Maid Marian

The Bloody Tooth's rooftop bar could be accessed via stairs on the barnside. It was always open, but people usually preferred to drink inside during the day. The sun did no favors to liquor. However, the rooftop was chock-full in the evenings. Warm wine was served under the frosty breeze.

[ Perfect Attire ]

[ Equipped Slim-fit Doublet x 1 ]

[ Equipped Casual Hose x 1 ]

[ Unequipped Canvas Hat x 1 ]

"Wow! A date outfit!!'

Pete's sinewy date sat by herself under a makeshift shelter made from palm fronds. The boy arrived at her table with food and drinks.

'This is an important event for me,' the boy thought nervously. He had been a loner in his previous life and had no experience in wooing a girl. He had played dating sim games, but they had taught him little about the opposite sex.

Pete knew that nudity was censored. However, he wanted to explore other things. What about kissing, touching, and other non-nude activities? Would those be allowed?

"Ale, meat, and bread for the lady," the boy announced, placing a platter before Marian.

"I am not a lady," she sniped back without looking up at him. Her icy indifference spoke of a particular type of character in anime and manga.

'A tsundere, huh?' Pete figured. 'Can I break her?'

The rooftop offered a modest view of the city. Huge, medieval buildings were interspersed with private settlements. There were granaries and smith factories and marketplaces. A castle loomed in the distance, the only skyscraper of Nottingham.

'I need to get a map of the city soon,' Pete made a mental note. His perfect gene attribute probably made him brighter, helping him view everything analytically.

Pete took a seat opposite Marian and scrutinized her closely. She had bold Amazonian features. Broad shoulders, a well-sculpted face, and lustrous sun-tanned skin. Her hair was jet-black and straight, pulled behind to form a single braid. The female warrior's clothes were leather and metal, a chained vest over a warrior skirt.

Pete's sly eyes darted to his subjects of interest hidden underneath the fabric. The girl had round, firm breasts and strong hips befitting her frame. Her rigid clothes fit perfectly over her curvy frame. 'She is the perfect female specimen,' the boy told himself.

"You're right," Pete replied. "Apologies. You are definitely not a lady. In fact, I believe you are a fine warrior who has gained a good reputation in the town."

Marian had been looking away towards the city, but the boy's words made her glance at him from the corner of her eyes.

[ Smooth Talker + 2 ]

In his previous life, Pete had lusted after voluptuous 3D characters in games, leading forum topics and promotion groups. However, this was his first time admiring such an unnatural beauty. If it were not for his legendary hero attributes, he would have probably floundered for words and made a fool out of himself. Perfect Gene made him good-looking and fluent, while Perfect Attire made him look sharp and presentable.

Pete continued his review of the girl. Her muscles were seasoned from battle, and her skin was tanned from going out in the sun too much. The only issue in her manufacture was a permanent grimace across her face, which any man would find off-putting.

Marian turned to him finally, and her eagle-brown eyes met his. "You brought meat, huh? But I am a vegetarian."

"Uh... umm... Sorry, I didn't know," Pete fumbled. Did veganism exist in the medieval ages? "I'll get you something else to eat."

The girl smiled weakly. "Relax, Rob the Champion. I am messing with you. Warriors cannot fight monsters on a plant diet. We have to consume plenty of meat for energy."

"Oh, alright, you got me," Pete replied, glad to see anything other than a scowl on her face. He wasn't off to a great start, falling for a silly joke. 'I will never be able to add Marian to my harem if she takes the upper hand.'

The girl put out her hand to shake his. "I am Marian, a registered adventurer. I must say, I have never seen a better bowmanship display in my life. Was it versatile archery?"

Pete recalled the new skill he gained: Versatile Archer Level 1. "Yes, that's correct."

"I am Rob Huntington," he added with a mock bow. "I humbly accept your praise. But to be fair, you almost hit the bullseye as well."

Marian's grimace returned. "I did not hit the mark, and that's all people will remember. You, on the other hand, will become a celebrity in no time."

Pete figured it was best not to give a response.

Where did you learn archery?" she asked, picking up her mug of ale and chugging down half of the contents. "Hmm. Multiple arrows at multiple targets. What other skills do you have, Rob? Can you pair archery with magic?"

Pete raised an eyebrow. He was yet to learn magic, but it was nice to know that his archery skills were diverse.

"I'd like to keep my skills secret, if you don't mind." Marian's grimace deepened.

[Marian's AFFINITY has decreased ]

Pete came up with a convenient lie quickly. "However, I can tell you this much. The House of Huntington has bred the best archers in these lands. Unfortunately, my ancestors laid down rules that we may never participate in the King's wars. Therefore, our skills were never discovered, and our glories remained unsung."

[ Smooth talker +2 ]

[Marian's AFFINITY has been restored ]

[ Likability +2 ]

The girl looked at him with intrigue. "Have you pledged fealty to King Richard the Lionheart yet?"

Pete shook his head. "I haven't had the privilege. Perhaps I need better exploits to attract the King's attention."

Marian took a large bite from her steak. "Hmm. So, have you arrived in Nottingham to become an adventurer?"

"Umm. I don't know what you mean. I heard the Sheriff mention the word. Could you forgive my ignorance and tell me what an adventurer is?"

Marian shrugged. "Any warrior can register as an adventurer at the Adventurers' Guild. You can accept official quests and claim rewards as a registered member. You can purchase and sell pieces of equipment, and so on."

Pete nodded. There were a lot of complications he was yet to explore.

"Tell me, Rob," the female warrior asked curiously. "Why did you ask me out for a drink? Are you looking for a quick fuck?"

Pete spat out a mouthful of ale. 'That was unexpected.'

"What happened?" Marian asked with concern. "Is the ale too strong?"

"No, no. I thought I ate a bug. Never mind." The boy's awkwardness and shame returned. Where was the Perfect Gene's confidence when he needed it?

What should he reply to her invasive question?

Should he risk his affinity points by admitting his true intentions? Dating followed by romance and sex was what he wanted.

"I am waiting for an answer, Rob," Marian urged. "Don't keep a girl waiting."