"I want to go on a date with you!"
"Sure. When and where?"
"How about... noon tomorrow?"
"That works. Where?"
"You—you can pick somewhere you like!"
"Really? Then... there's a small hill two kilometers outside the east gate, with a tree on top. How about there?"
"Okay, it's a date!"
The conversation lasted less than a minute.
Then, under the stunned gazes of Isolte and Linus, Alexander strode away.
The tavern across from the Adventurers' Guild.
Paul arrived at the bar earlier than usual. As always, he ordered cheap beer and looked forward to seeing what entertainment the day might bring.
He had barely finished two drinks when a familiar figure caught his eye.
It was the fellow who'd been lovesick yesterday.
The moment Paul spotted him, his interest flared. Like a stray dog that had found a fresh pile of shit, he hurried over.
"Hey, kid! How'd the plan go? Did the girl agree to a date?" Paul asked.
"Oh, it's you."
Alexander recognized Paul.
A smile tugged at his lips. "Well, how should I put it? It went much more smoothly than I expected. As soon as I said I wanted to go on a date with her, she agreed."
"Oh?" Paul was surprised.
Then again, it wasn't all that hard to understand.
The young man was quite handsome, after all. His clothes weren't flashy, but they were clearly well made, and he looked comfortably off.
With looks and means like that, whoever he asked out was hardly likely to refuse.
"Anyway, thanks for helping me make up my mind," Alexander said. "Bartender, his drinks are on me today."
"Oh, now that's what I like to hear! It's not every day a third-rate adventurer like me gets treated to drinks!" Paul laughed.
Alexander considered this. "She