Leaving the guild, Aurel naturally took the slender, pale hand of the girl beside him.
"…"
Levy tried to glance casually at the street, letting her hand be slowly entwined with his.
Feeling the warmth between them, her heartbeat quickened; it was as if her blood were boiling, heat rushing through her whole body.
She took a deep breath to calm down, but the warmth already blooming in her chest left her a bit dazed, and she let him lead her along like a doll.
Just then, that gentle, familiar voice sounded.
"By the way… which way is Mira-nee's place?"
"L-left. Over there."
Suppressing her shyness, Levy pointed at the fork to the left on reflex.
She'd lived in this town for years—giving directions wasn't hard, even with a foggy brain.
The afternoon sun wasn't harsh. Aurel tilted his head up with a faint smile; he could clearly feel his power ebbing.
It didn't dent his good mood.
He admired the fantasy-medieval buildings, breathed the scent of fresh bread drifting in the air—everything felt new.
And there was a cute blue-haired girl at his side.
"This world… really is nice."
"Hm?"
Levy hadn't caught his murmur and asked without thinking.
Maybe she'd gotten a little used to it; though still shy, she no longer had to walk with her head down.
"I said, Levy-chan is really cute," Aurel said, pinching his chin with a grin. "No wonder Jet and Droy like you so much."
"C-cute… I'm not…"
Levy waved both hands, eyes wide.
But the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her.
To passersby, the two of them chatting and laughing looked exactly like a couple in love.
…
Mira's neighborhood wasn't far from the guild.
After about half an hour on foot, Levy stopped, and Aurel took in the surroundings with interest.
A river split the broad avenue. Budding tall trees lined both sides, and every so often a white stone footbridge arched across the water.
Mira's apartment block stood on the north bank, neat rows of buildings forming a pleasing symmetry.
On the opposite side lay a huge park, full of trees that hadn't yet bloomed.
"Those across the way are cherry trees. The guild's Hanami festival is held there every year—too bad it's not bloom season."
Hands behind her back, Levy said it cheerfully.
"No wonder Mira-nee said the scenery here is good," Aurel nodded.
He didn't know why there were cherry trees here, but when they bloomed, the streets would be buried in petals.
"Come on, I found the landlord." Levy tugged his sleeve, smiling.
The place up for rent belonged to a man in his thirties. He and his wife were setting off to travel for a year or two.
Hearing that, Levy sighed in admiration. "How nice. Your wife is lucky to have a husband like you."
If I married Aurel someday… would we travel like that too?
The thought slipped out before she could stop it.
Because the owner wanted to rent quickly, Levy haggled the price down to 130,000 J a month—on the condition they pay six months up front.
That made 780,000 J.
Levy covered it without hesitation.
Whenever she finished a job, she only bought a few books and rarely splurged. As a result, her savings surpassed most guild members.
"I'll never pay this off…"
Aurel sighed, expression complicated.
Staying with her, eating her food—and now six months' rent? Maybe I should repay… with my body?
After they signed the contract, they stepped into the new place.
It was a two-story wooden house. The first floor had a sitting room and kitchen; Aurel's bedroom was on the second floor, with a bath and toilet along the hall. Everything they needed.
And since the owners were taking the whole family traveling, it was basically getting the entire house for 130,000 J a month.
Once they saw the couple off onto their carriage, dusk had already fallen.
"Great! Now you've got a place to live!" Levy pumped a fist, grinning.
Anyone watching would think she was the one who'd rented it.
"Thank you, Levy."
Aurel looked at the key gleaming in his hand and spoke from the heart.
He knew Levy was likely under the effect of the Love Spot—but luck was luck, and the girl was adorable.
He shook off the thought.
"Come in. Tonight I'll treat you to a different kind of dinner."
"Is it the xiaolongbao?"
"Potstickers, ramen, hot pot, salt-baked snails, fruit pudding… anything you like."
"Wait—did something weird just get mixed in there!?"
Snails? People eat those!?
Just imagining it made Levy's scalp tingle.
…
Moonlight was especially bright that night. After polishing off the apple pudding, Levy sprawled on the sofa, completely satisfied.
She glanced at the night outside, lips curving up, then sat cross-legged and stretched.
"Thanks for the meal. I'll head back for today!"
"You could sleep here if you want," Aurel said, setting down a half-read history book with a teasing tone.
"T-that's impossible!"
At least… not yet!
Levy rubbed her hot cheeks, then hopped up and headed for the door.
The moment she opened it, a gust of cold air swept in, and she hugged her bare shoulders.
In the next instant, a black long-sleeved coat settled onto her, and the chill faded.
"…Thanks."
She gripped the collar and turned to the boy in the doorway.
Silver moonlight washed over his face, highlighting those gentle, perfect features—and her heart lurched all over again.
"Um, Aurel…" she whispered, lowering her head.
"Mm?"
"Could you close your eyes—just for a moment!"
"…I can. But why?"
"Please!"
He still didn't quite understand, but trusting the girl, Aurel let his eyes drift shut.
What followed was a soft, damp touch at the corner of his lips—carrying a faint apple sweetness.
I… just got stolen a kiss?
For a moment, that was the only thought left in Aurel's head.
(End of Chapter)
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