"Everyone is good to go! You have four hours of free time, so roam around Italy with your partners and please get along!" Lan announced, waving for everyone to disperse.
I felt a tap on my shoulder.
"Good luck with your date... Rel," Jan whispered in my ear, smirking as he walked away.
That damn bastard. I knew if I had chosen any other stick, my fate would be different.
But there was nothing I could do to change these events now.
I turned to Valencia and noticed she was focused on the boats moving through the canal.
Maybe I could pass the time by going there.
I walked up to Valencia and tapped her shoulder.
"Hey."
"...!"
Valencia jumped in surprise, taking a few steps back.
Did she really get scared from me just tapping her?
Oh, man... this is worse than I thought.
I didn't want to ruin her mood, so I resolved to be on my best behavior.
I wouldn't let my expert knowledge of Italy go to waste.
"Yes?" she asked.
"Wanna rent a boat and ride through the canals?"
As I pointed towards the ports of the area to board the boat I didn't realise how Valencia took my suggestion.
She seemed like she was stunned she was fidgeting and looking at anything but me?
Wait no maybe I might be confusing it with something else.
"S-sure, let's go"
Her expression turned even more cold and I knew the decision I had made already wasn't a good one.
Was the suggestion really that terrible?
***
[Valencia's POV]
Me... and Rel on a boat together?
I would never have imagined this happening.
As I followed his lead, we stepped onto the massive port that stretched across the district.
There were boats of all sizes, but I wondered what Rel had in mind for just the two of us.
Everyone else seemed to be in large groups; there was no sign of any other pairs.
I wouldn't be surprised if we were grouped with another couple...
"Hello sir, what can I do for you today?"
"Can I get a boat for two?"
"...!"
A-a boat for two? Doesn't he know how expensive that is?
I'm not sure about his financial situation, but I know tuition for the academy is a lot.
Can he really afford this?
"I'm sorry, sir, but unfortunately, you're not a member of the special patron club..." the attendant said, giving Rel a doubtful look.
It was clear he didn't think Rel had the money.
"...!"
"But I'm not interested in joining any of them."
His eyes drifted off elsewhere again and looked at the buildings and art made along the canals of the district.
"What guilds offered you?"
"Legion New Force and Infra Tech," he replied.
Those were world-class guilds! Any student would dream of joining them.
Especially in this era of weaponized combat, a ranged fighter like him... it was surprising he'd even get offers, let alone reject them.
"Why wouldn't you want to go to those guilds? They're really good, and you'd make a fortune within a year,"
"I'm just not interested in them," he said simply.
Not interested? What did that even mean?
Wait, no... this could be good. Maybe... just maybe he could join the Miracles Guild.
The guild that I'd inherit one day.
Even if I do become the leader... I considered the possibility of Rel as vice-captain, but Camila would be a better fit. After all, she was my best friend.
But is it possible he's waiting for the Miracle Guild's offer?
- "I wouldn't mind offering him a contract in the near future, Val."
I recalled my father suggesting Rel join our guild.
I didn't mind the idea, so I needed to ask him this question first.
"D-do you think you'd fit in as a Miracle Guild member?"
The question tumbled out before I could stop it, and suddenly Rel's expression changed.
"...?"
His brow suddenly furrowed, but before he could answer, the boat driver announced.
"We're at the end of the trip now."
Rel immediately stood up to get out first, and I quickly followed behind.
Slip!
And suddenly my foot slipped on the damp floorboards.
"Ah!"
I braced for the fall... but it never came.
Rel caught me by the wrist, his other hand steadying me at the hip.
BDUMP!
My heart pounded and I could feel his breaths move down my neck...He was so close.
"Are you okay?" He helped me off the boat, and he didn't let go of my hand until we made our way up the stairs.
It was quiet between us two... but I'm not sure what to think of right now.
Do I let go of his hand or do I just keep holding on to it?
I didn't know what to do, so I'll just pretend not to notice.
"You said, would I fit in as a miracle member, right?"
"...Yes,"
He scratched his head and looked towards me.
"I'm not sure. Maybe, I guess."
There's a chance...