What a terrible day.
Felyn took the water from the shop owner and walked toward Daiyi.
As he walked, he thought about Viloti.
Of course, not about how she looked in the fitting room.
He had to admit that under Viloti's persistent pestering, he had done things he never would have done before.
Viloti was too special.
She wasn't a client, so he couldn't use contracts to draw clear boundaries.
She didn't know the truth, so he couldn't directly explain everything.
But this wasn't an excuse.
Wake up!
Felyn slapped his cheeks.
If things continued developing like this, everything would spiral out of control. This was irresponsible to both clients and Viloti.
Felyn saw Daiyi's figure from afar—she stood under a tree, looking so elegant.
He started jogging in place to create the illusion that he had run far to buy water.
Daiyi stood under the tree, lifting her wrist to check her watch.
Felyn had been gone twenty minutes—where could he have gone?
"Miss Daiyi, here you go."
Felyn suddenly appeared behind Daiyi, startling her.
"Sorry for taking so long. I bought Miss Daiyi's favorite flavor—there weren't any nearby, so I had to go farther."
His heaving chest showed Felyn had jogged all the way back, sweat on his face reflecting the streetlights.
"Thank you. Next time you don't need to go so far—I'm not that particular."
Daiyi took the water bottle, feeling the warmth from the young man's palm.
"As long as it makes Miss Daiyi happy, I don't mind running a few extra steps."
Felyn wiped his sweat, showing a gentle smile.
Daiyi pulled a handkerchief from her bag and handed it to Felyn, "Wipe your sweat."
"Miss Daiyi is so considerate."
Felyn opened the bag hidden behind him, "I bought those little bear couple pajamas we saw earlier. You don't need to pay—it's my heartfelt gesture. I'm so lucky to become lovers with Miss Daiyi."
Looking at the cute pajamas in the bag, Daiyi's expression became somewhat complex.
Her lips twitched slightly, she pressed them together, but ultimately couldn't voice her refusal. She gripped the water bottle tighter.
"I hope the inspection goes smoothly—these could serve as mementos."
Felyn folded the pajamas and put them in the bag.
Daiyi remained silent on the way back.
If the inspection went smoothly, would her contract with Felyn lose its necessity?
Originally planned to show her parents, but now it seemed they would never come to such a place—at most they'd send someone to inspect.
If Bernice found no problems in her inspection and reported back, her goal of making her parents angry would be achieved.
After Bernice's report, she'd maintain the contract for a few more months at most, in case of secondary inspections. After a few months, she'd have to separate from Felyn.
But why did she suddenly feel... reluctant to end the contract?
Daiyi stole a glance at Felyn sleeping against the car window, her gaze lingering on his quiet profile. Those emerald eyes appeared especially deep in the night.
Today's series of events had exhausted Felyn.
Light and shadows from streetlamps passed by the window, casting alternating bright and dim halos on his face.
His breathing was even and quiet, still clutching the bag with the bear pajamas, unwilling to let go even in sleep.
Originally clear boundaries became blurred in this quiet night.
The word "separation" suddenly became difficult to voice.
Daiyi turned to look at the flowing nightscape outside.
After her contract with Felyn ended, she'd return to living alone.
Ultimately, this was just her fate.
These days were merely a small interlude in her lonely life, destined to become memories.
So now, she'd cherish this time that might be repeatedly recalled later.
Saturday morning.
Sunlight streamed through sheer curtains into the room.
Morning breeze carried slight coolness, gently lifting a corner of the curtains.
The living room retained last night's tranquility. Two cups sat on the coffee table, one being Daiyi's dedicated black tea cup.
A blanket was neatly draped over the sofa, its corners still showing traces of Daiyi's folding.
Daiyi sat in her usual position, stirring black tea. The silver spoon lightly clinked against the cup, making subtle sounds.
Today she hadn't put up her hair—black locks fell smoothly over her shoulders with a lazy air.
Felyn placed freshly baked bread on the table, its aroma immediately filling the air.
"Would Miss Daiyi like jam or butter?"
He asked while placing both options before her.
His movements were skilled and natural, as if repeated countless times.
"Jam."
Without realizing it, Daiyi had grown accustomed to mornings with Felyn's presence, and everything in this home.
She had her own designated seat here, her own tableware, and her own dedicated Fel...
Daiyi bit the bread in small pieces, occasionally glancing at the young man across from her.
Such morning times had unknowingly become precious.
"Miss Daiyi, I may need to go out later."
"Alright. To accompany clients?"
"No, I'm going to the dungeon. I want to try my luck seeing if I can observe some magical beasts to pass the joint examination."
"Hm? Isn't this kind of observation usually school-organized? Didn't you go then?"
Felyn hummed in agreement, swallowing his bread.
"But analyzing typical magical beast behavior in two days is very difficult, unless someone helps drive magical beasts to you—but that's usually something only major families working together can accomplish."
"Mm, I know. I'm just trying my luck. I can't do nothing—at least after failing, I can think I tried my best."
Daiyi nodded without saying more, but already had a plan in mind.
"Miss Daiyi, I'll probably return after dinner. You don't need to wait for me. I've prepared all the food and left it in the kitchen—just heat it with seals when ready."
Today Felyn wore adventure gear suitable for action—a dark short-sleeved top fitted to his form, revealing the young man's slender yet solid arms.
Form-fitting pants and lightweight combat boots made him appear especially sharp.
His soft black hair stood up slightly, making his fair face appear even more delicate.
"Wait for you to return—I have something to tell you."
Felyn's lips twitched.
What was with this flag-like statement? Would he meet his end in the dungeon today?
"Hm? Is there something strange?"
"No, I'm just curious what Miss Daiyi wants to tell me."
Daiyi gently set down her teacup, unable to help studying the young man before her.
"Be careful. I'll tell you when you return."
"Alright, I'm heading out." Felyn waved and closed the door.
Simultaneously, two teams from the Silafiel and Claude families in Seiwa were also advancing toward the dungeon.
After Felyn's farewell, Daiyi stood by the window watching his figure disappear around the street corner.
She returned to her room and took out her communication seal.
"Is there something, Young Lady?"
A mechanical voice reached her ears.
"Bernice, I want to ask you for a favor."
(End of Chapter)