Tasu and the Mentor approached us.
"Tasu, that was amazing!" Kifuru said.
"Thanks..." Tasu replied, blushing slightly.
"You're such a shy one!" I teased.
"Oh, shut up!"
After a brief conversation with the Mentor, we returned to the college and decided to stop by the library.
When we entered, I immediately noticed how massive it was.
In the center were tables for visitors, surrounded by towering bookshelves filled with books on magic.
"This library is over two hundred years old, so there are some very ancient spells here," Kimi remarked.
"I'll have to come here and read sometime."
"Can we head home now?" Tasu asked.
"Yes, the teacher said there won't be any more lessons today."
"Then shall we head home?"
"I think so."
We walked outside and headed toward home.
"Tasu, you guys go on ahead. I'm going to stop by the guild," I suggested.
"You want to take on some tasks?"
"Yeah, it's been a while since I've been there."
"Alright."
"Akusa, can I come with you?" Kimi asked.
"You want to take on some tasks too?"
"Yes, if that's okay."
"I don't mind. The tasks aren't too difficult."
"Well, good luck on your 'unusual date'!" Tasu joked, waving at us.
Kimi and I made our way to the guild.
"Kimi, I take it that Tadoki fully carried out his plan with your uncle, and now you're the ruler of the country?"
"Yes, now I'm responsible for everything in the nation."
"So, everything went according to plan."
"Seems like it."
"Did Tadoki find out who killed your parents?"
"Yes, unfortunately, it was our uncle. As a result, Tadoki took him down. Brutally."
"Sorry for bringing it up."
"It's fine, I don't mind," Kimi replied, her voice slightly subdued.
"Have you worked with the guild before?"
"I've taken on tasks a few times, but only ones that didn't require force."
"I see. So you're lazy."
"No, I'm not!" Kimi protested.
"Then should we take on a more challenging task this time? Or would you rather not?"
"Sure, I don't mind. It's not as scary with you around!" Kimi said, blushing slightly.
…She's just too cute...
I felt my cheeks heat up.
When we arrived at the guild, it turned out that as a ruler, Kimi didn't need to take a mana test — everyone already knew how strong she was.
"What task should we take?" I asked.
The task board displayed three options: two delivery jobs and one involving hunting a mutant wolf.
"It's unusual that there are delivery tasks here…"
"There aren't enough people to transport resources right now, so the guild helps the nation," Kimi explained.
"Got it. Let's take the wolf task, then."
"Alright."
The guild leader marked the location of the wolf on the map so we could find it faster. We teleported to the designated spot — a large meadow covered in flowers.
"It's beautiful here," Kimi said, picking a flower.
"Yeah, it really is."
Surrounding us was a dark forest — likely the Forest of Death.
"Something's coming," I said.
"Akusa…?"
"What is it?"
"Can I try? I've never fought mutant wolves before, and I'm curious if I can handle one."
"Alright. If anything happens, I'll help."
Kimi nodded, and I flew several dozen meters into the air to give her space. From the forest emerged a mutant wolf.
It was gray and stood over three meters tall.
"That's a big one," I muttered to myself.
The wolf drew closer to us. Kimi extended her hand, and as soon as the wolf tried to bite her, she lightly touched it.
In that instant, the entire wolf froze solid.
I was slightly surprised. Kimi looked at me and smiled.
I descended to the ground.
"Well done, that was impressive."
"Thank you."
"And Kimi doubted whether she could handle it?! A single wolf is far too little for her!" I thought to myself.
"This is one of my strongest spells right now," Kimi admitted.
I approached the frozen wolf and placed my hand on it.
"You didn't just freeze its body, but its soul as well? That's impressive."
"Thanks…" Kimi replied, blushing slightly.
"Alright, time to head back."
"Yes, let's go."
I snapped my fingers, creating a powerful impulse that completely obliterated the frozen wolf. We returned to the guild.
"Did you complete the task?" the guild leader asked us.
"Yes, it was pretty easy."
"Here's your reward."
"Akusa, you can keep it."
"A-all right…"
I was about to suggest that Kimi take the reward, but I remembered that as a ruler, she probably didn't need the money.
We left the guild.
"Want to take a walk?" Kimi asked, a little shyly.
"Sure, I don't mind."
We headed toward the fountain in the city center. Along the way, we chatted about my past, which Kimi seemed very interested in.
We bought ice cream and made our way to Kimi's house.
"Akusa… wait…" Kimi said nervously.
I turned to look at her. She seemed flustered.
"I really enjoyed spending time with you today..." she said quietly. "So thank you!"
"Actually, I should thank you. I didn't think you'd enjoy being with me."
Of course, I was a little surprised by this turn of events, but it seemed that the surprises weren't over yet…
"Silly," Kimi said with a faint smile.
"What? Why?"
"And… I wanted to say… I like you! Will you go out with me?" Kimi said softly.
For a moment, memories of my life before the sealing flashed through my mind.
I placed my hands on her shoulders, and our lips met.
Kimi was stunned.
I lowered my hands.
"I like you too!"
"And… sorry about that…" I mumbled.
"That… was my first kiss," Kimi said, covering her face with her hands, blushing all the way to her ears.
"Are you okay?"
"Y-yeah, sorry, I have to go," Kimi replied shyly and vanished, teleporting home.