Meanwhile, Blayn had no idea what was happening at Night Raid's headquarters—he didn't even know who Leone was.
After he and Kurome left the restaurant, Leone didn't follow them, so he didn't think much of the blonde woman from earlier.
As they walked through the streets of the Imperial Capital...
"Commander, are you really not going to use these three days off for more training?"
Kurome suddenly asked.
It seemed like she was hoping to take advantage of this break to train even more.
"What's wrong? Do you think three days of rest is too much? You want extra training instead?"
Blayn asked in return.
"Yes."
Kurome nodded. "That way, we'll be stronger when facing those Night Raid members. My sister alone is already incredibly powerful."
"There's no need to be so tense. Rest is important, too. Being on edge all the time isn't good for you."
Blayn smiled. "For these three days, just relax and enjoy your time off."
"Yes, Commander."
Kurome never disobeyed a direct order.
Besides, Blayn's words reminded her of how excited her teammates were when they found out they had three days off. Maybe she really was being too rigid.
"Should we go find Seryu and the others, or just wander around?"
Blayn asked for her preference.
He didn't really mind either way—after all, when he worked for the Imperial Capital Security Force, he had already explored every corner of the city.
"Let's just walk around."
Kurome chose the latter.
Just then, she suddenly stopped in her tracks.
It was because of a pastry shop by the roadside.
"You want some?"
Blayn asked immediately.
"Mmm!"
Even though she had just eaten lunch, Kurome, ever the foodie, was already drawn in by the desserts.
"Then let's go in. I remember this place—they make some really good pastries."
Blayn led Kurome inside.
"Well, if it isn't Captain Blayn! Haven't seen you around for a few days."
The shopkeeper greeted him warmly as soon as he saw him.
Since Blayn used to patrol the streets daily, many shop owners were familiar with him.
"Looks like business is doing well today. No surprise—your sweets are really something else."
Blayn greeted him in return.
"It's our greatest honor to receive such praise from Captain Blayn!"
The owner beamed, clearly flattered.
"Old man, don't just stand there—ask Captain Blayn and the young lady next to him what they'd like!"
The shopkeeper's wife nudged him.
She had already noticed the girl beside Blayn practically drooling at the sight of the pastries.
"Captain Blayn, and this young lady... What can I get for you?"
As he spoke, the shopkeeper couldn't help but take a closer look at the cute, dark-haired girl standing beside Blayn. "By the way, is she a new recruit in the Imperial Capital Security Force? I don't think I've seen her before."
"No, actually, I don't work for the Security Force anymore. I've transferred to a different position—she's my current colleague."
Blayn explained simply.
"Oh, I see. But in that case..."
The shopkeeper trailed off.
What he really wanted to say was that the Security Force had finally replaced that tyrant Ogre with a righteous captain like Blayn, only for Blayn to leave after such a short time.
It was a shame—a real loss, in his opinion.
But he didn't voice his thoughts. If someone with ill intentions overheard and reported it to the new captain, he could get into serious trouble.
So, he quickly changed the subject. "What would you two like? Everything here was freshly made this morning, guaranteed to be top quality."
Blayn turned to Kurome. "You decide."
"Then I won't hold back."
Kurome proceeded to order three of every dessert that looked good to her.
"You're ordering that much? Even four people wouldn't be able to finish it all..."
The shopkeeper was taken aback.
For an average person, this amount of food was absurd for just two people.
Since everything had already been prepared that morning, he simply packed up the desserts and handed them over.
Blayn and Kurome found a table and sat down.
Kurome immediately started digging in, while Blayn just watched. He was still full from lunch.
Besides, he figured Kurome would be pretty possessive of her food, so he didn't bother trying to take any.
Looking at her now, he couldn't help but think that their earlier meal probably hadn't been enough for her. She was still going strong, as if she had barely eaten at all.
Halfway through, Kurome finally noticed that Blayn hadn't touched anything. She paused, looked up at him, and asked,
"Commander, aren't you going to eat?"
She had ordered three of everything, but she had only planned on eating two herself—the third portion was meant for him.
"No, you go ahead."
Blayn shook his head slightly.
"Really? That's a shame. I had ordered one for you."
Kurome said casually.
"No, seriously, I cannot eat that much."
Blayn was taken aback.
Even if he hadn't been full, there was no way he could handle that portion.
At that moment, Kurome seemed to have found a pastry that was especially delicious. Without hesitation, she picked up a piece with her fork and held it up to Blayn.
"This one is really good. Do you want to try it, Commander?"
She didn't even think twice about using her own fork, holding it directly to his mouth.
Blayn hesitated for a moment.
He had been about to say something, but then he realized—if Kurome herself didn't care about sharing, why should he make a big deal out of it?
So, without another word, he simply leaned in and took a bite.
"It is good. Soft, not too greasy, and just the right amount of sweetness. I haven't had this one before—thanks."
After savoring it, Blayn gave his honest thoughts.
"Huh, so you do share when something tastes good... Or is it just the cookies because of their... special ingredients?"
Blayn suddenly recalled how Kurome always made sure no one else ate her cookies. Maybe it was because they contained something extra.
"That is one reason."
Kurome admitted.
But she didn't say the other reason—she wasn't willing to share sweets with just anyone.
...
Meanwhile, across the shop, the owner and his wife had been watching the entire exchange unfold.
"Old man, I swore that Seryu girl was Captain Blayn's girlfriend, but I guess I was way off."
"Yeah, same here. Looks like this cute little lady is the real one."
They whispered to each other.
But not quietly enough—Blayn and Kurome heard everything.
Kurome's cute face immediately turned slightly red, but she just kept her head down and continued eating as if nothing had happened.
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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