The Date

The weekend holiday arrived as scheduled, and Tina decided to ask Sathya out.

The appearance of the Deceptive Magical Beast forced her to maintain a vague, ambiguous relationship with Sathya.

Tina blamed herself, but there was no better way.

If the Deceptive Magical Beast interfered, it would be extremely troublesome.

Tina knocked on the door of their old dormitory. Facing Sathya, whose hair was still loose and messy from not being ready yet, she said, “Let’s go on a date.”

“A-a date?!”

“Yes, literally.” To prevent Sathya from misunderstanding anything, Tina added, “We have to play the part fully to keep anyone from getting suspicious.”

“I’ll be ready right away!”

With that, Sathya ran back into her room.

She said she would be right away, but she actually took nearly an hour to get ready.

Tina went to the beverage shop downstairs to buy two cups of lemon tea. When Sathya finally rushed out of her room, Tina handed one to her.

She didn't have the habit of wearing makeup. As a magical beast—or rather, as the former Saintess—no cosmetics could ever hope to embellish her natural beauty.

This time, she wore a small black-and-white dress, pure white stockings, and cute, petite leather shoes. The blue bow on her head made Tina dazed for a moment, as if she had been transported back to the days eighty or ninety years ago, before they had even entered the Holy Academy. Back then, how could she have ever imagined their relationship would turn out like this?

Occasionally, Tina would even get the illusion that those eighty years had all been a dream, but the wounds on her body reminded her of the reality at every waking moment.

“Sorry to keep you waiting! I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry...”

“It’s fine.”

This time, Tina was also wearing the birthday gift Sathya had given her.

It was a gold ring. Indeed, that idiot didn't really know how to choose gifts; she just picked the most expensive thing every single time.

So, Tina had put it on her ring finger.

When Sathya saw this, she was too excited to speak. After they had walked for a while, she finally asked bashfully, “Sister Tina, what... what do you mean by this?”

“To ward off pests.” Tina glanced at her.

“Is your body feeling any better? I haven't properly checked on you lately, Sister Tina.”

“Just average,” Tina said, using the coldest tone she could muster.

But Sathya didn't seem fazed by it at all.

She simply giggled foolishly.

As time went on, Tina found herself a bit at a loss on how to keep up her "disguise."

The two chatted as they walked. Although Tina tried her best to remain cold and distant, she found herself overwhelmed by the endless barrage of topics and genuine care.

At Tina's suggestion, they decided to head to the market outside the Holy Academy.

The Holy Academy was situated in the heart of the Empire, built near a city that symbolized wealth and freedom.

This city was called Huelda.

Colossal statues towered into the clouds, and the magnificent city felt remarkably welcoming amidst the bustling atmosphere of the streets.

They also needed to buy more travel essentials to prepare for the long journey of the magic competition.

Along the way, Tina kept a close eye on Sathya's condition.

Her magic core was already mostly recovered.

From her initial state of struggling to focus on anything, looking pale, and feeling weak all over, she had gradually become healthy and cheerful again.

Though using the word "healthy" to describe a magical beast was somewhat bizarre, in Tina's eyes, it didn't matter what Sathya was.

Even if she was a magical beast.

All in all, Sathya finally had the motivation to move forward and keep living. Once her magic core fully recovered, everything would be fine.

As long as they could obtain the treasure in the White Dusk Ruins, it shouldn't take much longer.

By then, if her magic core was completely restored, she would tell Sathya everything.

“I've got the sturdiest armor and swords from the Holy City right here! Made of mithril, guaranteed to work!”

“If it's not sweet, it's free!”

“Free samples! Try before you buy, with full after-sales service!”

The lively atmosphere of the streets allowed Tina to lose herself in the pleasant moment for a while.

Sathya was very good at shopping; she was the exact opposite of someone who couldn't take care of themselves.

By the time they had walked through a few streets, Tina's small orange bag was packed with all the necessary items, neither too many nor too few.

“Sister Tina, let me buy you a couple of outfits.”

“I can get them myself.”

“No way! Your fashion sense is absolutely terrible, Sister Tina. Come with me!”

And so, Tina was dragged along to a clothing store.

The clothing store wasn't very large, and the changing room was located at the very back.

Sathya picked out a few garments, exchanged a knowing look with the female shop owner who wore glasses, and then pulled Tina toward the changing room.

That's right—both of them entered the changing room together.

The space wasn't particularly cramped; there was a small cot inside, with many hangers nearby to hang clothes.

Tina didn't really mind, but she was afraid of getting too close to Sathya.

Especially now, when they were actually on a date.

But she had been soft and yielding all day, and it was too late to start any arguments now.

Sathya might be a bit of a ditz, but she was no fool.

She could always sense subtle shifts in emotion, especially mine.

Soon, it would be soon...

She couldn't see the wounds beneath the bandages either.

The air smelled so sweet, completely filled with Sathya's scent.

“Sathya, is this really appropriate? I can change by myself. It's a bit inappropriate for you to help me.”

“Trust me, Sister Tina! I know you so well!”

With that, Tina's outer dress was skillfully unfastened, and she was changed into a new outfit.

It felt like this relationship had long surpassed that of ordinary friends.

“Let's pretend to be girlfriends, Sathya.”

“Of course! Wait, Sister Tina, your figure is so good, I'm so jealous~”

“Don't look at those places,” Tina said, looking at her with slightly resentful eyes.

To Sathya, this kind of look and attitude felt like a reward. She even felt that their current relationship was still far too shallow.

Tina didn't dare to imagine how she would be treated if she actually became her girlfriend, or even her wife.

Even their eighty years of living together might not compare to her current passion.

Tina had thought Sathya would make her try on several outfits and waste a lot of time.

In reality, the process was swift and efficient. Sathya bought every single item Tina tried on. If Tina hadn't called a halt, she would have kept buying until she literally emptied the entire store.

It was a sky-blue dress with white lace running from the hem to the chest. Although it accentuated the curve of her waist, it felt exceptionally loose, especially around the chest—much looser than a maid outfit or a school uniform.

Sathya really loved white lace, and all the clothes she picked for Tina were adorable.

Then, Tina was dragged to a tailor. Sathya actually spent over thirty gold coins in the small shop on several kinds of fabrics, requesting the shopkeeper to custom-make a dress for Tina.

She felt as though she had become a dress-up doll, while Sathya was using this opportunity to turn all of her own fantasies into reality.

Just then, they spotted some students from the Holy Academy who had also come out to shop.

At the same time, as if finding her cue, Sathya took hold of Tina's hand.

“We have to play the part to the end.”

“Don't do this...”