's mind.
The two of them wandered through the surrounding districts, visiting lively streets, markets, assembly halls, memorial columns, arenas, and other places of interest.
They tossed coins into fountains to make wishes, searched markets for unusual fruits and vegetables, stood before memorial columns reading about Rome's history, and even entered the arena to watch men fight wild beasts.
When the two finally walked out of a tavern where they had stopped to rest, the sun was already setting and the sky had turned dim gold. After drinking quite a bit of wine and ale, Altera was slightly tipsy. Her gaze was unfocused as she leaned half her weight on Samael's shoulder, swaying as they walked through a narrow alley.
"Even if you like drinking, you should show a little restraint."
Samael glanced back at the tavern behind them and spoke irritably to the King of the Huns, who was currently displaying the full qualities of a drunk.
"Hehe... I'm not drunk... drink... keep drinking... cheers!"
Altera hiccupped as she staggered along, her face flushed bright red and her expression still oddly proud. When she shifted slightly, the sloshing sound of liquid could be heard from her noticeably rounded stomach, making one wonder just how much she had drunk.
Inside the tavern, more than a dozen burly men lay sprawled across the floor, foaming at the mouth and completely unconscious from drink.
"Want me to help you evaporate the alcohol?"
The Ancient Serpent shook his head helplessly.
"Mmm... no... it feels like... lying on the back of a lamb... light... soft... when I look up... there are so many stars... I like it..."
Clearly drunk, Altera's eyes were hazy. She talked far more than usual, appearing slightly livelier than her usual quiet self.
"Forget it. Where do you live? I'll take you back."
As he spoke, Samael bent slightly and lifted Altera onto his back.
If she had come with companions, he might have been able to find some clues from them.
The Ancient Serpent pondered silently while following Altera's vague directions, walking calmly out of the alley.
"Big brother, buy a bouquet! With the blessing of Venus, you two will surely be happy!"
Just as Samael was lost in thought, a girl carrying a flower basket ran up excitedly from the corner, enthusiastically promoting her flowers.
The roses in the basket had been carefully trimmed, red and white blossoms glistening with dewdrops. Their fragrance was fresh and sweet, and they looked delicate and vibrant.
Samael snapped out of his thoughts and looked toward the busy street where couples leaned close to each other. Remembering another custom associated with the Festival of Pan, he could not help falling silent.
As the Roman Empire expanded across Europe, the traditions of the festival spread to places like France and Britain.
One popular activity resembled a lottery. Young women's names were placed in a box, and young men would draw from it. The matched pair became lovers for a year, or sometimes even longer.
With the rise of Christianity, the worship of many gods gradually faded. In order to expand Christian influence, priests eventually transformed the Festival of Pan into Saint Valentine's Day and moved it to February fourteenth. The legend of the monk Valentine naturally merged with the old festival traditions, giving rise to what later became Valentine's Day.
Because of that, the Festival of Pan had gradually taken on some of the qualities of a lovers' festival.
So... did this count as going on a Valentine's date with a former mortal enemy?
Samael chuckled softly and shook his head. There was no trace of romantic fancy in his eyes, only calm and depth.
With his left hand he held up Altera's slipping legs. With his free right hand he tossed the girl a silver coin, took a bouquet of white roses from the basket, and prepared to continue on his way.
White roses would do.
Seeing red on Valentine's Day was not exactly a good omen.
"You don't need to pay that much, really. Here, this is your change. Please take it."
The little girl with braided hair hurriedly dug a few copper coins out of her pouch and handed them back to her customer. Her face looked a little shy, and her sapphire-blue eyes were clear and innocent.
Samael paused for a moment. A faint smile spread across his lips and his mood brightened. After taking the change, he raised his hand and gently patted the girl on the head, speaking softly.
"May the gods bless you..."
For a moment the girl felt dazed. A warm current spread through her body, driving away the chill in her limbs.
By the time she came back to her senses, the two customers had already disappeared at the far end of the road.
Huh? My hand doesn't hurt anymore?
The girl blinked in surprise. She untied the dirty strip of cloth around her hand and lifted it into the moonlight with delight. The small wound left earlier by the rose thorn had completely vanished, leaving her hand smooth and unblemished.
...
"Here, this is for you. So, how was today's experience?"
While walking along the road, Samael casually handed the bouquet of white roses back to Altera, whose drunkenness had mostly faded.
"Mmm... it was very enjoyable. As thanks, you may make one request of me as repayment."
"Huh? Do you have to make it sound so formal?"
"Yes. It counts. You gave me many things today. I experienced a life that isn't only about being a warrior. In short... it was very interesting."
The King of the Huns hugged the lamb plush happily and answered in a serious tone. A trace of lingering satisfaction flickered in his eyes, and deep within those pupils that seemed to reflect the endless stars, a faint color rippled.
This favor came a little too easily, didn't it?
Samael was somewhat stunned. He had not expected such an unexpected gain from something done on a whim.
"Mmm. But I don't think. I don't feel. I only know how to fight. Only how to kill. I'm probably like a machine without a heart. If you think of a request, just input it. I will treat it as a command and carry it out."
Altera tilted his head slightly and spoke calmly. His crimson eyes quietly watched the man before him, like a puppet waiting for instructions.
"I want..."
"Awooo!"
Just as Samael hesitated and was about to speak, a deep wolf's howl suddenly echoed from outside the city.
The slightly tipsy Altera's pupils instantly sharpened. Star patterns flickered across his skin as the Ether inside his body surged to life, evaporating the remaining alcohol. His presence turned cold and lethal once again.
Fully sober, the King of the Huns leapt into the air, weaving through the crowd and disappearing from Samael's sight in an instant.
The Ancient Serpent opened his mouth, then stopped himself. After a brief moment of hesitation, he ultimately chose not to chase after him.
Tsk. Forget it. I'll keep that favor in reserve. It might be useful someday.
Samael rubbed his slightly aching temples and looked up toward the Pantheon under the moonlight. After thinking for a moment, he gave up the idea of continuing his investigation and turned back toward Nero's private residence on the outskirts.
He still had not figured out why Altera had come to the City of Seven Hills. Something about it made him uneasy.
He had already been out long enough. It would be better to go back and check on things.
At the same time, shadows began quietly spreading through the corners of the city.