Life in Buena Village was as peaceful as a pastoral song.
That evening, Paul Greyrat finished his shift at the forest watchtower.
For a former S-rank adventurer, staring at an unchanging sea of trees,
and guarding a border that even Goblins could not be bothered to visit,
was truly a sweet form of torment.
Paul had not had a proper bath in days.
He returned home reeking of sweat and mentally exhausted.
He flung himself heavily into a chair in the living room.
After resting for a moment, Paul raised his head and surveyed the room.
The sight before him caught his attention.
In a corner of the living room, Cui Ciyou sat beside Roxy.
By the last rays of sunset streaming through the window, they were quietly discussing something.
Roxy held a thick, old spellbook in her hands.
Her expression was intent, and now and then she extended a slender, pale finger.
She pointed to the densely packed characters of the Demon God Tongue on its pages.
Silky blue strands of hair fell beside her ears.
Cui Ciyou sat turned toward her, listening attentively.
His deep gaze rested on the pages, and occasionally, in an equally low voice, he posed a probing question or two.
Those questions brought occasional flashes of surprise and approval to Roxy's eyes.
One taught earnestly, while the other sought guidance with humility.
The sunset, a scholar, a beauty.
The scene was almost unbelievably harmonious.
It possessed an innocent, unspoiled beauty.
Paul instinctively softened his voice before he could start bellowing.
He rubbed his scruffy beard.
As he watched them, an amused, knowing smile tinged with nostalgia rose unbidden to his lips.
Heh... this innocent romance stuff really is interesting.
*Back in the day, I was just like that... no, I was a lot more