The waiter chuckled softly. "Yes, miss. We do. The sea gives, and we honor it by taking only what it offers."

Lyra looked at the others, still unsure. "And… it tastes good?"

Aria grinned wide. "Oh, it's amazing. Just trust me."

Caria smirked. "You're not gonna convince her with that, you know."

Rhys leaned back, resting his chin on his hand. "It's just food, Lyra. Nothing scary about it. You'll probably like the rice—it's sweet."

Lyra hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly. "All right. I'll try."

"Atta girl," Aria said, giving her a thumbs-up.

The waiter smiled and left to place their order. The group relaxed into the warm, easy hum of the place. Outside, waves rolled softly against the docks, and the light from the bay shimmered through the glass.

Sophia glanced at Rhys after a while. "So… what's next for you? Planning to take on another quest right away?"

Rhys shrugged. "Maybe. Haven't decided yet. I might explore around first—see what Bluewave has to offer."

Caria raised an eyebrow. "You mean, more like you and Lyra exploring?"

Rhys gave her a flat look. "You're reading too much into things."

Aria leaned forward, smirking. "Sure we are."

Lyra blinked between them, confused. "What are they talking about?"

Rhys sighed, rubbing his temple. "Ignore them. They're just teasing."

The table burst into light laughter, and even Lyra smiled, though she didn't quite get the joke.

Soon the waiter returned, carrying a massive tray. The food was a feast of colors—steaming rice that shimmered faintly like pearls, grilled fish with golden skin, bright sea herbs glistening with oil, and glowing blue sauce that sparkled faintly with mana.

"Whoa," Aria breathed. "Now that's what I'm talking about."

Caria whistled. "You could feed a whole guild with this."

Lyra stared at the spread, eyes wide in awe. "It's beautiful."

Rhys picked up his fork. "Don't just stare. Eat before Aria finishes everything."

"I heard that!" Aria said with her mouth full.

Lyra took a small bite, chewing carefully. Then her eyes widened. "It's… warm. And soft. It feels like the tide at dawn."

Rhys blinked, then chuckled. "Only you could describe food like that."

But Lyra only smiled, quietly savoring her next bite.

By the time they were done eating, the plates were empty—cleaned down to the last grain of pearl rice. Even Aria leaned back with a satisfied groan, patting her stomach.

"That," she declared proudly, "was divine."

Caria smirked. "You say that after every meal."

"Yeah, but this time I mean it from my soul," Aria replied, waving dramatically.

Sophia rolled her eyes but smiled despite herself. "You always mean it from your stomach."

Rhys shook his head with a faint laugh. "You're impossible."

Lyra looked between them, amused but curious. "So… this is what 'being full' feels like?"

Rhys grinned. "That's the idea."

Aria clapped her hands once. "Alright, no time to sit around! I've got a surprise."

Caria groaned. "That never ends well."

"Oh, come on," Aria said with a grin. "You'll like this one. There's a place near the east docks—Bluewave Sea Park. They light up the water after sunset. It's supposed to be gorgeous!"

Sophia raised a brow. "You actually planned something?"

Aria huffed. "Hey, I can be thoughtful sometimes."

Rhys glanced at Lyra. "What do you think? Up for it?"

Lyra tilted her head slightly. "A park by the sea… sounds lovely."

"Then it's settled," Aria said, hopping to her feet. "Let's move before all the good spots are taken!"

They paid for their meal and stepped back into the evening air. The city had grown livelier—the streets glowing with soft blue lanterns, the scent of the ocean mixing with laughter and music from every corner.

As they made their way toward the eastern docks, the sounds of waves grew louder, deeper, until the street opened up into a wide terrace overlooking the sea.

The Bluewave Sea Park spread out before them—a series of winding stone paths, coral bridges, and shimmering pools where the water itself glowed with faint, living light. Mana-fish darted below the surface, leaving glowing trails behind them, and arcs of enchanted mist danced above the fountains like ribbons of starlight.

Lyra's eyes widened, her voice soft with awe. "It's… beautiful."

Aria smiled, hands on her hips. "Told you it was worth it."

Caria stepped up beside her, smirking. "Alright, Aria. You win this one."

Sophia just nodded in quiet approval. "Not bad."

Rhys walked closer to the railing, watching the reflections shimmer across the water. Lyra joined him, leaning slightly forward, her eyes tracing the glowing ripples.

"Beautiful," she whispered.

"Yeah," Rhys said quietly, his gaze drifting over the lights and laughter around them. "It really is."

Behind them, Aria had already spotted a glowing plank bridge and called out, "Last one there's buying the next meal!"

Caria sighed. "Not again—"

But Aria was already sprinting ahead, laughter echoing across the glowing park.

Sophia shook her head. "You two never change."

Rhys smiled faintly, glancing at Lyra. "Ready to chase them?"

She looked up at him, a small spark of mischief in her eyes. "Always."

And together, they ran after the others into the glowing sea-lit night.

Aria dashed across the glowing planks, her boots thudding lightly as waves of blue light rippled beneath her steps. The bridge responded to movement—each footfall sending bursts of color scattering across the water like living fireflies.

"Come on, slowpokes!" she shouted, glancing over her shoulder with a grin.

Caria was right behind her, determined not to lose this time. "Not happening again, Aria!" she yelled, her hair whipping behind her as she ran.

Sophia followed at a steadier pace, muttering something about "childish competitions" but clearly enjoying the view.

Rhys and Lyra took off after them, their steps quick and light. Lyra laughed—a clear, melodic sound that carried across the glowing water. Her hair shimmered in the blue light, and for a moment, she looked like part of the sea itself.

"Watch your step!" Rhys called, but she only smiled wider and sped up.

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