Chapter 63
Chapter 63
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: Date with Karin
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After the war ended, it took a full week to handle the rewards and cleanup.
The entire mercenary corps was granted a month-long vacation, along with massive reward money tailored to each person's achievements and rank.
"Karin's running a bit late. Did she get lost or something?"
I considered going to fetch her, but then I realized I'd left way earlier than our agreed time.
Here I was, having brought Karin almost all the way to the point where I could make her mine with just a stretch of the hand, and yet I was getting all fluttery over something this small.
What was I doing? I wasn't some high school kid.
Was it because this was my first time in love?
After all the smooth moves and bravado I'd pulled off so far, why was I acting like this?
"Martin, sorry to keep you waiting."
Pale golden hair, pointed ears, and a dress in soft green and white that a village girl might wear.
Compared to Lucia, whose outfits always turned heads, Karin was petite—but her chest looked at least F-cup.
The flowing dress was a far cry from her usual gear, and it made her even prettier.
Thinking that this woman was going to be mine straightened my shoulders without me even trying.
"No big deal. I just couldn't wait to see you, Senior."
Karin beamed at my words.
"Really? I got so excited thinking about going out with you that I rushed too."
She bit her lip lightly, her face flushing red.
Then she glanced my way coyly and tapped my shoulder.
"It suits you perfectly. You're always pretty, but right now you're dazzling, Senior."
It was a bit of a cheesy line, straight out of a romance novel.
'But since she's been reading those romance novels since we first met, it'll land.'
Karin's face turned as red as a sunset, and she tapped my shoulder again.
"It's about time for dinner. Anything you're craving, Senior?"
Back in Korea, I'd suggest shopping, a movie, or at least hitting a busy street.
But in this world, there weren't many great date spots. Whether couples flirted or friends chatted...
...the safest bet was always a slightly fancier place than usual to eat.
'Going to pick weapons or armor wouldn't exactly scream 'date.'
If I'd known it'd turn out like this, I should've tried dating back in Korea.
"I'm good with anything, but what about you, Martin? Got a craving?"
"Meat, maybe. The camp merchants sold cheap cuts slathered in way too much salt. I want some good stuff this time."
On the battlefield, everyone was running on fumes, fighting like mad. Even cheap meat sprinkled with salt and herbs tasted amazing.
When you're that exhausted, who cares about marbling or tenderness?
But those heavy flavors got old fast after the war. Now I craved something milder, like roast beef with light seasoning.
'People need a taste of the finer things sometimes.'
Karin grinned at me.
"You're a guy through and through, huh? Just like the others—meat's always the favorite."
"It never gets old. Cheap salty stuff has its own charm, and the pricey cuts have that clean, tender flavor."
"Fair enough."
Karin looked into my eyes with a smile, then hooked her arm through mine.
The feel of her chest pressing against me sent a thrill racing up my spine and through my whole body.
No nosebleed like in the comics, but my face burned hot all the same.
'Even better than I'd imagined.'
If this was just the opener—and things were heading toward my goal, or at least whatever the mood allowed—how intense would the main event be?
I might actually get that nosebleed.
She was just as new to this as I was, her face beet red as she stammered.
"Bella recommended a spot nearby that you'd love, so I'll treat you this time. We, uh, had that deal, right?"
With the reward for capturing the viscount, plus the bonus from Dalton, I had enough for a decent plot of land and house back home.
I could've covered dinner and everything, but...
She'd promised to buy me a meal in exchange for the bow I'd gotten her. Ignoring that would make things awkward.
'We'll eat together, and later I can buy her something even prettier.'
"Sounds good. Looking forward to it."
Karin puffed out her chest and thumped it lightly with her fist.
"Just follow your senior."
She wasn't usually this over-the-top.
"You got it, Senior."
Karin led me into a place called the Golden Pig.
Unlike the dingy taverns mercenaries usually hit, it had proper tables and chairs in a clean, welcoming atmosphere.
"Looks nice."
"Right? Bella might seem like that, but she knows her food and romance."
I let out a sigh at that.
"Every corps is different, I guess, but ten guys in three years? That's wild. How does she even manage?"
Ten men in three years—mercenaries might keep things short, but that was pushing it.
Still, gossiping on a date would kill the vibe.
'Whatever Bella gets up to, none of my business.'
Karin smiled and laughed it off.
"Everyone's different. Unless it's real love like you, Martin..."
She blushed and fidgeted with her lips.
"Some can't even do it with whores, while clowns like Baker or the others just pay for it."
"True enough."
Then Karin met my eyes and gently touched my chin.
"That's why I fell for you—you're not that casual."
Her sudden words set my face ablaze.
Until now, I'd been the one chasing her, but the tables turning like this felt so fresh... and intense.
Karin chuckled at me and called over the server.
"Three steaks here. Two for this knight."
As soon as she ordered, I shot her a look.
"Knight? What knight?"
"No one else saved me from that creep trying to drag me off by force—it was you, Martin. And you could be a knight with a fief anytime."
I waved it off.
"When it's about saving the girl I'm crazy about, mercenary or knight—who cares? And I told you, I'm aiming higher than this. I'll climb all the way to the top someday."
"So you turned down a knighthood for platoon leader? Sure, you're the top one among them, which is great... but a little disappointing."
She said it playfully, her face full of mischief.
"Disappointing how? My pay just jumped to ten gold a month, and this is just the start. Who knows—with the permanent mercenary contract from the Reinfalz Empire, I might catch the emperor's eye with a big showing."
Strictly speaking, if I kept proving my value...
No kingdom or empire would offer less than a countship without second thoughts, and I'd weigh serving some noble against it.
Or decide it wasn't worth giving up the free mercenary life and capping my growth.
'No one sells skyrocketing stock. My value's only going up from here.'
Right then, the steaks arrived.
Unlike the merchants' fare—no char marks, perfectly browned...
This was going to be delicious.
Karin smiled at me, cut her meat, then speared a piece on her fork and held it out.
Her face beamed, but her ears burned red from embarrassment.
"Here, ahh~."
It made me flush too, but...
If she wanted to do this, letting her was the manly thing, right?
I opened my mouth and took the bite.
Between the shyness and excitement, I barely tasted the premium meat.
I wanted another, but Karin's face was already red as if steamed.
I was thrilled too, but the newbie fluster kept me from saying more.
"..."
An awkward silence fell between us, but it wasn't unpleasant.
We finished eating like that, just gazing into each other's eyes without a word...
Then Karin whispered softly, head down, just loud enough for me.
"Wanna head back and... rest?"
Blushing furiously, she pressed her whole body against mine.
That night, Karin and I climbed the stairs to adulthood in my lodging.