The marketplace slowly quieted as the afternoon sun began to tilt toward the horizon. Its golden rays painted the cobblestones, the laughter of children echoing softer now as stalls began closing one by one.
Ai still clung tightly to Shiki's arm, her cheeks flushed from their playful wandering, her arms full of trinkets and sweets that he had spoiled her with.
Her lips curved in a shy smile, but her eyes flicked curiously toward the road ahead. "Ne, ne, Shiki… where are we going now?"
Her voice carried that same melody—half curiosity, half excitement.
Shiki glanced at her sidelong, his grin sharp but warm. "Kitten, didn't I tell you? A date is more than just sweets and games. It's about making memories."
Ai tilted her head, blinking innocently. "So… are we going to make more memories?"
"Exactly." He chuckled, tugging her gently along. "But before that—we've got one more stop."
"Eh? Another stall?" she asked, hugging her stuffed bunny close.
"Not exactly. A shop."
---
The cobbled street narrowed, leading them to a district where the cheerful calls of vendors gave way to the metallic ring of hammer on steel. The air grew warmer, tinged with the scent of burning coal and oiled leather.
Ai blinked as they stepped in front of a large wooden building with a sign shaped like a crossed sword and shield.
Inside, rows of weapons gleamed beneath the flickering lantern light—swords, spears, daggers, axes, each neatly displayed on racks. Behind the counter stood a burly smith with soot-streaked arms, polishing a blade.
Ai's eyes widened. "Shiki… this is…?"
"A weapon shop," Shiki said smoothly, pushing the door open. "We're buying you something today."
"F-for me?!" She clutched her bunny tighter, eyes darting nervously from the swords to him. "But… but I don't need a weapon!"
Shiki guided her inside, the wooden floor creaking under their steps. His grin widened. "Kitten, remember that bet with Seraphina?"
Ai froze, her eyes growing round. "W-what about it?"
He leaned down, his voice low, teasing, almost conspiratorial. "When I beat her, she promised to do anything I asked."
Ai shifted, her blush returning.
His grin sharpened.
Her lips parted, shock painting her face. "I-I don't need—"
Shiki tapped her forehead lightly, cutting off her protest. "Because, kitten. You're with me. And that means you need strength, too."
Her gaze wavered, her voice dropping to a whisper. "…B-but… I'll just hold you back."
Shiki leaned closer, his eyes narrowing, dangerous and playful all at once. "Then I'll just drag you along until you catch up."
Ai flushed, trembling at his words. "Y-you can't just decide that!"
"Oh, I already did." His grin curved into something darker, more mischievous. "And if you say no…" He tilted his head, feigning thought, before delivering the killing blow:
"I won't log in for a week."
Her heart nearly stopped. "W-what?!"
"I'll leave you lonely. No cuddles. No teasing. No dates." His smirk was wicked. "Just seven, long, empty days."
Ai's face burned red. "T-that's unfair! You can't—"
"Then listen." His voice softened, cutting past the teasing. "Let me give you this. Let me prepare you."
Ai bit her lip, torn between her stubbornness and the thought of losing him even for a day. Finally, her shoulders slumped, and she mumbled quietly, "…I'll do it."
"Good girl." His hand ruffled her hair, messing up her neat strands. "That's my kitten."
Her heart thudded so loud she thought the blacksmith could hear it.
---
"Now then," Shiki said, turning to the racks of weapons. "Let's find you a blade."
Ai blinked nervously at the swords, their steel glinting cold under the lantern light. She reached out hesitantly toward a short sword, its hilt wrapped in plain leather. "M-maybe… something small?"
Shiki shook his head. "No. You're too straightforward, kitten. That blade doesn't suit you."
He moved along the rack, his eyes sharp, scanning each weapon with the focus of a predator choosing prey. Finally, his hand stopped on a slender, sheathed blade with a dark lacquered scabbard. He pulled it free, the steel whispering as it slid out—curved, elegant, deadly.
Ai's breath caught. "That's… beautiful…"
"A katana," Shiki said, testing the weight with ease. "Sharp. Precise. Elegant. Just like you."
Her blush deepened, her hands twisting against her bunny. "M-me? I'm not elegant at all…"
Shiki smirked, holding the katana out to her. "Hold it."
She hesitated, then reached out with trembling fingers. The moment the hilt touched her palm, her body stilled. It was heavier than she expected, yet something about its balance, its grace, seemed to hum against her skin.
Shiki watched her closely. "See? It fits."
"…It feels… alive," she whispered.
His grin softened into a rare smile. "Then it's yours."
"E-eh?! But… it must be expensive!"
"Doesn't matter." He reached into his pouch, dropping a heavy bag of gold on the counter without even looking at the price. His eyes never left Ai. "You're priceless to me. A blade for you is nothing."
Ai's cheeks flamed, her voice shrinking into a whisper. "…Y-you can't just say things like that…"
"Why not?" He leaned close, his breath brushing her ear. "Embarrassed?"
She hugged the katana to her chest like it was a lifeline. "…M-maybe."
The blacksmith chuckled at their exchange but wisely said nothing, simply wrapping the blade carefully before handing it back to Shiki.
---
By the time they left the weapon shop, the sky had shifted to a warm orange glow, the sun dipping lower. Ai still clutched the sheathed katana, her steps small and uncertain.
"Ne, ne, Shiki," she mumbled, eyes peeking up at him shyly. "Do I really… have to train?"
"Of course." His smirk curved. "But we're not done yet."
She blinked. "Eh?"
He tugged her gently toward another street. This one was quieter, lined with shops filled not with steel, but crystals, scrolls, and staffs of carved wood.
Ai gasped softly as they stepped inside a shop filled with glowing artifacts. Shelves stacked with spellbooks, racks of staffs tipped with shimmering gems, and faint arcane light drifting lazily in the air.
"Magic…" Ai whispered, her eyes wide with awe.
Shiki chuckled. "And here's the second part of our bet. Lyra."
Ai blinked, startled. "L-Lyra?"
"Mm. Nervous little mage. She owes me too. She's going to teach you magic." Shiki said firmly, tilting her chin up so her eyes met his. "You'll learn. And I'll make sure of it."
Her lips trembled. "But… what if I fail?"
Shiki's smirk softened again, his gaze steady. "Then you'll fail. And try again. And fail again. Until you succeed." His thumb brushed her cheek gently. "That's how strength is made."
Ai's eyes shimmered, her breath hitching. "…You really… believe in me?"
"Of course." He leaned closer, his forehead brushing hers. "You're my kitten. Why wouldn't I?"
Her knees nearly buckled, her entire body melting under his words.
"Shiki…" she whispered, her voice small, fragile, yet full of emotion. "I'll try. For you."
"Good." His grin returned, sharp and satisfied. "Then let's find you a staff."
---
The shopkeeper, a kindly old mage, guided them through rows of staffs. Ai hesitantly reached toward one carved with vines, topped with a soft pink crystal. It pulsed faintly as her fingers brushed it, glowing brighter for a heartbeat before dimming again.
The old mage's eyes widened. "Ah. That one likes you."
Shiki's smirk widened. "Perfect."
Ai held the staff carefully, staring at the gem as if it might shatter. "…It feels… warm."
"That's because it's yours now," Shiki said simply, dropping more gold on the counter.
Ai stared at him, flustered beyond words. "…You're… impossible."
"Maybe." He ruffled her hair again. "But I'm your impossible."
Her heart fluttered violently. She hugged the staff and katana close, her blush burning hot enough to rival the sunset outside.
And as they stepped out of the shop together, the last rays of sunlight painting the sky crimson, Ai whispered softly—barely audible, but enough for Shiki to catch:
"…This really is the happiest day I've ever had."
Shiki glanced down at her, his grin curving into something warmer, gentler. He bent low, pressing a soft kiss against her forehead.
"Then remember it, kitten. Because it's only the beginning."
---
END OF CHAPTER : 29 : AI'S FIRST DATE! : 2
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