"It's been interesting to see what kind of person the famous detective of the Tenyrou Commision is I admit." Aranea said. "It's best to stay on his good side I think."

It became quiet between the three of us until Ayaka spoke up first.

"After everything that's happened, I'm happy to see such lovely weather today." Ayaka broke the silence. "Don't you think so, Thoma?"

"Sure is." I answered, looking out of the window.

"Almost makes the storm seem like so far away when in reality, it has only been a few days since." Aranea said.

"It would be a shame to spend the day inside and not out there." Ayaka said as she looked at me. "Would be better to enjoy it with the right company I think." She added in.

Without realizing it, I looked over to Aranea and made eye contact with her.

"Thoma." My name called out all of a sudden from behind us three had caught my attention and I stood up in reaction.

"You needed me for something, Lord Ayato?" I asked when I approached him.

Now that we were away from the others, Ayato looked behind me to the other two who were talking amongst themselves and then back to me.

"I think they make a good point." He began.

"What do you mean?" I asked, unsure what he meant.

"It definitely would be a waste to let this fine day go to waste, wouldn't it?" He asked me.

"You're sounding similar to Lady Ayaka, what are you trying to say?" I wondered.

A small smile grew on his face.

"Well, to be blunt, unlike my sister..." He put a hand on my shoulder before he continued. "I see the way you look at Aranea."

Feeling my face get hot from embarrassment, I couldn't find it in me to deny it to Ayato.

"I- I'm so sorry-" I tried to say but was stopped.

"There's nothing to apologize for. You're allowed to put yourself first every now and then. Have the rest of the day off and take Ayaka's suggestion. That is, today really is a nice day to enjoy with... Perfect company."

Realizing what he was saying, my respect for him grew even more. He removed his hand from my shoulder and held it out towards me.

"A- Are you sure?" I asked, hesitating before taking his hand and shaking on it when he gave me a small smile to reassure me.

"Be sure to get her back home before it's too late in the night. I'm sure that I'll be able to hold things together in your absence just fine. It takes a lot of energy to have conquered Dragonspine as you did not too long ago." He added in with a short laugh. "It's refreshing to take some time off every now and then."

"I, um... Thank you so much, my Lord." I said, feeling a sort of excitement but nervousness build up inside of me.

"Well, don't keep a lady waiting. Keep her safe, I know you'll protect her." He said before walking up to his sister, nodding a head towards Aranea for Ayaka to get the hint, and excusing themselves.

Now that it was just the two of us, I let out a long breath and made my way to Aranea.

"Everything okay?" She asked me.

"My Lord was just telling me that something came up, so he had to take his leave." I answered.

"Oh, I understand. Will you be going with them as well?"

"It's something only they can take care of. I have the rest of the day free..." I paused for a moment before finally asking her. "It really would be a waste to stay indoors on a day like this. How about we go into the city and- I mean, if you don't have anything important planned for today, we can spend today... Together?" I asked, hoping it didn't sound too forward of me.

"I'd really like that." She answered with a big smile that caught me off guard.

The earlier feelings of being unsure and worried she would reject such an idea were immediately washed away. A sense of happiness bubbled up inside of me, and her smile made my day shine a little brighter.

"Shall we get going then? I know of a few shops that have great deals starting this week."

We left the Kamisato Estate behind for now and walked into a clear blue sky with wonderful weather.

Twitch: Enrita11

October 16th, 2023