"What am I supposed to do? Elanor said yes, but I have nothing planned at all. I don't know the Demon Lands city all too well and... Wait! Do demons even have shops? Or maybe some form of entertainment? It is a city so I'm guessing it should, but won't it all be vulgar stuff?" A million thoughts rushed through my mind as Elanor accepted my date invitation.
Right after talking to Clara, I sent a text to Elanor asking if she wanted to go on a date next time we hung out. Little did I know I would wake up to a yes, which is what led to me currently freaking out.
Conveniently, we were both free tomorrow, so now I had to decide what to wear and how to spend our time. However, none of us have really explored the city, as we neither needed to nor could be bothered with our tight training schedule.
'Maybe I could ask Shino. She is the demon land's primary intelligence officer, so surely she will know all about the city.' It was a little scary to ask, as Shino had been rather strict with her training. What if I brought up the date and she did not let me go?
'No, it's my day off, so I'm sure it will be fine.' It wasn't like Shino was cruel, so I don't know why I was worrying so much.
With some research being in order and someone in mind that could help, I dragged myself out of bed. Today was another training day anyway, but I hoped I could have a little conversation if I arrived early.
*
"Someone is up early."
I arrived in Shino's office, which was one room away from the main control centre, yet despite the hustle and bustle of the staff, said office was surprisingly well insulated. The room itself was just as impressive as the control centre, its walls lined with various information tablets, which I assumed was an archive of some kind.
"Y-yeah, I actually had a couple things to ask before I started today." Now that I was about to ask Shino for advice, I suddenly felt extremely nervous.
"Oh? Well you've come to the right person since I know everything." Shino puffed her chest proudly like a child, which was kind of adorable.
"Hypothetically, if someone were to go on a date tomorrow, what are some good places in the city to take them?" I prayed that Shino would not put much thought into it and just answer my question.
"Hmm, depending on the circumstances, a jewellery place is nice or just the shopping district in general. We do have entertainment, but for a date... I doubt that is a wise choice. Hang on, do you have a date? Is it that pretty elf you always hang around with?" However, Shino caught on in the end and my face turned red.
"N-no I-i'm asking for a friend." I didn't know what else to say, as I'm sure my reaction was already a dead give away.
"Friends? Since when do you have friends besides your parents?" Ouch, that one kind of stung, but she was right—I really don't know anyone else.
"Did you really need to say that?" I averted my gaze, knowing full well I was caught.
"Fufu~, either way, I am happy for you. What I've said still stands, but frankly, there isn't much else I can tell you. I recommend trying to see if anything peaks her interest and capitalising on that." Like I had hoped, Shino was very supportive and didn't stop me from going on this date, instead giving whatever advice she could.
"I-I see, so just go with the flow?" I felt that it needed a bit more planning, but then again, maybe the exploration of the city itself can be the date.
*Sigh* "Don't worry about it, It's partly my fault, so don't be sorry. Anyway, you can continue."
***
<Back to the past>
I changed into some decent casual clothes, which consisted of a basic white shirt with some random pattern and black jeans. I also wore some silver bracelets and a tiny chain that was attached to my jeans. I then gave myself one last look in the mirror to make sure I looked okay.
Although Shaman said I had become more muscular, I still felt rather skinny and lean. I did have some muscles thanks to the system and all the training, but my arms and legs were still very thin.
"I still look pretty cool." I was happy with the choice of wearing some silver jewellery, as I felt like it made me look a bit better. I believe Shaman describes it as gothic or emo? I couldn't remember the exact word for it.
'Now for the big moment.' With everything ready, it was time for me to go pick Elanor up at her room and head into the Demon Lands city.
A part of me wanted to run away and hide. My feelings were no secret at this point, so it was hard to act all natural. Yet Elanor still agrees to hang out with me, so it must mean there is something there, right? I shouldn't be feeling so nervous having gotten this far, but I'm still scared.
'Just shut up and go before you lose what's left of your confidence.' Giving my face a few light slaps, I walked out of my room and towards Elanor's.
*
<5 minutes of walking>
'Deep breaths Silver, just knock on the door. I've done this before, there is no reason to be afraid.' Standing just outside of Elanor's room, my hand hovered over the door, ready to knock.
*Knock knock* Turning off my brain and just doing it, I heard some shuffling from inside until the door finally opened.
"Oh, hey Silver, good timing. I just finished getting ready." Elanor walked out and I was blown away by her clothes, which made me feel like I put no effort in whatsoever.
She had put on the same green one piece dress that she wore when I first met her in the alley. It had been so long since I'd seen it that I forgot how sexy she looked in it. Her cleavage was on full display and the slits in her dress revealed her long legs, all things that I couldn't help but... admire.
"What are you staring at, mister? Not going to say anything?" Elanor looked at me while pouting, clearly knowing where my eyes landed.
"A-ah yes, m-my bad... You look very beautiful, Elanor." My voice was very shaky, but I still managed to get the compliment out. It would be criminal if I didn't say anything.
"Hehe~ thank you, now where are we going?"