"You mean, you've fallen for a girl."
"Yes."
"When?"
"A few days ago."
"My God, little Alek, you've finally reached that age?"
Shard threw his head back and laughed, then gave Alexander's shoulder a hearty pat.
Lowering his voice, he leaned close to Alexander's ear. "I bet you're fretting over how to tell her how you feel, right? Kid, listen to me. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. As a matter of fact, your old man has a foolproof flirting technique."
"How does it work?" Alexander's eyes lit up.
"You just walk right up to her and say you want to take her on a date. Once the date's over, tell her you've prepared a candlelit dinner and booked a room at an inn, and that you want to spend a wonderful night together. Then it's in the bag," Shard said.
"..."
Alexander sighed. "Dad, she's different."
Shard smiled. "Every girl you like is one of a kind. Trust me, little Alek. Your dad has plenty of experience in this department."
"You sure?"
"Of course. I just said, it works every time."
"...Fine."
Alexander nodded.
It seemed a little unreliable, but his father did have several wives.
He would trust his experience in this matter for now.
"Then there's no time to lose."
Alexander slowly rose to his feet. "I'm going to confess to her right now."
"Good, that's the spirit!" Shard clapped repeatedly. "By the way, your old man was just planning to head to Ars City. Want to come along?"
"I guess I could..."
"Don't be shy. Oh, right, who's this girl you mentioned? How about introducing her to me sometime?"
"Hm? You should know her, Dad."
"I know her...?"
"Hilde Greyrat, the famous Head-Chopping Witch. Your final disciple, Dad."
"..."
The smile on Shard's face slowly faded.