Chapter 10: A Girl's Shy First Kiss!
After leaving the guild, Roland naturally took the delicate, pale hand of the girl beside him.
"..."
Levy casually glanced at the street next to them, allowing her hand to be slowly held tighter.
Feeling the warmth between them, the girl's heartbeat gradually quickened, and the blood throughout her body seemed to boil, making her feel feverish all over.
Levy took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down slowly, but the already heightened temperature made her mind somewhat dazed, leaving her to be led along like a doll.
Just then, that familiar gentle voice suddenly spoke up.
"By the way... which way is Mira-nee's house?"
"... T-to the left."
Suppressing her inner embarrassment, Levy instinctively pointed toward the left fork in the road.
Having lived in this town for so many years, she could still give directions even if her mind wasn't entirely clear.
The afternoon Sun wasn't too harsh, and Roland looked up with a slight smile at the corner of his mouth. He could clearly feel the loss of power within his body.
But it didn't affect his cheerful mood at the moment.
Admiring the various buildings reminiscent of a fantasy medieval world and breathing in the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the air—everything felt so novel to Roland.
Not to mention the cute blue-haired girl beside him.
"Not bad at all... this world."
"What?"
Hearing the soft murmur from beside her, Levy, who hadn't quite caught it, instinctively asked.
Perhaps she was getting a bit used to it. Although she still felt somewhat shy inside, it was much better than at the beginning.
At least she didn't have to keep her head down while walking.
"I said, Levy-chan is so cute!" Roland said with a slight smile, lightly pinching his chin with one hand. "No wonder Jet and Droy like you so much."
"Cute and all... not really."
Levy widened her eyes and quickly waved her hands in denial.
However, the corners of her mouth, which she couldn't suppress no matter how hard she tried, clearly revealed the joy in the girl's heart.
To many passersby, the two of them, chatting and laughing, looked exactly like a couple deeply in love.
...
Mirajane's residence wasn't too far from the guild.
After walking for about half an hour, Levy came to a stop, while Roland curiously observed their surroundings.
The originally wide street was split by a river channel, with tall trees budding with flowers lining both sides. At regular intervals, flat bridges made of white stone could be seen.
Mirajane's apartment building was on the north side of the river, with rows of structures neatly arranged, exuding a uniquely symmetrical elegance.
Across the river from the residential area was a large park filled with unknown trees—though it seemed they hadn't yet bloomed.
"Those are cherry blossom trees over there. The guild's Cherry Blossom Festival is always held there. It's a shame it's not the blooming season now."
Levy clasped her hands behind her back and cheerfully explained to him.
"I see, no wonder Mira-nee said the scenery here is nice."
Roland nodded.
Though he didn't know why there were cherry blossom trees here, he imagined that when they bloomed, the entire street would likely be enveloped in a shower of petals.
"Let's go. I've found the landlord who's renting out the place." Levy tugged at his sleeve and said with a smile.
The person renting out the property was a man in his thirties, and his reason for doing so was to travel with his wife for a year or so.
Upon hearing this, Levy couldn't help but sigh, "That's wonderful. Your wife is truly lucky to have a husband like you."
If she were to marry Roland someday, would they ever have the chance to travel like that?
The thought crossed her mind involuntarily.
Due to the urgency of the rental, the girl managed to negotiate the monthly rent down to 130,000 Jewels, on the condition that half a year's rent had to be paid upfront.
That amounted to 780,000 Jewels.
Without hesitation, Levy covered the payment for him.
After all, every time she completed a mission, she only took a small portion of the reward to buy books or other things she wanted, rarely splurging. As a result, her savings had surpassed most people in the guild.
"I feel like I'll never be able to repay you..."
Roland sighed with a complicated expression.
Living off her, eating her food, and now even half a year's rent—should he just repay her with his body?
After signing the contract, the two stepped into the newly rented house.
It was a two-story wooden building. The first floor mainly consisted of a living room and kitchen, while Roland's rented bedroom was on the second floor. The hallway also had a bathroom and toilet—truly everything one could need.
Moreover, since the landlord was taking his family on a trip, it was equivalent to renting the entire house for 130,000 Jewels.
By the time they saw off the original landlord and his wife as they boarded a carriage, it was already evening.
"Great! Now we have a place to live!" Levy cheered, waving her fist excitedly.
Her thrilled expression made it seem as though she were the one who had rented the house.
"Thank you, Levy."
Holding the key that gleamed with a metallic shine, Roland spoke from the heart.
Though he knew Levy was likely influenced by the Love Spot to help him so much...
But who could blame him for being lucky enough to meet such an adorable girl?
Roland shook his head, pushing these thoughts aside.
"Come on in. Tonight, I'll treat you to a dinner with a different flavor."
"What, what? Is it those soup dumplings?"
"Pan-fried dumplings, ramen, hot pot, salt-baked snails, fruit pudding... You can have whatever you want."
"Wait—did something strange just sneak in there?!"
Snails? Are they even edible?!
Just imagining it made Levy's scalp tingle.
...
The moonlight was exceptionally bright tonight. After enjoying the apple pudding for dessert, Levy lay contentedly on the sofa.
Gazing at the night outside the window, she curled her lips into a slight smile, then sat cross-legged on the sofa and stretched.
"Thanks for the meal! I should head back now."
"You're welcome to stay the night if you want."
Roland set down the history book he was halfway through and said jokingly.
"That kind of thing... How could I?!"
At least not for now!
Levy rubbed her flushed cheeks, then quickly stood up and headed for the door.
As she pushed the door open, a sudden gust of cold wind swept in, making the girl, who was only wearing a sleeveless dress, quickly hug her arms.
But the next moment, a black long-sleeved coat was draped over her shoulders, and the chill faded considerably.
"...Thank you."
Clutching the collar of the coat, Levy turned to look at Roland standing in the doorway.
The bright moonlight gently cascaded down, falling upon Roland's face. His delicate and refined features suddenly made Levy's heart flutter once again.
"Um, Roland..." Levy lowered her head slightly, speaking in a soft voice.
"Hmm?"
"Could you close your eyes? Just for a moment!"
"I can, but... what are you planning to do?"
"Please!"
Though filled with confusion, trusting the girl, Roland closed his eyes.
What followed immediately was a gentle, moist sensation at the corner of his lips—along with a faint hint of apple flavor.
Was I just kissed by force?
At that moment, this was the only thought lingering in Roland's mind.