The next morning arrived with a tantalizing aroma that danced through the air, pulling me from the realms of sleep.
As I blinked away the remnants of slumber, I discovered that Emily was missing from the bed, but the delicious scent drew me toward the kitchen like a moth to a flame.
Stepping lightly, I crept up behind her, sneaking a surprise hug that took her off guard. She turned a mix of surprise and delight, lighting up her face as she realized it was me.
"You're awake! Just give me a second—I'm whipping up some fried chicken and rice that'll blow your mind," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief as if she were expecting me to shower her with praise.
I couldn't help but chuckle at her playful allure. Leaning in, I pressed a quick kiss on her cheek and teased, "It's awesome that you're cooking for me and it already smells incredible, but aren't you exhausted? Remember our date plans?"
With determination in her gaze, she replied, "I know, but I want to make something special just for you! Trust me, I'm wide awake—just hold tight for a little longer, okay?"
Her earnestness melted my heart, and I couldn't resist nodding in agreement.
"Good! How about we keep it light and save the big dinner for later? After all, we can savor this place for another two days before heading back when the next merchant group leaves." I added, feeling a surge of excitement at the thought.
When I mentioned returning home, she wrapped her arms around me tightly, a wave of emotion washing over her. This girl had been through so much—working endless hours as a part-time accountant, all while living solo without friends or family to lean on.
As I made my way back to my room, I pondered how to introduce her to my mom. After all, I was bringing home someone mysterious after just a couple of days away, and I could already imagine the questions piling up.
But I brushed those worries aside. 'I'll figure that out on the way back. For now, it's all about enjoying this moment,' I decided, just as Emily emerged from the kitchen.
"Food's ready!" she chimed, balancing a colorful spread as she placed it on the bed, our makeshift dining table in this cozy little home.
"Alright, dive in and tell me what you think!" she encouraged, taking a seat beside me. " Ok try it and tell me how it is." I don't know what came to my mind (Because the Author wants to 😜), but I pulled Emily into my arms and made her sit on my lap, her back touching my chest.
"Whh.. what are you doing, we should eat don't try anything else," she said while blushing, a mischievous smile spread across my face and I couldn't help but tease her
"Well, I am just thinking about hugging you while I eat, but it seems like there is something else going on in your mind, or maybe you are thinking about last night," I said to her, and her whole face up to her ear started to turn red, I thought that I will also see some steam coming out of her head but not.
"Yo... You are bullying me; I will not talk to you." She looked at me with those tears eyes, and now I started to feel guilty.
"Ok, ok, we will first eat, and then we will go out for a morning date, ok."
After that, I picked up the fried chicken piece, placed it in a Bowl full of rice, and started to feed her while eating from the same Bowl. Like this, we engaged in a playful atmosphere and finished our lunch.
After we finished enjoying our leisurely lunch, we stepped outside into the vibrant atmosphere of the city, the sun casting a warm glow as we began our walk toward the bustling market area in the center. The air was alive with the sounds of birds chirping.
"Hey, so where are we going, Ray? You didn't mention it earlier," she asked, her curiosity piqued as we strolled hand in hand, our fingers interlocking comfortably.
"Well, we're heading to the Central Market," I replied, a smile spreading across my face, "so we can enjoy our date together. Plus, I'm planning to pick out a weapon for you. I thought it'd be the perfect opportunity to do both!" She had eyes wide at the mention of the weapon, and I couldn't help but feel excited about her potential.
The weapon I had in mind was meant for her—after all, she was already mine, and I believed in investing in her growth. In the original timeline of her journey, she had no specific preferences, but her life changed dramatically when she discovered an exceptional sword while exploring a ruin with Jack. It ignited her passion for sword arts, revealing her remarkable talent.
By supporting her now, I hoped to aid her cultivation journey earlier than before and help polish her skills in sword practice. I was eager to see her thrive as a sword goddess and achieve her true potential.
"You want to buy a weapon for me, but I don't know how to use one, and I'm not a cultivator," she said, looking at me with a mixture of confusion and concern. Her eyes reflected a sense of uncertainty as if she were grappling with the implications of owning a weapon without any training.
"Yes, you are not a cultivator, but that doesn't mean you can't become one. It's a journey, and everyone starts somewhere. Besides, once we return to my home, we can begin your cultivation together," I replied, trying to reassure her. The conviction in my voice was an attempt to instill a sense of possibility in her.
She hesitated, the weight of her circumstances pressing down on her. The truth is, she had always wanted to pursue cultivation, to harness the strength and knowledge that came with it, but financial barriers had stymied her aspirations. The resources and training were expensive, and without the means to secure them, her dreams had remained unfulfilled. I could see the flicker of hope in her expression, masked by doubt.
"Don't think about it anymore. I firmly believe in your potential, and I know you can become a great cultivator. Always remember to have confidence in yourself. Now, let's set off to find a suitable weapon for your practice," I encouraged her, taking her hand and guiding her toward the bustling central market.
As we approached the entrance, I paid the necessary fee to enter. This was a standard practice across all cities in human territory—a fee was mandatory for anyone without a property in the market. It ensured order and maintenance within the vibrant marketplace.
Upon entering, instead of heading straight to the weapon shops as I initially had in mind, we veered towards the food area. It was important to me that we enjoy our first date, an experience I had promised her the day before. We shared an array of delicious street foods, savoring each bite and sharing laughter, forming a bond over shared tastes and experiences.
After our delightful meal, we explored the remaining sections of the market, admiring the various stalls until finally, we reached a renowned weapon shop. This particular store specialized solely in swords, and it was recognized as the best place to purchase one in the entire market.
____________End
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