Unwoven Destinies
Yuujiki
Chapter 12: Chapter # 11 - Dating and nostalgia
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
"…So, incantations are only a focus point for your magic, a tool to make casting easier. While it's possible to cut them shorter or omit them altogether, it would require years of practice. Even so, I wouldn't vouch for your ability to cast silently without a deep understanding of the inner workings of magic casting and the laws of nature." I conclude the lecture, only to be met with a wall of stares, ranging from blank to skeptical or comprehending. I can't help but sigh inwardly. At least this new batch of students won't bite. They aren't violent at all. They can hurt me in other ways.
There was a reason why magical education took years in this world. Magic was so much more than a bunch of incantations to be memorized. Unfortunately, that much wasn't well understood by my new colleagues.
Well, they knew there was something more. And thankfully, following the princess' lead, they took studying magic seriously enough that I didn't have to invent additional motivations for them. But still, how do I even start?
I quickly glance behind me and cast a pleading look at Sylphie, who is standing guard at the entrance on the other side of the princess' lounge. My young partner only sends me an innocent look and mouths "do your best". There is no aid to expect from her. This girl would rather enjoy the nostalgic sight of me teaching and playfully tease me at my misfortune. Can't say I didn't deserve it, since I made her cool Fitts persona devolve into a flustered mess during our lunch yesterday. It even made me feel a little guilty. In my defense, it was cute, amusing, and even helped to make her highness seem more approachable!
I look over my students. Luke's eyebrows are furrowed in concentration as he mutters the incantation, trying to memorize it. Attendant girls' expressions are schooled into poker faces, which means they are defaulted — hopefully not due to their utter confusion. Ariel is a bit better since she actually took time to interrogate Sylphie on the workings of magic a couple of times before she decided it was too much work, but she still gives the impression of trying to solve a system of equations with several unknowns in her head. Not that she knows how; my impression is that the mathematical education of Asuran nobles doesn't extend this far.
Sara is a pleasant surprise, on the other hand. After being an adventurer for a couple of years, not to mention spending time around Timothy, she seems almost comprehending. I'm so touched by her understanding that I could cry. But I won't. She still has to practice just as much as the rest, but it seems like she is itching to, her facial expression a mix of impatience, boredom of "get on with it", amusement, and smug superiority at the unsightly showing of nobles.
It seems like a tactical retreat is in order for now. Thankfully, my job here was to help with the practical work for their respective classes, not teach them to cast silently. With a clap of my hands, I gather the attention of distracted students.
"Let's set the matter of incantations aside for now. While it could be a matter of life and death in a fast-paced fight, it is irrelevant at this point in your education. I understand that you have difficulties with actually meeting a desired effect with your spells?"
"Indeed." Ariel's voice cuts through the flurry of nods and murmurs. Prideful people don't like admitting their flaws and defeats, and there is only so much humility that can be found in the decadent nobles of the kingdom that have stood uncontested for hundreds of years.
Thankfully, Ariel is different enough. That doesn't come from the goodness of her soul, of course. But any leader with a modicum of competency must be able to admit their flaws and weaknesses, if only to delegate efficiently.
"Please watch closely." I raised my hand in front of my chest, making sure everyone could observe, and effortlessly summoned a medium-sized water ball. "Where do you think the water comes from?"
"You… conjured it?" Someone tentatively voiced.
"Not really. It was there all along." I let the water ball dissipate, first into a cloud-like form that quickly melted away. "I'll try to demonstrate it more closely." I considered actually using an incantation for this demonstration, but disregarded the idea after a few seconds of consideration. At this point, I'm not sure how closely I can control it. Instead, focus on casting as slowly as possible.
First, nothing happens, but then tiny droplets of water appear, glistening in the orange-tinted rays of afternoon sun coming from the window. At first, it seems almost like a cloud of glitter, but as more droplets appear, the sunshine stops reaching it. If anything, it looks like fog in a palm that gets thicker and thicker. It looks like a small cloud for a moment, but it's not stable enough in these circumstances. Finally, it thickens even more, becoming more and more clear, until a wobbling ball of water rests centimeters above my palm.
That's got to be the longest casting of a water ball I've ever done. Thankfully, it doesn't require as much concentration anymore. What's even better, while their faces still seem a little perplexed, I feel like there is some intangible movement in Luke's eyes. The girls aren't very far behind. Could it be that I have made progress?
"While the incantations can help, the magic comes from you. You shape the spell with your magical energy, and it's your will that matters. Please understand that." This is the general principle. But since it also sounds like inspirational hogwash, I feel the need to hammer the point further.
"When you cast a water ball, you don't conjure it. You just gather the water from all around you into it. There is always plenty of water in the air, even in the driest of deserts, in the form of tiny droplets, sometimes completely imperceptible." Explaining the molecular structure of the world seems counterproductive at this point in their education. And maybe ever. While Sylphie could comprehend the simplified version back when she was a child, it took quite a few hours of explaining. And she was a smart girl all along! Not to mention, her understanding of nature was quite good by then, and she didn't have to unlearn the misconceptions all those teenagers already had.
"Try casting the spell. But focus on what you are doing, how the droplets of water gather into the spell… And try casting it one by one, please." I added as an afterthought. We are in a closed space, so the water supply is actually limited. It might be easier this way.
A minute later, a water ball the size of a baseball levitates in front of the wide-eyed princess Ariel. When she looks at me, she masters a graceful smile, and I nod approvingly. It's good to have clever pupils.
When the supplementary classes are finally over and I slump onto the sofa, Sylphie gracefully takes a seat by my side. As our eyes meet, there is a glint in her red eyes, and she shyly smiles at me.
I guess it means my earlier mischief is forgiven. In fact, if I could see this tender smile by the end of it, I'd spend five more exhausting afternoons teaching them.
When princess Ariel and most of her entourage managed unusual proficiency with elementary water magic in their first real practical class, they quickly became the talk of the campus. Not that they normally weren't, but apparently managing to successfully cast a spell before two weeks of elementary classes with no prior training was considered to be a sign of impressive talent. Especially if the students in question weren't children.
Thankfully, I didn't have to take any spotlight or credit for any of that, just fading into the background as my noble companions dealt with the adoring public. High-end adventurers, children of wealthy merchants, lower nobility, and the like — notably no non-humans and no upper nobility — suddenly seemed incredibly interested in Ariel's person.
There weren't any big fish among them, as Ariel hoped but didn't really expect. The high nobility couldn't be seen as anything but dignified, of course, so they were still on standby. Besides, the relationships between upper nobility and royals weren't ever left to chance or the first come, first served basis, so the most influential were still biding their time and taking the measure of this foreign princess.
Thus, this first bout of publicity only brought heaps of social climbers and opportunists eager to establish contact with a seemingly influential patron-to-be. A callous, or, dare I say, ruthless, politician could name it a whole field for pawns to be selected from. Ariel herself dryly called it a pawn shop since she really didn't have anything to repay them — her influence back in Asura wasn't enough to protect her person, not to mention repay favors or reward her people.
At least, it secured enough publicity for Ariel that being elected into the students' council was almost guaranteed once the election happened in early summer — along with Luke and maybe Cleane, if she got lucky with her gossip-mongering. There weren't all that many things to do, politically speaking, before the election happened. For obvious reasons, winter and spring were seasons of political slumber in the North, as every sensible noble had plenty of things to take care of rather than attending useless social events.
Once the excitement and novelty of the Asuran princess attending classes — and being good at them! — calmed down a little, and I finally started to have free time again.
Working on a tight schedule was mentally taxing and sometimes just physically exhausting. Nobles recognized that more than anyone else; in fact, that was the reason why having a break day every seven days or so had rapidly become such a common custom in Asura, starting around five years ago in the city of Roa. Absolutely no relation to me, of course. Not a chance. And the startled noises I made when I first heard of this happened because something loud happened outside.
I knew exactly what I should do with a full day of free time. No, not spending time pestering Nanahoshi or Theodore Neris or being pestered by Rinia and Pursena, the furry menaces, or their minions. It had been brought to my attention that I'd been neglecting my girlfriend. It's okay to call Sylphie my girlfriend, right? While they had concepts of lovers and paramours around here, the thought of having a girlfriend pleasantly tickled and stroked my ego. I'd always dreamed of having one.
Apparently, Luke somehow found the time to take Sara out for a sightseeing tour around the Magical City of Sharia around a week ago. The bastard. He even had the gall to bring it up during our shared guard shift while the female part of the group was having some girl time, fully knowing that I had my hands full.
The result of their date was a mixed bag.
On the one hand, they had proven to be utterly incompatible with each other, despite the romantic tension. Luke's method was all about subtlety, flirting, "innocent" touches, and sweet words. It was almost entirely lost on the cultural difference between them. And if Sara's demeanor for the last few days, alternating between contemplation and being passive-aggressive towards that cousin of mine, was any indication, she didn't appreciate it much.
On the other hand, there were no romantic feelings lost between them. And that was a win of great proportions, according to Ellemoi Bluewolf. Ariel's body double had been around her princess, and Luke, for that matter, since her early childhood. And thus, she knew enough to let me know that Luke had an affair with almost every girl in the general vicinity of himself. And that was okay.
"As long as he stays away from Sylphie." I answered to Ellemoi's comment back then, only getting a snicker and a somewhat fond smile in return.
Normally, Luke's actions should have brought a lot of tension, no matter how charismatic and smooth he was. Pining girls who'd wanted to be around. Resentful exes. Protective fathers who hated the guy who broke the hearts of their darling little girls. Asshole nobles, who kept trying to send their daughters his way. Even horny servants, who couldn't do their job without sending the handsome boy sultry looks.
Luke's flirting skills were an incredible asset, if a bit unorthodox. And yet, to be truly useful, it required freedom of action for him. And so, a Luke-vaccine of sorts for the girls around was required. An insurance that romantic feelings wouldn't disrupt the group, in addition to his generally smooth people skills.
My head spun when it was explained to me. And my looks were clearly dubious, considering the 'wait-and-see' responses I was getting. I could only let it go and hope that Ariel knew what she was doing with this girl. Despite my newfound aversion to tsunderes — which wasn't really fair to Sara, but I couldn't help myself in the first few weeks — I've grown somewhat fond of the snarky archer girl. In platonic sense. Sure, she was kind of cute, but even at my horniest, I couldn't imagine being romantically engaged with her. Besides, my horniest wasn't all that much these days — apparently, that previous entanglement of mine wrecked me more than I imagined. It was rather concerning, all things considered.
I even suspected I had some sort of mild ED at one point. Thankfully, the afternoon date with Sylphie disabused me of that notion.
I made sure to pick a day when both of us weren't on attendant duty or had any classes. As excruciating as this task was, that was the easy part.
The hard part? Coming up with a date.
I've never dated a person in my life. Wait, no, scratch that. I kind of dated a person, although I wasn't aware of that. And then I got dumped once the girl decided I sucked.
I feel like there is a lesson to be learned from this experience.
I've spent years being casual around Eris. That couldn't be helped. What's worse, I spent years showcasing my negatives. It's no wonder that even a girl that thick could see my true nature in the end. Although I also privately suspect she was more emotionally intelligent than she let on — she was Philipp's daughter, after all — it's neither here nor there. It doesn't matter now.
I just want Sylphie to not be disappointed in her choice.
She said she loved me, and not a day passed without at least a small gesture that reminded me of her love. Her heartfelt words and gentle touches. She saw me at my weakest and helped me stand up. She listened to my pitiful sorrows and consoled me instead of scorning me.
She is kind, smart, brave, and adorable beyond belief. She deserves so much more than me.
But she said she wanted me. And since I'm weak like that, I couldn't possibly refuse. Being the best boyfriend for her is all I can do. And all I should do.
And so, coming up with the best date possible was on the agenda.
Most of the information from all those dating sims I've played was useless. There just aren't many activities that would be suitable for a date in this underdeveloped world. I only discerned one distinct conclusion. And that got me rolling all over my bed in frustration in the middle of the night.
Dating is not about activity. It's about interacting with the girl.
Absolutely great. Because I'm so good at communication.
At least, I still have all those cheesy and corny lines that work in this world for some cosmic joke of a reason. But I don't think they can do the trick without my genuine effort.
In the end, with how limited the options for our first day were, I decided to take Sylphie to explore the city of Sharia. With Ariel's activities being more or less limited to campus due to security reasons, she didn't really get the chance to see the city.
And if I can treat her to some presents in the meantime, all the better. Since Ruijerd and Eris left like they did, I still had all the cash Dead End earned with me. Plus, Alphonse paid me some for the work I did around the refugee camp and a decently-sized bounty that was established for finding Eris; by then, the transactional approach barely registered thanks to my apathy and heartbreak.
All in all, it was quite a sum — it could sustain a normal person for a couple of years.
With that in mind, the leave was officially taken, and the invitation was issued. A good set of clothes was prepared — it was still borrowed from that annoyingly handsome cousin of mine and felt alien as far as I was concerned. The plan was set. And the day of the date came.
It started off on the wrong foot almost immediately, as I had to run an urgent errand for Ariel in the morning just before the date. Worst of all? It wasn't really urgent.
But I don't get to argue with my employer about this. And so, I swallowed my annoyance and complied, delivering her letter to the vice president of student council and waiting for the response. Once done, I hurried back to the quarters to pick up my things.
As I entered the lounge room, I stopped in my tracks, as if I had run into a barrier. The air had left my lungs and was not coming back.
I could only stare in wonder, wide-eyed and speechless.
I can distantly hear chuckles from Ariel and Ellemoi on the other side of the room, but they don't really register as I'm captivated by the sight of Sylphiette.
Gone is her usual boyish attire of a green cloak draped over the customary page outfit of a button-up shirt and black trousers. Instead, she wore a knee-length dress of white, green, and black with stockings. It was elaborate, made of some expensive yet soft-looking rippling fabric with lace and elegant details adorning it. It wasn't form-fitting or anything; in fact, a very different cloak of green and black from Ariel's own wardrobe was donned on her shoulders, hiding most of it. Her hair, while longer than it was in her boyish haircut back in Asura — she hadn't had her hair cut in almost half a year by now — was normally left alone. But now it was framed by several very thin and short braids, framing the mass of soft, snow-white locks just above her ears, making it appear longer and fluffier than it really was.
As I take in the sight, Sylphie blushes at the intensity of my reaction and looks aside for a moment. I feel my heart throb. I'm really taking damage here.
It was decided weeks ago to abandon the pretense of Fitts being a boy since Ariel, in her graciousness, deemed it unnecessary anymore. Or she probably just figured we'd pine after each other too much, and rumors of her confidants being openly deviant weren't worth it. Besides, she had me around. The fact that I was the original myth behind Fitts' persona never ceased to amuse me, and, because of this, it could be just a bit awkward when nobles from Asura, who knew the official tale, were around.
And yet, it's the first time — ever, now that I think of it — that I've seen Sylphie in a dress. Or dressed up, for that matter. And she is breathtakingly beautiful.
Between the giggles and hushes from the others, I finally managed to regain some composure. Truly, the nobles of Asura can't stay out of other people's romantic lives. I would know since I'm one of them. Technically, that is. Or at least I'm just as scummy.
"Sylphie…" I let out, unwittingly.
"Rudy! W-what is it? Do I look weird?" She stammers self-consciously.
"No." I shake my head to emphasize the point. "You look wonderful."
"Ehehe. Really?" She scratches her cheek, looking aside for a bit. But her eyes sparkled with delight.
"Really. I promise. I've never seen anyone so beautiful before." Somehow, the flowery language leaves me when I need it the most. I can't find words. Instead, as Sylphie struggles between bashfulness, glee, and disbelief, a lucky guess is born in my head.
"They didn't allow you to take a look in the mirror? How cruel." I note with a chuckle. Not that I don't emphasize with them. Teasing Sylphie is always a delight. I just want to have it all to myself. "Come, take a look." I offer her my hand to stand up, and instead of letting go, I intertwine our fingers and pull her closer. As I pull the cloth off the curtained mirror on the side of the room, my girlfriend lets out a barely audible gasp. I hug her by the shoulder and pull her closer with one hand. Someone giggles in the background. Well, they deserve it for a present this nice. Just this once. But I'd better show them who's better. I lean closer to her ear and murmur huskily — at least as huskily as I can manage with that breaking voice of mine.
"See? And you didn't believe me." Sylphie shivers and tucks her face into my shoulder, refusing to show her reaction. As if I wasn't looking for just that. I smile fondly and snuggle her closer, while sending a grateful look and a small nod to the observers.
"Thank you for this sight, my ladies. Now, we shall take our leave?" As Sylphie lets go of my shoulder, I bowed to the princess slightly. She just waves it off with a benevolent smile.
"Of course, have a good time." Ellemoi sing-songs.
The date comes along nicely after that. Once Sylphie recovers from the compliments — but not fully, of course; I made sure to reinforce it here and there — we are off exploring.
The spring is in full swing even in the north now. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a cherry blossom season. A pity; Sylphie would have looked magnificent under the rain of flower petals. The sight of a pretty girl in blossoms is basically the classical epitome of a beautiful sight back in Japan. Maybe I could go complain about it to a certain Japanese girl sometime later.
Well, I'm already feeling blessed either way. As we walk through the quiet resident area, I say as much.
"Rudy? What are you thinking about so much?" Sylphie pokes me in my cheek, pouting slightly. Right, I got a bit distracted again.
"Sorry. I was just thinking how lucky I am…" The veiled compliment hits the target, as a cute blush once again tints her cheeks.
"I'm lucky too, then. To be with you again…" Sylphie purrs, leaning closer to me. Truly, this girl is bad for my heart. As we get closer to the central streets, I reluctantly break the gentle moment.
"Now, is there anything else you want to see?" We'd already taken a look at the Magicians' Guild headquarters; it was a bit underwhelming, honestly speaking. While one of the most influential organizations in the world, it couldn't compare to the Adventurers' Guild headquarters in Milishion. Just a nice, practical complex made of magic-resistant brick. In truth, it wasn't the complete headquarters. A sizable part of the Magicians' Guild research was conducted on the University grounds or in more secluded areas. But still, Sharia in general didn't have any edge over the illustrious architecture of Milis' capital. On the other hand, it also didn't have hordes of bigoted fanatics around.
The headquarters of the local branch of the Adventurers' Guild isn't particularly descript-worthy either. Gothic-styled architecture, sturdy place, usual policies. Not particularly busy, since the more populated areas tend to have less work than frontiers.
"Could we take a look at the shopping district? I heard a fair should start there soon." The spring brought an influx of merchants and a boom of trade into the city. As it does every year. Thus, a grand fair takes place twice a year in the shopping district. Unfortunately, it's not quite time yet, as the market facilities are only being set up. Instead, we end up strolling through the district, window-shopping, and commenting on this and that.
We mostly skip armaments and raw materials on the Streets of Steel and Iron, and shrug at the magical implements. While there are plenty of magical items used in the city, a sizable part of them is just junk that happens to be magical, dug out from the labyrinths or made by the students. Besides, all the best ones are normally produced and processed by Neris Magical Implements Workshop in the Workshop district. I should take a look at it sometime. But Sylphie didn't really express any interest in that, so here we are.
I barely managed to hold back a grimace at the sight of the Street of Chains to our side. The practice of slavery is unfortunately quite popular around here. And even though it's a bit more humane here than in the South or in the East, it still doesn't sit well in my mind or stomach.
If nothing else, it's probably the least date-suitable activity around, and so I unsubtly guide us to the Street of Wool. Due to being that far north, clothing is a big deal in Ranoa. Thus, the tailoring industry flourishes, as do all adjacent industries, from the fur trade to lace weaving and everything in between. Clothing shops of all kinds take up about a quarter of the Commerce District. It's here that our window-shopping turns into a regular one.
"Come on, Rudy! I'd like to pick something for you!" Despite my reluctance, Sylphie is enthusiastic about dragging me into one of the luxurious shops. "You shouldn't keep borrowing from Luke, you know…" Sylphie reasons, embarrassed at her earlier enthusiasm.
Which is… probably fair. I should get something more presentable of my own soon, even though the weirdly pompous, stuffy clothing of higher society is… not a favorite of mine, to put it mildly. At least they don't think those weird not-dresses, lace, and wigs are the peak of fashion for men in this world. I really dodged the bullet by being born after that time… Or is it before here? It was in Europe in the times of Louis something-th… No matter. I'll formally protest it if Ariel introduces something like this at the court during my lifetime.
"Is it okay? I could do it by myself any time. It's not a big deal…" I try to deflect weakly. I don't want to bog Sylphie with my chores during our date. But she did offer, and she seems enthusiastic about it for some reason… Well, no use pondering that; I couldn't possibly refuse that eagerness of hers. Or puppy eyes that would come if I refused.
"I'd really like to… If it's okay with you?" There go the puppy eyes.
"Alright. Your wish is my command, my lady." I concede, hiding my reluctance behind my jokingly over-the-top manners to lighten up the mood. Sylphie beams at me.
The shop is quite spacious and quiet. It has that intangible atmosphere of quiet elegance, with the moonlight-themed lighting and rows upon rows of expensive fabrics and garments.
"Good afternoon, dear customers. Thank you for visiting. Please let me know if you'd like my assistance." The clerk bows to us lightly. Our current clothing seems to fit right into this kind of place.
"Good afternoon. We're just browsing for now." I acknowledge him with a nod, and the man fades into the background.
"What'd you like to start with?"
"Hmm… how about the cloaks? Yours is…" Sylphie trails off, probably unsure how to politely mention the state of the shabby thing that survived years of fighting, including the attack from Dragon God.
"Now that you mention it, it is a bit worn out. Would you like me to try anything in particular?"
We are guided to the outerwear section. If the shopkeeper listens in, he makes no indication of it.
Sylphie just exaggeratedly poises her chin on one finger, her eyes half closed. "I wonder what we should get… Maybe crimson or gold?" Notos colors. She is teasing me, right?
"Maybe grey?" I offer weakly.
"Grey is fine too." She concedes with a mischievous smile, reaching out to feel the fabrics. I follow the suit. The shopkeeper comments on the designs and materials from time to time, offering this or that, depending on my magical affinities.
I really should have expected it. But still, the variety is startling. Smoky bear of Malkin. Famous black sable of Biheiril. Arctic fox of Basherant. Sandworm of Begaritt. Lucky rat of Biyegoya - I shudder as I recall that particular breed of vermin. And more. I don't think there are two items of the same material and design in here.
As Sylphie browses through the designs and I stand a bit awkwardly, some junior clerk, who noticed our responsiveness, addresses me.
"Sir, if I may…"
"What is it?"
"There is a cloak that might be well-suited for your lady companion in store. It's of supreme quality, but has an unorthodox design. Would you perhaps be amenable to having her try it out?" I see no harm in it... although he clearly wants to get rid of the item.
"What's so special about it? I'm sure there is a wide variety of exquisite garments for a lady as beautiful as herself in your store, isn't there?"
"Quite true, quite true…" He lets out a nervous laugh. "You see, it's the size of that garment that makes it less sought-after. It's quite small, and petite ladies normally prefer brighter colors…" Well, at least he is honest.
"Well, let's see that design of yours. If the lady likes it, I might purchase it for her, as long as the price is reasonable." I might as well get something for her. I do so enjoy the sight of my girlfriend when she is all dressed up, if today is anything to judge by. Besides, it's expected of the guy to buy some presents for the girl, right?
"Of course, sir. Right away."
After the clerk scrambles away, Sylphie and the shopkeeper are onto me with a startling variety of cloaks. Resigned, I let myself be a mannequin for them for hours ahead…
Cloaks change into robes, then come the vests, shirts, and other stuff. I never expected Sylphie to be that kind of girl who takes shopping seriously or enjoys it so much… But I really should have. At least she doesn't make me try on the more outrageous stuff, although she makes a point to comment on how "that shirt of white lace with silk ribbons made a striking contrast with my skin…". At this point, I'm quite sure she is messing with me, the minx. But she looks like she is having fun, emboldened by my willingness to humor her, and that's what matters.
Thankfully, between casually dropping Ariel's name and a promise of letting her know of this fine establishment and reasonably limiting ourselves, we got me a wardrobe, even though it's extremely small and modest by Asuran standards.
When I finally get a break, the junior clerk from before arrives with a magnificent cloak of… non-adult size. It's pure white, made of some kind of white fur and fabric, with details made from red amber and silky red thread. Overall, it would be considered quite tame, almost unremarkable… if not for the subtle yet eye-catching glint of silver that makes the thing sparkle under the light.
"Arctic rabbit fur, with amber from the coasts of Basherant and unicorn hair." That makes my brows rise. Weren't unicorns considered sacred or something by local pagans? "Design by… me, Flone of Rozemburg." The clerk announces sheepishly. On the sidelines, the shopkeeper grimaces at the perceived audacity of his subordinate. I feel for the poor youth before me... The guy just wanted to sell that unpopular design of his… And he was spot on.
"Sylphie? Want to try it out? I think it would suit you really well." I smile at the girl, who is startled by the offering, but eventually nods and accepts the piece of clothing.
As expected, it suits her quite well. Mildly speaking. It's incredible. With her unusual coloring, it feels like the piece was made for her.
I happen to know that Sylphie doesn't own luxury clothing… Since she posed as a boy, who happens to be a guardian mage. And even the small amount of clothing she liked back in Asura was abandoned due to their hasty escape.
"You look magnificent." I announced, and even though she could recognize it looking in a mirror… She still looks relieved, and satisfied by my compliment.
"Thank you." Sylphie shyly accepts the compliment, her eyes darting from me towards the mirror. Could have fooled me if not for her ears fluttering lightly.
I'm not going to let it go, however. "You didn't think I wouldn't get you something, did you? I do so enjoy when you're all dressed up for me." I remark after stepping closer, hoping for another flustered reaction from her.
"You really don't have to…" Sylphie argues, bashful at the prospect of receiving something so expensive.
"I wanted to. In fact, that's just a taste of what's to come. I'd love to spoil you." I left it at that, content with letting her imagination fill in for me. If her continuously reddening cheeks are any indication, it does quite well.
As I stray from her to discuss the price — the piece with unicorn hair couldn't be cheap, but in the end it's more or less reasonable — I ask for some insight from the newly-dubbed Flone. "You wouldn't happen to have some obscure piece that would uniquely suit the lady, would you?" Unfortunately, he didn't, and he didn't push his luck by offering me half of the stock. Well, I should drop the guy's name to someone from our party nonetheless. We kind of promised that before, anyway.
As we stroll through the quieter streets of the city, this time around without hand-holding — the shopping bags take up both of my hands — Sylphie stops me with a tug at my sleeve and murmurs softly.
"Thank you again for the gift… And for letting me do something for you."
"It's I who should be thanking you, Sylphie." I muster a warm smile.
"No." She shakes her head. "I really had fun picking stuff for you. I really enjoy seeing you handsome… Not that you aren't handsome already! It's just…" She trails off after causing all this damage to my heart and almost making me drop the bags. This girl is really bad for my heart… And so good for me.
"It's just…?" I blankly ask.
"It didn't quite feel like you before… You're your own person. You don't need to look like Luke or the palace knights to be handsome. S-sorry, is it weird?"
"No, I kind of get it. Well, did I look more like me with those clothes you picked up for me?" I ask. Feeling an uncontrollable tug at my lips and heat on my cheeks.
"Yeah!"
"I'm glad. But just so you know, next time we're shopping for you!" I add mock-sternly, and she giggles… and then turns red. What a weird reaction. But, well, it's cute, so I'll take it.
We end up having lunch in a nice inn, a bit exhausted from all the day's excitement. As we dine in comfortable silence, a conversation from some other group of customers takes my attention.
"I'm telling ya, it was a crazy big dragon! As big as a tower! And then that magician fought him." I notice Sylphie is listening in now too.
"What, are you telling me some kid solo-ed a Red dragon? I say bullshit." Some local vocally disagreed with the boisterous adventurer, who was gathering quite a crowd.
"You just didn't see it. I'm telling you, this was no kid! He suddenly turned seven feet tall and animated hills and trees to fight that thing! And how he wielded flames! He poured rivers of fire onto the dragon. It was Dazhbog himself who came to our aid!"
"Well, if you put it like this… But what's with the mage? You said that he slaughtered the dragons and made the pack leader run away." Someone else piped up.
"Now, that's the oddest part! After the dragons ran, he conjured the fog thick as milk, turned into a hawk, and flew after it."
The outlandish story went on and on, acquiring more details and drawing a bigger crowd with each sentence. And yet, there was something distinctly familiar about it… That couldn't be, right?
I meet Sylphie's gaze, and we just look at each other, dumbfounded. How could this story even turn into this… And then both of us burst into uncontrollable, if muffled, giggling.
I make sure to tip the guy before leaving — he was actually some kind of bard, apparently — and chuckle at his dumbfounded expression before making my escape.
Cuddling on the sofa, Sylphie's head leaned on my chest, I can't help but consider our first date a success. I'm looking forward to more. But first…
"Rudy?" She perks up suddenly, looking up into my eyes.
"What is it?"
"Thank you again for today. I missed being with you…" Sylphie murmurs.
"Anything for you…" I assure her with a smile, and that satisfies her.
"Rudy? Could you teach me something?" Sylphie suddenly speaks up again after a couple of minutes.
"Where'd that come from? I mean, sure, but…" I'm a bit surprised at the randomness of the request. But I don't mind.
"You were teaching the others the other day, and I was very nostalgic because of it… And…" I think I see where it's going. But I make a point to ask. I like it when Sylphie gets a bit more outspoken. If only because she tends to compliment me when she does.
"And?"
"And, I felt…" She hesitates for a second and takes a deep breath. "M-maybe I got a little jealous." She admits, blushing furiously. But for some reason, I'm feeling hot too. I want to burn this moment into my memory…
"… So cute."
"Jeez, Rudy, I'm serious here!"
"I'm too." At her unsatisfied pout, I continue. "Okay, let's see. I could teach you Disturb Magic technique? It's very unconventional; in fact, please don't spread it around. But I want you to know it. It could save you sometime." I finish seriously, realizing now that I really should have done it.
"Thank you… You're the best." Sylphie snuggles closer into me, back into the sleepy cuddling, oblivious to what she has just done to me. Not noticing neither my stuttering heart nor my fluttering soul. Somehow, not even that hard-on that pokes into her outer thigh… Well, as pleasant as it is to know my parts down there are okay... What do I even do in this situation? It's not like I can't think of anything, but… Well, I'll pet her a bit and see where it goes. She isn't that oblivious, right?
Loath as I am to admit it, Luke was kind of right. I've really been awfully negligent of my cute girlfriend. Won't happen again.
Notes:
Thank you for reading. Any feedback, including but not limited to negative, is always appreciated.
This one was supposed to be a Valentine chapter, but it wasn't meant to be. So it's a White day chapter instead. Thematically fitting, I suppose.
Just like Rudeus, I figured I've been awfully negligent of adding new Sylphie content, so this whole chapter is quite heavy on the main couple interactions. Please let me know how good it is. I've actually never written romance, or big fanfics in general, so I'm figuruing it out as I write.
Also, thank you for 200 kudos. It's not all that much, but I never expected to get so much in the first place before I started writing. Your appreciation is flattering.
Keep an eye on Rudeus/Sylphiette content, and see you next time!