Grand Return System-Chapter 65: A Day Beneath Mortal Skies

A Day Beneath Mortal Skies

Floating up behind the dunes, dawn painted the sky in soft amber light. Morning crept across the sands of the Yellow Desert like a quiet promise. Golden rays stretched long shadows where night had just been.

Warmth began to spread over the sand as night’s chill slipped away. At Ashford City’s edge stood Leon, his dark robe trimmed with purple thread fluttering just slightly. Moving toward him were three people, different from one another, yet all demanding attention without a word. The wind carried their footsteps faintly, steady but unhurried.

Behind him stepped Selena, strands of silver-white falling past her shoulders, a robe like fresh snow hugging her narrow frame. On her hip, a pale blue band drew lines across soft contours, the opening in her garment swaying as she advanced, each stride showing glimpses of toned limbs moving without sound. Quietness lived in her gaze - yet today it flickered, awake.

A flash of sun caught the silk draped over Rias, its crimson deepening under light as it fell around her. To his right she stood, a gold belt tied low at her hips, holding folds that moved like water. When breeze lifted the edge, a stretch of leg appeared - long, steady. Fabric stacked softly along her form, blurring lines between young grace and quiet strength. There was shape there, gentle swell across her front, carried without show. Wind played again at the cloth. Her gaze stayed sharp, two red sparks alive with something close to wonder.

Akeno moved at the back, dark fabric tracing every curve of her shape, the open sides of her gown showing legs that looked carved by time. Not a word passed her lips, yet her eyes danced ahead, catching details most would miss. She watched. Always.

Faintly smiling, Leon shifted by the city gate.

"You three go inside. Enjoy the day. Today is your off from cultivation."

Rias blinked in surprise. "Teacher... truly?"

Selena tilted her head slightly. "But Teacher, where are you going? If you wish, we can accompany you."

Leon’s violet eyes softened. He stepped closer and gently brushed a strand of hair from Selena’s cheek.

"I’m heading deeper into the forest beyond the outer mountains. The danger level is higher. I need that pressure to refine my new technique." His tone remained relaxed. "If I bring you three, I’ll only have to worry about protecting you."

Rias crossed her arms lightly. "So you’re saying we’d slow you down?"

Leon chuckled quietly. "I’m saying you’re too precious to risk unnecessarily."

Rias pretended to pout, but the faint blush creeping up her cheeks betrayed her satisfaction.

Selena studied him for a moment. She trusted him completely.

"Then... take care, Teacher." 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

Leon nodded. He gently tapped Rias’s forehead, then gave Selena a reassuring look. Even Akeno received a faint nod before he turned and walked toward the outer forest path.

The three women stood for a moment watching his back disappear.

Only when he vanished into the distant trees did Rias exhale dramatically.

"Well then," she said, turning with sudden excitement, "we’re free today."

—

Soon after, three breathtaking figures entered Ashford City together.

The streets were already bustling. Merchants shouted their wares. The scent of roasted meat drifted from food stalls. Silk banners fluttered overhead. Citizens paused mid-step as the trio passed.

It wasn’t subtle.

People stared.

Some whispered.

Selena’s cold beauty drew distance. Rias’s radiant charm invited attention. Akeno’s mature elegance made men swallow unconsciously.

"Senior Sister, Akeno, come and look. Does this hairpin look good?" Rias lifted a delicate silver hairpin from a stall, twirling it between slender fingers.

The merchant stared blankly for a moment before stammering, "M-Miss, that piece suits you very much."

"Yes, it’s the best for our Rias," Selena replied calmly, a faint smile appearing.

Rias laughed lightly and pinned it against her red hair, tilting her head. "How does it look?"

Akeno stepped closer, adjusting it slightly. "It makes you look more dangerous."

Rias blinked. "Dangerous?"

"Yes," Akeno smiled. "Like someone who would set the city on fire if displeased."

Rias giggled.

They moved from stall to stall, curiosity bright in Rias’s eyes. Though she had lived within palace walls her entire life in the Drake Empire, she had never experienced ordinary market streets.

She touched fabrics, examined trinkets, tasted candied fruits for the first time.

Selena watched her quietly.

It was rare to see Rias so openly happy.

People continued watching them.

Some with admiration.

Some with greed.

Just as the three were laughing over a small carved ornament, a voice interrupted.

"I think this hairpin is very suitable for this beautiful fairy. You will definitely be very beautiful if you wear it."

The tone was smooth. Too smooth.

The three turned.

A handsome young man stood behind them—fine robes, confident posture, eyes that assessed rather than admired.

Selena’s expression cooled instantly.

She felt it.

That gaze.

Invasive.

Measuring.

She hated it.

Rias, however, remained composed. She gently set the hairpin back down.

"You’re right. My senior sister is naturally beautiful. She’ll look good with anything." She smiled faintly. "But that doesn’t seem to concern you."

The young man did not appear offended.

Instead, his gaze shifted toward Rias—and lit up further.

He had only been wandering out of boredom.

And yet today, he encountered two women of goddess-like beauty.

He straightened slightly.

"I am Vita Zain of Ashford City’s Zain family and the eldest disciple of Max from Sky Breaker Academy. Two beauties, may I know your names and which academy you cultivate at? Perhaps we could find a pleasant pavilion and share some wine?"

He spoke casually—but pride dripped from every syllable.

In Ashford City, his name carried weight.

He expected awe.

Admiration.

Submission.

Selena remained silent.

Her icy blue eyes stared at him without warmth.

Rias tugged lightly at her red robes and smiled playfully.

"I don’t think that’s necessary. We’re not familiar." Her voice softened just enough to remain polite. "Besides, before we left, our Teacher told us none of the men outside are good. We were instructed to stay far away. Sir, if there’s nothing else, we’ll take our leave."

She paused deliberately.

"Oh, that’s right. Your name might scare others—but you’re not qualified when it comes to me."

The words landed like a slap.

Vita Zain’s smile stiffened.

Not qualified?

In Ashford City?

His jaw tightened.

"You’re saying that I’m not qualified?" he asked slowly, teeth clenched just enough to show strain.

Rias tilted her head slightly. "Did I stutter?"

Akeno covered her mouth lightly, hiding amusement.

Selena stepped half a pace forward—silent warning.

Vita’s pride flared.

He turned abruptly toward the servant behind him.

"Go. Investigate them. I want to know their background."

The servant nodded immediately.

Vita’s eyes followed the three retreating figures, darkened now by possessiveness.

"Hmph," he muttered under his breath. "I’ve never failed to take a woman I’m interested in before."

The market noise swallowed his words.

But his intent lingered like a stain in the air.