Chapter 24: Indirect Kiss?!

"Wow, what does that energy even feel like? Why don't I know I have it?" Alise blinked, tilting her head in confusion. "Captain, Akira might be saying you're too hot to handle, hahaha." Neze chuckled, giving Alise a playful nudge. "That's too much! I'm just warm! Look!" Alise puffed her cheeks in protest and placed her palm on the back of Akira's neck with a triumphant grin. "...Okay, I get it. It's very heartwarming." Akira replied with a deadpan tone, clearly unamused. Kaguya's clear voice cut through the morning antics. "It's time to eat. Don't get too carried away—we still have to patrol Orario later." "By the way, Alise." Kaguya added, "Akira's joining us on patrol today." "Yay~!" Alise threw her hands into the air with joy, then suddenly picked Akira up like a plush toy. "Awesome! We're going to have so much fun today~!" Akira, slung over Alise's shoulder like a sack of potatoes, stared at the ceiling in silent despair. 'Just you wait. Once I grow, I'll make you feel what it's like to be lifted like this. Every. Single. Day.' — — — After breakfast, Alise, as always, insisted that everyone recite the embarrassing Oath of Justice with full conviction. Outside, she split everyone into three teams. Akira was placed with Alise, Kaguya, and Ryuu. As they strolled through the bustling streets, Akira stopped in front of a small food stall, his eyes lighting up. "Fried potato balls... I've never had these before. Want to try some?" "We want two sauce and one red bean cream!" The girls said. "Boss, that's two sauce and two red bean cream, please." Akira ordered. The four sat casually at the side, enjoying their snacks. Suddenly, without warning, Alise leaned over and took a bite from the fried potato ball in Akira's hand. "Mmm! This one's really good too. I'm getting this flavor next time!" Akira looked down at the half-eaten snack in his hand, then at Alise, saying nothing. He just stared. In return, Alise beamed innocently, flashing a dazzling smile towards him. Not to be outdone, Kaguya stepped forward with a mischievous grin. "Akira, I want a taste of yours too. I'll trade you mine." With an expression that said she wouldn't take no for an answer, she waited. Akira sighed and held out his snack. Then, Kaguya took a careful bite from the untouched side, then offered hers in exchange. "Thanks." Akira muttered and took a small bite. "Mmm... the sauce flavor's good too, Kaguya-nee." With a victorious smile, Kaguya turned and gave Alise a smug look. Then, she boldly bit into the part where Akira had just taken a bite. Alise snickered and covered her mouth while Kaguya's eyes widened. "...I walked right into that one." As the two girls exchanged playful glares, Akira glanced at Ryuu, who had been watching the scene in silence, stunned. "So, Ryuu." Akira said, sidling up beside her with a grin. "Want to try my fried potato balls? Mine's got special ingredients. Even Alise and Kaguya couldn't resist." "I won't fall for that." Ryuu replied with a soft blush. "It's obvious we all ordered the same thing." "Aww, so cold." After a short pause, Ryuu looked away, her ears tinged pink. "Don't bite too much. Just swap a little." She held out her snack. Akira took a modest bite and passed her his. Ryuu took a small nibble, her expression softening. "...It really is delicious." She murmured. Almost instantly, Alise and Kaguya swooped in. "Ryuu~ You know, when a guy and girl exchange food, it's practically a confession." Alise teased. "Yeah, useless Elf! Congrats! You and Akira are officially a couple now!" Kaguya grinned wickedly. "What the heck are you saying?!" Ryuu snapped back, red-faced. "Didn't Kaguya exchange food with him too?!" "Alright, alright, we're here." Akira interjected before things spiraled further, pointing to a store sign up ahead. "A clothing store." When the door swung open, rows of clothes in every style imaginable greeted them. "Welcome, esteemed guests. Please browse at your leisure." — — — Inside, Kaguya and Alise enthusiastically picked out clothes for Akira to try on, barely giving him room to breathe. After a thorough fashion show, they finally settled on a formal outfit: a dark red suit paired with sleek black trousers. The rest were everyday clothes Akira picked based on stylish adventurer archetypes from his past life memories—complete with a rugged pair of long Martin boots. 'If I added a fur-trimmed coat, I'd look just like an elemental blaster at third awakening.' Akira thought to himself with an amused grin. "Can we leave these here for now? We'll be back later to pick them up." He asked. "Of course! We'll keep them safe for you." The clerk replied with a polite smile. Back outside, Alise stretched with a big grin. "Yosh! Let the path of justice begin! Let's move out!" Well... it was called a "path of justice," but in reality, it was more like casually strolling and stepping in to stop petty crimes with small fines. Suddenly, Alise pointed at a game stall. "Ah! That doll is so cute! I have to win it!" She dashed off like a rocket. "You idiot captain! We're on patrol!" Kaguya roared, yanking Alise back by the ear. "Ow ow ow! I'm sorry! I was wrong! Please let go!" Alise begged, flailing dramatically. As soon as Kaguya let go, Alise instantly bounced back to her usual energetic self. Akira and Ryuu exchanged amused smiles. It was like watching a master class in face-changing performance. "Ah~ Isn't that Ryuu? Out on patrol too?" A soft, cheerful voice called out. A figure approached with light steps—Adi, smiling sweetly as always. "And look who it is! Akira! You treated me very nicely last time, you know?" "Adi? What brings you here?" Ryuu asked, surprised. "Hehe~ I'm patrolling too. But I might have wandered this way on purpose, hoping to run into you~" Adi winked. "Trouble's been on the rise, so there hasn't been much time to chat properly." "You're right." Ryuu agreed with a sigh. "Our familia's already struggling with expeditions. If Orario gets even more unstable, it'll be hard for everyone." She glanced at Akira and gave a polite smile. "Let me introduce you again. This is Adi."