I Became the Guild Leader in Exile

110 – 7# A Brief Moment of Happiness (2)

A date.

Usually, it refers to a romantic activity where two people spend time together alone. Of course, Zieg and Isaac weren’t lovers yet…… Thanks to that, Isaac had a lot of worries.

In reality, it wouldn’t be a problem. However, Isaac had no experience dating a woman in this world. In reality, there were many things to do, such as watching movies, going for a walk, or visiting a board game cafe.

However, Isaac didn’t know much about a normal date in this world. Although there were descriptions in the original work, most of them were skipped or special events.

It was difficult to call it a standard date. Moreover, the current atmosphere in the country was gloomy since the war had just ended. Was it right to go on a date in such a situation?

“Maybe I should cancel it after all…….”

“Master! I’m all prepared!”

“Did you come?”

However, Isaac couldn’t continue speaking. Zieg, who was right behind him, suddenly popped out. Thanks to this, Isaac naturally returned Zieg’s greeting.

“But, Master, are you thinking of canceling today’s schedule?”

Zieg’s bright smile suddenly turned gloomy. To be more precise, his mouth was still smiling, but his eyes weren’t. Isaac coughed awkwardly and said,

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Is that so?”

“Of course.”

Isaac had thought about saying something, but he immediately threw that thought away. If he said something about canceling now, it would be a huge mistake.

Isaac let out a sigh. Since things had turned out like this, he had no choice but to take responsibility like a man. Yeah, when had he ever run away from a situation like this? He steeled himself.

The capital city of the legal state, Gleip, didn’t have a particularly tense atmosphere. The moderate faction, led by Tir, had generously distributed the wealth and resources that Odin had monopolized.

Of course, there were still hardliners who opposed this and stubbornly clung to Odin, but Tir, the leader of the moderate faction, explained each reason one by one and persuaded them.

“The streets are deserted, but… people’s spirits are reviving.”

“That’s right. But we still have a long way to go.”

“What do you think they need, Master?”

“Independence.”

Until now, the people of the legal state had followed Odin’s lead. In the current situation where the demons were running amok, it might be better to do so. At least they wouldn’t die.

But if they gave up their will entirely, they would eventually lose themselves. In the end, to survive, they had to take up their own weapons and move forward on their own.

“That person is… “

“The sworn enemy of Lord Odin…!!”

“Don’t you feel like you’re being welcomed?”

“No, it’s not like that. From their perspective, we’re invaders.”

No matter how righteous their reasons were, from the victims’ point of view, they were just invaders. Moreover, the legal state had been a religious country that worshipped Odin…

“I think Master is pleased with this feeling.”

“They’re not hating us voluntarily.”

“That’s… “

“Originally, the people of the legal state had entrusted all their emotions and will to Lord Odin.”

And that was how Lord Odin had treated humans. A thorough tool, nothing more or less. Now, they were awkwardly expressing their emotions on their own.

“This is a good phenomenon. Maybe they’ll break free from their brainwashing faster than expected.”

“After hearing Master’s words, I started to think it’s a good phenomenon.”

“That’s right, that’s right.”

Isaac nodded and looked around. It was almost time for lunch. He searched for a decent restaurant, but most buildings were closed.

“There aren’t many restaurants open, let alone a good one.”

“I think it’s because of the war.”

“That’s right.”

The war between the legal state and Gideon had ended earlier than expected, but the damage wasn’t minor. Especially, the expenses for various negotiations had been enormous.

“And the war tension hasn’t been resolved yet.”

“That’s true.”

‘But what about my plan?’

No, it wasn’t that. The problem was that time was too tight. Isaac decided to stall for time by eating lunch. But unfortunately, Isaac’s plan had failed from the start.

“Damn, what do I do now. I have to eat at least.”

“Master, over there.”

“What’s going on?”

“If it’s okay with you… would you like to try the food I made?”

“You made food? You?”

Isaac was taken aback by the unexpected twist and asked again. Zik’s face turned red as he nodded shyly. Who would have thought he’d bring food?

“Did you already know about this situation?”

“To be honest, I had a rough idea.”

“Ah, I see. Well done.”

Isaac weakly replied, nodding his head. Zik had expected this, but Isaac himself had not. The two of them found a suitable spot to sit down.

The food Zik had brought was more like a lunchbox than an emergency ration. If it weren’t for the containers used in the field, it would have felt like a picnic.

“It’s not about the atmosphere, is it?”

What mattered most was that Zik had brought food himself. Moreover, each dish was surprisingly appetizing. There was a warm soup, vegetables, ham, and a sandwich with tomato.

“This is really great.”

“Thank you, Master.”

Isaac’s praise made Zik smile happily. What he had secretly learned from Zik was now shining through. Isaac picked up a sandwich.

“Mmm!”

The food was not just visually appealing; the texture and taste of the sandwich made Isaac’s eyes light up. Zik waited calmly for his reaction.

“This is really delicious. Great job.”

“Really?!”

“Yes, I don’t lie!”

“I’m relieved. I was worried it might not suit your taste.”

Zik let out a sigh of relief, looking like he was about to cry, and Isaac felt a faint flutter in his chest. What was that feeling just now? It was slightly familiar.

However, Isaac was not oblivious to his own emotions. But he couldn’t be certain yet. Maybe his heart was just racing because it was cute.

Isaac tried to brush off his feelings and quickly devoured the sandwich and soup that Zik had brought. He almost burned his tongue because he was eating too fast.

“Thanks for the meal, Zik. It was great.”

“Oh, no, it’s nothing. Are you okay?”

“It’s nothing.”

Isaac hastily wiped his mouth and stood up. When you come, you have to go, and since he had received food from Zik, he had to return the favor.

“Are you leaving already?”

“Mmm.”

“Why don’t you take a break and rest here for a bit?”

At Zik’s words, Isaac paused and looked around. The central fountain, surrounded by a neatly arranged park and trees, welcomed him.

“……It’s not bad, I suppose.”

Indeed, it wasn’t a bad place, as Zik had said. Rather than walking around aimlessly, it was better to take a proper break and think about their plan.

“Master, if it’s okay with you…”

“Yes?”

“Could I… use your knee as a pillow?”

Zik’s face turned bright red, and even his ears were flushed. Isaac couldn’t bring himself to refuse.

“It’s embarrassing for me too. But…”

It was a rare occasion for Zic to muster up the courage to make a proposal, and to reject it right to his face was unthinkable. Isaac slowly lay down on the spot.

“Are you okay?”

“It’s unexpectedly soft.”

“…”

Zic had trained diligently every day, so Isaac was surprised by the unexpectedly soft touch. As a result, Zic immediately averted his gaze.

“Is it possible that I felt like I was being harassed…?”

Isaac’s gaze wandered, thinking about various things, but soon his eyes began to droop due to the gentle breeze.

“I shouldn’t fall asleep like this.”

“It’s okay for a little while, Master.”

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Master.”

Isaac completely rested his head on Zic’s knee and closed his eyes, feeling the wind. Zic quietly pondered, stroking Isaac’s hair.

“It seems to be quite effective.”

Now, Isaac’s completely relaxed black hair and the casual clothes he had borrowed from Zic, which he had taken and confiscated, seemed to be quite effective.

[You took away the clothes I cherish. At least make sure to give me a goodnight kiss, okay?!]

Zic’s gentle whisper, which seemed to be saying “You took away the clothes I cherish,” passed through his head, but Zic slowly shook his head.

“Similarly, the lips are a bit fast, Master.”

Speaking to the already sleeping Isaac, Zic carefully brought his lips to Isaac’s forehead, a light and playful kiss. At the same time, it contained a heart that cherished Isaac.

Please, let this small kiss convey my sincerity.