Chapter 4: Short Stroll

The guild hall was lively with adventurers coming and going, their conversations mixing into a constant hum. Quinn and Caled stepped inside, making their way to the counter to submit the materials they had gathered from their recent quest.

The receptionist accepted the items with a nod before handing over their rewards—some gold coins and a small bonus for efficiency.

Quinn examined the coins in her palm before slipping them into a small pouch on her belt. "That was faster than I expected."

"Guess we make a good team," Caled replied with a smirk.

With their task complete, Quinn decided to show Caled around the kingdom. He was still new here, and getting familiar with the marketplace would be useful.

The streets were bustling with activity. Merchants called out their wares, their voices overlapping into a chaotic but familiar melody. The air carried a mix of scents—freshly baked bread, sizzling meat on skewers, and the faint bitterness of herbal tonics.

Colorful fabrics swayed in the breeze, hanging from wooden stalls, their vibrant hues catching the sunlight. Children darted through the crowd, their laughter blending with the clinking of coins and the distant chatter of bartering customers.

Caled walked beside Quinn, his eyes scanning the marketplace. The sights, the sounds, the smells—it was overwhelming yet exciting. He made sure to observe everything, but more importantly, he focused on Quinn.

This was the perfect opportunity.

His seduction mission began—not through direct words, but through small, calculated gestures. These were techniques he had mastered from years of playing bishoujo games, subtle yet effective.

When the street became crowded, he positioned himself slightly behind Quinn, making sure she had a clear path forward.

If she stumbled, even slightly, his hand was there—steady, offering silent support.

Whenever she spoke, no matter how trivial the topic, he listened as if every word carried weight. He responded with genuine curiosity, asking small follow-up questions, keeping her engaged.

He praised her naturally—her skills, her personality, even the way she reacted to things.

A simple nod of approval when she made a sharp observation, a quiet "That makes sense," when she explained something, or a casual "You really know your stuff" when she shared knowledge.

It wasn't overbearing. It wasn't forced. Just enough to leave an impression.

And it was working.

Quinn didn't realize it, but she had started glancing at him more often, seeking his reactions without thinking.

By the time their walk ended, Caled could tell. The foundation had been set.

After their stroll, they arrived at an inn where Caled would be staying for the night. The wooden sign above the entrance swayed slightly in the wind, the warm glow of lanterns spilling onto the street.

Caled stood at his room's doorway, turning to face Quinn. "Thanks for showing me around today. I appreciate it."

Quinn crossed her arms. "That's just what a party member does for another party member. Nothing special."

Caled chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. It's normal." He tilted his head slightly. "Anyway, wanna come inside to rest for a bit?"

Quinn's eyes narrowed. "You shouldn't invite a woman into your room so casually, you know."

"I was just joking," Caled said with a grin.

[Affection Meter: 30]

Instead of responding, he raised his hand in front of her, palm up. He didn't say anything, but his expression was clear—this was a test. A test to see if he had built enough of a connection.

Quinn blinked, confused. "Hmmm... What's this about?"

There was a moment of hesitation. Then, slowly, she placed her hand in his.

Their eyes met.

Caled smiled.

Quinn pursed her lips before gently pushing his face away with her free hand. "You look silly."

Caled laughed, releasing her hand. "My bad, my bad." He took a step back into his room. "See you tomorrow, Quinn."

Before closing the door, he glanced back. Quinn was still standing there, watching him.

"Strange, isn't it? We just met this morning," Quinn murmured to herself. "Very strange."

[Affection Meter: 40]

"Yeah," Caled said. "But it feels like I've known you for much longer."

He shut the door with a satisfied grin. His conquest was progressing smoothly.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the wooden shutters of Caled's room. He stretched, feeling well-rested, before preparing for the day.

As he stepped out of the inn, he immediately noticed Quinn standing on the sidewalk, waiting for him.

Something caught his attention.

[Affection Meter: 55]

She looked… different.

Her expression was softer. Her gaze lingered on him for just a second longer than usual.

"Good morning, Caled." Her voice lacked the usual firmness—it was quieter, almost hesitant.

Caled smirked. "Looks like someone didn't get enough sleep last night."

Quinn frowned slightly as they began walking. "Yeah… I had a hard time falling asleep. I don't know why."

Caled smiled knowingly. "I wonder why."

The morning air was crisp, a gentle breeze rustling through the trees lining the street. The marketplace was just beginning to wake up—merchants setting up stalls, stretching their arms, and preparing for another day of business. The smell of fresh bread filled the air again, but this time, it was softer, carrying the warmth of a slow morning.

Quinn walked beside him, but there was something different about her pace. It was slightly slower, less hurried.

As they passed by a bakery, the scent of cinnamon rolls drifted toward them. Quinn glanced at the stall but quickly looked away, as if trying to suppress interest.

Caled caught the movement.

"Want one?" he asked, already pulling out a coin.

Quinn raised an eyebrow. "I didn't say anything."

"You don't have to."

She crossed her arms but didn't protest as he handed the baker a few coins. Moments later, a warm cinnamon roll was placed in her hand.

Quinn stared at it. Then, without looking at him, she tore off a small piece and popped it into her mouth.

"...Thanks," she muttered.

Caled smirked. "See? I knew you wanted one."

Quinn didn't reply. She just continued eating, her expression unreadable. But Caled could see it—the slight way her shoulders had relaxed, the way she stood a little closer than before.

[Affection develops even when you're not actively interacting with your target heroine. Feelings can grow in the quiet moments, in thoughts left lingering.]

"Love is a strange thing, huh?" Caled murmured to himself.

"Hmm? Did you say something, Caled?"

"Nothing."

[Affection Meter: 60]

Caled walked ahead, hiding his smirk. The game was progressing well.