"Well, I should get going now."
Shido spoke while noting the reluctant look on Lakyus's face. At this moment, she was neither a noble burdened by her family's responsibilities nor the strong and charismatic leader of Blue Roses. Right now, she was just a woman, attracted to a man.
During their time together, they had visited many places she seldom went, such as the orphanage. Shido, on the other hand, was a familiar face there; Rumia often dragged him along to deliver food and other necessities to the children. As for Lakyus, she rarely set foot in the orphanage herself, but she regularly sent generous donations in her family's name.
Now, watching Shido laugh and play with the children, a warm smile bloomed on Lakyus's face. She couldn't help but think of how kind he was. But when she noticed how familiar the sisters at the orphanage were with him, her smile faded into a faint snort. Rather than interrupt, she simply stayed where she was, quietly glaring at their figure, causing Shido to apologies awkwardly to the sisters.
Noticing her sudden drop in mood, Shido felt a little helpless. He bid farewell to the children and sisters before leading Lakyus elsewhere and get her mood up again.
And as expected of a dating master, Lakyus's mood went up again in just a matter of moments. The two talk, laugh and had fun during their date while trying varieties of delicacies from the food stallsas they enjoyed the rest of their date.
Because of this, Lakyus grew even closer to Shido, becoming the one to initiate holding his hand, this time without a hint of shyness. Shido's lips curved into a small smile. He knew that if he pressed her just a little more, she would likely accept him on the spot if he asked her out. But he wouldn't do that. At least, not for the moment.
He had no intention of turning her feelings into a half-hearted decision. He would wait until the time was right, before slowly finishing her routes.
...
Time passed quickly as they enjoyed their date, and before long, it was nearly time for Shido's appointment. Reluctantly, he decided to bring their date to an end, leaving Lakyus with a faint, disappointed look.
"...I understand, thanks for... accompanying me today, Acheval-san."
Lakyus revealed a smile, yet her smile was so faint that did little to hide her reluctance. She clearly didn't want their date to end, yet she knew she couldn't force Shido to stay.
Seeing that look on her face, Shido sighed inwardly. 'Haa… if you keep showing me that expression, I will not be able to leave, you know?'
After a brief pause in thought, he reached out, placing his hand gently atop her head and softly caressing her hair. "You don't have to be sad. We can always go on a date anytime you want."
His words were like a spark, and Lakyus's eyes lit up instantly.
"Really?!" she asked, her voice brimming with excitement.
"Of course. Would I lie to you?"
"…I see."
Her expression brightened at his confirmation, and the reluctance she had felt moments ago melted away. After all, she now knew she could go on another date with Shido in the future.
"I had fun today."
"Me too, let's go out again someday."
"Of course."
Shido nodded his head, there was no way he would reject a date invitation from Lakyus. He then bade her farewell and began walking away, only to hear her call out to him once more, prompting him to turn his head toward her.
Yet...
*Kiss*
Lakyus suddenly leapt toward Shido, planting a kiss on his cheek just as he turned his head. The unexpected move caught him off guard, and he found himself staring at her bashful face with a faint, amused smile. Her eyes were closed as she pressed her lips to him, clumsy, yet earnest.
It lasted only a few seconds, yet for both of them it felt like an eternity. When she finally pulled back, Shido's arm instinctively supported her, and she slowly opened her hazy eyes. She didn't seem to mind being held by him, though she shyly stepped away, casting him a teasing glance.
Lakyus then placed her index finger in her glossy lips and wink at him playfully even though she was dying in embarrassment.
"Consider that as a thanks for today's date. Don't tell anyone about what happened alright?"
"...Un."
"Fufu, then, goodbye." Lakyus then walk away with a happy smile while humming a song as her figure was bask by the orange hue of the setting sun. Lakyus of course knew that her journey wouldn't be easy, after all, she knew the existence of Rumia and Frieren that was close with Shido and could compete with her beauty, but she didn't care.
She was confident she could win Shido's heart.
Shido watched her fading figure from behind, a faint smile tugging at his lips as his fingers brushed against the spot on his cheek where she had kissed him.
"That girl…"
Shido let out a quiet sigh, though a faint smile lingered on his face. He hadn't expected that sudden kiss, but the action warmed him, it meant Lakyus had truly begun to hold him in her heart.
As Shido stared at Lakyus figure, fading in the empty street, Shido also turn back and decided to go to the meeting place where he had appointment with.
...
"How is the progress of the plan going?"
"Yes. Everything is proceeding smoothly. King Ramposa and Prince Zanac haven't even suspected my collusion with Marquis Boullope and the Noble Faction."
"Mn. Good."
Inside a dimly lit secret chamber, Marquis Raeven knelt on one knee, reporting his progress to the man before him. The shadows concealed much of the room's details, making it difficult to see clearly, until the lamp's flame flickered higher, casting light that revealed the true appearance of the figure before whom Raeven bowed.
It was a man with a handsome visage, blue hair, and brown eyes. He appeared young, yet an extraordinary aura clung to him, one that could make even the proudest noble tremble.
Of course, it was none other than Shido.