Rin flipped through the magazine displayed at the library's front rack. "O-ohh... I see."
What she was reading was a page detailing how to captivate someone, through the use of- in stylish writing- smooth words.
Particularly, displaying one's manliness and reliability will make any girl fall for you, or so it says.
The Medic nodded, putting the book down, feeling pumped up. "This should work!" she said to herself and quickly ran out the library.
...seconds later, Ganryuu the Guildmaster picked up the book and raised an eyebrow. "This is a crappy magazine for men," he mused. Pondering in his thoughts, he shrugged and put the book back where it was.
Remilia strolled down the streets of Etria. She had just been discussing some more on theories regarding the labyrinth with Scarlet. Even though they had already defeated the core and the true monster ruling over it, the labyrinth naturally remained, and while there was nothing left to explore, the intellectuals of Etria had other plans.
After all, exploration isn't only about physical location! It was about the mechanics, too! Her newfound passion for finding explanations and testing them lit up at some point, helping her and Scarlet get along once more.
"H-hey! Remilia!"
The Hexer paused in her footsteps and turned around to see her favorite Medic, leaning against a wall with a hand on her hips. It doesn't fit her.
"W-what's going on, b... baby?" Rin asked in a forced soft voice.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
It doesn't fit! the Hexer grimaced. It must have- no, it definitely showed on her face as Rin squeaked.
"A-ah, wait, wait! Time out!" The girl quickly turned around and took out a small notebook."T-that's weird... the book said 'baby' is a commonly used word amongst cool men..."
Remilia was able to hear her, of course. But you're not a man, she thought.
Rin suddenly turned around. "O-okay, hold on! I got another one!" She pulled out an empty wine glass out of nowhere and held it between her left hand, shaking it around slightly as if trying to flaunt her non-existent wine. With her right hand, she stopped leaning against the wall and gently caressed her hair upwards. "H-how about we... go on a l-lonely trip... with only the two of us... b-baby?" she said.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
Again, she grimaced. It doesn't fit! the Hexer thought. Once more it showed on her face, as Rin dropped the glass to the ground.
"N-no way! That took a lot out of me!" Rin wailed. She looked at her notes once more, and sighed. "M-maybe I'm lacking in manly appeal..."
But you're not a man, Remilia thought once more.
The Medic finally looked up again, this time wearing a determined last-resort look on her face. "O-okay, this is the last one I got!" Before Remilia could even question her, the girl went up to the Hexer and pinned her against the wall, her right arm blocking the Hexer's path. Then, with her left hand, she gently lifted Remilia's face and leaned closely. I-it's working! Rin thought, noticing the heavy blush forming on her wife's face. "T-this is a... wall plant! Or... k-kabe-don... b-baby."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
Whatever she did probably ruined everything, because the Hexer's red face became a solid pale brick wall the moment she finished. It doesn't fit at all! Remilia thought.
Rin groaned, easing off of her. "O-oh come on... that was my last choice..." she muttered. Seemingly saddened, she covered her face between her hands, both depressed and humiliated- especially since they were in public and few were actively looking at them and snickering.
Remilia sighed. "..what are you doing?" she finally asked.
The Medic looked up. "I, I just have nothing to do..." she said. "S-so I wanted to spend more time with you... a-and, and this book I found, it says, it says women loves feisty men! S-so I was, t-trying stuff out on you... But they don't work!" She exclaimed. "B-books are all lies! I lack masculinity..."
No, but you're not a man! Remilia thought once more. Scratching her head, she petted the Medic. "...you're fine," she whispered.
"I- I am?"
"Mmhmn." Slowly pulling the girl up, Remilia looked around as Rin stared curiously at her for more words. "...ah. Oh no," she muttered with the least amount of tone. "I am hungry. I see nearby restaurant."
"R-Remilia?" Rin asked, somehow not getting the hint.
Rolling her eyes, the Hexer grabbed the Medic by the hand. "Let's eat together."
A smile slowly formed on the orange haired girl's face. "L-like a date?"
We're already married, but... Remilia nodded, returning the smile with her own. "Mmhm."
Rin cheered. "Y-yes! Of course!"
The two happily visited a nearby restaurant- surprisingly ran by an ex-adventurer acquaintance of theirs- and began their date.
Valeria watched from afar, her face distorted with half amusement and half cringe. "God, that was so painful to watch."