The day after the knight's joined training is a free day for everyone. Sakyo took this opportunity to show Nymera and Yukina around the capital city. Garm followed with the excuse of being extra backup, but his true intentions are to avoid letting someone else take his place guarding Sakyo.
After enjoying the sights during hours of walking, the group decides to take a break at a familiar little shop.
[Sylvar] Hey there, kid. Sorry, I wasn't expecting you. Did you have a lesson today?
[Sakyo] No, I'm just showing some friends around and thought I'd stop by for a bit.
[Sylvar] Well, in that case, welcome to Arcane Atelier. Feel free to have a look around. Just ask me if you find anything you like.
The two girls begin looking around, Nymera observing some enchanted scarves while Yukina takes more interest in accessories. Garm looks around too, but he isn't looking at anything specific.
[Garm] Excuse me, is Thrain in today?
[Sylvar] Sorry, but he's out picking up an order of new materials we needed to restock.
[Garm] I see, that is a shame. I was hoping I could thank him for the adjustments he made to my leg.
[Sylvar] I was just about to say, you look like you're standing a bit taller than before. If you ever feel like adding some enchantments to that leg of yours, just let me know.
[Garm] Should the need ever arise, I will be sure to ask.
[Sakyo] Just don't get too many at once. I don't know if my coin pouch can handle too many enchantment purchases.
[Garm] I will keep our expenses in mind.
[Sylvar] So, tell me kid. When did you become such a ladies' man.~
[Sakyo] What are you talking about?
[Sylvar] Come on, you know. These two girls plus that purple haired one from before. You're making quite the harem for yourself, aren't you.~
[Garm] Indeed, Master has been growing our pack recently.
[Sakyo] I haven't been doing anything like that.
Sylvar continues teasing Sakyo about his love life while Garm steps aside to check up on the girls. Yukina is completely absorbed is every accessory lined on the wall, not even acknowledging Garm's presence. Nymera on the other hand turns towards him holding two scarves in her arms.
[Nymera] Hey Mr. Garm, which one looks better, the red or the green?
[Garm] I do not believe I am the right person to ask for this, but I would have to choose the red scarf.
[Nymera] That's what I thought at first, but the green one really compliments my dress. Maybe I should get both.
[Sylvar] Those are quite the pieces you've picked out there, young lady. I specially enchanted them myself with {Temperature Regulation}. I always say, "True fashion is something you can always feel comfortable in."
While helping the young princess pick out some items, Thrain returns with new materials, though his presence isn't acknowledged by anyone. After a bit more shopping around, it's finally time for the group to leave. Nymera ended up buying a few more bags of tailor made clothing.
[Sylvar] Thank you for your purchase, young lady. I can assure you that you'll find my work second to none.
[Yukina] Princess, are you sure it was wise to spend so much at one shop?
[Nymera] Of course, I need these souvenirs to bring back as gifts for my family. How come you didn't get anything? I thought you were eyeing those choker necklaces.
[Yukina] I- um, I didn't think anything would look good on me. Besides, it'd be hard to wear many accessories with my armor.
[Nymera] Alright, I'll just give you one of my scarves. If it's a gift from me, then you'll have to accept it.
[Yukina] T-that really isn't necessary!
[Nymera] It's decided then, we're having a fashion show when we get home!
[Yukina] ...Please, go easy on me.
[Sakyo] I'm glad you two enjoyed this day. Looks like your guards are gonna have their hands full on the way back.
[Nymera] Don't worry, we'll have plenty of room on the carriage... Probably... I hope.
[Yukina] Princess, you really should learn how to restrain yourself more. I'm only allowing your purchases this time because they're gifts and souvenirs from our allied nation, but please exercise restraint from now on.
[Sakyo] Speaking of restraint, maybe you could use a little less of that.
[Yukina] My duties as a personal guard come first.
[Sakyo] I see, then maybe I should just kidnap you and force a little fun onto you.~
With that said, Sakyo lifts Yukina off her feet and begins carrying her back to the castle ahead, leaving Nymera and Garm behind. Seeing her usually stoic personal guard acting so flustered brings a warm smile to Nymera's face. Garm on the other hand appears rather jealous at how close Yukina and Sakyo have gotten in such a short amount of time.
[Nymera] She likes him, I can tell.
[Garm] Indeed, and Master seems to be fond of her as well.
[Nymera] Is he a good master?
[Garm] Hm? What do you mean?
[Nymera] I know he's a good human. He doesn't look at us with distain and he treats us the same as any other, but is he a good master to you?
[Garm] ...I have many regrets in my life, but serving Master is not one of them. I am very grateful for the life that he has given me.
[Nymera] Good. I won't let my best friend be with someone who's gonna hurt her. I really want her to be happy. Although, I hope he doesn't turn into too much of a womanizer.
[Garm] I... cannot guarantee that. Master seems to attract female affection quite easily.
[Nymera] Looks like he'll have lots of trouble down the line.
[Garm] Indeed.
The two continue walking back to the castle, almost losing Sakyo and Yukina in the distance.
[Nymera] By the way, how come you don't use contractions when you talk? You're so polite.
[Garm] It is just how I was raised. I would rather not talk about that though.
...
It's finally been an entire week, and Nymera's visit comes to an end almost as soon as it started. The Raefauna royal carriage is massively weighed down by numerous bags of luggage, nearly double what was originally brought into the kingdom. Even the Ironmanes each guard rides is straddled with luggage on each side.
[King] Thank you for gracing our kingdom with your presence this past week. I hope you enjoyed your stay.
[Nymera] Yes, I found it quite enjoyable. I cannot wait to share these souvenirs with my family back home.
The king says one final goodbye before stepping away, leaving Sakyo and co. to say their own farewells.
[Sakyo] I guess this is it for now.
[Nymera] Indeed, but I plan to stay in touch. You'd better write back when I do.
[Sakyo] I will, I wouldn't want to lose favor with my "fiancé."
[Nymera] Then I hope we can look forward to a fruitful future between our kingdoms. I should get going, but you still need to say goodbye to someone else. Ren, do you mind helping me pack my last few bags on the carriage?
[Ren] Sure, there's still some room on top. I'll tie the ribbons.
The two girls go to finish tying a few more bags to the royal carriage, leaving Sakyo to say goodbye to a certain platinum haired fox girl.
[Yukina] Well, I guess this is goodbye. I'm glad I was able to spend so much time here.
[Sakyo] I'm glad you liked it here. Maybe next time we see each other, I'll have to visit Raefauna.
Her ears perk up at his suggestion, her tail wagging with restrained excitement.
[Yukina] That would be great, um... if you'd like to. Perhaps I could return the favor by showing you around Raefauna if you do.
[Sakyo] I'd like that. Oh, and before I forget.
Sakyo pulls out a small box and hands it to Yukina. As she opens her gift, her eyes widen with surprise at what's inside.
[Yukina] S-sir Sakyo, is this...?
Inside the box lies a black lace choker necklace decorated with a floral pattern.
[Sakyo] I saw you eyeing them in that shop a few days ago. I figured you'd like one that you could wear even with your armor.
Tears begin to form in her eyes as she holds the small box close to her chest.
[Yukina] I-I don't know what to say. Thank you. I promise to take good care of it.
[Sakyo] I'm glad you like it. I hope it's not too long before we see each other again.
He takes her hand, leaning down and placing a quick kiss to the back of it. Yukina can't hide the extreme blush that completely covers her face in an instant. Nymera watches from the top of her carriage with a knowing smirk, clearly enjoying the view.
[Nymera] Well, this is quite the development.
[Ren] A new rival appears from the shadow of a former.
Ren peeks out from behind a mountain of luggage filled to the brim with clothes.
[Yukina] I-I-I, um... thank you.
Clenching the gift in her hands, Yukina places a quick kiss to Sakyo's cheek before rushing inside the carriage. Once they're done on top, Ren and Nymera say their goodbyes as well. With everyone's goodbyes said, the princess and her guards all leave on their way home. The king walks up once more, placing a hand on Sakyo's shoulder.
[King] Sakyo, I understand that you're just trying to be polite, but please don't grow up to be a philanderer.
After walking away and back inside the castle, Sakyo is left wondering what he did to make his uncle so worried about his future like that.
[Garm] Well, it sounds like he is concerned that you proposed to the princess's personal guard right in front of her.
[Sakyo] Wait, what?! How did I propose?!
[Garm] I am not sure if it is the same, but in my former pack, males give a gift to the female they intend to mate with. This act is followed by a kiss, and if the female reciprocates, then their matrimony is set. Although, in my former pack, the female usually gives the male's neck a light bite to mark them as theirs.
Meanwhile, inside the carriage, Yukina stares longingly at the choker necklace she was given before putting it on. Nymera can't stop smiling cheekily at her friend, her cheeks still red from her earlier blushing mess.
[Nymera] Well, I didn't think you'd seduce my fiancé so easily.~
[Yukina] I-I'm sorry. That wasn't my intention.
[Nymera] If her ever visits Raefauna, you'll have to introduce him to your brother. I'm sure they'd get along.
[Yukina] Maybe, but I'd rather not risk Haruto embarrassing me.