**************************************
Autumndusk, The COU Castle, Time: 6:00 AM
**************************************
Bada had finally secured the newspapers he sought. A sense of satisfaction washed over him, knowing that he had successfully obtained the information he needed.
With the new draft in hand, he could now begin the important meeting that would address the recent developments.
He mulled over the situation as he went to the designated meeting room.
The conundrum he faced was a complex one. 'The Lucky Inquisitors' had managed to achieve what few thought possible—defeating both the Gray Phoenix and an eldritch entity simultaneously.
The question of their rank within the organization was a weighty matter that required careful consideration.
Bada understood that he couldn't make this decision in isolation; the outcome would have implications for the team and the dynamics within the organization.
He called everyone yesterday to wake up very early since they have to attend the meeting today.
As Bada briskly walked down the hallway, an all-too-familiar presence sent shivers down his spine.
He knew this encounter was inevitable. He picked up his pace, attempting to evade the impending confrontation.
However, his efforts were in vain as he heard the distinct sound of a voice he both loved and feared.
"Well, well, where do you think you're scurrying off to, my dear hun buns?" The voice carried a blend of femininity and underlying threat, an unmistakable combination that only belonged to one person.
Bada's heart sank as he realized he was about to face the music—his girlfriend's wrath.
Reluctantly, he slowed his steps and turned around, preparing himself to confront the fiery and short-tempered woman who held his heart captive.
Standing before him was a force of nature. Her hair cascaded in a torrent of dark red, resembling a wild bush with its length reaching to her knees. Her attire exuded regality and power, a lion-themed armor adorned in gold and red, with a majestic lion head sculpted over her chest, its ruby eye glinting ominously.
In her grip rested a halberd, reminiscent of James' weapon, but with a volcanic motif that seemed to mirror the fragmented intensity of a volcano's fury.
Yet, what drew the eye most was the prominent scar that marred her left eye, a testament to battles fought and challenges overcome.
She was none other than The Red Archsentinels, renowned as The Red Divinity—Freya.
Bada swallowed hard, the lump in his throat betraying his unease. He knew that beneath Freya's commanding exterior lay a heart that cared deeply for him.
However, that care often manifested as an overwhelming and, at times, intimidating presence.
"Freya," Bada managed to stammer, his attempt at nonchalance failing miserably.
Freya's expression was a mix of bemusement and feigned innocence. "Oh, don't 'Freya' me, dear. You can't just scurry away from me after a meeting like that. You know I keep tabs on your comings and goings."
Bada offered a sheepish grin, knowing better than to argue. "I was just... on my way to address some matters."
"Ah, of course," Freya replied, her tone dripping with playful skepticism. "Important matters that require you to flee at a speed that could rival a startled rabbit?"
Bada sighed, surrendering to the inevitable. "Alright, alright. I may have been trying to make a quick exit."
Freya's lips curved into a triumphant smile. She stepped closer, her halberd's volcanic fragments shimmering in the hallway's light. "That's what I thought. Now, how about you fill me in on what those 'important matters' are?"
Bada met Freya's gaze, unable to resist her charm despite the nerves that always accompanied these conversations.
He knew he couldn't keep anything from her for long. With a resigned yet affectionate smile, he said, "Well, it's about 'The Lucky Inquisitors.' Their recent success has thrown a curve ball our way."
Freya's interest was piqued. "Oh? Do tell."
Bada let out a resigned sigh, well aware that he couldn't escape Freya's persistent nature. "Not now, Freya. We both need to attend the meeting to discuss these matters," Bada said, his tone firm as he tried to regain his composure.
With that, he resumed his stride down the hallway towards the meeting room, hoping to focus on the pressing issues at hand.
However, Freya had a different plan in mind. With a mischievous smile that matched her fiery spirit, she closed the distance between them in a matter of strides, her giant arms enveloping Bada in a surprised embrace.
Caught off guard, Bada's usual composure faltered, and his face flushed as he struggled to regain his footing.
"F-Freya," he stammered, his voice a mixture of embarrassment and genuine surprise. He attempted to regain control of the situation, but Freya had a way of throwing him off balance.
Her eyes gleamed with playful intent as she leaned in slightly, her lips curling into an alluring grin. "Oh, my dear," she purred, her voice a low and dangerous whisper.
"I can't help but want to kiss you right now." Her tongue flicked out to wet her lips, the gesture laden with a predatory sensuality that left Bada momentarily speechless.
In her eyes, he was nothing but her prey, and she was the predator ready to strike.
"Kiss you so intensely that you just might turn into a scorched corpse," Freya continued her words a blend of dark amusement and undeniable desire. Their gazes locked, an unspoken understanding passing between them.
They were lovers, intimately acquainted with each other's quirks and passions. But in their dynamic, Freya often took charge, and Bada found himself alternately captivated and overwhelmed by her intensity.
"N-No!" Bada managed to protest, attempting to free himself from Freya's powerful embrace.
However, her strength proved to be an unyielding force, and his efforts to escape were in vain. He was caught in a dance of affectionate dominance that he had grown accustomed to.
Freya's laughter filled the corridor, a sound that was equal parts enchanting and wild. She watched Bada's struggles with a mix of amusement and adoration, her smug satisfaction evident in her expression.
She finally released him, granting him his freedom with an air of victory. Bada's cheeks were still tinged with embarrassment as he attempted to regain his poise, cursing his inability to control the situation.
Freya's gaze softened, her fiery demeanor giving way to something more tender. "Come on," she said, her voice gentler now, "let's head to the meeting before our friends start wondering what's keeping us."
They walked together in companionable silence, the weight of their unspoken affections lingering in the air.
Freya's arm looped through Bada's, their steps falling into sync as they navigated the corridors of the castle.
**************************************
Autumndusk, The COU Castle, The Meeting Room, Time: 6:10 AM
**************************************
Having finally arrived at the meeting room, Bada courteously held the door open for Freya, allowing her to enter ahead of him.
Seizing the opportunity to catch him off guard, "Choo~" Freya leaned in and planted a playful kiss on his cheek, leaving Bada momentarily frozen with a mixture of surprise and embarrassment.
He watched as Freya confidently made her way to her designated seat, a chair that resembled the jagged peaks of a volcano.
With his cheeks still tinged with pink, Bada entered the room himself, clutching the newspapers in his hands.
He took his place on a silver throne-like seat, his posture poised and composed despite the lingering flush on his face.
"So like, the festival is happening in a week, do you wanna go on a date~" Freya suggested, winking at him.
Bada decided not to answer, knowing what she was going to do.
"Oh~ Feeling confident, aren't we?" Freya leaned into his face, somehow ending up on the table.
"You are so clingy, like a leech," Bada stated, causing Freya to laugh at his face.
"Oh, dear~ You know me so well~" Freya planted another kiss on his cheek and dove back into her chair.
The two decided to wait for the other, each having thoughts about the other.
***************************************