A Kind Night

Back at Ast's place, I was greeted by Teisha.

"You seem busy." She laughed. Indeed, I had been running around too much. I took a sip of the tea she had prepared and let out a deep breath.

"Children grow up before you know it." She murmured with a slightly gloomy expression.

"Do you regret what happened this time?"

"No. It's not like that. Everyone has left, and tonight, it's just the two of us. It's been a while since that happened." She smiled.

"Children leaving the nest is a parent's pride. But I guess it's still lonely." As someone who didn't have children, I couldn't say much. I wonder if my parents feel the same way.

"It's not a complaint or anything. Maybe I just wanted someone to hear me out. I can't talk about this with him."

"Children grow up quickly. It's best to see them off warmly."

"Yeah. But I still want them to stay. Especially since she's a bit of a loner."

"She's an adult now. But I understand."

While we were talking, the two of them returned.

"Riz, I have something to talk about." I briefly explained what had happened earlier and invited her to the inn. Meanwhile, Teisha was telling Ast something. Ast looked a bit complicated but gave me a nod of permission.

"Okay, fine. Is something up?"

"It's partly to celebrate, and also as a thank you for taking care of me. It'll be like a celebration."

"Alright, I'm looking forward to it." She smiled brightly. I need to make her smile more.

On the way to the inn, we chatted casually.

"You've really helped me out. Thank you."

"It's nothing. But it's good that everything turned out fine."

As we continued talking, we arrived at the inn. The door opened, and we were greeted by the staff and led to a table.

The table had candles that created a fantastic and bright atmosphere. Dishes started arriving one after another. Since it wasn't a course meal, everything came out at once. When the food was served, the wine cork was opened, and the wine was poured into cups. I would have preferred a glass for the ambiance, but...

By the way, glass exists here, and while it's simple in shape, it's also expensive. That's why it's not used in small village inns. If it breaks, it's a big loss.

"Riz, you look really beautiful tonight."

In the dim light, her figure, illuminated by the candlelight, shone faintly, thanks to her hair.

"What... that's embarrassing. But the food is amazing."

"It's a special day."

I pulled out a beautifully wrapped bracelet from my pocket.

"Will you accept it?"

I opened the wrapper, revealing the bracelet.

"Marry me. I want to bind you forever."

For a moment, she opened her eyes wide and stared at the bracelet. Then, her eyes began to tear up.

"Yes... yes. I'm so happy..."

"Let me put it on your arm."

She extended her left arm, and I slid the bracelet onto it. It sparkled in the light. "It's beautiful... I had no idea it was this stunning..."

"It's not just the bracelet. You shine brighter than all the stars. You're more beautiful than anything in the world." This is the kind of moment where you should keep pushing forward and complimenting her, the calm part of my mind whispered.

"I mean, 'beautiful' might not be the right word. You're even more than that, Riz."

Her cheeks turned red, and her eyes grew teary. It seems to be working. "Let's eat to celebrate this special day."

"It's not just an engagement; you've even prepared all this. Thank you..." She looked down shyly, but I could see her smiling.

We both took a sip of wine. Since the water here isn't great, the wine is drinkable.

We started with the appetizer. Smoked river fish marinated with herbs. The thin slices of onion and the subtle pepper stimulation felt good.

"It's delicious... Maybe the best thing I've ever had..."

"There's more delicious food to come. We'll be together forever."

She looked down again. Good, keep pushing. Even if it's a bit forced.

It seems that in this world, people don't use many pick-up lines, and they aren't used to being praised. So, someone who isn't used to compliments should be showered with praise.

"It's wonderful to see you enjoying the food. More than that, your elegant demeanor. It's beyond beautiful. I can't find the words to express it." Kill me, but anyway, keep pushing, my calm mind urged.

The boar steak was made from well-aged meat, just as I had requested. There were no strong-smelling ingredients like garlic, just as I had asked. Excellent. The innkeeper really knows their stuff.

"It's a boar, right? I've never had anything so delicious..."

Yes, the hunters bring them, but they rarely get to eat them. Well, they do eat them, but they're usually for trade. They don't get to enjoy them much.

"Yeah, it's delicious. I wanted Riz and the others to enjoy the fruits of their labor. What Riz is doing is so great. I'm so proud of her." Keep pushing.

"Thank you... It makes me happy... But it's a bit scary."

"What's scary about it?"

"I mean, is it okay to be this happy?"

"Of course. And I want you to be even happier in the future. Much happier." Her cheeks turned redder, and her eyes became more tearful.

We finished the meal and signaled the innkeeper with a nod. Inside the room, simple pajamas and hot water were prepared. The innkeeper must have arranged everything perfectly.

"Let's clean up before bed."

"I'm embarrassed, so turn around."

"Alright."

We sat on the bed, back to back, and cleaned ourselves. I could hear the sound of clothes rubbing and water splashing as she washed her hair. I quickly washed my head and body. When I finished, I could still hear her cleaning.

I waited for a while until the sounds stopped, then turned around and approached her.

"Riz."

"Kyaa..." She quickly covered her chest. I had bad timing...

I didn't see anything important, but her white skin glowed faintly in the candlelight. It was incredibly smooth, like porcelain.

I thought I had seen something amazing.

The candles in the room smelled sweet, like beeswax.

"As a boundary, I'll respect the customs of the place we were before. Sorry."

I gently kissed her, brushing my lips against her neck. I kissed her softly in several places.

"Instead, let's touch each other tonight."

"Touch each other?"

I hugged her gently, kissed her neck, and then her lips. We embraced, feeling each other's warmth.

Suddenly, I felt thirsty.

I poured water from the jug and gently offered it to her.

"Thank you... It's so... refreshing."

She took it and drank slowly, her throat moving beautifully as she swallowed.

"You're cheating... You look especially handsome tonight."

"I'm just happy to see you happy."

"Fool..."

She hit me weakly. She must be tired from taking care of me. She seemed drowsy. I gently laid her down on the bed and got in beside her.

"Goodnight, Riz. I had a great time tonight."

"Goodnight, Hiro. I'm sorry I couldn't do anything..."

She muttered as she fell asleep.

It had been quite a day, but everything went well, and the result was satisfying.

With a pleasant sense of fatigue, I drifted off to sleep.

"Goodnight. It was the best day ever."