Chapter 152:Suprise.
The excitement in the room lingered long after Silver’s promotion had sunk in.
Ravenna couldn’t stop smiling.
Every time she looked at him, she was reminded that the person she’d met when he was completely clueless, had sparred with, and had watched stubbornly push himself through headaches, had finally broken through to Rank Two.
Silver, meanwhile, still felt as though he were walking on air. Every movement felt effortless. His senses were sharper than they had been the day before, and even standing still, he could feel the subtle increase in strength flowing naturally through his body.
Eventually, he stretched his arms above his head.
"I should head to the gym."
Ravenna nodded automatically before pausing.
"...Actually."
Silver looked at her.
"I think I’ll skip the gym today."
He blinked.
"You will?"
She smiled innocently.
"I’ll just use the equipment in our room."
Silver frowned slightly.
"Really?"
She nodded.
"I don’t feel like going downstairs."
That answer surprised him more than he expected. Over the past days, training together had quietly started to become part of their routine. It felt strange hearing her decline.
"Are you feeling alright?"
Ravenna met his gaze and immediately understood where his thoughts had gone.
"I’m fine."
"You sure?"
She laughed softly.
"I’m sure."
Silver still looked unconvinced.
"You aren’t... disappointed?"
She tilted her head.
"Disappointed?"
"That I ranked up first."
For a moment, Ravenna simply stared at him, then she couldn’t help laughing.
"You really thought that?"
Silver rubbed the back of his neck.
"...Maybe."
She shook her head.
"Not to beat my own drum, Silver, but I’m really talented, and I know that."
She held up one finger.
"You’re only one rank ahead. I’ll catch up in no time."
There wasn’t the slightest hint of jealousy in her voice, only confidence.
Silver relaxed a little.
"If you’re certain..."
"I am." She smiled. "So go train."
"I’ll exercise here."
Silver nodded slowly.
"Alright."
Even so, a small part of him remained worried. Before leaving, he glanced back one more time.
"If you need anything..."
"I’ll call."
"You promise?"
"I promise."
Satisfied, though only barely, Silver picked up his towel and left the room. The door clicked softly shut behind him.
The silence lasted exactly three seconds, then Ravenna hurried toward the bathroom.
"Good, he believed me."
She quickly washed her face, brushed her hair, and changed into casual clothes instead of training attire. A few minutes later, she slipped quietly out of the room.
The morning air outside the hotel was pleasantly cool. Ravenna walked with surprising purpose. She had only one destination in mind.
The day before yesterday, while they had been exploring the shopping district, she’d noticed a bakery a few streets away. Hopefully... it would already be open.
Fortunately, the warm aroma of fresh bread reached her long before she saw the building itself. A small wooden sign hung above the entrance. The display window showcased rows of freshly baked loaves, pastries, fruit tarts, and decorated cakes.
A cheerful bell chimed as she stepped inside. The baker behind the counter looked up immediately.
"Good morning."
"Good morning."
"What can I help you with?"
Ravenna looked toward the display case.
"I’m looking for a celebration cake."
The elderly baker smiled knowingly.
"A birthday?"
She shook her head.
"No."
"My boyfriend..." she couldn’t help smiling herself. "...He reached Rank Two today."
The baker’s expression brightened immediately.
"Oh! Now that’s worth celebrating."
Several other customers turned toward her with curious smiles. One middle-aged contractor waiting for his breakfast chuckled.
"Rank Two? Congratulations to him."
Ravenna bowed her head politely.
"Thank you."
The baker walked toward a row of undecorated cakes.
"What size were you thinking?"
"Something for two people."
"And the message?"
Ravenna thought for a moment, then smiled.
"Could you write..." She spoke carefully. "’Congratulations on reaching Rank Two, Silver!’"
The baker nodded.
"Of course."
As he carefully decorated the cake with neat white frosting, he asked, "Is he a contractor?"
"Yes."
"First promotion?"
"It is."
The baker chuckled.
"I’ve made quite a few of these over the years. Usually the contractor comes in with friends."
Ravenna looked at the cake.
"I wanted this one to surprise him."
"I’m sure you will."
A few minutes later, the finished cake was carefully placed into a sturdy box. The baker handed it across the counter with a smile.
"I hope the two of you have a wonderful celebration."
"We will."
Ravenna accepted the box carefully.
"Thank you."
As she left the bakery, she found herself smiling all over again. She could already imagine the expression Silver would make. That alone made walking in the morning chill worth it.
On her way back toward the hotel, she stopped, glancing down at her phone. There was one more thing to prepare.
She opened the hotel’s room service menu. Silver had developed a few obvious favorites during their stay: grilled steak, roasted potatoes, creamy mushroom soup, fresh bread, and a large fruit platter. He always ordered far more than she did.
A faint smile tugged at her lips.
"He’s going to need a proper celebration meal."
She placed the order, asking for it to be delivered to their room in about an hour. Everything had to arrive before Silver returned. The receptionist recognized her as she entered the hotel again.
"Good morning."
"Morning."
The receptionist’s eyes immediately fell to the carefully carried cake box.
"Oh?"
Ravenna smiled.
"It’s a surprise."
The receptionist’s smile widened.
"I won’t spoil it."
"Thank you."
After returning to the room, Ravenna gently placed the cake inside the small refrigerator to keep it fresh. She checked the time; still plenty.
She quickly rearranged the room. The small table near the window was moved slightly. She placed two chairs opposite each other. Organized plates, forks, and glasses. Everything was neatly arranged.
By the time room service arrived, the room looked ready for a small celebration. The staff carefully wheeled in the food before quietly leaving again after wishing them a pleasant meal. The delicious aroma immediately filled the suite.
Ravenna looked around with satisfaction. Everything was ready, now... she only had to wait.
Nearly forty minutes later, her phone vibrated with a message from Silver.
*Finished training.*
*Heading back now.*
Ravenna smiled. Her fingers quickly moved across the screen.
*Come back to the room.*
She read the message once before sending it, then she looked around the room one final time. The cake waited quietly on the table, and steam still rose gently from Silver’s favorite dishes. The morning sunlight streamed through the window.
Everything was perfect. All that remained was waiting for him to open the door.