Procuring flora for civilian courtship was not a standard military operation.
Cain stood in the middle of the bustling capital market, staring at a vibrant,
overflowing flower stall. The vendor, a cheerful older woman, was currently
explaining the meaning behind seven different types of arrangements.
Cain listened with absolute focus, categorizing the data.
Red roses indicate passionate intent. Yellow tulips signify friendship. White
lilies represent purity. Blue hydrangeas align with water mana affinities.
A blue window chimed into existence beside the vendor's head.
[ Notice: You have been staring at the flowers for twelve minutes. ] [
Diagnosis: The vendor thinks you are either going to rob her or propose to her.
] [ Command: Buy the blue ones. They match Aera's mana. Execute the transaction.
]
Cain nodded once. He placed a silver coin on the counter. "I will take the blue
hydrangeas. Secure them for transport."
The vendor beamed, wrapping the flowers in a neat, protective parchment. "Lucky
girl! Have a wonderful day, young man!"
Cain took the bouquet. He held it carefully, ensuring the stems were not
crushed, and navigated his way back toward the Academy.
He had sent Aera a message earlier that morning, requesting her presence at the
central courtyard fountain. He hadn't called it a "tactical rendezvous" or a
"medical diagnostic." He had simply asked to see her. It was his first time
taking the initiative, and the unfamiliarity of the action made his heart rate
sit at a steady, elevated seventy beats per minute.
When he reached the courtyard, she was already there.
Aera was sitting on the edge of the stone fountain. She wore her standard
Academy uniform, but she had tied a pale blue ribbon into her hair—the same
color as the water-spirit plushie he had won for her.
Cain approached her.
She looked up, her breath catching slightly as she saw him. Then, her eyes
dropped to the bouquet of blue hydrangeas in his hand.
Her lips parted in quiet shock.
Cain stopped in front of her and held out the flowers. He didn't offer a grand,
poetic speech. He didn't know how. He just spoke the truth.
"The system informed me that giving gifts elevates morale and indicates personal
focus," Cain said, his voice steady but noticeably softer than usual. "But I
didn't need the system to tell me to buy these. I saw them, and I thought of
you."
Aera stared at the flowers. Then she looked up at Cain.
A brilliant, overwhelming blush rushed across her face, but she didn't look
away. She reached out and took the bouquet, holding it gently against her chest.
Her eyes were shining with a profound, radiant happiness.
"You bought me flowers," Aera whispered, a tear of pure joy slipping down her
cheek. She let out a watery, beautiful laugh. "You actually bought me flowers."
"Is the selection acceptable?" Cain asked.
"They're perfect, Cain," Aera smiled, stepping forward. She didn't hesitate this
time. She wrapped her free arm around his waist, leaning her head against his
chest. "They're absolutely perfect."
Cain slowly wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on the top of her
head. He didn't scan the perimeter. He didn't check the exits. He just held her,
feeling the quiet, steady rhythm of her heart against his.
Across the courtyard, walking out from the eastern training halls, Rei and Alice
stopped in their tracks.
Rei blinked, rubbing his eyes as if he was hallucinating. "Is... is Cain hugging
someone in broad daylight? While holding flowers?"
Alice smiled, slipping her hand naturally into Rei's. Their fingers laced
together perfectly, a quiet confirmation of the private duel they had shared
days ago.
"He's learning, Vanguard," Alice said softly, leaning her head against Rei's
shoulder. "We all are."
Rei looked down at their joined hands, his trademark smirk softening into a
genuine, relaxed smile. "Yeah. I guess we are."
[ Notice: Target's Affection Level is immeasurable. ] [ Status: Mission
Accomplished, Commander. ]
Cain closed his eyes, the blue window fading into the sunlight.
For the first time, he didn't feel like a weapon. He just felt human.