Crimson Overlord-Chapter 390: Velmira

Luna rested her head on his shoulder, her voice warm and content. "Not every victory has to be a battle. Sometimes, it’s enough just to share moments like this."

Orpheus nodded, his hand finding hers.

"You’re right. This is perfect."

They stayed there for a while longer, letting the calm embrace of the moment surround them. For Orpheus and Luna, the time spent together—whether in laughter or quiet companionship—was the greatest reward of all.

While Orpheus and Luna enjoyed their time in the Demon Realm, the others were scattered across different lands, each finding their own way to unwind. In the grand and opulent Luxuria Empire, twin sisters Ella and Lily were deep in their own adventure, immersing themselves in the vibrant energy of the empire’s capital city, Velmira.

Known as the City of Eternal Pleasure, Velmira was the beating heart of Luxuria—a dazzling metropolis of extravagant palaces, thriving marketplaces, and streets that pulsed with music, laughter, and the alluring scent of exotic spices. It was a place where indulgence reigned supreme, and for two young women eager to experience the world, it was the perfect holiday destination.

Stepping out of their luxurious carriage, Ella and Lily took in the breathtaking sight before them. The golden domes of Velmira’s palace gleamed in the midday sun, while the winding streets were alive with people from all walks of life—merchants calling out their wares, street performers captivating audiences with dazzling tricks, and noble ladies strolling in their embroidered silks.

Lily stretched her arms above her head, her silver-white hair gleaming under the sunlight.

"This place is incredible! Just look at all the shops! The food! The music!"

Ella, the more composed of the two, adjusted her hat and gave her twin an amused glance.

"Try not to get too carried away. We just arrived, and you’re already bouncing like a child."

Lily grinned. "Come on, sis! It’s a holiday. We should enjoy it to the fullest!"

With that, the two linked arms and made their way into the bustling streets, ready to lose themselves in the wonders of Velmira.

Their first stop was the Grand Bazaar, an enormous open-air market filled with countless stalls selling everything imaginable—jewels that shimmered like captured starlight, rare perfumes made from flowers found only in enchanted forests, and silk so fine it felt like a whisper against the skin.

Lily, always drawn to bright and beautiful things, darted toward a jewelry vendor displaying an array of intricately designed accessories. "Ella! Look at these!" She picked up a delicate bracelet encrusted with tiny sapphire gems. "Isn’t this gorgeous?"

Ella, who had a sharper eye for quality, inspected the bracelet closely. "The craftsmanship is impressive, but it’s overpriced," she noted, glancing at the merchant with a knowing smile.

The vendor, an older man with a well-groomed beard, laughed heartily. "Ah, you have a keen eye, young lady! Very well, I’ll offer you a fairer price."

After a bit of haggling, Lily walked away with her new bracelet, grinning triumphantly.

"See? That’s why I bring you along, Ella. You handle the boring negotiations while I get to enjoy the shopping!"

Ella shook her head with a small smirk. "And yet, you’d be broke in an hour without me."

The two sisters continued their exploration, stopping occasionally to sample exotic delicacies—honeyed dates, spiced pastries, and fruit soaked in sweet nectar. At one stall, they were given small cups of a shimmering golden drink.

"This is Sunwine," the merchant explained. "A rare specialty of Luxuria, made from grapes that only grow under enchanted moonlight."

Lily took a sip and gasped. "It tastes like warm honey and sunshine!"

Ella took a more measured sip, savoring the flavors. "It’s delightful. We should bring a bottle back with us."

As the afternoon wore on, the twins wandered into the Pleasure District, where Luxuria’s famed theaters, bathhouses, and entertainment halls stood in lavish grandeur. Music filled the streets, and elegant courtesans dressed in flowing silks moved gracefully between establishments, their laughter like the chime of bells.

Lily’s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Ella, let’s go see a performance!"

Ella considered it before nodding. "Why not? We’re here to enjoy ourselves."

They soon found themselves inside the Velmira Grand Opera House, a breathtaking venue adorned with golden chandeliers and murals depicting tales of gods and heroes. The night’s performance was a romantic tragedy, a story of star-crossed lovers torn apart by fate.

The twins sat mesmerized as the lead actress delivered a heart-wrenching monologue, her voice rich with emotion. Even Ella, who was often more reserved, found herself deeply moved.

By the time the final act concluded, Lily was dabbing at her eyes with a silk handkerchief. "That was beautiful," she sighed.

Ella smiled softly. "It truly was. The Luxurians have a way with storytelling."

After the opera, the city had transformed into a wonderland of lights and festivities. Velmira was known for its night markets and moonlit festivals, where people danced in the streets, musicians played lively tunes, and food stalls stayed open until dawn.

Lily, ever the free spirit, grabbed Ella’s hand.

"Let’s dance!"

Ella hesitated. "Lily, you know I don’t—"

Before she could finish, her sister had already pulled her into a lively circle of dancers. The music was infectious, and despite herself, Ella found that she didn’t mind.

The twins danced beneath the lantern-lit sky, laughter spilling from their lips as they spun and twirled through the crowd. When they finally stopped to catch their breath, they found themselves on a bridge overlooking Velmira’s canals, where gondolas drifted lazily across the water.

Lily leaned against the railing, sighing happily.

"This was the best idea ever."

Ella, watching the reflection of the lanterns in the water, nodded. "It really was. Sometimes, it’s good to step away from everything and just... live."

Lily grinned. "That’s what I’ve been telling you!"

The two shared a quiet moment, enjoying the peaceful night.

Tomorrow, their adventures in Luxuria would continue, but for now, under the starlit sky of Velmira, they simply embraced the beauty of the present.