Chapter 84: Eina's Romantic Gift!?
Chapter 84 - Eina's Romantic Gift!?
The early morning sun bathed Orsted's workshop in a warm glow.
He sat by the window, a faint blue light dancing in his hands as he crafted magic items with practiced ease.
The mansion was quiet.
Hestia, Lili, and Tifa had left at dawn, following last night's decision to recruit new Familia members.
Orsted had opted to stay behind, tasked with transforming the materials from their last dungeon expedition into magic items.
Lili's weapon remained unmade, as did Tifa's and Naaza's quiver.
New recruits would need equipments too—Orsted couldn't play favorites.
The materials sufficed for over twenty magic items, a morning's work.
He focused on two of magic items for: boosting strength, and enhancing speed.
Tifa's gloves already amplified power, so she needed only magic items with speed enhancement.
By noon, a neat stack of glowing items lined his workbench.
Soon Orsted left the mansion, honoring his promise to Eina.
They'd agreed to meet at the Ganesha Familia's arena on East Street to watch the monster show.
After a ten-minute walk, Orsted spotted Eina at the arena's entrance, her eyes scanning the crowd.
Her face lit up when she saw him, and she hurried over, her usual Guild professionalism softened by excitement.
"Orsted, you're here!" Eina's voice was gentle, lacking her workaday vigor.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting," Orsted said with a touch embarrassed.
Though not late, her early arrival made him feel he'd delayed her.
"No, I got here early," Eina shook her head.
She stepped aside, gesturing toward the arena.
"Let's go in. I heard today's show includes a Minotaurs training session."
She hesitated, her hand twitching as if to grab his, then pulling back.
Orsted, amused, recalled her boldness two days ago when she'd dragged him to handle Guild business.
Smiling, he took her hand, leading her toward the gate.
Eina's cheeks flushed at his initiative.
She'd held his hand before, but always in urgency—never like this, on a date.
Her heart raced, unguarded by her usual composure.
Orsted met every criterion she sought in a partner: handsome, seemingly delicate, younger, and reliant on her guidance.
His strength belied his gentle appearance, and his frequent visits to her at the Guild deepened her affection.
She'd never voiced it, but seeing him with Hestia, Lili, and Tifa two days ago stirred envy, not just jealousy.
That pang had spurred her impulsive invitation to join him at the Monster Feria.
She'd regretted it instantly, fearing rejection, but Orsted's agreement had thrilled her.
After work, she'd requested a few days off, arranging this afternoon's outing.
She'd arrived near noon, waiting nearly half an hour, her careful dress reflecting a newfound attention to detail.
Though a date, Eina shied from calling it such.
Inside the arena, they found seats and chatted, watching the monster show unfold.
They avoided romantic topics, discussing dungeon adventures and daily trifles.
After over an hour, they left the arena, wandering East Street at Eina's suggestion.
Two days prior, she'd watched Orsted, Hestia, and the others stroll, snacking from stalls, and envied their carefree joy.
Today, she wanted that experience.
Soon, Orsted's hands brimmed with snacks, mirroring that earlier scene.
Eina sampled each, passing the rest to him, her choices deliberate yet playful.
The afternoon blurred into a montage of stalls, laughter, and shared bites.
As evening fell, Eina turned to Orsted, reluctance in her eyes.
"Thank you for today, Orsted. Until next time." She leaned forward.
"Thank you, Eina," Orsted gently patted her head.
"See you."
"Oh, and I've got a surprise for you in a few days. Look forward to it." With a final wave, she turned, her figure fading into the street's bustle.
"Surprise?" Orsted murmured, blinking.
A smile tugged at his lips as he headed home.
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