The city gates were always noisy in the evenings: merchants hauling wagons, guards checking papers, the buzz of lanterns lighting one by one. I'd stood here a thousand times, but tonight, I was nervous.
Why? Because of her. New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on novel(ꜰ)ire.net
I'd seen her half-dead in the forest, bloodied and stubborn, still cracking jokes between gasps. But the woman approaching me now was… different.
She walked through the crowd with steady steps, boots clicking against the stone. Her short dark hair was damp from a wash, the faint inner green glow catching the lantern light like hidden emerald threads. The outfit hugged her frame neatly—white blouse with silver accents, fitted trousers, boots polished enough to shame most nobles.
Her eyes found mine instantly, sharp and playful, and something traitorous in my chest thudded once, hard.
"Ohhh, is that my knight in shining armor waiting for me?" I called out, raising a hand as I skipped the last few steps toward her.
Her shoulders stiffened, but she didn't move away when I stopped just a little too close.
Then, with both hands, I gave an exaggerated bow. "Aria Solona, Cloud-Architect-turned-professional-survivor, reporting for date duty!"
The guards near the gate snickered. Riddle's cheeks flushed scarlet.
She cleared her throat, trying to regain composure. "Aria—please. Not so loud."
She said that with a serious look– tried to– but her eyes were staring.
"Captain?" I tilted my head, a slow smile tugging at my lips. "You look like you saw a ghost. Or maybe a goddess. Either way, it's still me."
Her mouth opened. Closed. Then it opened again. "…You just look—different."
"Better," I supplied helpfully. "Say it. I accept compliments."
Her heartbeat must have skipped again, though she quickly coughed into her fist and tried to recover her professional aura.
I leaned in, lowering my voice. "Careful, Riddle. If you keep staring like that, people will think you're falling for me."
"Don't be ridiculous!" She screamed immediately, but her ears betrayed her with a soft red glow.
I grinned and pulled back, deciding not to push further. For now, at least.
"Anyway," I sighed as we started our stroll, adjusting the belt around my new trousers, "I meant to grab a word with the bartender at my inn— the elf with the 'I'm too pretty to exist' face— but he wasn't there when I came down. Probably hiding from admirers. Lucky bastard."
Riddle raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Vice? He usually works evenings."
"Yeah, well, I'll hunt him down later. For now, I want to give all my attention to you, M'lady." I patted my stomach. "Also, I'm starving. I've only had wolf corpse air-freshener for three days. Recommend me the best place in town before I collapse dramatically in your arms."
Riddle blinked, clearly not minding that fainting part, then chuckled softly. "You're impossible."
She glanced toward the city streets. "There's a small place I usually go. Not fancy. Family-run. But they make the best stew and bread you'll find in Westford."
"Oh ho? Captain Arcage skipping the noble feasts for a mama-and-papa shop?" That sounded great, "I like it. Lead the way~."
We didn't head to some big fancy restaurant. No, Riddle led me down winding side streets until the smell hit me first: thick broth, butter, and fresh bread.
The shop was tucked between two taller buildings, lantern light glowing warm and orange. Inside, an old couple manned the place, the man stirring a pot bigger than my torso, the woman slicing bread with practiced hands.
"Captain! Finally visiting us again?" the old man called out.
The granny beamed at the same time, wiping her hands on her apron. She was about to greet her first, but then her gaze fell on me. "And who's this? Bringing a young lady with you?"
I straightened instantly, sliding into the role like I was born for it. "Aria Solona, ma'am. Professional freeloader, occasional wolf-slayer, and currently your captain's devoted dinner partner."
The granny chuckled instantly at the intro, covering her mouth. "Ohhh, partner, is it? Riddle, you didn't tell us you had such good taste."
Riddle practically choked. "N-no, it's not like that—!"
The granny leaned closer to me with a conspiratorial wink. "She always eats alone, this one. Glad to see she's finally found company."
I grinned, taking Riddle's hand dramatically. "Don't worry. I'll take very good care of her."
Riddle's blush could've boiled the stew, even the grandpa seemed delighted at the brief interaction.
"Come, sit. Have some water and I'll bring your orders right away." The old couple was on my team, great!
As Reddy calmed herself down, the food arrived steaming hot, thick stew brimming with meat and root vegetables, bread warm enough to melt butter on contact.
I saw a lot of things when I was going to and from the inn, the special menu of the inn was mouth watering, but this was the very first thing I was going to have– the promised meal with my pretty saviour.
My instincts triggered again as my body moved and dug in immediately, letting out a very unladylike groan. "Mmm! Oh gods. This… this is butter chicken! All it needs is naan."
Riddle blinked at me. "Naan?"
"Flat bread." The answer was instantaneous. "Heaven in edible form. Don't worry, I'll introduce it to this world one day."
She laughed despite herself, covering her mouth politely while I scarfed down half the bowl like a starving beast.
It was a little too fast, yes.
"What?" I said between bites. "I survived three days in the forest eating air and wolf despair. You're lucky I'm not gnawing on the table." I wasn't even joking.
Her lips quirked. "…I've never seen someone enjoy simple food quite like you."
"Get used to it," I said, tearing another piece of bread. "I'm a professional."
It wasn't an exaggeration when I say I have a large appetite. I eat as much as those heavy athletes. All that is needed to fuel this genius brain now, isn't it?