Morning light, soft as golden gauze, slipped through the open window and warmed the room.
"…"
Her whole body ached; even her lips felt a little numb.
Levy half-opened her eyes, staring blankly at the ceiling as last night's scenes replayed in her head beyond her control.
She'd really been bold yesterday…
"Mm—"
Covering her eyes with the back of her hand, Levy let out a mortified little wail.
And yet, even in her embarrassment, she couldn't help thinking of Aurel.
Why did that guy know so much—and why did he seem so… practiced?
Thinking that, Levy turned her head with mixed feelings. Her amber eyes reflected the boy's face beside her.
Aurel opened his eyes and immediately met Levy's unblinking stare.
"Morning."
"Mmh…"
She wanted to voice the question in her heart, but instead she only nodded, face burning, and quietly ducked back under the blanket.
No good—if she looked at Aurel, she'd just remember last night…
The thing that had mattered so much a moment ago got stuck in her throat. Pouting, Levy let just her eyes peek out and silently watched him.
"What's wrong?"
"You were so… skilled last night, Aurel… You must have had lots of women before!"
"…What are you even saying?" Aurel sat up cross-legged, speechless, and flicked a finger against her smooth forehead. "I've only read a lot of books on the topic, that's all. Don't let your mind run wild!"
"Ow!!"
Levy yelped and clutched her forehead, eyes glistening.
"Sorry—forgot the sun's up… It's a little hard to hold back my strength."
Seeing the redness rising on her skin, Aurel looked away, chuckling awkwardly.
He still wasn't perfectly used to controlling his power; it kept growing with the rising sun…
"But those tricks… I've never seen them in any book."
Levy eyed him suspiciously, tugged the blanket up, and sat cross-legged too, her pale shoulders luminous in the sunlight.
"Ever consider that every place has a different level of… openness? So the physiology books aren't all the same?"
"I-Is that so?"
"If we keep talking about this, it'll be afternoon before we know it."
Aurel patted her head, helpless.
They still hadn't gone to report in to Mira-nee for their next job.
"Time to head to the guild, Levy."
"Gimme a second, I haven't brushed my teeth—"
…
By noon the guild was at peak capacity, and by the time the two of them arrived, the place was already roaring.
"You wanna fight, you clothes-losing perv?!"
"Hah!? Who are you calling a perv?!"
"—A real man!"
"You jerks! I just bought that barrel!"
"…"
"Same lively as ever."
Under Levy's weary gaze, Aurel sighed in appreciation and pushed open the doors.
The next instant, a familiar figure came flying out from inside and hurtled straight toward them.
"Morning, Marcus-senpai!"
"Aurel? Great—give me a—"
The blond, middle-parted young man shot past. Aurel greeted him politely, then tugged the still-frozen Levy a step aside.
Minus his human cushion, Marcus didn't finish his sentence—he blasted into the fruit shop across the street.
They stepped into the guild. Chaos reigned: tables and chairs were airborne, and even Elfman could be seen launching like a cannonball.
"Oh my, you two are back?"
Mira-nee glided up with two glasses of orange juice, voice as gentle as ever.
"Thanks, Mira-nee."
Aurel smiled as he accepted a glass.
"Mira-nee is the best!"
Levy clung to her arm, praising at full volume.
It seemed not only the men—women couldn't escape Mira-nee's charm either.
The three sat quietly, chatting while they watched the tavern's pandemonium with interest.
"The one who 'forgets' to wear clothes is Gray. His magic is Ice-Make Magic. And by the way, he's real close with Natsu~"
Mira-nee tapped a finger to her lips and offered helpful commentary.
"And the blond hottie swarmed by ladies is Loke. Rumor says he's dating several girlfriends at once."
As she said that, Mira-nee tilted her head and glanced at Aurel.
For some reason, she felt Aurel and Loke were similar in a certain way—both tended to attract girls.
"Wood-Make: Surging Waves of Love!"
With a shout from across the hall, the wooden floor suddenly swelled like a storming sea, crashing through the center of the guild and sending members tumbling in all directions.
"Laki's magic is pretty solid—though the names are kinda… something."
"Damn you—Laki!!"
A familiar figure came flying from afar, crying out in frustration midair.
Seeing that same figure arcing toward him again, Aurel sighed and reached up to catch her.
"You okay, Kana-senpai?"
"Ahh, thanks."
Landing on her feet, Kana didn't even look back as she started toward the battlefield—then halfway there, she stopped.
That voice… Aurel?
Kana turned, confirmed with a glance, fell silent for a beat, then came back.
"Mira, two beers!"
She plopped down beside Aurel, chin propped in one hand.
"No problem."
Mira-nee smiled and set two foaming mugs on the counter.
"Isn't that a little light? Don't you usually drink from the barrel?"
Levy tilted her head, puzzled.
When it came to alcohol, no one in the guild could match Kana, who'd started drinking at thirteen.
"…I'm broke."
She waved it off without concern, then stealthily slid one mug over to Aurel.
"Perfect chance to treat you. You're not turning me down this time!"
"I've got no problem with that… Honestly, drinking with Kana-senpai is my honor."
"Haah, 'honor'—you really lay it on thick, don't you?"
Kana turned her flushed face aside with a show of disgust, but the corners of her mouth slowly lifted.
Not far away, Loke adjusted his glasses, rubbing his chin as he watched.
"Looks like this newcomer… is my type, huh."
(End of Chapter)
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