"Huh?" Elise blinked. It sounded strange that Loriel had always wanted to travel with her. They just knew each other for three months but from the way he said it, it was like he had wanted it for a long time.

Loriel blinked and cleared his throat. He just realized that his words just now didn't sound natural. So, he quickly explained his reasoning. "I just think that taking a trip with someone is one of the most wonderful things that a couple could do together. So I am always eager to do it, and now I can do it with you."

​​

"That's great, I'm a little worried about Pott and Pebbles though since we're going to be gone for a bit. Can Horatio take care of the cats?"

"You underestimate the sophistication of the AI in this generation," Loriel chuckled.

Elise chewed on her lip. Perhaps her father was a little old-fashioned compared to Loriel who seemed thoroughly immersed in the new technology.

Loriel noticed her expression and added. "Although, to be fair, we can leave both Pott and Pebbles in a lovely pet hotel for them to live together while we're gone. Have you seen such things online before? I can show you some videos."

"Oh, that sounds great, Loriel." Elise smiled at his words.

Yes, Loriel who spent countless centuries alone had also taken into the somewhat regular hobby of watching videos when boredom truly struck him hard. It wasn't difficult to watch a great number of videos to fill in the void when he wanted to.

Granted they were mostly about his hobbies like knitting, cooking, and taking care of the two cats in his penthouse.

***

Once Elise was settled with the idea of leaving the two cats under the care of a very pampered pet hotel, the two of them soon started preparing for the trip. If it was up to Loriel, they could have left at this very instant. He had his private plane parked at the airport ready to be used whenever he wanted to travel, when he was feeling impulsive. So.. they could actually go anytime.

Elise also didn't need to pack anything at all and and waste precious time because they could simply purchase anything they needed when they got there.

However, to truly experience the authentic feeling of travelling together with her, Loriel didn't mention that at all.

"Ah, alright. I'll bring my hygiene kit, my clothes and my phone," Elise said. Per usual, Elise didn't have a lot of belongings she could carry and she didn't think that she'd have to bring a lot either.

"Did you pack your winter clothes, Elise? Japan is also in winter right now," Loriel said as he visited her outside her door. He could have easily just slipped inside, but Loriel still wished to give her some privacy and didn't invite himself.

"Oh, of course I did." Elise grinned at him. "I searched up Japan and the things we need to know before we travel there. Guidelines and suggested places, it's going to be so much fun."

Loriel chuckled. "Indeed we will."

"Not to mention, I can't forget that my boyfriend is fluent in Japanese too," Elise said. She remembered the time when Loriel ordered their meal in Japanese at the Haruka Ramen Shop and when he spoke in Italian during their restaurant.

Loriel nodded. "You can count on me to take care of language barriers, though I'm also happy to teach you if you wish."

"That'd be really great, Loriel." Elise smiled. "I'd love to be immersed in the culture of the country. There are so many great places to visit. I am feeling very excited."

Loriel truly enjoyed the pleasant look on her face. At first he was reluctant to have Elise exposed to the dangers of the world, but to see that bright smile on her face was all he needed.

Loriel just needed to be by her side and protect her throughout everything that might happen.

Now that he thought about it, there was something Elise could use.

"Well, some people have created an app that helps translate language instantly with one's phone… there are a lot of those now," Loriel said. "But instead of relying on an app to do a lot of the interpreting, it's still great to know the language yourself if you can."

"I agree with that kind of sentiment," Elise nodded. "I'm really excited, Loriel. I've checked everything and we can leave tonight at the earliest."

"Then we should."

***

New York City was once again bustling with city life, traffic congested the street even during the holiday seasons.

There were numerous people coming and going to visit their relatives and friends, enjoying the time where people could relax and be with their loved ones.

Loriel and Elise arrived at the airport together.

Elise wore a light jacket over her outfit, and her luggage was small and easily carried by herself. Loriel wore a black jacket and carried his own backpack as well, while he could have brought a luggage trolley, similar to Elise, he didn't need much.

The two of them only brought the bare essentials.

All Loriel ever needed was just being with Elise anyway, so even if he only went with her without a single thing with him, Loriel was fine. He'd just purchase everything that they needed if the occasion arose.

For now, the two of them navigated through the airport.

"Alright," Loriel said, with his hand intertwined with Elise's own. He looked around and took note of the signs. "Let's go, based on the tickets you received, we just need to go to the airline VIP check-in counter and the staff will take care of the rest for us."

"Then we should hurry up, I'm excited to ride in a plane."

Loriel wondered if Elise ever got the experience to fly on a plane aside from being transported back to America from Germany when the Yorks' private investigators 'found' her.

Loriel wasn't so sure if Daniel York was that overprotective with his daughter, but Elise truly seemed to be pumped to board one.

On the contrary, while Elise was excited about Japan and flying… She was happy for different reasons. Elise was excited to travel with Loriel, now that she had made her decision to be with him as a couple.