AN: Make sure to check out Tokyo Otaku Mode since they're shipping out their supply of Konosuba Nendoroids NEXT MONTH. Compare this to crunchyroll, which aren't shipping/stocking until MAY of next YEAR. It's even cheaper too (at least it was for me. I got the entire set including Kazuma, Megumin, Aqua and Darkness…if i'm missing someone they're probably not important anyway)

Oh, and it was once questioned how Kazuma's self resurrection works. If you've played Skyrim you might know, as it's inspired from the vampire system in sacrosanct. Basically, ALL of Kazuma's abilities use up a very small amount of blood he stores alongside mostly mana (which is why early on, he was knocking himself out with mana exhaustion like Megumin with certain attacks). But with resurrection, instead of mana, it basically takes a large majority of his stored blood, and will immediately put him in debilitating thirst afterwards. And with the amount he has to feed to offset it, resurrecting multiple times a day would be near impossible without Aqua, as he'd either kill Megumin/Darkness in the process, or could quickly succumb to a blood frenzy. So as long as Aqua is there to heal afterwards, its basically just a slower, less efficient version of Aqua's normal resurrection spell. But with the added bonus that he could do it alone. Would be pretty strong if he ever turned evil and didn't care about sucking random people's blood eh?

Last note, I went back and retconned a very very small detail found in chapters 15 and 16. A stupid idea I had that I realized would only lead to problems going forward. It wasn't even anything memorable so don't worry. That's about it, see ya.

'Mmmm, someone's making breakfast. Actually it smells like they're burning it…Jeez this itch won't go away!'

His eyes shot open.

'Gah! Who the hell left the damn blinders cracked open?'

As soon as his anger fought off the usual morning grogginess, the gears began turning.

'Oh yeah, last night, almost forgot'

He still remained annoyed. To not even remain in his bed for a cute wakeup, but to leave the blinders an inch open. This girl really had a funny way of showing the feelings that she saw him as more than a friend.

'Wait, oh shit! We have a date today!'

Kazuma felt a bit of a tingle in him as that thought went through his head. His first date, a date with a girl, and a really cute one at that!

He opened his wardrobe, which seemed to have multiple copies of the same expensive white blouse, black trousers, and only one of his signature black and red cloaks. The other copy being burnt away by Hanz.

He wondered if it was weird that they all wore the same thing every single day. Though after Megumin bought an ENTIRE store's worth of her exact cape, he remembered the saying from those people who live in some parts of America, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

'Well, from what I know, people on dates usually try to look nicer than normal. So I'll go with this! Yeah, not bad at all'

With his world shattering amount of options, and insanity driving level of intellect, he chose the expensive white blouse, paired with black trousers, but decided to HOLD the cloak. Leaving it in the wardrobe for another day.

…

'I need more clothes'

Even though the uses of buying more clothing numbered in the single digits, or possibly less, it still would have been nice for moments like this.

'Tch, why am I worried in the first place? As if Megumin is actually gonna be wearing something other than the exact same wizard hat and red robes she does every single day'

Confident in his lack of style, Kazuma swung open the door and made his way to the living room. Where he saw Megumin in-

'Gh! A dress? How long has she had that?'

Megumin, wearing an all black summer dress, sat all by her lonesome on one of the dining chairs, messing around with her hands. The expression he read on her face made it quite obvious that she was probably even more nervous than he was. Something that gave him the slightest bit of a confidence boost.

"Yo."

She broke out of her trance and stood up.

"Morning."

"So, what did you wanna do?"

Kazuma admitted that he hadn't actually planned out anything for the entire day. In most anime he's watched, dates usually just consisted of going out to eat together. Maybe that would do?

"Well, I was thinking, maybe we just get some breakfast?" Megumin suggested.

After she asked that, her face warped into random emotions, then she coughed into her hand and placed her hands on her waist.

"Actually, yes, that's what we'll do! We'll get some breakfast! Then surely we will find more to do after that!"

'Is she telling me or telling herself…'

Kazuma held in a chuckle, he thought she looked cute. She probably was just annoyed at how awkward they were being, when they should be beyond that already.

"Nice fake confidence, keep it up."

"Fake? So you wish to die right here and now?"

She took on a karate styled stance.

"Oh and, nice dress by the way. You look pretty in it."

He completely ignored her challenge, instead going for the critical hit.

"M-my dress? Ah, thank you. You look good too."

She immediately softened up.

'All too easy…and does she even notice that I look exactly the same?'

Kazuma ate his words on fake confidence quite quickly, as on their way walking around town, she had suddenly grabbed onto his hand. Meeting his embarrassed look with a knowing smile of her own. She smelled blood, and now she felt in control once again.

'What is up with her? She acts like a total maiden sometimes, and then at random she'll completely take the reigns'

Not like he had anything against that. Made it a lot harder to mess up when you're being being guided around by the hand…in this case literally.

"Oi, do you actually know where we're going?" He asked.

"Of course I do, why…we're going to a place to eat breakfast."

They had taken a completely different path than the one used to go to the guild. Probably for the best, a place like that was pretty damn low on his list of optimal date spots. Even a café in Arcanletia was higher, and he hoped to never cross paths with them again.

"You know what I mean you- erm."

"Go on."

She tightened her grip on his fingers, eliciting a yelp.

'I'm trying to NOT call her an idiot and this is what I get!?'

"You- girl…"

"...Well at least you're just as bad as I am at this. Anyways why do I have to know where we're going? Maybe as the man you should be the one handling this."

"Alright fine, I got us just the place. I was planning it out all night."

"Really? And here I thought you weren't going to put that much effort into this at all."

'Alright, quick, think! Wait, that place, that place looks high class!'

He suddenly pulled on Megumin as he made his way into what was essentially the first place that looked even remotely like a nice restaurant of some sort.

When the door closed behind him, he would have sweat dropped if he still perspired.

'This isn't high class at all!'

The 'restaurant' was little more than a rustic inn with a clientele that was barely above the usuals over at the guild hall.

But when he looked over at Megumin, she seemed to be smiling as if nothing was wrong.

'Right…she isn't some princess in a castle or a noblewoman. Maybe this will work out after all!'

Roughly a minute after sitting down, that was when he heard it, the answer to the question that burns in everyone's mind. Is it ever okay to say or think things like 'what could possible go wrong?'

"Hey! It's you!"

'Oh god no'

From over Megumin's shoulders, he saw the blonde haired pain in his ass storming off in his direction.

"I didn't even speak man, I literally just thought about it, that's all."

Megumin stared at Kazuma with confusion as he mumbled to himself in despair. Although this was par for the course really.

"I knew I'd catch up with you again eventually. How many times has it been-"

"Nine."

"-that I've had to find you!?"

Megumin narrowed her eyes as she tried to recognize the man yelling at Kazuma from behind.

"Oh hey, I know you! You're Keeyogi!"

"I-it's Kyouya! Kyouya!"

'Oh right, Megumin probably hasn't seen him since the court case with Sena. Lucky her, this bastard manages to track me down like I'm an X on a treasure map or something. And EVERY time he has to ask-'

"Can I please have my sword back?"

"Look dude. You hate me. And I earned it fair and square. And I happen to be rich, so guess that leaves you out of options. But hey it was nice catching up! Ciao! Arrivederci! Sayonara!"

"What are you saying?" Megumin asked.

"Hey! I'm not done yet! You're not getting away this time. Come on, I'm not asking for much. I don't hold any grudges, promise!"

'Yeah I believe that as much as I believe you're a valuable member of the guild without your little sword'

Then, Kyouya, sneaked a glanced at the girl opposite the vampire. He racked his brain, anything to get his blessed, or cursed for that matter, sword.

Kyouya leaned in to whisper.

"Hey Kazuma, last I remember, Megumin was kinda young wasn't she?"

"Gah!?"

"I don't see lady Aqua or that beautiful crusader anywhere around either. And with that attire, this must be something other than just a friendly outing." He said out loud.

'This smart ass dick head!'

Kyouya was truly shooting a hail Mary, as the chance that anyone as rich as Kazuma would willingly choose to go on a date at some random inn was about as likely as him actually getting his sword back.

"It really would be a shame if one of them were to-"

"Alrightfinehere shut up SHUT UP! You mention this to one of those idiots and I won't hesitate to turn you into a ghoul or something I swear it."

With a bright light that caught the attention of many at the inn, Kazuma summoned forth Gram, and tossed it uncaringly towards Kyouya.

"Finally! Ah, no more manual labor."

'Did this guy do nothing but field work this whole time? Man, even I stopped doing manual labor after a while, and it's not like I had a ton of levels like he probably does'

He was broken out of this thoughts by Megumin, who tapped him on the forehead.

"You folded pretty fast. You better not be embarrassed over something dumb like you thinking I'm a 'loli' or I'll make you regret it."

"Would you calm down? Do you want Aqua and Darkness to know we're in this awkward pre-dating phase?"

"Well…yeah good point. We should keep it a secret until we actually become lovers."

While she didn't mind them and their hijinks, and wasn't sure whether she actually cared if they knew or not, it was obvious that they might care quite a lot, it would be easier to wait a bit before letting them in on the situation.

Kazuma himself was stuck on what she said, casually admitting that in her mind, they would eventually end up like lovers. Does this girl want to take things slow or not?

Putting behind that weird situation, they went ahead and ordered full breakfast. Kazuma felt like he had to, even if it didn't actually do anything for him. Similarly to when they were living at an inn themselves, food served was always at a somewhat higher scale than what was served at the guild hall. Of course, the average low class adventurer couldn't always afford something like that.

"Hey Megumin. This is a good date right?"

"Why do you sound so unsure? And why are you asking me? I don't really know much about this stuff. Spending time with someone you like and doing stuff together, isn't that what a date is?"

"Then haven't we been going out on dates this entire time?"

Megumin seemed to ponder heavily at his question as he chewed. But in the end, she just shrugged and swallowed.

'I gotta say though, I kinda dig this rustic aesthetic they got going on. Reminds me of those hunting and fishing shops I would see online with all the taxidermy. Just a peaceful vibe'

"WHAT!? What do you mean you don't carry change for this!?"

The couple's gaze were pulled towards an unruly customer.

"I'm sorry sir, but after the accident at the silver mine, there's been a shortage in silver coins until we can get another shipment from the capital."

The two started eating a bit faster.

"I swear, if I find the one responsible, I'm gonna beat them to a pulp! Just thought of it, makes me so ANGRY!"

And faster.

"Hey, now that I think about it, wasn't it that vampire who had the last quest in that area?"

"Yeah, is there anyone in that party who uses explosions?"

Speed, their jaws are speed.

"Yeah, that crazy girl! She was the one who brought that horseman here last year too!"

"Wait, isn't that them over there!?"

The two shoved the rest of the food in their mouths and fled like a pair of whack jobs.

'God DAMNIT!'

After narrowly escaping what probably would have built up to an angry mob, the two hit the inner city markets. The type you'd see in many fantasy cities, almost like a swap meet of sorts.

Kazuma and Megumin stood at one particular stand, where a woman sold what she said was different high quality silks and cloth. They both had a similar idea of what they'd do with it.

"You know, I don't remember the last time I came out here." He said.

"Me either. It's not like I really need anything they sell here."

Kazuma agreed. For him, a trip to the blacksmith or tailor was about all he actually would ever need. And even then it's not like he's been to the blacksmith in a long while. Sure he could buy the top of the line weapons available, but the real good stuff are artifact weapons and items imbued with magic. Even Kyouya once tried to bargain with him using the most powerful and expensive sword he could attain from the capitals adventurer shops. And even that was poultry compared to Winter's Howl.

'Huh, wonder if I should have given it an actual name like Muramasa or something'

Regardless of what they need or not, Kazuma wasn't going to lie, he was actually enjoying his time. He and Megumin walked side by side ogling at all the different types of trinkets and 'exotic goods' virtually everyone made their stock out to be.

"Excuse me you two, may I have a minute?"

They turned to see an older man with a puffy white mustache and a bag of papers.

"Oh sure, what's up?"

"Between you and me, this market is all a hoax." He spoke a tad too close for comfort.

The couple shared a glance at each other.

"What do you mean?"

"The things these inf- er, tricksters have been selling isn't exactly of the highest quality. Obviously someone as smart as you would know that. What if I told you that there's a special stand outside the market that sells the type of thing money can't buy."

Kazuma felt a smile grow on him.

'Alright, now this is getting interesting. This is an event that usually ends up with the player getting a really powerful item right?'

"What's the catch?"

"This, he won't sell to you unless you have one of these…coupons. Quickly, put 'em in your pocket. You can read them later."

Both Kazuma and Megumin were one second from an anxiety attack at the idea of receiving a piece of paper, but when it turned out to be a blank, thin, ticket sized slip, they realized they were in the clear and breathed out a sigh.

"Alright, so here's how you get to him."

Vampire and crimson demon, both found themselves heading through narrow halls of shaded back alleys. Not the kind of place you'd usually wanna end up in if the sun wasn't still out.

'The only thing I'm curious about, is if this guy happens to be that merchant who sold Aqua that explosive powder. Though she did buy that, so probably not'

"Kazuma, I think this is it."

"Well this isn't sketchy at all…"

It was a dead end alley. Where a completely robed figure with a mule had some covered baskets set aside, and a wooden structure behind.

They hesitated a moment before walking forward.

"Your money is no good here, I hope you understand." The robed figure said.

"Heh, that's why we have these."

'Whatever these are…'

"Ah I see. Then you were chosen, you two alone have been selected as worthy of what it is I have to offer. Count yourself lucky, for only a few in this infidel laden town have ever been selected."

'Infidel?'

"Kazuma…" Megumin clutched his hand a bit tighter.

The robed figure let down his hoodie, showing his face.

'I don't like that look in his eye!'

"Kazuma I think we should-"

"Because what I have to give! You can't buy with money! Now bring forth your tickets!"

'No! No it CAN'T be!'

With a glimmer, the once blank tickets now revealed a fine print.

Admit one: Confessional service

And above that, the symbol of the Axis faith.

Both threw their tickets at the ground and backed away slowly.

"We don't want anything you're selling old man!"

"Oh but I'm not selling! IN FACT! AFTER YOUR FREE CONFESSIONAL, YOU EVEN GET THESE FOR FREE AS WELL!"

From his baskets, he pulled out several handfuls of soap.

The couple took off as a chase through the alleyways ensued.

"COME BACK! A COUPLE OF LOVERS LIKE YOURSELVES SHOULDN'T BE WITHOUT MY SOAP! STRAIGHT FROM ARCANLETIA!"

"OI, WE'RE NOT LOVERS! AND HOW THE HELL CAN YOU GUYS AFFORD TO BE TRAVELING!? YALL SHOULD BE BROKE!"

"Keep running Kazuma!"

"THE OPPOSITE! OUR SPRINGS WERE BLESSED BY LADY AQUA HERSELF, AND NOW THEY ARE FAR MORE PURIFYING THAN BEFORE!"

'What? Aqua's hot water does more than burn me I guess'

"Kazuma wipe that blank look and fly us out already!"

After managing to evade the crazed foreigner, they took a minute to decide whether or not they should continue to spend time around the market. On one hand, it was genuinely a good time. On the other hand, even the chance that they could run into one of them again, was enough for a possible change in plans.

"How about we head out of town and do our usual?"

"Mm, I was hoping we could keep that for later. Before the sun goes down."

"Alright alright, just keep on the lookout. I don't wanna have to deal with one of those creeps again."

They heard a loud gasp.

"Ah, a fight!"

"Someone get a guard!"

A sudden group of people gathered nearby.

'Oh great, what now?'

"You aren't getting away from me! I want my REFUND!"

Kazuma and Megumin knew that annoying voice instantly. They turned around and hastily began walking away.

"So Kazuma you wanted to leave town right?"

A hand grabbed onto both of their shoulders.

"Hey! You guys were going to leave me on purpose weren't you!" Shouted their currently unwanted priest.

"Let go! Don't get us involved in whatever trouble you're stirring up!"

Kazuma would have been more upset if he wasn't surprised that she caught them the moment they turned around. Damn gag moments.

"Trouble!? Yeah, you're right there will be trouble! I found that loser who sold me that faulty seasoning!"

"Faulty? It wasn't faulty you idiot, it was probably a praAAA-"

Aqua got impatient and began pulling the both of them along as she sprinted towards the last known location of her enemy.

"Aqua, maybe you can look for this guy another time!?"

"No way Megumin! He needs to rot in a cell for what his wares did to all my cakes!"

"So that's why the kitchen was ruined this morning." Megumin mused, still being strung along by the arm.

"What!? You didn't clean the kitchen!?"

"Why do I have to clean the kitchen!?"

"I TOLD you already! YOU wanted to bake a cake! And IT WAS YOUR EXPLOSIVE POWDER!"

"That's why we're chasing after this bastard!"

'Oh whatever'

"Ah HAH!" GOT you!"

The trio had cornered a man next to the towns river, wearing full shiny metal armor and some sort of cheap looking bag over his head with eye holes cut out. Kazuma noticed that the armor was completely unblemished in any way. It had to be made recently.

"This is the guy who sold you that stuff? What the hell is he wearing?"

'Is this even a date anymore?'

Aqua ignored him and slammed her fist into her palm.

"Ohoho you're gonna pay for what you did. Because of you my friend and I have to clean up our entire kitchen!"

"I'm not helping you clean by the way."

The man backed up until he hit the water's edge.

"Alright! You three have me at a disadvantage. But beware, for I have the skills of a cornered animal!"

'He sounds like a total larper'

"Look dude, just give this idiot her money so I can get the hell out of here already."

"HAH! I knew it would be you to fear me the most vampire! My assassination attempt with the powder didn't seem to work, but now you deal with-"

The masked man unsheathed a small silver dagger.

"-the Silver Saint! Hunter of evil vampires who prey on, and manipulate the poor citizens of this city!"

"…"

"..."

"That's a garlic bag over your head isn't it."

"...yeah."

"GODS BLOW!"

When the 'saint' drooped his shoulders dejectedly, Aqua took the opportunity to flatten the man out cold.

"Well that's one way to solve a problem I guess." Megumin said.

"As if you know any other way to solve problems other than blowing them up."

"Hmph! That's because explosions can solve any problem, big or small! Many or few! Explosions are the one and all encompassing solution!"

"Yeah, sure, whatever weirdo."

Kazuma thought to himself as he ignored Megumin's attempts to jab at his gut repeatedly.

'I'm surprised there isn't MORE guys like him. Aside from the hiccup with the mine, I've really been accepted as pretty normal around here. I mean, I have a title! The Vampire of Axel! But what bothers me isn't how he wants to hunt me, it's-'

"Aqua, hey Aqua what the hell are you doing? And stop jabbing me you psycho!"

"Getting my refund."

Aqua responded without a beat, as she very obviously robbed the man blind.

"It cost you that much?"

"Well I have to get paid for emotional distress too. Ew, this guy was a total creep, check this out."

In his knapsack, the man had written descriptions of all four party members. Likes, dislikes, and even general whereabouts during the day.

Megumin grabbed onto her arms in disgust.

"Call me crazy, but don't you guys find it even a little bit weird that during a supposed silver shortage, a man wearing a full set of brand new silver armor and dagger, comes around and has an assload of information on each of us?"

"You're still a vampire silly, of course people are gonna try and hunt and kill you no matter what they gotta do."

"Gee thanks."

'Nah, this guy came off as an idiot. Had to have been funded by someone'

"By the way, what were you two doing in the market anyway? Megumin's even wearing a nice dress for once!"

"Oh! Uh, we were, well you know in the market."

"Yeah, just buying stuff! Lots of stuff."

Aqua's eyes turned sinister and she gained an evil grin.

"Oh, you don't have to tell me. I know what's going on."

"A-Aqua! What do you mean by that!?" Megumin began blushing red like a tomato.

'Idiot one second, too smart for her own good the next!'

"You two were trying to buy Sam's private select champaign! That's why Megumin is all dressed up to look older. Well too bad slowpokes! I bought it all first!"

'Scratch that, Aqua being Aqua'

"Ah, darn. You sure got us!"

"Heh, and don't even THINK about trying to get me to tell you where I hid it. You'll never find it!"

"In the secret compartment on the underside of your ottoman."

…

"DAAAAAMNIIIIIT!"

Aqua cried as she ran all the way home.

"After today, I didn't really expect us to actually find peace out here, but this is just fucked!"

Kazuma had a disgusted look on his face, with Megumin not too far off. The two had decided to leave town and head to a spot near a spring to set off an explosion and call it a day.

Instead they ran into Darkness struggling, halfway inside a giant tuna fish with humanoid legs.

"Let's just turn around and pretend we didn't see anything."

"I'm surprised you didn't wanna blow it up."

"I told you before, things like that…whatever that thing was, aren't up to par. A situation either has to be dire, or an enemy has to be worthy of receiving my accursed punishment!"

"Man, all those trees and rocks sure are worthy."

"That's different, that is me releasing my power out onto the world for my amusement!"

Kazuma scratched the back of his head and let out a sigh.

"Well, I tried my best today. So don't say I didn't try. But, sorry the date wasn't all that great."

Megumin gave him a bit of a sad expression, before her eyes glowed a bit, and she tugged on him to change directions.

"Woah, hey. Where are we going now?"

"Some place I know. Just wait."

She brought him far down the forest path, and eventually into the thick brush, where it became somewhat uncomfortable for her to move with her current attire. But pushing through all the plants and foliage, and a bit of backtracking here and there, they arrived at the spot.

"Megumin, this is a small creek."

"Yeah, what did you think it was going to be?"

"I don't know, literally anything more interesting probably."

"Even on a date you still won't change that attitude of yours. This place means a lot to me I'll have you know! In a sort of way."

"Hm? Important how?"

He wasn't sure what she was thinking, but she remained silent for a bit as she sat down near the water.

"Cut me some of that cane over there, then sit over here."

"Huh? What are we doing? Farming?"

"Just do what I say."

"Fine, fine."

Kazuma went and gathered a random allotment of something similar to sugar cane, then sat down near her.

"You might have seen a little bit of it, back then at Wiz's shop, but not all of it."

"All of what?"

Megumin began splitting the cane into threads and pieces.

"My ability to forage for food obviously. I know you probably think the majority of what I did was steal, but if it was that easy, I wouldn't know how to do this."

She soon began threading the cane onto itself in a basket shape.

Kazuma soon relaxed as it all kinda blended together for him. The sounds of the forest, the water of the creak, and the mesmerizing view of Megumin slowly working on this contraption of hers. She even hummed to herself at times. For the first time all day, he really felt at peace.

"And then, you make this second piece. And it fits right in like that."

After completing a basket of sorts, she created a small lid with a small circular opening in the center which acted as a funnel.

"Well, that sure is…something."

"Come on, just watch."

Megumin stood up, and after a bit of mental complaining, waded into the creek, and after being happy with a specific spot, nuzzled the basket under the water.

"A fish trap?"

"Sort of. It's actually a trap for shrimp. You can find them in pretty big numbers here, and because the creek is rather hidden, it's not like they have much to worry about from anyone other than me. Oh, and start a fire."

"Heh, look what I managed to catch!"

After an hour of careful waiting and watching, Megumin raised both arms to reveal a staggering…two shrimps.

"I'm not trying to downplay you or anything, but I mean let's be honest here."

"Hmph, it's harder than it looks you know. Besides, that's how it's always been. You're lucky if you even get one some days."

'You could probably just blow up the creek and collect a whole bunch that way, but then I guess you'd lose it forever'

Megumin stuck each shrimp onto a thin stick and began roasting them over the fire. Watching as they slowly turned in color.

"You know Kazuma, when I first came to Axel, I marched in thinking I was going to join the strongest party around and go off on some big adventure. It's silly looking back at it. But I still remember how my first party looked at me during our first mission together. I was lucky they brought me back to town at all. That was a hit or miss with a lot of them."

"Megumin."

"So it's thanks to skills like this that I made it if I'm honest. That's why I thought it'd be nice to show you some of the stuff I managed to do. Being hungry is a good motivator after all." She gave a weak smile.

Kazuma was handed his fully cooked shrimp. Finding it amusing how Megumin has to blow on hers while as usual, he felt none of the residual heat of the fire.

'Woah, for not having even an ounce of seasoning, this is pretty good'

"Heh! I see that smile. Don't underestimate my bushcraft."

"Yeah I guess not. And hey, it was all worth it in the end right? I mean, you technically did end up joining the strongest party around."

"Yeah! Neither of us have to worry about being alone anymore."

"Oh come on. You're, not making this easier."

"Huh?"

Kazuma finished his last bite and laid down on his back, deciding to ignore the dirty mucky ground. He could get this set of clothes washed quickly anyway.

"I was thinking about a lot of things last night. I didn't get much sleep, so I kinda took some time to get some things in order up here."

He pointed towards his head.

"Don't tell me you're having doubts? You already agreed to this so there's no going back!"

'The hell?'

"I mean technically I never actually agreed to anything other than this date."

Megumin's eyes glowed a brighter red and she got closer.

"Wait! WAit! Now hold on let me finish! Jeez, why so desperate? If I didn't know any better I'd think you were going through a Yandere phase, which makes this conversation even harder."

"Even harder? Well now you are making me desperate! Don't tell me you have one of your degenerate plans brewing in your head, you better not be doing something stupid!"

Megumin's worried eyes were a shade of red he's never seen before. In a way he found them extremely pretty despite the circumstances.

"Like I said, I was thinking last night. Like, what IS love, and how do I know a lot of this isn't just us being dumb. But then I had a brief day dream, it was of us together in the future. Living a life, just you and me. I think that's when I realized, woah, I can't hide it anymore, I might actually honestly have feelings for you!"

Megumin's gaze turned to harsh judgment.

"Might? What kind of- Are you unable to pick your words better than that!? Hold on, when you said last night that you knew what you wanted, you didn't mean sex did you? That would be pretty stupid."

'Scary! So scary!'

"No, that's not it at all I'm just-"

'Still an idiot virgin who has trouble talking to girls…'

Megumin softened instantly after seeing Kazuma's obvious struggle.

"But, I do like this stupid side of you. It reminds me that even though you're an all powerful vampire, you'll always be Kazuma. For better or for worse."

"Oi, was that an insult just now? Nevermind. Obviously I've had feelings for you for a while. It's just that it wasn't until last night that I really thought about what that meant to me. I mean think about it, I thought I would die alone and yet I have a girl that I'm more than friends with. A beautiful girl at that. So of course this type of relationship, at least for now, is alright I guess. But it's because of that, and the importance you have for me now, that I have to make this decision."

The worry in her eyes returned. Holding her breath for what he was about to say.

"This journey to the east. For as long as it takes, whether a year or longer, I have to do it alone. None of you are coming with me."

"I'm sorry, what!? Who said you can make such a decision on your own!?"

"I did. The party leader."

"No, forget it! I knew you were gonna try and do something stupid! You're leaving us! After all I said! I can't believe it! Just my luck to fall for a guy like you!"

"Will you quiet down? Think for one second, the type of enemies we might be facing. You saw Dev with your own eyes. We would have been dead if she wanted it."

"So that's it, you think we're useless!"

'I mean'

"No, it's not that at all, I just would rather do this alone."

Kazuma tried to come up with an excuse, but at the end of the day, he didn't think his party was competent enough. Usually, that wasn't anything new. But given what they might have to face, and his developing feelings, he had also thought about what would happen if he were to lose them. It wasn't a pretty thought.

"No! Don't lie. If you think we're weak, then you can be there to protect us right!? I get that you're a lot stronger than us, and that we're out of our element sometimes. That's obvious."

Megumin nearly burst into tears.

"But Kazuma, if you leave us, I mean. We've known each other for eight months, so if you were to leave for over a year…It's just like you think, we are all well aware that I'm a crappy, useless Arch wizard. So if you find a girl who's stronger, prettier, more sensible…you won't need me!"

She was clutching at Kazuma's collar, tightening and loosening her grip at random as her fist shook.

"Megumin, I didn't realize it meant that much to you."

She maintained her slightly angry look.

"Then promise! Promise you won't go off on your own!"

"Alright I promise! I promise already! I was totally wrong to think that! I'm sorry. I just, didn't like the thought of what might happen out there."

"You're not losing any of us you jerk! So stop with whatever plans you have and never try something stupid like that again!"

Megumin slowly let go of his collar, and after a few moments of eye contact, let herself try and relax in her spot on his chest. though her mind was still racing for the moment. Kazuma thought about pulling her ear for using his blouse to dry her tears, but realized that was the incorrect action at this time. He truly was learning.

'Man, I REALLY didn't think she'd react that way. If this was a video game, your companions just sorta go 'Come back soon!' and wait. That's what I always did on missions where you knew they were gonna hold you back. Guess I can't expect that kind of simplicity here'

A hand grabbed onto his wrist, strategically placing it near a head full of dark brown hair.

"Sometimes you remind me of Aqua."

She shot him a death glare.

"Take that back."

"No."

It was getting late, enough for the sky to be dimmed that darker orange color.

The pair were hoping to arrive at an empty home, but commotion in the living room robbed them of that pleasure.

"Hey Megumin, you hear a third voice?"

"Yeah."

They two creeped into the main room, where Aqua played with her Gameboy and Darkness argued with a man. One that Kazuma swore he's seen before.

"Hey, it's you! Courier man!"

"Courier? I say, I am no mere courier! I am a butler of the estee-"

"Yeah esteemed whatever. What's going on?"

"Nothing! Absolutely nothing is going on! Hagen, tell Kazuma that it's nothing!"

Darkness couldn't look more suspicious, and pleaded with her butler, apparently named Hagen, to back her up.

Kazuma's eyes fell to a letter she gripped in her hand.

"Darkness, show me the letter."

"No! I couldn't, you have a lot on your plate yes? With the journey ahead of us and our preparations! So let me dispose of this wicked thing!"

"...yeah okay, go ahead. I don't care."

Darkness let the tension leave her body and she breathed a sigh of relief.

"Really? Oh thank goodness, thank you Kazuma, thank you."

"Yeah sure don't mention it, if you want privacy, then as a fair and reasonable person it's up to me to STEEAAAAAL!"

"NOOOO!"

It has been far too long since the girls have heard that. Nearly forgetting it was a part of his repertoire altogether.

As Kazuma opened it up, Aqua and Megumin couldn't help but slide over shoulder to shoulder alongside him.

"To the one responsible for the defeat of so many of the kingdoms enemies, a powerful and feared adventurer who has fought hard to prove his loyalty to our nation, Vampire Lord Kazuma Satou. I wish to meet you face to face to discuss your wondrous accomplishments. May I have dinner with you?"

At the bottom was the symbol of the kingdom. Alongside was signed the name 'Iris'.

The royal princess of the kingdom.