PAID

After a long day out on “field duty,” Leon and Rosvisser made their way back toward the Lionheart Society’s clock tower in the slum district, carrying their bags filled with recording stones.

In the slum district, people tended to turn in early. It was only eight in the evening, and while the middle district still glowed with lively lights, the streets here were already deserted, save for the occasional stray cat darting across.

Walking leisurely down the empty streets, Leon and Rosvisser strolled right in the center of the road without a care—no need to worry about oncoming carriages, as few here could afford one.

Rosvisser, still in her heels, had been walking all day and was now carrying one of the shopping bags. Despite her dragon queen physique, even she couldn’t completely stave off the ache in her ankles.

Leon noticed her slight limp and immediately offered, “Here, let me carry that for you.”

“Oh, it’s fine—”

But before she could protest, he’d already taken the other strap from her hand.

She massaged her sore shoulder, murmuring, “Thank you.”

Leon caught a glimpse of her profile before looking ahead, remarking with a grin, “You look pretty satisfied with yourself.”

“Hmm? Do I?”

“Oh, definitely.”

Leon’s tone softened as he continued, “No matter how exhausted you are, you usually keep a straight face, not showing any hint of how you’re feeling. But today, after an entire day of wandering, carrying a hefty bag of recording stones, you didn’t have that cold look on your face. In fact, I caught you sneaking a few smiles on our way back.”

He shrugged. “So… I’d say you had a pretty fulfilling day.”

Rosvisser didn’t deny it. Nodding, she replied, “You’re right. Today was very satisfying.”@@novelbin@@