Taking in a deep breath, Petelgeuse readied himself by straightening his robe and calming his heart rate. With a picnic basket in one hand, his other raised into a fist and knocked gently on the door in front of him.

"Just a second! I'm coming!"

Clearing his throat, Petelgeuse prepared himself for what he would do when she finally came out through that door. "Remember; don't do anything stupid. Don't say anything stupid. And don't look stupid."

In a few moments, the door swung open, revealing a flustered and anxious elf with beautiful silver hair and a lovely purple and white outfit. "Sorry, Geuse! I know I'm late. There was just some things that reeeeaaallly needed touching up on around the house, and I—"

Petelgeuse interrupted her with a laugh. "It is no worry at all, Fortuna-sama. I understand completely. Is there anything I can assist you with before we go?"

Fortuna smiled gratefully. "Ah, there's no need. I already finished. But even if I did, I would have politely refused your help. You already do soooo much for us," Fortuna smiled.

Petelgeuse gave a slight bow. "It is my honor to assist you and the others in the Elior Forest," he said.

Fortuna giggled. "Oh Geuse. Always so humble. It's probably what I like most about you," she murmured.

"And your beauty and kindness is what I like about you most," Geuse said absent-mindedly.

His realization at the true weight of his words only came when he saw Fortuna's relaxed face shift into one of burning embarrassment. "Y-You… H-Huh? W-What?!"

Petelgeuse stammered as well, trying to correct his flub. "O-Oh! I-It's not that—Well… I didn't… Erm…"

Clenching her fists together, Fortuna pouted as she stomped forward, almost angrily passing by him. "W-Whatever! Le-Let's just go already!"

Petelgeuse followed her immediately. "Y-Yes, Fortuna-sama!"

The walk to their designated spot was much too quiet for Petelgeuse's liking. But given how embarrassed Fortuna was earlier, he figured it would be for the best that he not say anything.

As Petelgeuse was worrying if he did something wrong, Fortuna was internally screaming with glee about what Petelgeuse said earlier.

Not that she would show that to him, however. Her pride wouldn't allow it. Though as hard as she tried, she couldn't hide the permanent blush staining her cheeks.

When they arrived at their destination, Fortuna took a moment to take everything in. It was a breathtaking view. A grassy green plain surrounded by strong, towering trees. With a sparkling pure blue lake right across from the highest point of the green plain. The wind was just perfect as well. With the breeze blowing through her hair and moving the blades of grass in synonymous unison. Craning her neck up, Fortuna squinted at the shimmering golden sun. She was glad she brought a sunhat today. Otherwise she might've gotten a burn.

"How is it? Is it to your liking?" Petelgeuse asked.

"Oh Geuse. It's perfect." Sitting down on the quilt Petelgeuse had brought, she brushed her hand along the soft grass. "I couldn't have imagined a better spot."

Sighing in relief, Petelgeuse sat across from her. "I'm glad. I was hoping you'd love this place just as much as I. Glad to know that my assumption came true."

Removing the contents from the basket, Petelgeuse laid out a variety of food for the two to eat. As well as some drink to free them of any parch they would catch in their throats.

The contents consisted of sandwiches, obviously. But also a bunch of fruits and veggies to munch on, as well as some tasty treats for dessert.

"Oh Geuse, you didn't have to—" Fortuna began.

"Please, Fortuna-sama," he interrupted. "It is no problem at all. After all, I'm eating as well. Aren't I?" With a sly grin, Petelgeuse took a bite from one of the sandwiches he made.

"Hmph! I suppose that's true," Fortuna smirked back. Grabbing her sandwich, she took a generous bite. "It's delicious!" she said with unkempt glee. "And you made this?!"

She happily scarfed down her sandwich while Geuse chuckled. "I do have some experience in preparing food, Fortuna-sama."

"Ehh? Is that so? You'd make a good husband then someday," Fortuna giggled. Only seconds later did she realize what she had just said. "N-N-Not that I would co-consider you as—Oh nevermind!"

Petelgeuse was equally as flustered. "H-Husband? Me? I-I think you put me on far too high a pedestal, Fortuna-sama. I-I don't see myself worthy as being the husband of y—I mean—! Let-Let's just continue eating."

Fortuna nodded and hastily took a bite out of the nearest food she could spot. "R-Right!"

Unbeknownst to the oblivious couple, someone was watching them from afar. A little half-elf girl was peeking from behind a tree and was eyeing the tasty desserts behind Petelgeuse.

"Sneaky sneak. Sneaky sneak." Carefully maneuvering as to not be seen, the girl inched closer and closer to the pair, the treats directly in her line of sight.

"Almost there…" she whispered. But just before she could nab one of the treats, her arm was caught by Petelgeuse.

"Gahh!"

"Emilia-sama. You know it's not right to steal," Petelgeuse chuckled. "And you need to work on your 'sneaky sneak' as well. Not many people who don't want to be caught announce their presence, you know."

Emilia shamefully looked up at Petelgeuse. "S-Sorry! It's just that… I wanted a treat… but you and Mommy Fortuna were having a date so I didn't want to interrupt!"

"D-Date!?" Fortuna sputtered. "T-That's complete nonsense, Lia!"

"T-That's correct! This is just a pleasant outing together as friends!" Petelgeuse chimed in.

Emilia tilted her head innocently. "But from the way you act, it seems like you are a Mommy and Daddy."

"Hrk!"

Both Fortuna and Petelgeuse didn't know how to react. They both just stared off into the distance opposite from each other. Emilia tapped her fingers together shamefully, before she was suddenly hoisted up by an unknown figure.

"Hey, Emilia! What are you doing interrupting Fortuna's picnic?"

"Ahh! Sorry Arch! I just wanted a treat! Just one treat! Aghh!"

Holding her upside down, Arch sighed before turning to the pair. "I'm awfully sorry. You know how much she likes to wander on her own."

"I-It really is no problem. Here," Petelgeuse then handed Arch two of the treats. "Help yourself."

Smirking, Arch accepted Petelgeuse's offer. "Right, I will. In fact, I'll eat both since someone has been a naughty girl!" he teased.

"Ahh noo! I'll be good! I'll be a good girl I promise!" Emilia shouted. She flailed her limbs in Arch's grasp desperately.

"Relax, I'm only kidding. Have fun you two," Arch commented.

As he walked away, Fortuna called out to him, "Make sure Lia doesn't wander off anyplace dangerous!" After a nod from Arch, he disappeared from their sight.

"Mommy and Daddy, huh?" Fortuna mumbled.

Petelguese gulped. "Ahaha! You know how kids are, they say silly things! We can just ignore that and—"

"Maybe it's not so bad."

"Huh?"

Brushing a lock of silver hair behind her ear, Fortuna blushed as she averted her gaze from Petelgeuse. "Maybe it's not so bad… this being a date."

"D-Do you want this to be?" Petelgeuse asked. He nervously anticipated her answer.

Giving a soft smile, Fortuna faced Petelgeuse with a soft look in her eye. "Yes. It sounds… nice."

Absolutely elated, Petelguese smiled with her. "Very well then. A date this shall be."

The rest of their picnic was far more enjoyable now, with the two being more honest about their true feelings for each other. And there would be many more occasions like this in the days to come.