When I returned to the campsite after my bath, I found only Ryuu seated near the fireplace. Looks like the duty for keeping watch is already decided.
I walked towards Ryuu and sat with her.
"Arin-san, you are back?" Ryuu said as she averted her eyes from the burning fire and looked towards me.
"Yeah, looks like the others already called it a night." I looked towards the camps we have set up.
"Yeah, sorry, we decided on the rotation of the night watch duty without you," Ryuu said, looking a little apologetic, intending to disperse any misunderstanding that might build up between them and me.
"I don't mind." I quickly said, not intending to worry her. "So, I take it, it's yours and mine turn?"
"Yes, but you can go ahead if you want to sleep, since you must be tired from your first dungeon expenditure. I am used to standing alone as a guard."
"No, I am not that tired, and also I enjoy talking with you. We don't get that much chance to talk alone, do we?" Maybe I was not so subtle with my words, as Ryuu's face turned a little red.
"Y-You are right," she stammered on her words.
"Pfft! Haha, I can see why the other always try to pick on you, Ryuu." Hearing my laugh, Ryuu widened her eyes before giving me a cute glare and turning her face away.
"Looks like I misjudged your character, Arin-san." She said, still facing away from me. Crap, I am going to die from her cuteness.
"Sorry, Sorry. I won't do it again." She turned her eyes in my direction while keeping her face still facing the other way, and she asked. "Really?"
And since I do not want to lie to her so I answered honestly.
"Probably,"
Ryuu's eyebrows drew together slightly, a small frown creasing her features. "Probably?" she repeated. "That is hardly reassuring, Arin-san."
"Would you prefer if I lied?" I asked, setting a little closer but still maintaining enough distance as not to overwhelm her.
"Of course not," she said firmly. "Honesty is a virtue, even when it reveals character flaws that should be corrected."
There it was - that earnest, slightly lecturing tone that was so distinctly Ryuu. She took duty and proper behavior seriously, but without the haunted weight she carried in the anime.
"Character flaws?" I asked, amused. "You make it sound like teasing is a cardinal sin."
"It is unbecoming of an adventurer to make light of others' discomfort," she replied primly, though I caught the slightest twitch at the corner of her mouth, suppressing her smile. "Especially when those others are your party members."
"You're right," I said, trying to sound appropriately chastened. "I'll try to be more considerate."
She nodded approvingly, her sense of justice satisfied. "That is the proper attitude."
We both were silent for a moment before we had a small laugh. After that, we sat in companionable silence for a while, both of us taking in the sight of the night sky. The soft gleam of the crystal mimicked the stars.
"That song earlier," Ryuu said eventually, her voice taking on a more curious tone. "The melody was unusual. Where did you learn such a piece?"
"It's just a song from my former world," I admitted. "I'm glad you seemed to enjoy it - you hummed along beautifully."
A faint pink dusted her cheeks. "I merely... found the melody pleasant," she said, her formal speech pattern becoming slightly more pronounced as it did when she was flustered. "It reminded me of the old elven songs from my homeland."
"Maybe you could teach me some of those sometime," I suggested.
Ryuu looked genuinely surprised at the request. "You would wish to learn elven songs?"
"If you'd be willing to share them," I said. "I think I'd like to know more about where you come from."
She was quiet for a moment, clearly considering this. "Perhaps," she said finally, her tone softer than before. "If the opportunity arises."
It wasn't a promise, but coming from Ryuu, it felt like one.
The peaceful moment between us was suddenly interrupted by the sound of a tent flap opening. Kaguya emerged first, stretching gracefully, followed by Lyra, who was stifling a yawn.
"Oh, my" Kaguya said with her characteristic smirk, taking in the sight of Ryuu and me sitting close by the fire. "If you two lovebirds are quite finished with your romantic stargazing, I believe it's time for the watch change."
Ryuu immediately stiffened, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of pink. "K-Kaguya! We were merely discussing... cultural exchange regarding musical traditions!"
"Oh, is that what it was? And here I thought you two were about to get down and have some sweaty sex." f*ck this woman really don't hold back.
"Wha!" Ryuu turned completely red. "Kaguya, why must you always use such filthy language!"
Before Kaguya could continue, I cleared my throat, trying to change the subject because if they started arguing, then the other would wake up from their sleep. "We should probably get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be a big day with Goliath and all."
"Sensible as always, Arin," Lyra said approvingly. Trying to calm down the situation with me. "Though I have to say, you two make quite the picture by firelight." Or maybe not.
Ryuu stood up quickly, brushing off her clothes with perhaps more force than necessary. "I shall retire now. Kaguya, Lyra, please maintain proper vigilance during your watch."
As she walked toward her tent, Kaguya called out softly, "Sweet dreams, Lion. Try not to dream about any particular songs... or singers."
Ryuu's step faltered slightly, but she continued without looking back, disappearing into her tent.
Kaguya settled into Ryuu's former spot with a satisfied smile. "You really do have quite the effect on our dear Lion, don't you, Arin?"
I settled back on the seat, giving Kaguya a thoughtful look. "You know, Kaguya, for someone who's so interested in other people's romantic lives, you seem awfully focused on the details."
"Oh?" Kaguya raised an eyebrow, her smirk never going away. "And what's that supposed to mean?"
"Well," I said casually, "most people don't immediately jump to such... vivid conclusions unless they've been thinking about those things themselves. Are you maybe projecting a bit?"
Lyra snorted with laughter, quickly covering her mouth with her hand.
Kaguya's confident expression flickered for just a moment. "I merely possess a mature understanding of adult relationships, unlike a certain naive elf."
"Mature understanding, huh?" I repeated with a grin. "Is that what we're calling it? And here I thought you just had a dirty mind."
"I do not have a—" Kaguya started, then caught herself, realizing she was walking right into my trap. "You're being ridiculous."
"Am I?" I asked innocently. "Because someone who spends so much time thinking about other people's love lives might just be a little lonely herself."
Lyra was now openly giggling, clearly enjoying seeing Kaguya on the receiving end for once.
"You're insufferable," Kaguya muttered, but there was less venom in it than usual.
"I learned from the best," I replied with a grin, standing up and dusting myself off. "Sweet dreams, Kaguya. Try not to dream about any particular... cultural exchanges."
I walked toward my tent, leaving behind the sound of Lyra's continued laughter and Kaguya's indignant sputtering.
____________
The next day came as all of us started preparing for battle with Goliath. Checking the condition of our sword. And other equipment.
I pulled out my own sword, running my fingers along the edge to check for any nicks or damage from yesterday's battles. The blade gleamed in the crystal light, still in good condition despite our encounters on the way down.
"Arin-san," Ryuu's voice came from behind me. I turned to see her approaching, her own equipment already prepared and her expression focused. If she was embarrassed about last night's events, she wasn't showing it. "Have you checked your equipment straps? A loose piece of equipment could be fatal in a boss fight."
"I was just about to," I said.
Without hesitation, she moved closer, her nimble fingers checking the buckles and straps of my equipment, holding the small bag on my waist filled with potion, and the one holding my knives.
"This one's slightly loose," she murmured, tightening a strap holding the knives. Her proximity made me acutely aware of her concentrated expression and the way her hair caught the light.
"There," she said, stepping back with a satisfied nod. "That should hold."
"Thanks, Ryuu. I appreciate it."
I was glad the others were too busy to notice us. Especially Kaguya, since I think what Ryuu did right now was an unconscious action on her part. And I don't want others to ruin this moment.
Alise clapped her hands together, drawing everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone! Final equipment check in five minutes, then we move out. Remember, Goliath is a Level 4 monster, but we're a strong party. Stick to the plan, watch each other's backs, and we'll take this thing down!" When Alise behaves like she is a model of what a real leader should be.
She puffed out her chest with pride, placing her hands on her hips in a heroic pose. "With my brilliant tactical leadership and inspiring, beautiful presence, how could we possibly fail? I really am the perfect captain, aren't I?" Only if she knows when to keep quiet.
The others exchanged knowing looks, clearly used to Alise's occasional moments of self-aggrandizement.
"Yes, yes, you're wonderful, Captain," Lyra said dryly. "Now, perhaps we could focus on not getting crushed by a giant monster?"
"Right! But remember, it's all thanks to my excellent planning that we're so well-prepared!" Alise added with a bright smile, completely missing or ignoring the sarcasm.