It seems Mystogan's hypnosis magic had a little hiccup.
When everyone woke up as he lifted the magic, only Rhode and Mira were still snuggled together, sleeping soundly.
While everyone else was hypnotized, these two were genuinely tired.
So much so that even after the tavern returned to its lively state, people felt like something was missing.
It wasn't until Laki, needing manpower, came over and found the two happily snoozing.
"So these two have gotten this close already?"
"What's happening? What's happening?"
"Let me see!"
Quite a few idle folks gathered around, with the girls typically inclined to gossip and ship couples. The guys had many urges to gnash their teeth.
Darn Rhode, is he pretending to sleep? Is he taking advantage?
Just wait, if Mira's first reaction upon waking is to scream, everyone will pounce on Rhode.
Makarov came down from upstairs and waved his hand: "Alright, don't crowd around here. Let them rest for a while."
He glanced at the unbalanced ledger on the counter and the incomplete task sheets—these two kids really do work hard usually.
Unfortunately, a report card has to be written by the President.
Makarov suddenly felt a bit harsh.
But recently, Rhode has taken on quite a few tasks, and his strength has increased rapidly. This year's S-Class exam should be promising.
After a while, Mira woke up.
No exclamation, nor did she immediately push Rhode away; instead, she checked if he was pretending to sleep, then woke him up.
The Guild sighed in unison: "Laki, a round of beer!"
Gulp gulp gulp...
Rhode rubbed his eyes to wake up, feeling this time's sleep magic was slightly different.
Mira also sensed something was off: "President, how long did we sleep?"
"Less than an hour, perhaps," Makarov chuckled, "Did you sleep well?"
Mira didn't have time to answer the President's question: "And everyone else?"
Makarov thought for a moment: "Two minutes?"
Mira's face blushed; didn't that mean, under everyone's gaze, she...
Makarov laughed: "Don't worry, I've noted down the tasks everyone took during this time."
This isn't the issue at all!
Rhode, now awake, calmly thought for two seconds; the current situation seems like a river of yellow can't cleanse it.
But that's okay, as cleansing isn't necessary anyway.
Today is yet another joyful day.
Upon returning to the Guild, practice also needs to get back on track.
However, certain activities that might affect injuries were prohibited by Mira, and the extra time could be allocated to meditation and exploring Summoner's Rift.
Today, there was a slight change in Summoner's Rift; the positions of the three Void Nest Insects in the Dragon Pit were different from usual.
All three Insects moved closer to the edge of the Dragon Pit, leaving the center empty.
A streak of purple light brewed in the center, like something mighty was about to be born.
All Rhode could do was continue to monitor here and strive to increase Magic Power.
Returning home at night, everything was still neat and spotless, except for the absence of a female owner; everything was perfect.
Just worried about whether Mira was getting too tired from all this.
Couldn't just take back the keys, could he?
Perhaps he should help her with a spring cleaning when he gets a chance to return the favor?
"Warm, what do you think?"
Warm had a puzzled expression: "Snore?"
"Great, thanks for your support!"
"Huh?" Warm appeared confused, what was it supporting?
...
Soon it was late March.
Today was the date planned for flower viewing and a picnic with Mira.
The two still began their morning with work; they only went out to buy items after handling miscellaneous affairs.
Such tasks fall into Mira's realm, while Rhode merely played the role of a ruthless bodyguard and bag carrier.
Of course, he had the right to suggest what he wanted to eat.
Warm wasn't following along because Hapi had invited it for a meal.
Probably to express gratitude for the past fish-sharing gestures, and once Hapi became well-off, it immediately thought of treating Warm to some food.
Yet, Rhode's recent expenses on Warm's feeds hadn't diminished.
The little guy had become increasingly voracious.
Luckily, everyone enjoyed feeding it; otherwise, Rhode might have been eaten into poverty before rising financially.
"How about buying some strawberries?"
"Sure, I also want some pineapples."
"In that case, let's get pineapples too. Later, we can buy some beef. I want to make beef pizza."
"Beef is good. I like beef."
The two discussed what to buy, one word following another, as the bags in Rhode's hand increased.
Though they often went out for Guild purchases, this time they were out shopping for their lunch, which felt distinctively cozy.
Especially when Rhode had already pulled out the cash, while Mira was striving to haggle. He suddenly felt like their life had quietly started.
With all the ingredients prepared, they went to Mira's place.
It was Rhode's first venture into her kitchen. Although it was tidy, traces of frequent use were noticeable.
His intention was to lend a hand—wash vegetables, peel skins—but soon, Mira gently pushed him out.
"The fridge has drinks, the coffee table snacks and magazines. Feel free to take anything; I'll be ready soon."
Mira's words were courteous, not bringing up his poor culinary skills whatsoever.
Feeling a bit ashamed, Rhode refrained from causing further chaos.
People have different talents; some can follow a recipe and make tasty food effortlessly.
Others might peel potatoes in a way that halves their weight.
Rhode's cooking skill wasn't that disastrous, but compared to Mira, he's akin to an unfit Warm.
More of an apt taste tester.
Before setting out, Mira specifically changed her outfit.
A frilled-sleeve blouse, a short skirt, strappy high-heeled shoes. Bangs naturally lay on her forehead, with decorative hairpieces perched atop.
Despite winter recently passing, Mages can often be indulgent in their fashion.
With her style differing dramatically, Rhode almost didn't recognize her as he waited outside.
Mira took up the basket, slightly tilting her head: "What's wrong?"
Is she knowingly asking for compliments? Rhode opted for a straightforward response: "You look stunning."
Mira's eyes gleamed with a smile, tugging on his sleeve: "Let's go."
She changed outfits because cooking scents cling to clothes, not because she wanted his praise.
Rhode naturally extended his hand to take the basket she held, as they walked side-by-side south.
"Originally, I said I'd help, but you ended up doing it alone."
"Yes, so how about punishing you a little?"
Rhode pondered: "Hmm... punishing me by letting me carry you to the park?"
"Pfft, carrying me out is considered punishment?"
Oops, she seems aware of her allure. Rhode quickly offered: "Then perhaps punish me by letting me watch without eating?"
Mira glanced at him; if you're only allowed to watch without eating, wouldn't my work be for nothing?