Chapter 9: A Clumsy Date
Once again, the Sword Saint's guidance session, which happened every four days, had come to an end.
Natsuki Subaru wobbled as he made his way back to his room, completely worn out.
Meanwhile, Reinhild, who showed no signs of fatigue from the training, walked slowly beside him.
The reason Reinhild accompanied him was because Subaru had suddenly insisted on repaying the money for the clothes and handkerchief, and since Subaru was too exhausted to make another trip, the young girl chose to follow him.
They chatted as they walked—about Subaru's next training steps, tips for grooming animals, the revival of the Astrea territory, and some of Subaru's amusing experiences from his tasks in the royal capital.
Maybe it was because his body was too tired, or maybe he simply didn't want the pleasant time to end so soon, but what was normally a ten-minute walk took them more than half an hour.
"So much has happened before I even realized it."
Finally reaching the door to his room, Subaru couldn't help but sigh sentimentally.
"Reinhild, would you go on a date with me?"
Subaru had finally made up his mind—or more accurately, he had finally mustered the courage to say it.
"A date?"
An unexpected reaction.
Subaru knew that Reinhild wasn't entirely clueless about relationships between men and women, so maybe it was just the term she didn't understand?
Regardless, it was clear Subaru's feelings hadn't come across, so he took a few deep breaths and tried again.
"Two people going out, seeing the same sights, eating the same food, doing the same things, sharing the same memories…"
Unable to clearly explain what a date really signified, Subaru ended up giving a vague explanation.
"Haven't we already done those kinds of things many times?"
Reinhild tilted her head in confusion.
Subaru knew she wasn't wrong.
They had already done things like exploring the capital or visiting cafés together.
In his heart, he had often jokingly referred to those moments as dates.
But deep down, he understood those times were simply Reinhild acting as a courteous host.
But this time was different.
This time, Subaru was the one inviting Reinhild—using money he had earned himself—to go on a date with the girl he liked.
"It's not the same. The meaning and my resolve are different. So, please."
"I understand. Fortunately, I don't have anything scheduled for today."
Reinhild's agreement caused a momentary silence.
Subaru was suddenly overwhelmed with panic.
What now? He couldn't just go out all sweaty like this, right? Absolutely not—that would be terribly rude.
So should he go wash and get ready? But what about Reinhild? Should he leave her standing at the door? Invite her in? Send her away temporarily?
Subaru realized he might've been a bit too impulsive.
"Then I'll go grab us some breakfast—steamed buns okay? Considering how crowded the cafeteria is, I might need thirty minutes. Is that alright?"
"Thank you."
To Subaru's simultaneous relief and embarrassment, it seemed Reinhild had picked up on his flustered state.
Subaru quickly latched onto the lifeline she offered.
Fueled by the power of love, Subaru managed in thirty minutes to request leave from the stern-faced Marcos, take a shower, and tidy up his room.
With nervous anticipation, he opened the door.
"Sorry for the intrusion. Here are the buns."
Reinhild bowed slightly and entered Subaru's room.
She looked around, finding it much neater than expected, and then took the handkerchief and other belongings that belonged to her.
"So, where shall we go?"
Although the date had started abruptly, Subaru had long fantasized about places he'd like to visit with Reinhild since arriving in the royal capital.
This world had no aquariums, no movie theaters, no amusement parks… So Subaru had thought about it deeply.
"…Basically, it's completing a task, visiting a café, and then a special course planned by me."
Subaru anxiously looked at Reinhild.
He desperately hoped she would accept his planned route, but a date shouldn't be just a self-indulgent activity.
So he still made sure to ask for her opinion.
To his delight, Reinhild chose the route he had prepared.
She understood that the places Subaru had chosen were filled with memories: the first café she had been brought to by Subaru, the alley where they searched for the white cat, the site of Subaru's first task under her guidance, and the spot where she purchased Patrasche.
Of course, they also went to some unfamiliar places: the Astrea Trading Company's warehouse, a hotel room where Subaru once wept, a random roadside corner, and outside the registration office.
Subaru bought a familiar apple from Kadomon and walked along the slums with Reinhild, eating together.
He talked about what had happened near the ruined warehouse of Old Man Rom.
Their journey was filled with shared memories—some belonging only to Subaru.
Finally, they reached the final stop: the small alley where everything began.
"Reinhild, actually…"
"Hey, it's you again, kid. Come have a little fun with us."
Just as Subaru had finally worked up the courage to confess, a familiar voice interrupted him.
Subaru turned and saw the same trio of thugs blocking the alley again.
"Last time, you really embarrassed us."
"And now you've got the nerve to bring a girl onto our turf?"
Clearly, they hadn't recognized Reinhild and immediately drew their weapons at the guy who had humiliated them before, mocking Subaru.
"This time, let me handle it."
Reinhild prepared to intervene, but Subaru stopped her and stepped forward to face the three thugs.
"Actually, I'm kind of grateful to you guys."
That honest statement only enraged the thugs more.
As they rushed him with weapons, Subaru struck at Ahan's knife-wielding hand with his whip and then kicked him flying.
But the narrow alley limited the whip's effectiveness.
The burly Atton took the hit and closed in.
Subaru dodged the punch, grabbed his arm, and performed an over-the-shoulder throw.
"Bastard!"
Ajin came at him next, dual blades swinging wildly.
Though they didn't injure him, they forced Subaru to retreat.
Being pushed back in front of the girl he liked filled Subaru with frustration, and he decided to gamble on a direct counterattack.
"Subaru, are you alright?"
Reinhild asked with concern as she stepped into the scuffle.
Subaru looked at the thugs, now unconscious, and realized how much he had improved.
But when he looked down at his torn clothes and remembered how Reinhild had still stepped in to save him—
—He realized he still wasn't ready to stand beside her.