The period of a century or two was not that big for a Master Ranker like Nina.
The idea of staying apart from Eren for such a long period was indeed a bit difficult for Nina to digest. However, she also treated it as one of the motivations she needed to progress in her Ranking Status.
She was also fascinated by the prospect of exploring realms other than Anfang. She felt like she had again become a beginner Ranker and was preparing herself for her days as an adventurer ahead.
Seeing Eren progress in his Rank had lit a fire inside Nina's heart as well. It was as if she wanted to impress Eren after he was gone by giving her everything to progress ahead in her path as a Ranker.
Eren smiled at Nina after seeing how understanding she was. From his side of the table, he let his hand approach hers before holding it firmly.
"You know, you never told me how you felt after I caused the Great Shattering here. Is there anything you want to tell me? I'd understand if you want to brand me as… you know," he said in a low voice.
Nina shook her head and held Eren's hand before speaking up.
"I won't judge you because I wasn't in your shoes, Erni. It's fine if this world labels you as evil. I and many others from the White Raven Guild, who have benefited from you and your success, are equally implicated.
I believe that if we share our fortunes, it's also our responsibility to share the burden that comes with them. None of us from the White Raven Guild have any moral stance to label you as evil or judge you for your actions.
And since I have already decided to side with you no matter what, I won't think about anything else," Nina said in an assuring voice.
"Keke," Eren chuckled after hearing Nina's words. He had to say that she knew how to make him feel comfortable as much as he knew how to make her feel secure. It was as if the two could understand each other without having to verbalize their thoughts.
"You never fail to impress me," Eren said before standing up while still holding onto Nina's hand. "Hehe. The feeling is mutual, Erni," Nina said while getting up from her chair. The two stood in front of each other, their breaths on each other's faces.
As the evening sun painted the sky with hues of orange and gold, Eren and Nina found themselves drawn to each other. They took a walk together, discussing various things.
Casual talk meandered into the realm of romance, reminiscent of the moments they had shared in the past.
Amidst the lush greenery, Eren and Nina decided to revive an old tradition. A soft tune played in the background, setting the perfect ambiance for a slow dance. Eren extended his hand to Nina, inviting her to the dance floor formed by the dense foliage and flowers.
They swayed to the gentle rhythm, their movements synchronized like a well-practiced dance. In each other's embrace, they lost track of time, cherishing the familiar warmth and the comfort of being close.
As they danced, casual conversation intertwined with the romantic atmosphere. Eren, with a tender touch, started caressing Nina's face, tracing the contours as if committing every detail to memory. Nina, in turn, found herself inhaling Eren's scent, a mixture of familiarity and something indefinitely special.
The world around them faded away as they enjoyed each other's company, wrapped in the enchantment of the evening. Nina rested her face on Eren's chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
The slow dance became an intimate moment, where words were exchanged not only through conversation but also through the language of touch and shared memories.
The two lost track of time as they enjoyed each other's company. When the night fell, Eren and Nina discovered a silent language, a dance of emotions that transcended the need for words.
The Corvo Bianco vineyards witnessed their connection growing deeper, the dance floor becoming a canvas where the strokes of their shared history painted a picture of affection and understanding.
As the music played on, Eren and Nina continued to dance in each other's arms, savoring the simplicity and depth of the moment they had created. They knew they were about to get separated from each other for quite some time. However, instead of feeling downcast, they both started focusing on the present.
Eren had worn a simple half-sleeve white tunic and caramel-colored trousers. He would always wear a laid-back outfit whenever he visited Corvo Bianco vineyards. It was as if the outfit was his way of telling the world and Nina that he had left all his problems behind him for the time being. And that he was here to enjoy Nina's company.
Nina wore a simple cobalt blue dress and a pair of blue shoes. She looked elegant and charming at the same time.
As they swayed, Eren's fingers traced delicate patterns on Nina's back. The casual talk transformed into whispers of shared secrets exchanged in the quiet pauses of the music.
"What's the color today?" Eren asked while dancing slowly to the beats. He knew she would know what he was asking about.
"Hehe," Nina chuckled. "Um… tapis colored… I think," she said with a bit of uncertainty.
"I… I don't know what color that is," Eren smiled mirthlessly as he came clean. All his imagination failed him. He was pretty sure that this was the first time he had heard the word tapis.
"Hehe," Nina found Eren's expressions amusing. "You'll soon come to know what "tapis" looks like, my dear," she said while pulling his right cheek playfully.
"I'm looking forward to it," Eren said. "Same here. I never want to stop making memories with you," Nina responded.
Nina, looking up at Eren, found herself captivated by the sincerity in his eyes. She felt as if her consciousness would get pulled into an illusory world merely by looking into his emerald green eyes.
Eren's hand, which had been caressing Nina's face, gently moved to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. Nina, in response, nestled closer, her head finding a comfortable spot on Eren's shoulder.
Their heartbeats, now in sync with the music, seemed to compose a melody of their own. Soon they found themselves inside Nina's boudoir. They spent the night in each other's embrace.
