Kano's consciousness faded in and out for most of the next two days. After Airmid assured him that he didn't say anything embarrassing, he was finally able to get up and walk.

Airmid giggled that day, shocking most of the Dian Cecht Familia staff. When asked why, she described the feeling of a little brother learning how to walk. It may have been funny the first time but Kano expressed his discontent of being laughed at for something that does affect his ability to function.

Despite being able to walk, he would always use his opposite arm to stabilize himself. His left hand would hold the aid and the right would balance him as he walked. Now, he was walking a little lazily to the left. He resembled a newborn fawn. His right arm was in a cast and he was told to take it easy. Airmid gave him a low-tier potion in case there was any more discomfort. She gently stuffed the potion in his shirt pocket.

He found her touch to be soothing in a gentle caring way. "So…?"

"…So what?"

Airmid looked into Kano's murky eyes, "What next? Since Orario is aware of you, what do you plan on doing?"

"Business as usual. I…The doctor-Patient privilege extends to what I'm about to say," Kano said, shifting from foot to foot. He steadied himself before explaining, "Lady Freya and I are…friends, I guess. We have something in common."

"It does explain why she came to see you," Airmid commented softly, letting him go. She then went to stand behind the counter of the shop, organizing for the beginning of the day. "Does that change your stance on deities?"

Kano paused. He couldn't say yes because he does admit they are trying and perhaps he was overzealous in his previous convictions. "…only a few, Lady Airmid. Most of them still 'want' me in their familia because I suddenly made Bete Loga heel."

Airmid hummed in acknowledgment, "That does not answer my first question." She quickly organized and faced the shelves so they looked pristine like the building was brand new. A point of pride, alongside her healing. "What next?"

"Nothing. I still plan on living my life like normal. No God or Goddess will sway me from doing so. When I die, I'll let fate take its course. If a God binds my soul to them then I shall be far less…hospitable."

"Ara, such a strong declaration for something so simple," Airmid teased, making Kano's cheeks flush. The sensation of warmth made him bashfully turn away. Kano could hear the smile in her voice.

"At least you smiled," he whispered, her hearing just strong enough to pick it up. "Am I free to go, or do you need to do a check-out?"

Airmid sighed, "No, I took care of that, let me take you to the door." She looked over to the doorway, hearing a noise. "You can come in, you know?"

"Eep!"

Kano's head turned over to the sound, "Mikoto?" He held his aid in his left hand and slowly paced his way over to the door, "You can come in, you know?"

"I-" Mikoto came around the corner wearing her normal attire without the red arm guards. She looked guilt-stricken, especially when she saw Kano's arm wrapped up. "I'm sorry!" She bowed a full ninety degrees at Kano, "I should have been able to st-"

"Please raise your head, Mikoto," Kano said with slight weariness, looking down at the back of her head. He was following the sound of her voice, "It was not your fault. If anything, I should be thanking you for coming to my rescue. A slightly different twist to a classic trope in stories, the heroine saving the man in distress. I would have no problems if it was you." Airmid stifled her laughter at such a statement. Kano looked at her, narrowing his murky eyes. He heard that and she knew it.

Mikoto hesitantly stood from her bow bashful, looking at Kano. Upon feeling her stare, he turned back to her and smiled, "Sure, I'm injured but I'm alive. I think that's the more important part. It's also nice to have a beautiful girl feel such emotion for me."

The Far Easterner's face was bright red, her breathing picked up as her heart slammed into her chest. How can he say such things so casually? My heart! I can't take it! No one has ever displayed such manners!

Airmid took pity on her, "Kano, enough, you're going to make her pass out in embarrassment."

He paused, "That's…not my intention, Lady Airmid. I wanted to express my gratitude for her help. I will need to thank Lady Freya for stopping by as well…did anyone else stop by?"

"I told you that Miss Lena Tally also stopped to pick up an order, correct?" Kano nodded. "She expressed her concerns as well, so I would try to have someone guide you over to pass along your recovery. Now, go. You two have some private things to talk about…I don't know…something about a date?"

The two flushed as that particular conversation came to mind. Kano tried to move his arm but hissed in pain. Mikoto, fighting through her embarrassment, gently grabbed his uninjured arm and rubbed small circles. "C-Come on…"

"R-Right…Lady Airmid, I will get you for that…" Kano said but his flushed face did not sell the point.

The two set out from Dian Cecht's Pharmacy, with Airmid sighing once they left. "You two don't even realize it yourselves. Acting so lovesick like that, it almost makes me jealous." She turned her head to see her assistants looking at her like she had three heads. "One word about this, you will be dealing with me, and I know a lot about anatomy."

The assistants never said a word, even lying straight to Dian Cecht. When he attempted to investigate, he got Airmid's sweet menacing smile. Safe to say, he let that one go, as he still made plenty of money in the end.

Mikoto and Kano were walking down the street, the former guiding the latter. Of course, he heard everyone saying that he was in cast and wondering what happened but he couldn't exactly focus on that when his own feelings were being directed at the beauty next to him, "Thank you for coming to see me…I know I may have already said it but-"

"There's no need! I…felt horrible for letting that happen to you!" Mikoto exclaimed to him.

Kano huffed, "I feel as if we're going to go back and forth with this with no clear winner." Even so, there was a smile tugging at his lips. "So, let's both accept that we want to apologize and thank the other and just continue. If Lady Airmid was right, I owe you my answer."

"Haaah?" Mikoto squeaked, beet red.

Kano inhaled, closed his eyes—despite not even noticing he did—and exhaled, his words flowing out of him before he could stop, "Yes, I would be overjoyed if I could go on a date with you. A beautiful woman who is honestly whisking me away like a siren's call. Your voice is the most exotic sound I've ever heard." He turned to her, setting his good hand on her shoulder, thankfully, his aid had a strap that he could hold onto.

Mikoto was utterly sure that she could pass for a lobster right now because who the heck says such a thing out in public? While it's true she was going to ask him, she wasn't expecting such a declaration that her pure maiden heart was nowhere ready for. "K-Kano! You c-can't say such ki-killer words to a maiden!"

"Why would I lie about what I truly feel? Mikoto, my blindness has robbed me of many things but my ears have yet to lead me astray." He replied with such confidence but internally was a mess. Why am I saying such things? It sounds like I'm confessing to her…which wouldn't be a bad thing but it's far too soon! Kano could almost feel his parents both chastising and cheering him on.

Mikoto had to fan herself to retain some of her rationales. Only hyperventilating slightly—a powerful skill only mastered by a few—she cleared her throat, "I would be honored to go out with you, Kano. With someone as handsome and charismatic as you, I am placing my heart in your hands."

Thankfully, no one was paying close attention to them because if they had, most would assume they were proposing to one another! One Goddess of Beauty watching was clapping her hands in joy, seeing their souls mix like a beautiful hymn! She wanted to see more! Perhaps she could employ a certain waitress to help?

Back to the pair, Kano's murky eyes were wide, his mouth agape and he damn near lost his grip and his footing! She couldn't possibly mean… he wasn't well-versed in Far Eastern culture, only knowing the bare basics, so his words would have to be chosen carefully. He didn't want to push her away but deep down, a selfish part of him wanted her all for himself!

It was so damn confusing! He wanted to be courteous but the darker sinful part of him wanted more. "I accept. So, where shall we go for our first non-life-threatening adventure?"

It seemed to have the intended effect as Mikoto's arms encased his torso, making sure to miss his broken arm. The difference in strength was made apparent and Kano found himself liking that. That was only the beginning of a slippery slope.

"Thank you thank you thank you!" she repeated, muffled into his chest and neck area. "Ehehehe," Mikoto giggled. She felt on top of the world right now. She leaned up and kissed his cheek, even as her own were burning.

"S-So, what should we do? I know we…w-wanted to bake or cook something but I would feel horrible if it was just you doing all the work!" The pair continued walking, Mikoto taking the place of his aid, gently guiding him.

"It would be no problem at all! We could learn so many new recipes," she said with unrestrained glee. Kano was happy to hear such emotion in her harmonious voice. The smile he could nearly feel was enough to make him smile as well, painting a vivid picture for Mikoto.

"I could always learn a few more…but don't you have to inform your Familia about this?" He hated to be the Debbie-downer but that did seem important.

Instead of being upset, he felt her hair brush his arm, indicating she shook her head, "No, Lord Takmikazuchi would only intervene if it was someone in another Familia as such relationships are hard to maintain in the political scheme…or so he says."

"What about your childhood friends? Lady Chisuga and Sir Ouka?" The next inquiry was of no surprise to Mikoto as she knew it was coming.

She slowly distanced herself but still held onto his arm, "They were…supportive. Chisuga was the advocate to pursue this feeling, and I don't regret it. I feel like something in my soul feels just right. Is it the same for you?"

Kano hummed, looking straight up, trusting Mikoto to guide him. He did feel lighter when she was around. The pair didn't realize where they were walking but ended up at a familiar place.

"Kano! What happened to you?" The concerned voice of Syr reached his ears and his smile dimmed a little, which was noticed by the waitress but said nothing.

"A little mishap at Monster Feria, Lady Syr, I assure you this was not me getting into a fight. I had a very beautiful girl save me like the books," he said, nudging Mikoto a little.

The girl's voice turned into a pout, "Mou, Kano, you worried me. I had heard that you were in the hospital."

At this, he frowned, "Oh? And where did you hear that? As far as I knew, only four people were aware of such a thing, Lady Syr? Is this one of those 'friends in high places' that you refer to?" It was not the first time that he had heard such words leave the waitress' mouth but each and every time he heard it, there was always and he always meant a smidge of a lie sprinkled in. Syr was a good girl, yes but Kano had a feeling that there was something else.

He cared not because delving into someone else's business was a mistake someone can make once before learning a horrible truth.

"Of course! I have to keep up with my gossip train!" Syr said with a dazzling smile. She turned to Mikoto, "Is this the beautiful girl who saved you?"

"She is indeed Lady Syr. Are Ladies, Chloe, Anya, Lunoire, and Ryuu in? I feel as if I haven't spoken to them in a while. Is that alright with you, Mikoto?"

The swordswoman nodded, "That is fine with me. Perhaps we can discuss our date plans later."

As Kano was about to speak, four pairs of footsteps reached his ears, "Did nya just say date plans?"

"I did, Lady Chloe," He addressed the perverted waitress. "No, she is not forcing me. No, she is not pitying me. No, she has not bribed or blackmailed me. Yes, we asked one another. And finally, no, you cannot spy on me like you tried to do the last time a girl had obtained my fancy."

Mikoto only blinked, seeing the group of waitresses all looking away guilty, "Ano…Kano, is this normal?"

Awkwardly chuckling, "May I be honest?"

"Okay," Mikoto would hear him out. She reserved no judgment. She wants to hear what he has to say. That alone spoke volumes to the blind boy. Someone willing to hear him out.

"The last person of the fairer sex I wanted to date, or court, was…horrible to be bluntly honest," Kano started. He waved his good arm at the Hostess girls, "And these girls took it upon themselves to be my older sisters. Naturally, they are concerned that you would do the same."

"I would never! I-"

His hand covered her mouth, "I know you wouldn't. Your voice betrays any lie or falsehood. I would know if you were lying, and I'm immensely relieved that you feel the same emotions I do." He looked around, feeling the stares of civilians looking on curiously. "Let us continue this conversation inside the establishment. I wish to greet Mia."

Mikoto stood stunned as he spoke about his reasons. She found herself frustrated that someone would take advantage of someone as kind as Kano. She admits internally that she may be moving too fast but there was an irresistible pull. His hand fell from her mouth and stared at the waitresses, who were staring back impassively—except for Anya but the smile did not ease her at all.

"Harm him and you shall see," Lunoire said before turning and heading inside. One by one, they went back inside until Ryuu remained.

"Miss Mikoto, please understand that we are also worried about him. Despite what he may say, companionship for him is few and far between. Those that get close to him often don't fully understand him. Be one of those that do."

The honor-bound swordswoman nodded, "I understand. I hope to understand Kano a lot more over the coming days. He's someone…who I didn't know I needed to meet."

Ryuu turned, not letting Mikoto see the half-smile forming. She's already better than the last one, Mister Yamabe. I do hope it works out. She does seem nice…I wonder if Lady Astraea would have accepted you if she was here.

Inside the establishment, it was not packed but a few patrons lingered. The place was clean as the waitresses had finished. Mia could be seen behind the bar, cleaning glasses. She looked up when she heard Kano enter, "Look who finally decided to show up."

What Kano realized after not having Mikoto guide him was he walked strangely, "Hello Mia, I would wave but my arm doesn't work."

"Boy, what happened to you? It might explain why…you're walking…funny," the dwarf said slowly as if she was coming to a realization. There are sometimes cases of adventurers breaking non-adventurers' limbs by accident because of the strength difference during intimate moments. It's never done purposefully but in the heat of the moment.

The same realization that he reached as well and calmly dismissed it, "Nope, my sense of balance is off because I would usually use my arm to stabilize myself. After all, a monster thought I would be a pretty prize but I had my heroine save me."

Mia snorted at his words, "And who is this heroine? It certainly wasn't one of my staff."

"No, it was my date," Kano said with a smile, something that caught the former adventurer's full attention. He never smiled, and Mia knew that. "Mikoto? You don't have to stay hidden? Mia's nice and she makes amazing food."

"Says the guy who came in here the other day and made a breakfast casserole and individual breakfasts for the girls…"

"As I said, I got bored and wanted to thank you," Kano refuted immediately as he heard Mikoto step next to him. "Mia, this is Yamato Mikoto of the Takemikazuchi Familia, and my date."

Kano could feel the owner's eyes boring into him, "Did they-"

"Yes…" Kano groaned a little. "It's not needed." He didn't need his hearing to know that the waitresses were grumbling objections—except Anya, bless her heart—to the contrary. "I do appreciate the thought."

"So, you're going on a date with this guy?" Mia turned to Mikoto, leaning on her hands. "Prepare yourself."

"Eh?" Mikoto stuttered.

Mia smirked at the flustered and confused girl, "He will make sure the date is nice. He tries his best to accommodate," the smirk turned to a frown, "The last one wasn't so considerate."

"My dating history, as short as it is, does not need to be a topic of conversation, Mia," Kano drawled, having managed to maneuver himself to a bar stool, the same one he sat on when Bell was here. "You think I have not realized what went wrong? I have a feeling this time, Mia…and I can feel it in my soul," Kano paused, feeling the word resonate in the room, making all the waitresses and remaining patrons look at him.

Mikoto, out of everyone, felt the most affected, down to her very soul. There was something that resonated within her, and for the life of her, she couldn't figure it out. Her hand found itself over her heart, clutching the fabric of her clothes. To the outside observer, her eyes had gone glassy like someone had put a charm on her.

Yes, Syr noticed this and looked back and forth between Kano and her. He didn't seem to notice as he was too busy rubbing his temples with one hand. "Ano, Miss Mikoto?"

At the young waitress' words, Mikoto snapped to attention, "Hmm? Sorry, I…spaced out for a moment."

Kano, having heard her brief pause in her words, turned to her, "Sorry, that sometimes slips out." He sounded sheepish, she would go as far as to say he was embarrassed about it. "And to think that's what started it all."

"Huh?"

"Another time, too many people are too curious for their own good," Kano said with a smile that didn't fit him, and for the waitresses—who had never seen him smile before today—could tell that it wasn't a right fit for him either.

Mia cleared her throat, "I'm not hearing you working." Her glare made the girls stiffen before giving their shouts of 'Yes, Mama!' and they disappeared. "As for you brat, treat her well."

"I plan to. I know this is going to be sacrilege asking but do you mind if I can use your kitchen for the night so that Mikoto and I can tr-"

"Okay."

"-y to cook. I understand if you…wait what?" Kano finished. He heard her correctly, right?

Mia chuckled, looking at the blind boy's astonished face, "You heard me. I'm permitting you since you cooked that one time, the girls have been wondering when you were going to ask. My condition is that you have to feed them."

Kano raised his good hand, then lowered it, feeling his mouth not working properly, "I must have hit my head harder than Lady Airmid said I did…because you're permitting me to use your kitchen? Cooking for you all isn't a problem but…"

Mia sighed, looking at a very confused Mikoto, "You see that? That is a boy who is asking me a question I would have hurt someone from asking. This boy is special and not because he's blind. He's a rare man in Orario. You harm him, he's the last one you should worry about."

"I know you take the 'Mama' thing because you own the establishment but please, you are not my mother," Kano said, resting his head in his hand. He was okay with saying that because he knew Mia meant well. He appreciated but in order to progress through life, one has to make mistakes. He's made a few. "But I thank you for trying to look out for me."

Mikoto finally gathered herself enough to move to sit next to him, "Thank you, Mama Mia…"

"Oh, and one more thing brat, if you do get far enough, make sure it is not within this establishment," Mia hinted, which got her the desired result, Kano blushed as he knew exactly what she meant.

"That would require a lot of trust…which isn't built in a day, and once built, can be the most fragile thing in life. If broken, it can be repaired but it's never the same," he said with confidence.

Mia could only nod, "You're right. Now scram, you two have a date to plan, I expect you to bring your own ingredients. You may be using my kitchen but I would charge you if you used my own stock."

The pair nodded, albeit, blushing before they left, Mikoto holding Kano's arm to help him.

Once they left, Mia sighed again, "Hope she works out for you, kiddo. As for you ladies, what did I say?"

"Eep!" All except Ryuu said as she was currently working with May to clean the kitchen. She knew better than to disobey Mia.

State one fact. Mikoto was nervous. She had never gone on a date before and originally, she thought it was going to be Takemikazuchi. However, when she met Kano, it was a complete accident. It's only been a week, maybe?

She felt like a new woman, despite not doing anything that would be considered lewd. His constant need to touch her was more for his reassurance than anything else. While he still had his aid, his shoulder was brushing with hers. They were currently walking from Lady Demeter's market, having acquired their ingredients. Of course, the harvest goddess couldn't help but tease the young pair, and she especially wondered why he was dating again so soon. He didn't react except for the squeezing of his aid, which caught the goddess' attention, and made her realize she was crossing a line.

That piqued Mikoto's curiosity but decided not to ask since that seemed to be a sore subject. Perhaps when they trusted one another more, she would ease that burden.

Chisuga had particularly wondered how she managed to get Kano to go on a date. Mikoto, of course, told her everything. The young girl had nearly deafened Mikoto. She claimed it was so romantic that it sounded like they were proposing their hearts to one another. Ouka, the dense male he was, did not understand. It made the two females shake their heads.

"Are you alright?" His voice broke her out of her thoughts. "You've gone quiet. I was afraid that I was walking alone." The slight smirk on his face said that was a joke, he could hear the rustle of the bags, her footsteps, her breathing…he mentally stopped himself before it got worse. By worse, he meant lewd. He was a healthy male, he can indulge that side of himself if he chose to do so.

He hasn't by the way.

Currently, though, Kano wanted to help carry the bags, but his broken arm prevented that. He still was going to cook, one-handed. Airmid said nothing about cooking! He was innocent. It would just take him a bit longer to get everything ready. Mikoto did not mind carrying them. Even though there was a small weight difference, this was nothing compared to her Dungeon runs. Her equipment was heavier than this.

"I'm perfectly fine. I…I'm happy to be going on this date."

"Me too," he responded easily. "I meant it, by the way…in the Hostess. I feel something and it was more than just a feeling. My whole being is…electrified…I guess when I get to talk to you. Hearing you is a blessing."

"Mou, you're doing it again," she said with an adorable squeak. Even though she had her normal clothing on, she still felt a tingle when he complimented her. They always felt genuine.

He chuckled, "Sorry…but it's how I feel."

The two continued along their walk, heading to the Hostess after hours, since that's what Lunoire had told them just after they left the pub. "May I inquire about something?"

Her tone displayed her nervousness and Kano felt she was scared. That couldn't be right. "Okay," he agreed.

"When you said it was in your soul…it felt…"

"I was wondering when you were going to ask, and the simple answer is…I don't know but it is what allowed me to make Mister Loga cease his actions," Kano answered easily. She had surely heard the rumor, so he thought it best to correct that. "Do I know anything else about it? No, aside from the fact that I have little control over it appearing. It only happened once."

Mikoto beamed at getting an answer and for addressing her concern, "Thank you."

"Not a problem. Now…if only our eavesdroppers would leave, I would be most pleased," Kano said flatly, glancing to a rooftop to his right, over Mikoto's head.

"Wait, people are observing us?"

"Mhmm, they are, which is odd since Lady Freya is nowhere in the vicinity. I shall have to visit her and tell her of my recovery," Kano said. "It can wait until the next day. Right now, I have a beautiful maiden that I wish to spend time with."

Honestly, Mikoto should consider having red painted on her cheeks since that's the only color she seems to be having. He just says it so easy and while most would think it was cheesy, she found it endearing. Still, the thought of people watching her sent a small chill up her spine.

Kano was still walking in sync with Mikoto, glancing up again to tell the person to leave. Unblessed he may be but his senses are sharper. The clink chink scratch of the tile rooftop would be silent if not for the fact that it was closer to late evening. That, and the fact Kano could feel eyes on him, and it wasn't Freya.

Choosing to ignore it for now, Mikoto guided him up the stairs to the Hostess, being greeted by Chloe, "Nya, Kano, you were nyalmost late."

"Had a few observers, Lady Chloe…but Mikoto valiantly drove them off with her beautiful personality," He said with a sly smirk. Mikoto smiled bashfully at his words.

That was something else that all the waitresses and those that knew him saw. He was much more expressive when he was around her. A stark difference from when they first met him. It's why Chloe refrained from teasing him further.

May, the cat girl chef, peered out from the kitchen and immediately told them to get to the kitchen, "I'm only here because nya might need my help. We set up two stations to help."

"Thank you, Lady May," Kano said, giving the cat girl a small smile, the one before he met Mikoto. "I would appreciate your help since it worked well last time."

Mikoto, however, was marveling at the kitchen area. It wasn't very large but with her being an orphan from the Far East, anything was a luxury if she didn't have it before. She quickly put the bags on an adjacent counter and began organizing them. "Kano, you know what you plan on making?"

"I do, and while we are 'cooking' for the waitresses, I do wish to enjoy the night. Sometimes, it's the simple things. Spending my time in your company is already amazing, sharing a passion is just the proverbial icing on the cake," he said so easily that May had her jaw and tail on the floor.

Mikoto could only smile, "My days have been brighter since I met you. Thank you…"

"No, thank you," he replied in a softer tone. "I…it's awkward to admit but I'm glad I started branching out."

May just looked between the two with a soft smile. She could already see the improvement that Mikoto had on Kano. She, like all the rest, knew he didn't smile, at least not as wide as he was now. "So, nya, Kano…how can I help you?"

"Well, my dish cannot be made at the same time, since my ingredients are leaning toward a dessert. We can wait a few minutes," he said, slowly adjusting his body to lean against the counter opposite the stoves. He at least remembers the layout of the kitchen so he won't accidentally put his hand on a hot stove and leave burn marks.

If there was a downside of not being an adventurer, it's the pain tolerance. Most would be able to shrug off a small burn like that because of the increased fortitude. "What are you making?"

"Cookies. A recipe that…my parents used to make. Something I want to share with all of you. Hope you like sweet things," he chuckled with a shrug before wincing in pain. "Right…can't use that arm. Lady Airmid will…probably do something drastic."

Mikoto continued to organize the ingredients for herself, noting that he did get the ingredients for classic cookies. She's never had these before, so she was quite excited. She started looking for pots and pans to prepare her dish, which May gladly pointed out.

Then, Mikoto washed her hands, grabbed a cutting board, a knife, and began cutting. The trio talked about everything and nothing. Kano may not have been looking at them but he was listening. He tried messing with his cast, which was properly secured. It was beginning to itch.

He never wanted to break another bone if he could help it. This was already going to get annoying. Whatever Mikoto was cooking was more than enough for his stomach to answer. He laughed, "Sorry, my nose is loving what I'm smelling…"

Mikoto was humming as she stirred the pot. May managed to get her a chef's hat. She secretly wished that he could see her. May would help out, telling stories since her time of being a cook. "Mama Mia's recipes are amazing, nya! I would have nyaever thought of half the things she's made!" May exclaimed with joy.

Just hearing it made Kano pause, his smile dimming as he thought about his parents. Still, he would like an answer as to why they left. May, who immediately noticed his mood, stealthily apologized, to which he waved it off. He didn't want to bring down the atmosphere of the room.

Again, he heard the joy in May's voice and that did bring him some comfort. Hearing Mikoto cook was something even better. His imagination brought him into a small fantasy of cooking for her when she came home from the Dungeon. Why yes, it does sound like Kano being a househusband and he would have no problem with that. He's blind it's not like he would be able to miraculously see in the future.

It didn't stop there. He imagined hugging her and kissing her forehead, gently guiding her to the bathroom to wash up—since he would know the layout of the house—and then turning to go take care of…

He could feel his face burning up. Why was I thinking…thinking about that?! That's way too far…I don't know if I'll make it there with her…just focus on the present. Speaking of, he should get started. "Lady May, could you help me measure some ingredients out?"

"Mhmm! What do nya need?" She asked.

Kano listed off the ingredients he needed for chocolate chip cookies but with a twist. He then searched the bag that was set on the counter and pulled out a singular spice, one that Lady Demeter had managed to cultivate and acquire from somewhere in the Far West. "This…we need just a pinch of."

"What is it?" Both Mikoto and May asked.

"Something called cinnamon. Lady Demeter was kind enough to let me have some. This will be going into the batter," which May had stirred for him. He would do it but…his broken arm stops him from doing the most meager of tasks.

"I'm done!" Mikoto called. "This is one of my favorite dishes from my homeland."

"Perfect timing!" They heard Lunoire call from the pub's main room. "It smells amazing!"

"I must admit, having food from another culture not often seen in Orario does interest me," Ryuu spoke after.

"Lady May, could you please put these in the oven?" Kano asked, having gotten three trays of the batter made since the recipe was designed for large quantities.

That was where they found themselves in the dining area, enjoying the food Mikoto cooked. The poor girl was blushing from the praise. Chloe and Ryuu enjoyed it the most. Kano sat next to her and nearly melted in his seat. His taste buds were in constant overdrive so he was able to taste every little thing in each meal.

Kano muttered under his breath, "Marry me…" which meant everyone heard him. He promptly looked away from the table, using his free hand to hide his blushing face.

"Ouu, look at him, making moves on his savior!" Lunoire teased. "Miss Mikoto, if you don't marry this guy, someone else will make a move on him."

"Nya, if he was just a bit younger," Chloe fantasized. "But I could learn…nyeah, a compromise…" The former assassin nodded to herself and Kano suddenly felt he was in mortal danger.

Mia could only snort at this yet she had a softer smile when she looked at the blind boy. The owner of the Hostess had seen him change over the past two years, and this was definitely a surprise. One that she would constantly remind him of.

"I hope you didn't get too far without me, have you?"

All heads snapped over to the door to see Goddess Freya, wearing her usual outfit, including the purple cloak. "Lady Freya? What are you…" Kano started, but he didn't get to finish as she crossed the short distance and gently kissed his forehead. "Huh?"

"When I heard you were injured, of course, I was worried. While I would have wished to take you to Heith, taking you to a general healer was better. Fufu, I notice that you are mostly recovering now but still cooking?" Freya said with such familiarity and confidence that everyone paused. Mia and Anya were staring at the woman they came to know as their Goddess engaging with Kano in such a casual manner.

"I do appreciate your concern, Lady Freya," the blind boy said, having heard the true emotions in her voice. He also caught an undertone of worry. "Are you hungry?"

Freya looked at the waitresses and Mia, catching Mikoto's eye for a brief moment. "No…I just wanted to check up on you. I see that I have come at a bad time."

He stood up, aiming for the kitchen. They all noticed that he didn't grab his aid, and came back with a small box. Inside the box were the cookies he made, "Something for your trip home, Lady Freya. Don't worry, there's enough to spare."

Freya gently took the box from him, smiling at him, an expression that many never see from her. Her smile was usually a mask, to hide her growing irritation. "Fufufufu, she has picked well. Take care of him, would you?" The message she spoke made Mikoto flush even more since she knew that it meant something to her.

Once Freya left, Kano felt all their stares, "If you are going to ask what is my relationship with Lady Freya, it's platonic and no she is not charming me. She is often misunderstood and I personally relate to that. No more inquiries please?"

"Fine brat, keep your secrets," Mia snorted with a shake of her head. "Now, go get a platter of those cookies, I have been smelling them from the moment you took them out of the oven."

Kano rolled his eyes, the motion intrinsic, "Sure thing, Mama Mia."

The blind boy felt closer to this group of people than to anyone in the past eight years. He loved the feeling in his heart. A feeling of belonging. He selfishly hopes that he can keep experiencing it.

However, the whims of the Gods are not so nice.

….

Yes, I know it was basically a confession but neither one was willing to go forth with it. I'm going a little fluffy for this one.

Again, this story was made with zero conceptions that it was going to be perfect. I'm just enjoying the fact I'm doing two different takes on DanMachi. Blind character and non-adventurer. So, if things seem boring in that regard. Fair play.

That does not mean the Dungeon or other Gods won't come into play. Ishtar and Freya are only one set. Demeter is the loveable woman who just likes to tease.

As for Kano, his dating history, that's a part of his story. He has dated before but of course, it didn't work out. The return of his voice, you know the moment. There is more to it, just can't reveal it.

Next update: Tales of Royalty.