is it a date?

As I was in a deep thought, when suddenly someone come inside the room.

"Ah you're awake... I thought you would finally reach your end."

It Silva with his grumpy look.

"Morning Tidus."

"It afternoon. Also my name is..."

He suddenly close his mouth.

"Never mind, I won't play this game with you anymore. Anyway your fiancee was searching for you before. If you already wake up go out and meet her at the cafeteria."

"Whoa you finally open up to me. You even giving Fransisca message to me!"

Looking at my grin he raise his eyebrows, before make a grumpy face again.

"In your dreams Dageraad! Go away!"

"Oh come on, just said that you're worry about me too. From the way you said it, I am sure you haven't told her I was collapsed before. Since she would run over right away if she know."

He frown further when he heard my words.

"Who worried about you! I just don't want someone that was like a little brot... Sister to me, become sad because of you! Now get out!"

He pull me off the bed, and throw me outside the room. Only Rum standing there with a towel when I see around.

"Young master, I have prepared the bath and change of clothes."

"... How di— never mind."

I took the towel off from his hand, then goes to the bathroom. It steamy as I got in, with a perfect water temperature for a dip. Also it been awhile since I check my status, I pull out the identification orb from the space.

Name: Zein Dageraad

Age: 16

Level:

STR: 6.702

AGI: 6.863

INT: 15.122

VIT: 4.412

Mana: 144.277

Aptitude:

Swordsmanship (Uncommon Growth) (52.39%)

Magic (Rare Growth) (Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Lightning, Space) (70.51%)

One Sight to Learn (Myth)

Arithmetics (Unique Growth) (10.44%)

Potential Growth 2× (Extreme)

Unlimited Cap (Myth)

Sword and Shield (Self)

Self Taught Body Strengthening (Common Growth) (62.55%)

Well seems like the training kinda paid off, since my status raise by 0.3 point across the bar except for my abnormal mana of course. If I keep it up for a months, I should be able to reach Lein body potential by the competition. Although I am sure she would become stronger too by that time. Still the gap getting closer. Ah, arithmetics experience finally showing, so do body strengthening. It called self taught tho? Does that mean, my body strengthening different from the beastman? Why the sword and shield got a self rarity, while the body strengthening didn't?

I should stop thinking about this. All this thinking make me tired honestly. I should put my mind away from all these things from now. Since it no use, I don't know what happened before, so do this time. I need to focus on what I know first, while those in the future should be left for the future. There no use mulling over it right now, until I got another clue to this mysterious world.

I wash my body clean, then change my set of clothes to... Another noble set? Why is noble love this hot get up?! It another long sleeved white hem with black vest and black long pants. I roll the sleeves till my elbow, before stepping out the bathroom. Looking at my rolled sleeves Rum creasing his brow.

"Young master it—"

"Oh come on Rum, it hot today. Also it not like I am going to go to something official."

Rum surprised slightly before he nods his head.

"I understand, I would prepare a short sleeved clothes for the next occasion."

"Anyway I am going to meet up with Fransisca."

I walk out the dorm afterwards, as Rum following me three step away from behind. It starting to bustling with students in the dormitory ground, as I made my way to the cafeteria.

"... Why are you following me?"

"It my task to make sure young master safety."

"... You know that I am going to meet up with my fiancee right?"

"I know Young Master."

"... Then why are you following me?"

"It—"

"Rum I need a gift for Fransisca. If you could buy a pink carnations, ah mixed it with Iris. Bought it before dinner, I'll wait you at Clear Ambient. Make a reservation for dinner there."

"As you wish Young Master."

With that he goes away without sound. Seriously this guy... If I didn't said that he definitely would follow me around. Now I could get some time alone with Fransisca. I hope she still by the cafeteria tho, thinking that I move faster to the cafeteria. When I got inside it bustling with students eating their lunch. I walk to the noble corner right away, which I found completely empty...

Ah... She already left, I thought when suddenly someone tapping my shoulder. When I turn around it Fransisca.... And Lein. She smile at me happily, while Lein definitely got disappointed look.

"You finally here!"

"Tsk... You are here. If only I able to convinced her sooner. Why did you come right when she finally agreeing to go shopping with me."

She murmur loudly, making Fransisca smile wryly. I could only scratched my neck.

"... Lein your thoughts is leaking."

I pointing the fact at her, making her pout.

"That indeed my plan."

"We can always go shopping together. Just like the old days."

"Then let's go!"

Hearing Fransisca reply, she smile brightly as she pulling her in her arm. Yep, Fransisca step inside her trap right away, she embarrassed at Lein advance as she look for help at me. I could only chase after them, as I don't want to make a scene in the cafeteria full of students.

Damn, when I thought I finally success on getting rid some pest. Now another one appeared, and stronger than the last one. What more ridiculous she boldly making her advance at Fransisca.

When I thought of that Lein suddenly look at me.

"I could feel someone being salty and sour~"

"... Damned connection! Come on Lein, I finally got a date invitation from my fiancee and you try to sabotage it?!"

"More reason for me to keep along with you guys!"

Hearing her bold reply, I could only open my eyes wide while Fransisca blushing with bewildered face.

"You devil!"

"Thank you for your compliment, it rare for you to called me a devil~"

She retort my complaint with playfully. Then Fransisca finally struggling from her clutch, which end up fail.... I hate this world and their body potential... Sigh... although I can just suddenly take Fransisca away and teleport, I should just get along with her, since it would be better. She would throw tantrum if I do that! And I don't know what she would do! She could just sneak behind my back, to go inside Fransisca dorm, which I never knew where. Because she acting like a guy before, and I never walk her back. Still I won't step back without a fight.

"... You make her uncomfortable."

Hearing my words, Lein look over to Fransisca which pouting in disbelief. She then release her from her arm, although reluctantly. Then Fransisca walk over to me, she still got playful face tho... When she suddenly pull me to her arm, shocking Fransisca.

"Since Fransisca didn't like my embrace, I should just do it to my twin!"

She look loss at us, being locked arm in arm.

"... What devilish plan did you made now? I know you won't do this in front of the public without a reason."

I whisper to her right away.

"I don't know what is going on with me. I felt really sour and lonely when I thought you and Fransisca going to go out without me."

"That is jealousy isn't it?"

"It is and it scary. I am seriously not in my right mind!"

"... You know what, look behind us."

When I said that she look over to Fransisca which pouting and staring furiously at us.

"... Okay that also scary! But I don't know how to control this."

Hearing her confession I could only sigh.

"That would be hard. It took me 3 years to let it away. I guess you won't be jealous at us anymore when you found someone else?"

"That ridi—"

"What are you twin whispering about!"

Fransisca suddenly cut in and stood between the two of us while looking at us furiously. Making us glancing one another before grinning.

"I guess, I know that it wasn't just me that felt that."

"Yep, until you found someone, you can just come along with us."

"Sigh... I am not sure that would work."

"Ughh... What are you two talking about! You guys finally got back to talking in secret again?!"

We laugh at our subject of talk, as she stare at us bewildered.

"Nah, we only think how cute you are Fransisca. Right Zein."

"Absolutely correct."

Hearing at our reply, she blushed right away, before she stare at us again meaningfully.

"You know that, it won't work on me rights? Both of you always make that kind of answer when you hiding something from me. Albeit you usually said I am cool, or manly before...."

"Well not this time, we were talking about how wonderful you are..."

"how beautiful, kind, innocent,—"

"O-okay.. I.. get it!"

Before I could continue the flattery Fransisca already blushing really bad as she shaking her head and closing her ears, before she shout those. We both laugh when looking at her flustered.

Fortunately no one around us, since it lunch hour. There not so many students as we walk away from the academy. We rent a coach, then goes to the west district for shopping. Lein sit down beside me right away, as she doesn't want Fransisca near beside me. I could only smile wryly, while Fransisca sit down as she doesn't get her reason.

"Anyway what is our plan? I only know that you were waiting for me at cafeteria."

"I don't... Know? I only want to see you..."

Fransisca answer me shyly and embarrassingly, as she looking down. While Lein pinching me right away.

"I heard there new clothes design at Regina Boutique. So I thought, maybe we could order a coordinated clothes together? Until you come in the picture Zein."

"... Can't we just order 3 set then?"

"No way Fransisca! It a designed for a girl. Regina is specialist for woman clothing, not man."

"Ah I understand, then I will just escort you guys there."

When I said that Fransisca suddenly raise her voice.

"No Zein! I wanted to buy clothes for you."

She blushing when she realized what she said, making someone pinching me harder. Okay sis, I know you are jealous, but this is a physical harassment!

"Cough... Then we could just go there first, before making our way to the other shop."

Hearing my answer the pinching stop, and both of them nodding their head. Hmmm... Right there other things I need to do before all of those. I imagine my hair color change to deep red, then also I slightly alter my face muscle. Okay, this feel weirder than body strengthening.

It my first time trying this as I applied Body Strengthening for other applications. Since the basics of body strengthening is to used mana to alter the maximum body potential by flowing mana inside the blood, muscle and nerve to increase their potential. So I thought it would be able to alter the shape of muscle too, and yep it indeed working as I expected. Albeit this took more mana then I my imagination.

Then I took a glasses from the space with I found out inside my desk at the manor. In a couple of minutes I look like a 26 years old man. The results is satisfying as I pull out a mirror. I could hear a gasp, when I do those magic. Lein and Fransisca looking at me with a wonder in their face.

"You... Seriously what kind of magic is that?! This is the first time I see someone changing their face with magic, which isn't an illusion magic."

Lein said all of those in a breath, as she observing my face which look more mature. While Fransisca still in wonder.

"Hmmm... It goes in the same as body strengthening, I am basically using mana to alter my muscles shape. It cost more mana then it to change the shape, but it wasn't draining as much as body strengthening."

She could only agape when she heard my explanation.

"Zein, are you really the same person?"

While Fransisca muttering those quietly.

"Ummm... I am, I just know many other things than before."

"... Although I am completely agreed with Fransisca question, but I can't denied him. Since our connection still there. If he completely different person I won't be able to felt his feeling."

Hearing Lein answer Fransisca sighing sadly.

"I guess, you won't need my help for studying anymore. Since your theories is way off my league already."

"Then we can switch roles. I could be the one that teaching you once again."

She finally smile once again.

"I won't allow that!"

"Sigh... You could always join us."

"Now that better."

Fransisca could only smile wryly, before she open her mouth.

"Also Zein why are you disguising yourself?"

"It simple, because—"

"Because he doesn't want to smear our reputation. It won't be good if people seen us walking with him in public."

"Damn Lein, couldn't you let me finish my words?!"

"Your answer is pretty obvious, also there is no difference if it me that answer her."

"There is a different!"

"Then amaze me."

We start bantering with one another making Fransisca giggle, as the coach move along the street. After half an hour we reach Regina Boutique. It inside the second zone, a big boutique that look like a mansion with many frilly decorations. That what crossing my mind when I see it. As we goes inside a maid standing in front of us as she bow down greetings us.

"Welcome to Regina Boutique, lady Dageraad. How may I help you?"

Lein nod her head like it normal, while I am wondering at their service.

"I heard there a new design made by lady Regina herself. I come with my friend to check it out and maybe order a coordinated dress with her."

"Certainly milady, would you like to used the usual lounge?"

"Yes, please escort us the the usual lounge."

"I understand, please come this way."

The maid starting to walk away, but as I step to follow suddenly another maid stopping me.

"Gentleman, the lounge is only for the ladies. If you may, please follow me to the waiting lounge."

"Ah... I understand?"

"Then this way please."

I could see a smirk on Lein face when I glance at her, while Fransisca follow them as usual. This definitely Lein plan from the start to get some time alone with her. I never thought she is this crafty. Her happy feeling definitely flowing to me, I could only sigh as I seen them walk to the second floor. The maid then bought me to the nobleman waiting lounge, as I seated on one of the tea table. As professionally as they look, the maid pour me a tea according to my choice before leaving me alone.

Of course, without any further consideration, I enjoyed my afternoon tea. Then suddenly someone come over to my table, as the other table got company that talk with one another. From his look and his mannerism I could tell this gentleman also a noble and one from the king faction. Which the same as my father. Hmmm... I don't remember him, but I feel his face is familiar. I know his family name tho.

"May I seated here?"

"It my pleasure, Marquis Buckburn."

Hearing my reply, he raise his eyebrow slightly, before sitting down.

"Do I know you? Although you're correct but my father still our family head. So calling me Marquis Buckburn wasn't really proper."

"My apologies Sir, I do recognize your family emblem, but I don't know your name."

Hearing my answer he nod his head. Well... I already know his first name tho, when I heard his answer. He is Alfonso oldest brother, Leonard Buckburn. Which is the successor for Marquis Buckburn. He is 26 years old, and already married. He is someone with long black hair which reaching his back, a gentle brown eyes, and a square chin. He is an accomplished alchemist in the kingdom. Yep, I should play as a foolish merchant.

"I understand, than maybe we should start with introduction. My name is Leonard van Buckburn. You could just called me Sir Leonard, since I didn't planning to be called Sir Buckburn before I become the head of our family."

"I understand Sir Leonard. My name is Wolk. It my pleasure to meet you."

"Wolk? What a rare name you've got. It also my pleasure Sir Wolk."

"Ah, no need to called me Sir. I am just a lowly merchant Sir Leonard. Even with my entire wealth, I am not sure if it could reach your toe."

Hearing my answer he laugh, as he waving his hand in front of me.

"Sir Wolk must be jesting. Not many merchant could come here and wait in this lounge. Only those VIP could be here, it rare to be able to meet with a modest merchant like you."

Then I realized that my bullshit is really shitty! I don't even know that! So you are saying this lounge is for VIP member? I keep my poker face, as I smile at him.

"No, Sir Leonard. I could only be here because of my clients. If it not for her, I won't be here right now. My accomplishment wasn't enough to be VIP member fot this store."

"Ah, I see. Still you're really a rare merchant, not many merchant would said those truthfully like you."

Truthfully my ass... I could only smile wryly as I act being embarrassed.

"You are too kind Sir Leonard. It only normal for merchant to be honest, since it our lives line as merchant. Trust is everything in business."

Hearing my answer he open his eyes wide... Then he nodding his head, with a approved smile.

"That what made you remarkable. As an alchemist, many merchant asking me to be their main supplier in potion, and it made me seen how shady and corrupted a merchant can be."

.. damn I forget that this world background is like a medieval times. There many merchant that scamming, bribing or even doing underhanded method. My remark just made him more curious of me.

"You flatter me Sir Leonard. I am not that great, although I said it like that I wasn't completely honest merchant."

"Hahaha. No need to said it, who never do those once or twice as a merchant. But being able to admit it is completely different things. I won't look down on you, even if you didn't said that."

... Now I keep digging my own grave, then suddenly a maid come to my side. Sending me a life boat.

"Sir, the ladies is done doing their measurements and order."

"Ahh, I understand."

I then look back at Leonard as I stand up.

"It been a pleasure chatting with our kingdom advance alchemist. But it seem I must take my leave Sir Leonard.

I stop playing the fool as I stand up.

"You know me after all?"

"Which merchant didn't recognize you Sir? I would be a failure of merchant if I didn't recognize you, Sir Leonard should be more careful since us merchant could also act innocently. Now then if you would like to excuse me?"

He then laugh at when he heard my answer.

"Wait for awhile Sir Wolk. Now you definitely got my interest. I never seen a merchant like you! If you ever wanted my potion for sale, you could just come and contact me. Seems like doing a business with you would be great. It been pleasure to chat with you."

He handed me a note, which his address and invitation to his manor written on it. I keep acting as a merchant and bowing down before following the maid outside. I almost digging my own grave there with my bullshit. If our conversation keep going, I don't know what would happen. I walk out without looking back, as I pondering what to do if I met him again.