Chapter 23: Natsuki's Date
When Ad got back to the Hearth Manor, he decided to take Natsuki out first. She had been the girl who he knew the longest, together with Misha, and he wanted to make things right for her.
It was still early to have lunch, so he thought that they could go and have a nice walk through Orario, eat a sort of brunch in Cafe Wishe and perhaps go to the Theater in the Entertainment District.
After, sort of, planning the day, Ad searched for Natsuki all around the place. He found her practicing her aim in the backyard. When he looked at her closely, a thin layer of sweat was already covering her face, which made it glisten under the sun.
Her white hair, tied in a ponytail as always, remained perfectly neat. Her posture with the bow highlighting the shape of her body and her curves. Back straight, seriousness plastered on her face.
She was a beautiful girl, that, Ad had to admit. Not wanting to interrupt her, he simply sat somewhere she wouldn't see him, and observed her training. Half an hour later, she was finally over. As soon as she turned around, she saw Ad smiling softly and warmly.
She blushed upon the realization that he had been watching her training, and blushed further when she noticed the clothes she was currently wearing stuck to her body because of the sweat. To further her embarrassment, Ad opened his mouth.
Adalwulf: I deeply enjoy watching you train. It is a beautiful sight to behold.
Natsuki: T-Th-Thank y-you...
Her voice was so mall that if Ad wasn't paying attention, he would've totally missed it. Still, he smiled at her. This time it was a bright and toothy smile. Almost childish. Natsuki was, much like him earlier, very appreciative of the sight. As much as she tried not to show it, the small smile on her face proved how happy she felt.
Adalwulf: I think you might want to take a bath. That is, if you want to go on a date with me, of course.
Natsuki: W-Wait a bit please!
Natsuki rushed to her room and then to the bathroom. Her rush caused Ad to chuckle slightly. Was it really so exciting to have a date with him? Of course, the question was rhetorical. He knew how excited she felt.
*
Another thirty minutes passed while he waited for Natsuki. When she finally left the bathroom, she was wearing a dress different from her usual dungeoneering outfit. She was wearing a white yukata with purple and pink flowers all through it. Her white hair and unblemished, fair skin made her look almost ethereal in it. He looked at her straight in the eyes he could see how she felt. He didn't need to use his skill. She was worried he wouldn't like it and felt bashful at the same time.
Adalwulf: *chuckle* No need to worry, Natsuki. You look beau-ti-ful~.
He mouthed the last words syllable by syllable, attempting to tease the girl. It did work, as she blushed up to her ears and lowered her head. Still, he could see the outline of a smile on the side of her face. He smiled warmly and walked up to her, offering his arm to guide her.
Natsuki took it shyly, and Ad walked her out of the house. His first objective was Cafe Wishe.
*
Once inside the Cafe, Ad was guided by one of the waitresses to a table for two. He had actually held himself back from flirting with anyone or feeling emotions. This was Natsuki's time and he wanted to focus only on her.
They had asked for a toasted sandwich of meat and vegetables, both of which they didn't know their origin, a serving for two of jamagakurun and a fruit juice. They talked while they ate and had a good time. Ad told Natsuki about his time in the village, how he met Alexio and Amaro and his journey to Orario.
She, in turn, told him about her time in the Far East. How she was brought up and orphan, the Gods and Goddesses she met and how people there were way different than those in Orario and its surroundings.
At some point, they had finished their food, but they didn't seem to have any intention of leaving. They had a harmonious atmosphere around them, and they spent around an hour just talking. At some point, a waitress came towards them and asked if they were going to order anything else.
Natsuki and Ad laughed when they realized that they had been talking nonstop, hogging a table to themselves. After Ad payed for their meal and the drinks, they left the Cafe. Natsuki asked Ad if they were already going back to the Manor, but he instead pulled her towards the district were Maria's Orphanage was located.
He found the place quite easily, while avoiding the Daedalus Street skillfully. There were a few children playing at the door, while a young woman looked at them from the entrance of the Orphanage.
Natsuki thought that they had come to this place because of the woman at first, but when she saw Ad smile, she realized that it wasn't the case. He brought her here because of what she had just told him. He thought that perhaps, it was a good idea to bring her to an Orphanage.
Adalwulf: Hi there!
Maria: Hello, what brings you to this places?
Adalwulf: I heard there was an Orphanage here, and I thought that I could come by and play with the children. I also wanted to make a donation, if you would accept it.
Maria: Oh, wait a minute please. Children! We have visitors! They came to play with you!
After that, they were surrounded by the children of the Orphanage. When they found out that they were Adventurers, they became so excited that they began jumping around and bombarding them with questions.
Natsuki told them stories of ancient Heroes and the Far East, while Ad played with them by throwing them high in the air and catching them. After they go tired, he joined Natsuki in telling them the more recent adventured he and his Familia had had. He even turned Alexio and Amaro's hunt into a children's tale. He didn't think they would mind.
All the time, he was paying attention to Natsuki, who had a beautiful and warm smile on her face. He knew it, but he decided to feel it for once. And as he thought, she was the happiest he had ever felt her. At that moment, a little girl approached them and tugged his sleeve.
???: Nii-chan, are you and Nee-chan a couple?
Before he could answer, it was Natsuki who smiled at the little girl and, while ruffling her hair a little bit, spoke.
Natsuki: I don't know if we are, but I would do anything for him, and I know he would do anything for me.
Ad smiled lovingly when he heard her. Who cared if his Spell bound her sould to his or not. Natsuki was one hell of a special girl, and he was going to give her everything he had to give too.
Adalwulf: Hey Natsuki, I didn't know you could be so daring~
This caused her to blush brightly and lower her head. She muttered, in a mosquito's voice, a soft "dummy". Still, in Ad's ears, it sounded like a maiden's proof of love.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Ice_Wielding_Ronin
Ice_Wielding_Ronin How you guys like this? I hope I did a good job. Next chapter is going to follow Natsuki too.
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