As they arrived in Marllyn just before noon, the lively atmosphere of the town welcomed Rosie and the group. They ate lunch in the tavern, but Rosie's mind wasn't fully focused on the food or the chatter around her. Her thoughts wandered, especially after everything that had transpired between her and Katsuki. After the meal, she insisted on going shopping, claiming she needed more arrows and a replacement for the daggers that had been stolen by the vampires.

Truthfully, there was more behind her insistence.

Once she parted from the group, Rosie went about her tasks with a quiet sense of purpose. She stopped at the equipment shop, buying the arrows she needed and picking out a new outfit, one that she hoped Katsuki might notice. The practicality of her old wardrobe was always enough before—but now, something had shifted. She found herself lingering near the more delicate fabrics, choosing items that felt softer against her skin, more elegant.

She also stopped by the market stalls selling fresh produce, buying apples and carrots for Divine and Dynamite.

Rosie found herself wandering into the jewelry district, her eyes catching on the gleam of gems and fine metals. She didn't need jewelry—her elven heritage already gifted her with a beauty that didn't require adornment. Yet, her fingers gravitated toward ear cuffs, they were adorned with pink quartz and diamonds that perfectly matched the jewelry Katsuki had bought her earlier. The stones glittered against her ears, complementing her natural glow, and she couldn't resist buying them.

From there, it wasn't long before she was drawn to another stall selling makeup, something she had never cared for in the past. Elves, after all, were known for their flawless, glowing skin, their ethereal beauty enhanced by nothing but nature itself. Her hair, like spun moonlight, and her naturally radiant complexion had always been enough. But now, as she picked up a few pots of blush, delicate powders, and a subtle lip tint, she felt a stirring inside her, something unfamiliar but undeniable.

Rosie wasn't used to feeling this way—this desire to enhance herself, to catch someone's attention. She had always valued practicality over luxury, survival over vanity. After all, in battle, beauty did nothing to protect you. And yet, after what had happened between her and Katsuki—the way he had touched her, kissed her skin so intimately—something inside her had shifted. It wasn't just lust, though the memory of his mouth on her neck sent a thrill through her body. It was something deeper, something that gnawed at her with a sense of vulnerability.

She wanted him to see her—not just as a partner in battle or someone he needed to protect, but as a woman. The thought unsettled her, made her feel exposed in a way she wasn't used to. She had always been focused on the mission, on her duty, on survival. There had been no time for things like romance, for the distractions of love or attraction. But now... now it felt different.

It was as though Katsuki had unlocked something within her, something that had been buried beneath layers of practicality and warrior's resolve. She had never cared for frivolous things before, not because she found them beneath her, but because they simply hadn't mattered. In her world, practicality had always been the highest priority. Jewelry, makeup, beautiful clothes—they were luxuries that had no place in her life as a warrior. But now, standing in the marketplace with bags full of things that had nothing to do with practicality, Rosie found herself grappling with the realization that she wanted to be more than just strong.

She wanted to be beautiful in his eyes.

And that terrified her.

Rosie's fingers brushed over the makeup she had just bought, her mind swirling with confusion. She hadn't fully understood these feelings before. They had crept up on her slowly, like a fog, obscuring her once-clear path. She had never thought about Katsuki this way—at least, not consciously. But now, after feeling his touch, after hearing the rough tenderness in his voice when he worried for her, something had shifted in her heart. It wasn't just about his strength or their bond as partners. It was more, something raw and unspoken.

She hadn't cared for these things before—beauty, attraction, romance. If her mother could see her, she would laugh and say, "I told you so." Her mother had always warned her that one day, someone would come along and make her feel this way, someone who would make her question her priorities. Rosie had always dismissed it, thinking her path was set, that she would never have time for such distractions.

But here she was, standing in the middle of Marllyn, holding bags filled with frivolous things, and thinking only of how Katsuki would see her.

Did he feel the same? Could he? The thought both thrilled and terrified her. Katsuki wasn't the kind of person to wear his heart on his sleeve. He was rough around the edges, guarded, like her in many ways. But there had been moments—moments when his touch had lingered just a little too long, when his gaze had softened in a way that made her stomach flip.

Rosie bit her lip, feeling her heart race as she thought about him. She was still trying to figure out what all of this meant, this strange new dynamic between them. Was it just the heat of the moment? Or was there something deeper between them that neither of them fully understood yet?

All she knew was that something had changed inside her, something that wasn't going to go away anytime soon. As much as she tried to deny it, to push it aside, she couldn't. Katsuki had become more than just her partner. He had become the one person who made her feel vulnerable, who made her want to be more than just strong. And for the first time, Rosie wasn't sure if that scared her or excited her.

Maybe it was both.

After unpacking her belongings in the cozy inn room she had briefly checked into, Rosie couldn't resist the urge to try on her new outfit. The weight of recent events lingered in her thoughts, but as she slipped into the sleek black ensemble, she felt something shift. The mirror reflected not just her form, but the essence of who she was becoming—strong, resilient, and undeniably beautiful.

The black fabric hugged her form perfectly, accentuating her waist and giving her an air of quiet power. Silver crosses and geometric patterns delicately adorned the bodice, a low neckline revealing just enough to balance elegance with allure. The puffed sleeves softened the look, adding a touch of whimsy while still keeping her practical for the journey ahead. Her fingers brushed over the two belts cinching her waist, the silver buckles glinting in the soft candlelight of the room. The belts framed her figure, giving structure while maintaining style.

Her eyes drifted down to the short, flared skirt, its hem embroidered with even more silver thread. The design was intricate, almost magical in its delicate craftsmanship. She fidgeted with the garters wrapped around her thighs, adjusting them carefully. They held up her matching black boots, each boot embellished with silver designs and small buckles. The overall look was a careful compromise between practicality and luxury.

"You look amazing!" Momo exclaimed, her hands clapping together in excitement as she admired Rosie.

Uraraka, sitting nearby, nodded in agreement, her cheeks glowing with a kind smile. "You're really beautiful, Rosie."

Rosie turned slightly, still examining her reflection, before sitting down at the vanity in the room. "Thank you," she replied softly, a small smile pulling at her lips. "But I need your help, Momo. I'm hopeless with hair."

Momo eagerly moved behind Rosie and began to braid her hair, her fingers skillful and gentle. She separated Rosie's pink hair, weaving them into an intricate braid.

"You've really struck the perfect balance with this," Momo said while braiding. "It's functional and fashionable. If you wanted to catch his attention, then you've more than done that."

Rosie blushed, but her thoughts did drift briefly to Katsuki and how he might react. She caught herself smiling as she admired the reflection of her new outfit. Before long, she noticed Uraraka sitting quietly nearby, staring at the makeup Rosie had bought earlier. The curiosity in her eyes was hard to miss.

"Would you like to try some?" Rosie asked, catching Uraraka off guard.

Uraraka blushed a deeper shade of pink, nervously avoiding her gaze. "I… I'm not really that great with makeup. Could you teach me?"

Momo, who had finished Rosie's braid, beamed with excitement. "I taught Rosie earlier, just before you arrived! I'd love to teach you as well. Come, sit!"

Uraraka hesitated for a moment, then shuffled over to the vanity and sat down. Momo opened the small case of makeup that Rosie had purchased, examining the products thoughtfully before beginning her mini-lesson.

"Alright," Momo began, her tone gentle and patient. "Let's start with the basics. First, this is foundation. It evens out your skin tone and gives you a smooth base to work with." She took a soft brush and swirled it into the foundation, applying it lightly to Uraraka's face. "See? Just a small amount makes a big difference."

Uraraka stared wide-eyed at her reflection as Momo worked, marveling at the instant transformation. "Wow, it's so smooth!" she commented.

Momo smiled, nodding. "Exactly! Now, next is concealer. You'll want to apply this under your eyes, or on any spots that might need a little extra coverage. It brightens your face." She dabbed a bit under Uraraka's eyes and blended it out with her fingers. "A light hand is key. You don't want it to look cakey."

Rosie leaned in, watching Momo work, feeling a new appreciation for the subtle art of makeup.

"Now for the fun part," Momo continued, picking up a small palette. "This is eyeshadow. You want to choose colors that complement your eyes and your outfit. For you, Uraraka, let's go with soft pinks and a little shimmer. It'll highlight your natural beauty without being too bold."

Momo gently brushed a shimmery pink onto Uraraka's eyelids, the soft color brightening her expression. She followed with a slightly darker shade at the corners to add depth, explaining each step as she went.

"Finally, we have mascara," Momo said, picking up the black tube. "This will make your lashes look longer and more defined. Just a small amount will do." She carefully applied the mascara, being cautious not to let it smudge.

Uraraka blinked a few times, then smiled wide as she saw her reflection in the mirror. "I can't believe that's me!" she exclaimed.

Rosie grinned at her. "You look amazing, Uraraka!"

Momo finished by dusting a light blush on Uraraka's cheeks and applying a soft pink lipstick to complete the look. "See? That's all there is to it. A few small touches, and you can enhance your natural beauty."

Uraraka stood up, admiring herself from different angles, her confidence visibly growing. "Thank you both. I never thought I could look like this."

Rosie smiled warmly, enjoying the bonding she had with both women that she had come to call her sisters. "We should get down to the tavern soon otherwise we'll be late."

"Let's pack up,"

Katsuki was struggling. Not physically—he was more than capable of handling anything that came his way—but internally, it was a different story. The real battle was happening inside his head. He was doing his best to refrain from reaching out and pulling her against him. His fingers twitched slightly as he stood with his arms crossed, forcing himself to stay still.

Rosie buying new clothing wasn't a rare occurrence. She always liked to upgrade her gear, making sure she was both practical and prepared. But this time was different. It wasn't just the outfit. The makeup—the subtle shimmer on her skin, the hint of color on her lips—drew his gaze in a way he wasn't used to. He was completely captivated, unable to tear his eyes away from her.

She looked radiant, and he hated that it affected him so much. Her laughter rang out as she talked with the enchantress and round face, the two other girls looking a bit different themselves, but he couldn't care less about them. He couldn't even muster the energy to be annoyed that Half-and-Half or Deku might be staring at her, too. None of that mattered. What did matter was that she looked too beautiful for him to handle, and he was struggling to keep his composure.

"Midoriya," Shoto's voice broke through his thoughts. Katsuki glanced over to see half-and-half standing beside Deku, who, much like Katsuki, looked flustered. Shoto blinked at Deku, observing him. "Your face is red, and you're sweating profusely. Are you unwell?"

Katsuki glanced at Deku's beet-red face and clenched fists, realizing that the green-haired nerd wasn't gawking at Rosie but at ranger, who was busy chatting with Momo. Katsuki snorted, feeling a flicker of smugness. So, Rosie was right in her matchmaking efforts after all. Deku was too predictable.

Before he could approach Rosie, or even tease Deku about his obvious crush, a large, extravagant carriage rolled to a halt in front of them. It was pulled by finely bred horses, their coats sleek and their harnesses adorned with intricate silver detailing. The carriage itself was almost too fancy for the rough adventurers that made up their group. Gold filigree lined the doors and windows, and it gleamed in the fading sunlight.

The butler driving the carriage was stiff and formal, with an air of superiority that rubbed Katsuki the wrong way immediately. He looked like the type who spent more time polishing silverware than getting his hands dirty.

The butler stepped down from the carriage, adjusting his monocle before bowing deeply, a hint of condescension in his tone. "My sincerest apologies, esteemed adventurers," he said, his voice smooth and practiced. "I regret being late. We should make haste, as nightfall is fast approaching."

Katsuki scowled. He hated formalities and people who acted like they were better than everyone else, but before he could say anything snarky, Rosie stepped forward, already saddled up on Divine, her trusted horse. She tilted her head slightly, giving the butler a nod. "Thank you," she said simply, her tone polite but distant.

The rest of the party began to mount their horses. Momo, on her elegant white mare, took her position near the front alongside Shoto. Deku, a bit flustered, helped Uraraka onto her horse. Katsuki, mounting Dynamite, took his usual place near Rosie, who rode beside him as they took up positions behind the carriage. He noticed how her fingers tightened around the reins, but her gaze was steady and determined.

As the carriage began to move forward, the group fell into formation. Shoto and Momo led the way, their horses trotting gracefully at the front. Uraraka and Deku took the sides of the carriage, keeping a protective watch over it. Katsuki and Rosie brought up the rear, their horses moving in sync as the wheels of the carriage creaked and groaned against the rocky path.

The air was cooling quickly as the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape. Despite the quiet of the evening, the tension between Katsuki and Rosie was palpable, though neither of them spoke. Every once in a while, he would catch her glancing over at him, her eyes sparkling with something unspoken. He couldn't tell if it was amusement or something else, but every time he caught her gaze, his chest tightened.

"You sure you're not cold?" Katsuki asked gruffly, breaking the silence between them as they rode side by side. His eyes flicked to her bare legs under the short skirt she had on.

Rosie smiled, her eyes softening. "I'm fine. The cold doesn't bother me much, remember? Besides, I have my cloak if it gets worse."

He huffed, but didn't say anything else. Still, he found himself glancing at her every few minutes, just to make sure she really was okay. He cursed inwardly, frustrated that her presence made him feel so off balance.

The sun was high in the sky when the group reached their first checkpoint. The ancient ruins, half-covered in moss and vines, provided shelter—a necessary precaution for an overnight stay. Despite their crumbling appearance, the stone structures were sturdy enough to protect the party in case of an emergency. It was a strategic spot, far enough from the main road to avoid bandits and high enough to provide a good vantage point.

Rosie volunteered to take the first watch, given that elves required far less sleep than the other races. She perched herself on one of the stone outcroppings, her sharp eyes scanning the horizon. The people inside the carriage—four passengers who had yet to reveal themselves—remained utterly silent. Not a peep. They didn't bother to leave the comfort of their extravagant carriage, nor did they show any sign of acknowledging the adventurers hired to protect them.

It didn't matter to Rosie.

The night passed without incident, and by dawn, she had already begun preparing breakfast for the party. When the others awoke, bleary-eyed but rested, they found her by the fire, stirring a pot of stew. Katsuki grumbled his thanks as he accepted a bowl, while Deku and Shoto nodded appreciatively, though Deku's sleepy smile betrayed how tired he still was. Momo and Uraraka joined soon after, stretching and rubbing their eyes as they packed up their things.

By midday, the carriage had set off once more, with the party falling into their usual positions around it. Everything had been peaceful—quiet, even—until they stopped for lunch.

That was when they finally saw the passengers they were protecting.

The carriage door swung open, and four individuals emerged. The first was a young woman, perhaps not much older than Rosie or Momo, with olive skin, striking blonde hair, and vibrant green eyes. She stepped down gracefully, her expensive gown flowing around her as she did so. A sharp smile curled on her lips as she eyed the adventurers.

"Oh my," she murmured, her gaze immediately settling on Katsuki, then flitting between Shoto and Deku, "I wasn't expecting our guards to be so… handsome."

Katsuki, who had been mid-bite into his food, froze. His red eyes narrowed at the girl, his irritation evident in the way he clenched his jaw. "Tch," he muttered under his breath. "Who the hell is this?"

Shoto, ever oblivious, merely blinked at the girl as if unsure how to respond. Deku, on the other hand, turned a deep shade of red, nearly choking on his food. "U-Uh, thank you?" he stammered, clearly caught off guard.

Rosie watched the exchange with a tightening in her chest. She was no stranger to jealousy, though she hated to admit it. The girl's flirtatious smile and the way she practically draped herself over the nearest surface made Rosie's stomach twist. She shot a quick glance at Uraraka, whose expression was similarly strained as she noticed the blonde girl's gaze linger on Deku. Momo, ever composed, simply rolled her eyes and busied herself with her meal, refusing to give the young lady any more attention than necessary.

The three men who followed the girl out of the carriage were clearly her brothers. They were tall, all of them sharing similar features: dark hair, dark eyes, and a certain regal air about them. The eldest brother had a mole under his left eye, giving him a roguish charm. He leaned against the carriage door, eyes fixated on Rosie as she cleaned up from their meal.

"Well now," he called out, his voice smooth like silk, "what's a beautiful elf like you doing in the company of such… brutish men?"

Rosie didn't even bother looking up from her task, ignoring the smirk on his face as he tried to catch her attention. She heard him chuckle to himself as if he found her disinterest amusing. But she wasn't interested—certainly not in the son of some noble family who was likely used to getting everything he wanted with a wink and a smile.

The second eldest brother kept his dark hair cut short and neat. He wasted no time approaching Momo, who had strategically seated herself a little away from the group. His smile was charming, though his eyes held a glint of arrogance. "Might I keep you company, my lady?" he asked, his voice dripping with feigned politeness. Momo barely glanced at him before politely declining.

"Thank you, but I'm fine," she said coolly, her tone polite but firm. She didn't even bother looking up from the map she had spread out before her. The young man, however, wasn't easily deterred and continued to hover near her, much to her annoyance.

The third brother, who had a habit of tossing a gold coin in his palm, seemed to take an interest in Uraraka. His movements were casual, but his dark eyes never left her. As he twirled the coin in his fingers, he gave her a grin. "You've got some fire, don't you? I can tell just by looking at you," he said smoothly.

Uraraka fidgeted, clearly uncomfortable but trying to remain polite. "Oh, um… thank you, I guess," she mumbled, casting a desperate glance in Deku's direction. But Deku was still too flustered from the blonde girl's earlier comments to notice.

Meanwhile, the youngest of the four, the girl with the olive skin and blonde hair, had made her way closer to Shoto. She sighed dramatically, placing a hand to her chest. "It's such a shame," she murmured, loud enough for the others to hear. "To think I'm traveling with such stunning men and yet not a single one of you has offered me even the slightest attention."

Katsuki rolled his eyes so hard it was a wonder they didn't fall out of his head. "You talk too much," he snapped, clearly losing patience. The girl blinked at him, momentarily stunned by his bluntness.

But it didn't stop her from turning her flirtatious gaze toward him. "Oh? And what if I wanted to talk to you?" she purred, batting her eyelashes at him.

"Don't," he growled, his tone warning enough that even she seemed to think twice before pressing further.

Rosie bit her lip, trying not to let her frustration show. She had no reason to feel jealous—she knew that. And yet, the girl's boldness, her unrelenting attempts to flirt with Katsuki, made Rosie's blood boil.

"Perhaps you'd like a real conversation," the eldest brother called out again, this time directly to Rosie, still leaning casually against the carriage.

Without missing a beat, Rosie turned and finally met his gaze, her own eyes sharp and unimpressed. "I'm not interested," she said simply, her voice cold. The man blinked, momentarily taken aback before chuckling softly to himself.

Katsuki, who had been watching the exchange closely, clenched his fists. His fuse was short on a good day, and this… noble brat was pushing it.

Just as Katsuki opened his mouth to say something—probably something loud and full of curses—the butler appeared beside the carriage. "My apologies, esteemed adventurers, but we must be on our way if we are to reach the next checkpoint before nightfall," he announced, bowing stiffly.

The party exchanged glances, each of them silently relieved to be getting back on the road.

As they mounted their horses once again, Rosie found herself positioned next to Katsuki. The weight of the earlier tension still hung in the air, but they were back in formation, with the carriage rolling steadily in front of them.

"Don't let that idiot get to you," Katsuki muttered under his breath, his eyes focused ahead.

Rosie glanced at him, her frustration melting away slightly at his protective tone. She nodded, offering him a small smile. "I wasn't."

But as they continued their journey, the flirtatious glances and lingering gazes from their noble charges remained.

It was going to be a long trip.