As Mixarnt and Sunshine walked toward the Heroic Tavern, Mixarnt could feel the toll of using his Enigma Enhancement at 100%. His body ached, and he felt a bit foolish for pushing himself so hard just to outrun Sunshine. After all, he had already experienced the overwhelming power of a General when he faced Lancelot. And Sunshine? She wasn’t even winded. She hadn’t broken a sweat during the chase, a stark reminder of the gap between them. "Damn..." Mixarnt muttered under his breath, wincing as his muscles protested with every step.
"Something wrong?" Sunshine asked, her sharp eyes catching his discomfort.
"N-no, nothing," Mixarnt lied quickly, not wanting to spoil the mood or disappoint her. "I just need some food," he added with a grin, pushing open the door to the tavern before she could press further.
The moment they stepped inside, the tavern erupted in cheers. "Oh, look, it’s Mixarnt!" Former General Gundrik and Knight Captain Edward called out, raising their mugs in his direction. The whole tavern joined in, whistling and shouting praises like "prodigy," "extraordinary," and "the brave boy who challenged Lancelot."
Mixarnt’s face turned as red as a tomato. "Haha..." he laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of his head.
Sunshine, standing behind him, sighed and stepped forward. "A table for two, please," she said, her tone calm but firm. The room fell silent for a moment as everyone processed the sight of General Sunshine in the tavern. She wasn’t exactly known for frequenting casual places like this—she preferred elegant, high-class dining. Even her father, Gundrik, looked shocked.
"H-hey, Gundrik, is what I’m seeing real? General Sunshine, here? She’s gonna eat here?" Edward whispered loudly, his eyes wide.
"Yeah, maybe my daughter hit her head or something," Gundrik replied, equally stunned.
"I can clearly hear you!!!" Sunshine snapped, her face turning red with a mix of annoyance and embarrassment.
"C-calm down, Sun—I-I mean, General Sunshine, ma’am. We’re here just to eat," Mixarnt said quickly, trying to ease the tension.
"Tch!" Sunshine huffed, sitting down at the table with her arms crossed.
Gundrik and Edward exchanged knowing glances, realizing that Sunshine was essentially on a date with Mixarnt. Gundrik, for his part, didn’t mind at all. He was fond of Mixarnt and had even considered training him. In a few years, Mixarnt would be a fine young man—someone who could stand by Sunshine’s side as an equal.
Mixarnt, oblivious to the silent exchange, grinned as he placed their order. "Please give us some orange juice and roast lamb," he said, his excitement palpable. He hadn’t had his favorite orange juice in days, and the thought of it made him practically bounce in his seat.
Sunshine watched him with a gentle smile, her stern demeanor softening as Mixarnt swung his head left and right, humming a little tune. She couldn’t help but find his enthusiasm endearing. For someone who had just faced one of the most formidable generals in the kingdom, he was still just a kid at heart.
As the food arrived, Mixarnt dug in with gusto, his earlier aches and pains momentarily forgotten. Sunshine, on the other hand, ate with her usual grace, though her eyes kept flickering to Mixarnt, a small smile playing on her lips. This was the start of something new—a chance for her to show a different side of herself, one that wasn’t just about being a fierce and unapproachable general.
"So, Mixarnt, do you have any hobbies?" Sunshine asked.
Mixarnt grinned. "I love wood crafting."
He pulled out a small piece of wood from his pocket and, in just 15 seconds, carved a sun-shaped keychain for her.
Sunshine’s cheeks burned as she held the wooden sun keychain Mixarnt had crafted for her in just mere seconds. It was simple but beautifully made, the edges smooth and the details precise. She couldn’t help but feel a flutter in her chest as she looked at it, then at Mixarnt, who was grinning casually as if he hadn’t just done something incredibly thoughtful.
"I was actually thinking of a pendant," Mixarnt said, scratching the back of his head, "but I realized you might not like a wooden pendant, so I went with a keychain instead."
Sunshine’s face turned even redder, and she quickly looked away, trying to hide her flustered expression. 'Is this what it feels like to get hit on by a guy?' she wondered. She had rejected countless suitors over the years, just like Eclipse. Dates were usually stiff and awkward, with men either too intimidated by her status or trying too hard to impress her. She had stopped accepting offers altogether, finding the whole experience tedious. But this... this was different. Mixarnt wasn’t trying to impress her. He was just being himself—direct, genuine, and effortlessly charming.
"Are you always like this? ... Direct and smooth?" Sunshine asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she fiddled with the keychain.
Mixarnt chuckled, completely oblivious to the effect he was having on her. "They do say I’m always blunt, haha."
Sunshine sighed, shaking her head, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "You’re something else, you know that?"
Mixarnt tilted his head, confused. "Huh? Did I say something weird again?"
"No, no," Sunshine said quickly, her blush deepening. "It’s just... refreshing, I guess. Most people are so nervous around me, but you’re just... you."
Mixarnt grinned, taking a sip of his orange juice. "Well, why would I be nervous? You’re just Sunshine. Sure, you’re a general and all, but you’re also the person who pinches my cheeks and chases me around the city. How scary can you be?"
Sunshine couldn’t help but laugh at that, the tension in her shoulders easing. "You’re lucky I like you, brat. Anyone else would’ve been roasted by now."
Mixarnt’s grin widened. "Lucky me, then."
As they continued their meal, the atmosphere between them grew more relaxed. Sunshine found herself enjoying the conversation, something she rarely did on dates or social gatherings. Mixarnt’s straightforwardness and lack of pretense were oddly refreshing. He didn’t try to flatter her or act differently around her. He was just... Mixarnt.
By the time they finished eating, Sunshine felt a warmth in her chest that she hadn’t felt in a long time. She glanced at the wooden sun keychain in her hand, a small smile playing on her lips. Maybe, just maybe, she could let her guard down a little more around him. After all, if anyone could handle the real Sunshine, it was the reckless, kind-hearted boy sitting across from her.
"Thanks for the keychain," Sunshine said softly as they stood to leave. "I’ll... treasure it."
Mixarnt blinked, surprised by her sincerity. "Oh, uh, you’re welcome! I can make more if you want. Maybe a whole set of constellations or something."
Sunshine chuckled, shaking her head. "One is enough for now, brat. But... I’ll hold you to that offer someday."
As they stepped out of the tavern, the cool evening air greeted them. Sunshine felt a strange sense of contentment, one she hadn’'t felt in years.
Mixarnt suddenly groaned, his whole body aching from the strain of Enigma Enhancement.
"Hey, are you okay?" Sunshine asked, concern in her voice.
"Y-yeah... haha…" Mixarnt forced a laugh. "My enhancement skill takes a toll on my body..." He trailed off, trying to brush it off.
Sunshine frowned, realizing he had been enduring the pain just to join her for dinner. Annoyed yet touched, she sighed before stepping closer.
"You really are troublesome," she murmured softly. Then, without warning, she took his chin and kissed him gently.
Mixarnt froze, his face turning bright red. He could feel her warm breath against his skin. As Sunshine pulled away, he suddenly felt weightless—his pain completely gone.
"Wait... what?" he muttered in confusion.
Sunshine giggled. "Unlike Eclipse, who focuses on combat, I specialize in support magic. One of my blessings from the Sun God grants me healing abilities," she explained, turning to leave. "That's my thanks for today. Good luck on your exam tomorrow."
A few steps away, she glanced back with a playful grin. Seeing her usual stern demeanor replaced by something soft and charming made Mixarnt’s heart race. Before he could say anything, she quickstepped away, vanishing into the night.
As she sped through the streets, Sunshine blushed furiously, her heart pounding. It had been her first kiss—and she had given it to a brat. Despite herself, she couldn’t stop smiling.
