"Encountered it on the way back after completing the task, thought it looked nice, so I picked it." Rhode introduced with a bit of pride,
"This wintersweet is from Sai Wen Kingdom, and this butterfly flower is from Bosco Kingdom. Bringing back flowers from two kingdoms in such a short time, impressive, right?"
Although the distance from where they were picked isn't that far, they are indeed from lands on either side of the border.
Mira also knew the task location was special this time, but it didn't affect her surprise.
In such a large old battlefield, deliberately finding flowers from two kingdoms, what was he thinking during his work?
Mira's cheeks felt warm again. Is this person even working seriously!
Annoying.
No, he said he saw them on the way back, so... then...
Mira gently closed the notebook and cautiously held it in her arms: "I really like it, thank you."
"It's great that you like it. The place really doesn't have much suitable to bring back as gifts."
Mira gently shook her head, smiling with her brows and eyes, also feeling a bit shy: "This is the best gift."
In the current situation, sending expensive gifts would make her uncomfortable, and if it were sweet nothings written in the notebook, she'd feel pressured.
Such pure, commemorative little surprises are just right.
When flipping to the page with the flowers, though there's nothing written inside, those two flowers clearly say:
'He was thinking about you on the way back.'
Mira touched her cheek, really feeling warm.
Such a sly gift.
Now the problem is, what should she give in return?
...
The weather had been gloomy since morning and, sure enough, it started to snow lightly before dusk.
Compared to rainy days, a bit of snow doesn't really affect everyone's enthusiasm for work; even Macao and Wakaba each took on a task today.
Rhode counted with his fingers, today is the 21st, oh, it's almost the end of the month.
No wonder so many people are trying to make a move.
Except for Nabu in front of the bulletin board.
Recently, Guild members have been going in and out, leaving wet footprints on the floor at the entrance, some even with mud.
"This is the only bad thing about snowy days." Rhode took a mop to clean the floor.
"Can't believe you're willing to leave the counter." Laki found a foot mat to put inside the door, and laid a rough wooden plank outside.
A little teasing, Rhode responded without blushing: "Distance makes things beautiful, you wouldn't understand."
"Then just keep your distance from Sister Mira."
"Well, that's not necessary, she's already beautiful enough."
"Thick-skinned, never seen you talk so boldly to Sister Mira." Laki grinned slyly, "Dare me to tell her."
"Then I must thank you indeed." Rhode wasn't scared at all, as he's complimenting her looks behind her back, not talking bad.
"Eww~ You're already beyond saving, accept it."
"Mm, mm, being beyond saving is wonderful."
Mira waved from the counter: "You two over there, who will bring over another heater?"
"Rhode will go!" Laki snatched Rhode's mop, giving him a slight push, "Hurry up, only away for a moment, Sister Mira already feels cold."
Rhode felt Mira might not mean that, but Laki's words sounded too nice.
If he'd known, he should have looked on the battlefield for something Laki might like.
Rhode fetched a heater from the warehouse, the newest model from this year, bought with Mira before winter.
Mira wanted to add a heater because the wind outside was picking up, snowflakes turning into snow, and getting denser.
The streets started getting covered in white, and opening a window felt like the cold wind slapping one's face, entering through the collar.
Also, one would get scolded by peers near the window.
Despite the freezing wind outside, inside the Guild was warm like spring, with people drinking, fighting, and serving as bodyguards as usual.
Amidst the noise, the day quickly passed.
Facing the cold wind as soon as the door opened made many loiter in the Guild not wanting to leave.
This delayed Rhode's off-duty time, but it wasn't too late.
"Seems we can't practice in the yard today."
Mira opened the back door slightly, her long hair blew messy by the wind instantly.
The snow had been falling for several hours, and under the weak light, equipment in the yard could be seen covered with thick snow caps.
Rhode nodded: "Indeed not suitable, let's head back early in such cold weather."
Returning home allows for meditation and some indoor training.
Rhode felt the Guild should really have a gym built.
The two put on their coats, Mira taught Rhode again how to tie a scarf, while Rhode demonstrated his learning outcome.
Except it was a bit different this time; Rhode noticed for the first time that girls with long hair need to wrap their scarf including the hair.
The first time made it a bit clumsy, with Mira slightly adjusting her hair to assist him.
The two donned hats, checked to ensure neither was cold before locking the door and heading home.
Guild members who walked late and slow were lucky to witness such a cozy scene.
Footprints in front of the Guild scattered in the snow, stretching in all directions, diminishing soon after moving forward.
The pair walked side by side in the direction of Mira's home, with fewer footprints visible, hardly anyone wandering outside on such a cold evening.
Though some peeked through windows to enjoy the snowy scene.
Lucky folks spotted a tightly wrapped young couple, cuddled closely, passing by on the street, accompanied by a round little dog.
Under the dim streetlight, one could barely recognize the girl as resembling Fairy Tail's poster lady.
Miss Mirajane has a boyfriend?!
No, maybe it's her brother — but the impression is the brother's build seems bigger, right...?
"Such strong wind... Ugh..." Rhode spoke, feeling wind sweep into his mouth, quickly hiding it back in the scarf.
Mira didn't speak, hands clung to Rhode's coat sleeves, resembling arm in arm.
She was merely worried about slipping due to the strong wind and slick path, thus clutching Rhode's sleeve.
Demon Mira now was merely a weak girl, naturally needing to grasp Rhode's sleeve.
Rhode led by half a body's length, striving to shield her from approaching wind and snow.
As to why not summon a beast... why summon it?
If not trying to be overly mindful, Warm wouldn't even be present now.
Rhode had to admit, the custom ordered coat's quality was excellent, not feeling cold in such weather.
Mira's knitted scarf was superb too, tightly wrapped around the collar, keeping wind from entering.
Three figures left a trail of footprints on the street, leading all the way to Mira's house.