Chapter 205: Date


    <strong>205. Date</strong>


    I really wasnt sure what to expect from a date. By how Saffron described it, I was pretty sure I was going to fumble my way through it entirely, or somehow insult Nn the moment I greeted him. And while it was too early to say whether or not Idpletely screw up this date, so far, things were going alright?


    I mean, I greeted Nn and I didnt say anything that made him want to kill me, which was already better than what Saffron was expecting. But beyond just that, we spoke and walked, heading for the restaurant he had chosen out, almost like it was any other day after ss.


    Our conversation waspletely normal. It didnt feel any different from when we spoke yesterday, or evenst week. He even called me by my improper name for a moment <em>Ms Salvos </em>like he usually did to tease me, and I called him out for it.


    So, where are we going?


    I nced over at Nn, following him through Mavos Academys campus.


    Were going to the Crimsonbroths Seafood. Its the best seafood restaurant on campus, and trust me, their crabs are to <em>die </em>for.


    Oh. Why would you die for the crabs? Must we save them from being killed? I thought this was a date or something?


    Nn chuckled, waving a hand off.


    Were not going to literally die for them. Its a figure of speech. It means that crabs are their specialty dish.


    Huh.


    I blinked. Then I giggled too. That was silly of me unfortunately, [Universal Language Comprehension] sometimes made mistakes. I was starting to doubt whether this was really a date, as Saffron kept calling it. It just felt like we were having regr conversation as friends, speaking casually, and making jokes with one another. That was until Nn shook his head.


    Im honestly surprised, Ms Salvos.


    Its <em>Salvos. </em>


    I scoffed.


    And whats so surprising about me?


    I didnt expect you to actually dress up for the asion.


    He smiled. I paused, narrowing my eyes. It took me a moment to resist the urge to ask him what exactly was this asion he was talking about. Instead, I prodded him with a gaugingment.


    Well, Id like to look my best when Im out on a date, yes?


    Nn halted midstep. He looked over at me, wearing a silken dark blue dress. I raised a brow, and he nodded.


    Indeed. You look gorgeous tonight, Salvos.


    So, it really was a date.


    Huh.


    I guess that meant I was going to have to gross him out as Saffron said. She believed it was the best course of action, considering that very few people would believe that I liked bugs. And even if they did, it wasnt really detrimental to an adventurers reputation, unlike some other things I could do to make this date a flop.


    We reached the Crimsonbroths Seafood soon after.


    Nn was genuinely shocked. Hed gotten to know Salvos quite well over the short few weeks since they met, having helped tutor her in alchemy almost every day after ss. And he was very much under the impression that Salvos, due to her naivety, would bepletely unaware that he was trying to court her.


    His interactions with her and his assessment of her character led to that logical conclusion; he thought hed have to exin that this wasnt intended to be an ordinary dinner some time during the evening. But he was left stunned when he caught sight of Salvos at the meeting ce.


    She normally wore an odd-looking dark blue jacket, with a bundle of rags wrapped around her neck, and her hair tied into a ponytail. That was not the Salvos that showed up for dinner.


    Tonight, she let her silver hair flow freely like a steaming waterfall, curled and knotted by a braid at the very top. Her dress was colored her signature dark blue, although it was ornate, exuding an aura of elegance that was unlike her usual carefree demeanor. She swept across the marble floor in high heels, following Nn with poise as they were led to their table.


    Nn had met a myriad of gorgeous women during his travels as an adventurer. But hed never truly seen someone as beautiful as Salvos. Even as he settled into his seat, he could feel a sense of nervousness building up within. His heart pounded like a [cksmith]s hammer in his chest. It was an unusual feeling for him.


    But as he looked up from the menu, meeting Salvos gaze, he understood the authenticity of what he felt. He wanted to sigh, watching the way her sharp eyes turned to face their waiter. The way her head tilted to the side whenever she had a question, a simple quirk that seemed to capture her entire character, but was actually an elusive facade.


    After all, she wasnt just a clueless girl as she might seem. Salvos had <em>depth, </em>greater than any other character Nn had ever met. She was a Diamond Rank adventurer. A hero in the eyes of many someone who experienced the thrill of adventure as Nn did. She was also a curious young woman, vying for knowledge, never satisfied with what she learned. And even more than that, she was a sophisticated, intelligent, and refineddy who proudly carried herself in a way that just made him respect her.


    Salvos smiled at the waiter.


    Do you guys, um, serve any bugs?


    Nn blinked.


    <em>What did she just say?</em>


    Yes, I asked if you guys served any bugs.


    I nodded as the waiter asked me to rify my question. The man shook his head apologetically.


    Im sorry, Miss, but we do not have a dinner option for bugs here.


    Well, you should, because Im not going to be eating anything unless it has six legs, antennae, and is squirming on my te, got it?


    Well see what we can do.


    The water hurriedly left, and I turned to Nn, rolling my eyes.


    Bad service, am I right?


    Errr right.


    He didnt exactly meet my gaze as he flipped through the menu. It took him a while to decide on what he wanted to order. The waiter returned, bowing deeply at me.


    I must apologize, but our [Chef]s are unable to amodate this request. Is there nothing on the menu that would suit your tastes?


    I looked down at the menu for a second, and tossed it at the table.


    Nope! Only bugs. I just love the way they crunch in my mouth. Theyre delicious!


    I made a chewing noise as the waiter hesitated. Then Nn spoke out.


    Salvos, if I may speak with him.


    He ushered the waiter over, exchanging a quiet conversation. The waiter nodded as Nn pointed at the menu, and I watched them.


    Was it working?


    Saffron told me to just be myself. Which was rude! But it wasnt really untrue. If not for the constraints that came from Human social conventions. Sure, I didnt care about adhering to those most of the time. But it sometimes mattered, just like how Kobold social conventions mattered, and Elven social conventions mattered.


    The waiter drew back, nodding at Nn, before taking his leave. I peered at Nn.


    What was that about?


    Its nothing. I simply tried to get you topromise for you.


    He waved a hand off before continuing.


    So, Salvos, tell me more about yourself. I must confess, Ive been fascinated by what Ive heard of you, especially with how rapidly youve risen into prominence over the past few years.


    Oh, um, so Im Salvos although you already knew that.


    I do, yes.


    He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the edge of the table. I tapped a finger on my chin. There were so many things for me to say about myself! I could talk about myself for<em>ever. </em>But I caught myself. I was supposed to be trying to disgust him make him lose interest in me. Which meant I should talk about


    I really love bugs. Theyre delicious. Have you ever tried them, Nn?


    There was a pause. Nn gave me a thin smile as he replied.


    Unfortunately, I have not. I dont think


    You should try it. Its really good!


    I


    Have you ever just grabbed a handful of ants and stuffed them in your mouth? The best part is when some of them escape and theyre crawling all over your teeth, so you just lick your tongue all over it.


    I sighed wistfully, smacking my lips together.


    Delicious.


    Im sure?


    He shifted ufortably as a server came, pouring us both a ss of wine each. Nn was about to take a sip when I pushed my ss back.


    Sorry. Dont like alcohol. Makes me throw up.


    With a deep breath, he downed his ss in an instant. Wiping his mouth with a napkin, he adjusted his suit and spoke apprehensively.


    Is there any reason for your <em>particr </em>tastes, Salvos?


    I shrugged.


    Its just how I am.


    I see.


    The two of us sat in silence for a moment. I just stared at him, and he fidgeted, unsure of what to say. Then he tried changing topics.


    Did you hear about what happenedst weekend? A group of Elves brazenly assault Mavos Academy, killing dozens of high ranking nobles and tinums. They even killed two Diamonds in the battle.


    Oh, yep, I was there.


    It is such a tragedy. And now the various families who lost their wait, you were there?


    He narrowed his eyes. I nodded.


    Yep. I saved Ivonne and everything. Got myself covered in Elf blood too!


    The idea of me being covered in blood didnt disgust him, which I shouldve known. He was an adventurer like me, so gore didnt disturb him, even if he appeared and acted like a noble. I tried thinking of linking this topic back to bugs, but his eyes flickered.


    Ah. So thats why you postponedst weeks date.


    I paused. Then I nodded slowly.


    Yep. I had to attend it to get some ingredients for wait, didnt I tell you this?


    This does ring a bell.


    Nn ced a hand on his chin.


    Now I remember. I had forgotten it because I had... other things in my mind at the time.


    He left the words unsaid, but he probably was referring to the fact that I had openly told him that I forgot about our date back then. And to think that I believed I handled that well! That just showed I still had a lot to learn about how mortals worked.


    Lets not dwell on these serious topics. Im sure youd rather not discuss such an event over dinner. Howd your midterms go, Salvos?


    Oh. I did good! I think. I dont know, actually.


    So, do you not know or do you think you did well?


    Heughed, and I scowled.


    Im unsure, alright? I feel like I may have done well, but I also may not? Ive never actually taken a test before.


    You have not?


    Nn blinked. I paused.


    Um, no? Is that odd?


    Edithe had once told me that not all Humans went to school. It wasnt weird for me to say that I never went to school before now, right? Nn shook his head.


    Ah, no. I was simply surprised because you seem so intelligent, I assumed you received a formal education in your household when growing up.


    I beamed.


    Well, it <em>may </em>seem like thats the case, but Im actually just very smart!


    I was five years old and already in Mavos Academys School of Aspiring Elites. Human five year olds couldnt even read properly, or something.


    Indeed you are. Also, our foods arriving.


    Nn nodded, turning as a waiter appeared with our dishes. I frowned.


    What did you order for me?


    A crown tusked crab. Its boiled in a sweet chili sauce which Im sure youll love.


    I wrinkled my nose as the meal was ced in front of me.


    Hey, didnt I ask for


    Something with six legs, antennae, and is squirming in front of you?


    Nn grinned. He gestured at the crab.


    The crown tusked crab is the only crab in the world with six legs. Imported from the Cyclopsnds, it has a pair of feelers or antennae and also, due to the boiling chili sauce, it gives off the appearance that its squirming, see?


    But thats...


    What he said was certainly all true. It definitely met the criteria Iid out. But I was obviously alluding to <em>bugs, </em>not to this! I opened my mouth, and Nn spoke over me.


    I insist you try it first.


    Fine.


    I crossed my arms, before grabbing a fork. I stabbed into a piece of the crab, already expecting to grimace from the taste. I bit into it


    And paused.


    Huh.


    I chewed slowly, tasting the rubbery texture of the crab. Nn stared at me. My mouth dropped.


    Thats delicious! Well, the crabs delicious. Everything around it isnt as good. If you just served me the crab alone, itd have been way better!


    I devoured the crab quickly it tasted very simr to how a beetle or a roach, except it was cooked. It wasnt as good as, say, a wasp. But it was very nice nheless. It could be improved if I ate it raw.


    I caught myself when I realized that Nn wasnt saying anything. I cleared my throat, softly cing the fork back down onto the table.


    Um, I think its good?


    Nn coughed.


    Right, but, errr Salvos, youre supposed to eat it <em>without </em>the shell. Its not a soft-shelled crab.


    I blinked. I stared at the crab leg I had pulled out. It certainly had been crunchy in my mouth. But


    I prefer it this way!


    --


    Our date continued, and we chatted about school and our own adventures. I left out the parts that implicated me as a Demon, telling him about how I managed to defeat the Lich and save Edithe. Nn shook his head.


    So, youre telling me that the Lich, the gue of the gunds, and the remnants of Zacharius the Quisling himself, was actually just enamored over a single girl?


    Pretty stupid, right?


    He paused. Then he smiled.


    I cant say I dont rte with him, but it does seem quite ridiculous when you consider the consequences of his actions over history.


    I blinked. I almostpletely forgot that I was supposed to be trying to gross him out. I was just talking to him normally. I really didnt understand was a date supposed to be something special? Or was it another weird concept created by Humans just to make their lives more unnecessarilyplex?


    Either way, I was reminded of what I was supposed to do as I strolled with Nn out of Crimsonbroths Seafood.


    What did you think of tonight, Salvos?


    Nn faced me as a dark cloud hovered over the moon, blotting out its light. I was about to answer honestly, but my mission resounded in my mind, so I just opened my hands and shrugged.


    Couldve had more bugs and itd be better.


    He paused. His lips were pursed. Nn squinted as he looked at me, and I hesitated.


    Yes?


    Are you are you doing this on purpose, Salvos?


    Am I doing what on purpose?


    Youve never once brought up anything like this until well, tonight. Im just wondering if youve been purposefully doing this.


    I froze. I really needed to improve my social skills. I had thought I fooled him, but just likest time, I waspletely off base. I averted my gaze.


    Maybe?


    Why?


    Nn asked, not annoyed or angry, just questioning. I scratched the back of my head.


    Because my friend, um, said you werent a good person to women? Or something?


    Ah. I thought so.


    Sighing, Nn sat on a nearby bench as I stood in front of him.


    Perhaps youve heard of less-than-kind things about my character. And they may have been true. Once, in the past, I was a young man who was overindulgent in my actions with women. Yes, amongst nobility and the upper ss, such actions are oft looked down upon. But as an adventurer, what I did wasnt out of the ordinary.


    He closed his eyes, as if recalling a memory.


    But there was one thing I did differently than others. I was always honest with my intentions, Salvos. The women I fooled around with knew it would never be anything serious. I told them outright that I didnt n on settling down with someone yet. And since then, Ive changed. Now, Ive be a romantic. Now, I want to find love.


    I shifted ufortably as Nn stood back up. He took my hand, kneeling on the ground.


    So, just as I was honest with my intentions in the past, Ill be honest now. I believe that you may be the one for me when I think of you, I know that Im captivated by you. Around you, I am both content and anxious. I feel affection and apprehension when I see you. I know this is sudden, but I truly think I love you, Salvos.


    With a kiss on the back of my hand, he stood up. Nn met my gaze as I cocked my head.


    And that is why Id like to know your intentions with me, Salvos. Please be honest. Id rather not pressure you into saying anything you dont want to.


    Its fine, Nn. Youre not pressuring me.


    I drew my hand back as I stepped back. I tilted my chin slightly, thinking for a moment about Nn. He said that the first thing he thought of when he thought of me was how he loved me. So, I focused on what I felt when I thought of him


    I think of you as my friend, Nn. Youve been nice to me, youve helped me, and youve treated me well. But I dont love you. At least, not in the same way you do love me.


    Nn blinked. His head drooped, and he spoke softly.


    I see.


    I shook my head.


    Its not because of what Ive heard about you actually, when we first met, you asked me if I had heard of you, the Mighty Warrior, before, right? Well, I identally lied when I said I didnt. Ive heard about you before, Nn.


    You have?


    He raised a brow, and I smiled.


    Yep. I met Lucy. I dont know if you remember her. But shes a girl you met back when you were only a Gold Rank. Back when you were passing through a town called Dawnwind.


    I only recalled this just the other day, after Saffron told me about Nns women escapades. I didnt think too much about it beyond just remembering it.


    Nns eyes widened.


    Ah, Lucy. Yes, I remember her. She wanted there to be something <em>more </em>between us, even if knew that we were never going tost. I warned her I even told her to stay in her town. But she insisted oning. And I couldnt just leave her in the wilderness all on her own, could I?


    I nodded.


    And if youre asking me what I think, I don''t care about that. I dont really care what others say about you, Nn. I know the person I met, and youre not a bad guy. Youre just my friend, thats all.


    Nn gave me a pained smile.


    When you say it like that, it really does hurt, you know?


    Im sure it does. But you asked me to be honest, and thats how I feel.


    I spread my arms wide, spinning around.


    Even if things arent always going great for me, Ive always feltfortable. Im happy, and I dont think thatll change.


    Nn chuckled, massaging his temples.


    At least one of us is.


    Im sure youll find someone else one day, Nn. Its just not me.


    He closed his eyes. With a deep breath, he smiled.


    Thank you. And I dont me you, Salvos. I me myself for being foolish enough to dere my love for you on our first date.


    He hesitated.


    But can I at least walk you back to where you live?


    I beamed.


    Of course. Were friends, right?


    Nn nodded, walking ahead of me.


    That we are.