Volume 16 Chapter 26: A Date

Come to the garden! And don’t make any noise! And get dressed!

Keith tilted his head as he glanced at Ruby, “Do you know why she asked me?”

“Kyuu?” Ruby had no clue either; the little fellow waddled over and slept next to Eri. So, you’re not coming with me? That was the case; the little beast fell asleep right beside Eri. Keith shook his head as he headed to the garden; he saw Carolyn as she was resting on the swing.

“Carolyn, why did you—” “Shh! Do you want everyone to wake up?” Carolyn covered his mouth; her expression was full of alertness and caution.

Lowering her hands from his mouth, “We’re too far; they won’t hear us.”

Carolyn wiggled her fingers, “It is not far enough. Do you know how many of them have supernatural hearing?” They could hear everything going around the mansion; it was frightening.

“I think their sense of smell is even stronger than their hearing.” It was their noses that were heightened to a supernatural level. They could pick up scents from a mile away; that was frightening when they gathered in the kitchen when he and Gus cooked.

“They can definitely hear. Drop a pan, they come running,” Carolyn pouted.

That’s true. Keith shivered at the thought, “Why did you call me out?” His voice lowered.

Carolyn grinned, “To go out. Let’s go have some fun, just the two of us.”

“...Is that alright?” “Of course. Let’s go.” Carolyn took his arm, and the duo headed out into the city again.

“It’s been a long time since we did this.”​

“Didn’t we go out a few days ago?” They’d had a forest outing.

“I meant just us. Not with Eri and the others.”

“...”

“I do not mind Eri and the others; they’re the cutest, and whenever they laugh, I can’t help but smile. But sometimes, I want to be alone with you like this. It’s rare for the two of us to be alone; you always have a group around you.” The last time they were alone together was during their escape from the Philosopher Kingdom. Otherwise, Keith would have two or more people around.

“I know I’m being—” Before she finished, a hand patted her head. She looked up, meeting a tender smile from Keith.

“Where would you like to go?” I should plan my time well. Hearing what she said, having some alone time with the people he cared about was important as well. He did not want the situation with Alger to happen once more.

Carolyn grinned, “Let’s see everything. It’s been some time, and new stores opened up.” She didn’t recognize a few when she cast a quick glance out of the carriage. ​

“The morning is always the busiest.” Keith laughed as the two headed to the market first.

Morning business; rows of stalls and carts were brought out. Not only was this the best time for restaurant owners to buy ingredients, but it was also when merchants brought out unusual items. Keith pulled Carolyn close, “Stay near, don’t let go of my arm.”

“Okay.” Carolyn was more than willing as she nestled into his arm; their eyes focused on the vendors bartering with the customers, trying to get the best deal for one another. Despite wanting some alone time with one another, their appearance did not go unnoticed by the people.

“It’s the young master!”

“Hello everyone. Carry on, I’m just having a little date.” Keith smiled as he held Carolyn’s hand as they walked. Carolyn added, “Yeah! We’re on a date!” The people laughed upon hearing this statement.

“Ahh, the young master is on a date.”

“Should we tell May about this?!”

“Didn’t you bring May out with the children yesterday?”

“The young master is a player.”

“Ugh,” Keith winced. Carolyn giggled. “Well, Mister Player, what do we do?”

“We run!” Keith dashed off with her, sparking laughter. Carolyn panted, “Couldn’t we stay longer?”

“And get bombarded by questions? No way!” Teasing and jeering; he could definitely imagine it. Sensing her insistence, Keith quickly changed the topic, “Which store do you want to go to first?!” They were still in the shopping district.

“Hmm, how about we look around first? The store I want to go to first is not open yet.”

“I see.” Keith nodded as they headed around. Serene and calming. Unlike the markets, the buildings were tranquil because of the early morning. Keith suggested, “Let’s have some breakfast first.”

The two headed to the bakery; it was one of the few stores that opened at an early time. Reaching the counter, “Can I get one cream bun and a sandwich with a cup of coffee and orange juice?”

“Understood, Boss.” Grabbing their breakfast, the two found seats by the window, giving them a clear view of the outside. Keith and Carolyn slowly ate their breakfast as she suggested, “Have you thought about adding some seats in the front? I think with some lighting lamps, it would look pleasant.”  

“That’s a lovely idea; I will suggest it to Ralph.” Having outdoor seating was interesting. As they ate, “Oh, there’s cream on your lips.” Taking a napkin, he gently wiped it off Carolyn’s lips.

“Thank you.” Carolyn then raised her cream bun, “How about you try this? It’s good.”

“Okay.” Keith took a small bite, “The cream is nice and fragrant.” As they ate, they didn’t notice the people glancing at them from time to time.

“How adorable.”

“...” Keith and Carolyn said nothing, but their flushed cheeks did all the talking.