The night grew late, and Jehfrit was growing both weary and sleepy. He decided it was time to seriously search for an inn, lowering his standards slightly.
However, as the night market wound down, another kind of service began to pick up.
"You girls just don't quit, do you?" Jehfrit sighed in exasperation.
His youthful good looks and wealthy appearance drew a crowd of women who unabashedly flaunted their charms at him.
"Sorry, I'm into pure love," Jehfrit declined politely.
"Does pure fun works too!?" one girl teased, winking. "Don't worry, I'll be gentle!"
"You call yourself gentle? Don't listen to her, handsome—she's like a leaky watering can; filthy!" another girl shoved the first aside.
". . ."
Jehfrit felt utterly overwhelmed.
He was still a kid, after all!
Though his past life had been that of a nearly thirty-year-old office worker, he'd remained what people called a "chaste bachelor."
"There he is!" Lyle shouted suddenly. "Ikuto-neesan, that's the big brother!"
"Hold on, let's not disturb him!" Ikuto hesitated upon seeing Jehfrit surrounded by women. Stealing someone's money was already impolite enough—interrupting their romantic pursuits would be even worse!
Jehfrit noticed them and waved urgently. "Wait, please make way! My girlfriend is coming!"
The women glanced over at Ikuto, noting her tall stature and commanding presence. Though they were tempted by the prospect of easy prey, they didn't want trouble. Business thrived on mutual consent and harmony.
They stepped aside.
Jehfrit approached Ikuto somewhat awkwardly, reminded of a certain carrot-top back home.
Women really were difficult to handle—more exhausting than battling Eisenwald!
"We're sorry to interrupt your… evening," Ikuto said apologetically, her cheeks tinged with red.
She couldn't help but feel surprised by his earlier excuse. This boy, looking no older than eighteen or nineteen, had refused those women's advances. Either he was naive—or up to something else entirely. Was claiming she was his girlfriend merely a ruse, or did he find her attractive and have ulterior motives?
Jehfrit shook his head dismissively. "No, I'm actually grateful. I didn't want to be dragged off and devoured—it would've been terrifying."
"Pfft!" Ikuto burst out laughing despite herself.
What he said made it sound as though such encounters were some kind of horror story.
Though inexperienced herself, she knew well enough that most people craved intimacy. Why else would men and women alike pursue it so fervently? Unless…
She eyed Jehfrit curiously—
Could this young man still be a virgin at his age?
How cute.
Jehfrit found her gaze unsettling and decided not to waste any more time. He was exhausted and eager to rest. "Excuse me, did you need something from me?"
"Oh, right!" Ikuto remembered their purpose and quickly pulled Lyle forward. "My name is Ikuto, and this is my younger brother, Lyle. He stole some money from you earlier. I deeply apologize for failing to teach him better manners!"
With that, she bowed deeply alongside Lyle.
"Ah…" Jehfrit hadn't expected them to come all this way just to apologize. Adjusting his glasses to mask his mild surprise, he replied, "I see. It was only a small amount, and honestly, I hadn't minded losing it. But since you've come to apologize, I'm genuinely touched."
"The money has already been spent on roast duck," Ikuto explained. "Here's the equivalent amount." She pulled out a pink bunny-shaped wallet and handed over the exact sum.
Jehfrit accepted the payment before saying, "Since you've returned the money, we're square. And since you helped me escape those ladies, I'd like to repay the favor. Please take this as well."
"What?" Both Ikuto and Lyle blinked in confusion.
"It's just loose change—please don't refuse. I'm very tired and want to find an inn quickly." With that, Jehfrit pressed the coins into Lyle's hand.
"I'll take my leave then." Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away.
Seeing this, Ikuto called after him. "Lyle, go back home first. I'll return later."
"Yes, Ikuto-neesan!" Lyle nodded enthusiastically, raising a fist in determination. "Good luck, Ikuto-neesan!"
"Luck with what?" Ikuto tilted her head in bewilderment, but Lyle had already dashed off.
It took her several seconds to realize what he meant. Clearly, he'd misunderstood her intentions.
She had no designs on this young man. Someone so refined, kind-hearted, wealthy, and seemingly untainted by darkness must belong to a legitimate guild.
There was no way she could ever hope to catch his eyes!
Shaking her head, she turned to look for Jehfrit—but he was already far ahead.
Ikuto hurried to catch up. "Excuse me! If you don't mind, allow me to help you find an inn."
Jehfrit looked up at her.
Yes, *up*.
Ikuto was tall, likely close to his height, and her thick-soled shoes made her even taller. Speaking to her required tilting his head back slightly.
Jehfrit made a mental note to invest in stilts—or at least stop standing next to people who treated gravity like a personal challenge.
Thinking for a moment, Jehfrit replied, "That would be appreciated."
"Alright," Ikuto nodded. "Would you prefer a standard inn, or something else?"
Jehfrit cut her off quickly. "Standard is fine. I've been walking all day—my legs ache, and I just want a bath and a good night's sleep."
"Understood. Follow me."
They walked in silence. Out of politeness, Jehfrit introduced himself but showed none of the warmth he reserved for friends like Mirajane. Ikuto led him to a modest, old-fashioned inn tucked away in a quieter part of town. The rates were reasonable, and Jehfrit checked in without complaint.
"Um…" After much hesitation, Ikuto finally spoke again.
"If there's anything small you need help with, feel free to ask," Jehfrit offered casually.
People rarely did favors without expecting something in return. While he believed in genuine kindness, he also maintained a healthy dose of skepticism toward strangers—especially mages whose abilities and affiliations were unknown.
Standing inside the inn, Ikuto dropped to her knees in a deep bow, her forehead touching the floor.
"I saw you at the restaurant earlier and noticed you had a camera," she began earnestly. "Please, for a fee, come to my home and take a family portrait of me and my siblings. Please!"
Jehfrit blinked in astonishment. Of all things, this request was completely unexpected—and so absurdly innocent that it didn't even seem like a trap.
Using such a pretext to set one would be foolish.
Still puzzled, he asked, "You don't seem short on funds. Couldn't you simply buy a camera or hire someone in town?"