Return of the Legendary Runesmith

"Sorry, I must have been rude," Adrian said as they walked side by side.

He had just returned from the Time Chamber and discussed with the others how they should approach the situation. Acting before fully understanding the matter would only make things worse.

Ruby already knew the overall situation, but they still couldn't be certain about what exactly they needed from Adrian. Under such circumstances, making any announcement could easily backfire. So, they decided to let things unfold for the time being.

After their discussion ended, Adrian chose to walk Ruby down the hill. It wasn't necessary, since he could teleport from anywhere, but the other two understood he simply wanted to spend some time with her, so they said nothing.

"It's okay, Adrian. If I or they don't understand what you're going through, then who will?" Ruby said gently. She could see both sides of the situation. She understood the potential benefits as well as the risks involved in liberating Nytharos.

Still, for Adrian, the benefits outweighed the risks. He had already made up his mind.

To help that one being whom everyone despised and feared.

"But still… I shouldn't lose my temper, especially when I'm with you guys."

Ruby gave a faint smile. She could tell he felt genuinely guilty about what had happened.

Taking his hand, she said, "How about you make up for it, hmm? Take me on a date. Right now."

Adrian smiled helplessly. "Really? Would that be enough?"

Ruby nodded. "Yep. I get to have you all to myself, and that's enough."

Out of everyone, Ruby got to spend the least time with him. Their lives were too separate, and both of them were tied down by responsibilities that rarely gave them a break.

So instead of waiting for a perfect, planned day, she wanted to make use of the time they had right now.

Adrian held her hand, their fingers intertwined, before saying, "Then… my dear date, where do you want to go first? There aren't many special places here, but I know a few you might like."

Ruby chuckled. "You're the one leading. I'll just follow wherever you go."

Adrian hummed as they stepped into the marketplace. Instantly, the lively buzz of the crowd filled the air. Despite the cold weather, people were everywhere, buying supplies, visiting shops, or simply enjoying their time, just like the two of them.

He led her to a shop filled with games and small amusements.

There were all kinds of attractions, the hammer bell, net fishing, and catch-the-wrong.

"Wow… this place is really… unique," Ruby muttered, looking around. "I didn't think you'd consider something like this my kind of place."

Adrian gave a sheepish smile. "You don't like it here?"

Ruby grinned. "Of course I do. I just didn't think you knew me this well." She let out a soft sigh before adding, "I've barely had time to enjoy myself these past few weeks. So come on, let's play some games."

Their presence had already drawn quite a few glances. Many people recognized both Adrian and Ruby, but thankfully, aside from a few murmurs, no one approached them.

Soon, Adrian pulled his date toward a stall that offered handmade toys as prizes for winning a challenge.

"Hit the target three times and take whatever you want," the owner said with a grin, arms crossed.

The target was a round wooden board that moved left and right, never staying still for long.

A set of thin throwing knives lay neatly on the counter.

Adrian huffed, rolling up his sleeves. "What do you want, dear? I'll win you the whole shop today."

Ruby's cheeks warmed, her heart fluttering as she pointed at a deer toy at random. "That one."

Adrian hummed and picked up the first knife.

He removed his glasses and focused.

The target shifted two meters to the left, then to the right at a steady pace. Each time it changed direction, there was the slightest pause. That moment would be enough.

Adrian bent slightly, gripping the knife by its blade, and without hesitation—

SHLIK

He threw it.

"AHH!"

The shop owner yelped, ducking instinctively as the knife flew straight toward him.

"…."

Did he just miss?

Adrian stared at his hand in confusion. What?

Ruby couldn't help but smile helplessly. "You put a bit too much strength into that, Adrian. Want me to show you?"

Adrian nodded. "Yes, please. I'm genuinely baffled."

Ruby had the sudden urge to ruffle his hair at how adorable he looked, but she held herself back. Right now, she wanted to win him something instead.

Picking up a knife, she tilted her head slightly. The target was smaller than it seemed from a distance.

She didn't wait for it to pause or even reach the center.

The moment it began shifting from left to right, she threw all three knives in quick succession.

THUNK THUNK* THUNK*

Each blade struck cleanly, embedding halfway into the wood.

The shop owner clapped nervously. "C-Congratulations!"

Ruby turned to Adrian. "Which one do you want?"

Still impressed and slightly speechless, he pointed at a small wolf toy off to the side.

The owner handed it over, and Ruby walked up to Adrian, holding it out. "Here… this is for you."

Adrian absentmindedly took the reward before saying, "I didn't think I'd ever use the word handsome while complimenting you, but… that was hot, I swear."

Ruby burst into laughter, unable to hold back at his innocent honesty.

Holding his hand, she asked, "What should we try next?"

Adrian hummed. "I'll definitely win you something this time. Let's go to that candle shop."

They went on to try several games that evening, and Adrian quickly realized there were certain things he was hilariously bad at.

By the time they left the area, Adrian was carrying several toys and gifts… none of which he had actually won himself.

Even so, it was a successful date.

.....

Adrian stored all the gifts in his inventory before asking, "Do you want to eat something?"

Ruby usually didn't eat anything after dinner, but after all the playing and laughter, she felt a little hungry. So she suggested, "How about your favorite buns?"

Adrian smiled. "You remember, huh? Alright, I'll get them for you. Stay here." He said, draping his coat over her shoulders before heading off.

Ruby felt her face warm instantly, wrapped in his lingering scent, as she watched him cross the street to buy the food.

Seeing how caring and thoughtful he was toward her melted away the fatigue she had been carrying for days.

It was really strange that how things changed between them. Maybe it was because of guilt or concern but Adrian has began to pay more attention to her...to the point she has almost forgotten that they were supposed to be a fake couple.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have their feelings returned by the person they love.

With a soft smile, she murmured under her breath, "I'm glad I came here all those months ago."

Despite the cold air around her, Ruby could feel her heart growing warm.

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you have enjoyed the story so far, please leave a review to help the future readers. We are about a hundred chapters close to the ending.