Ch 4: First journey begins

As the soft light of dawn crept into the room, Gray stirred from his sleep, his eyes slowly fluttering open to the gentle warmth of morning. The air was cool and fresh, the scent of the early morning mixing with the lingering coziness of the bed. Sunlight filtered through the small cracks in the window shutters, casting golden beams across the wooden floor.

Vanisa's voice, soft and melodic, broke the quiet stillness. "Good morning, Gray," she said, her words accompanied by a tender smile as she lay beside him, her head resting gently on the pillow.

Gray blinked a few times, disoriented for a moment as he adjusted to the surroundings. His mind caught up to the events of the previous night, and his body tensed for a second before relaxing. He turned his head towards Vanisa, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the morning sun. Her expression was warm and peaceful, as though the weight of the world didn't exist for a brief moment.

"Oh, it's you," Gray muttered, still a bit rattled from the suddenness of it all. His voice carried a hint of surprise, but it quickly melted into something softer. He couldn't help but smile, a genuine smile that reflected the strange comfort he felt. "Good morning," he added, his voice gentler now.

He shifted slightly, the fabric of the bed rustling beneath him, and his body stretched with the usual stiffness of a night's rest. The room felt quiet and serene, the morning light making everything seem calmer, more peaceful than it had the night before. Gray's heart, which had been racing with uncertainty, now beat steadily as he shared this quiet moment with Vanisa.

For a moment, neither of them moved. The world outside was just beginning to wake up, but here, in this room, time seemed to slow down, giving them a moment of quiet before the day's challenges would inevitably arrive.

Suddenly, the familiar voice of the system chimed into Gray's mind, interrupting the calm morning.

「Did you have a good time, Gray?」the system asked in its usual tone, managing to sound both amused and robotic.

Gray's face flushed with embarrassment as he sat up in the cotton futon. He ran a hand through his messy hair, feeling the weight of Vanisa's gaze beside him. A faint, awkward smile crept onto his lips as he glanced down at his knees, avoiding Vanisa's eyes for a moment.

Mentally, he groaned. Shut up, he thought, hoping the system would take the hint and disappear. His inner voice carried a mixture of annoyance and embarrassment, but the system's words still echoed in his mind, making him feel as if the whole world had heard his most private thoughts.

Gray let out a quiet sigh, shaking his head slightly as he tried to focus on the moment. He couldn't let the system ruin this delicate peace, not when he was just starting to understand this strange, new world.

As Gray was still trying to gather his thoughts, Vanisa leaned in and planted a soft kiss on his cheek, her lips warm and happy. He froze for a second, feeling his face heat up even more. Before he could say anything, Vanisa got out of bed—completely naked.

Her body, bathed in the soft glow of the morning light, seemed to shine with an effortless beauty that left Gray both stunned and absolutely mortified. He immediately covered his eyes with both hands, his heart racing.

"W-wait, stop!" he stammered, peeking through his fingers, only to quickly shut them again. "What are you doing?!"

Vanisa tilted her head, pouting like an innocent puppy, completely unfazed by the situation. "What are you covering your eyes for?" she asked, her voice playful and teasing as she swayed slightly, as if enjoying how flustered he was.

Gray's voice went up a pitch. "Please, put some clothes on before your parents see you like this!" His hands were still glued to his face, but he couldn't help imagining the mortifying moment when Vanisa's mother or father could walk in at any second. He was sweating bullets now, desperately trying to keep himself together.

Vanisa giggled, enjoying his obvious discomfort. "You're so funny, Gray! You act like you've never seen a girl naked before."

*I haven't!* Gray thought in panic but kept it to himself. He was in full crisis mode, trying to keep his voice steady. "Please, just… dress! Now!"

As Vanisa finished dressing up, Gray busied himself rolling up his futon, trying to avoid any further awkwardness. The morning light spilled through the windows, casting a warm glow around the room. Just as Gray thought he could finally breathe a little easier, Vanisa's parents entered the room.

Vanisa's father greeted them cheerfully, "Good morning, you two!"

"Good morning, Papa!" Vanisa responded, her voice full of sunshine.

Vanisa's mother, ever so keen, tilted her head with a curious smile. "I thought I heard some moaning in the night..." she remarked, her voice trailing off with a question that hung in the air.

Gray's face turned beet red, beads of sweat instantly appearing on his forehead. He let out a forced laugh, desperately trying to defuse the situation. "Hahaha... Uh... that must have been... raccoons! Yeah, definitely raccoons!" he said, nodding too eagerly as if convincing himself.

Vanisa, barely containing her amusement, giggled at Gray's flustered response. "Yeah, raccoons... a very good experience!" she added with a sly grin, making things even worse.

Vanisa's mother raised an eyebrow, looking more confused than before. "Raccoons? A good experience?"

Realizing her slip, Vanisa quickly waved her hands and smiled awkwardly. "Oh, um, nothing! Just... the wind! Yes, just the wind," she stammered, laughing nervously.

Gray shot a quick glance at Vanisa, his heart racing. *"Please don't say anything more,"* he thought to himself, all while trying to keep a straight face. The tension in the air thickened, and Gray could only hope the conversation would shift somewhere—anywhere—else.

As they descended from the upstairs, the warmth of the kitchen welcomed Gray and Vanisa. Vanisa's mother was bustling about, preparing breakfast with the comforting sounds of a crackling fire and sizzling food filling the air. The aroma was rich—freshly baked bread, eggs fried in butter, and a pot of hearty stew simmering on the stove. A platter of sliced fruits and cheese sat in the middle of the table, alongside a jar of thick honey and a jug of milk.

Vanisa and Gray sat at the wooden dining table, the soft clinking of plates and cups making the moment feel homely. The rustic stone walls and the simple, yet well-worn furniture created an atmosphere of warmth, a home built with love and care.

As Gray picked at the perfectly golden bread, Vanisa, sitting next to him, turned with a sudden gleam in her eyes. "I was thinking..." she started, her voice soft but determined. "I want to come with you."

Gray, mid-chew, blinked in surprise. "Huh? Come with me?" he asked, glancing sideways at her, confusion mixing with the comfort of the meal.

Vanisa's father, overhearing from across the room, paused, his tool still in hand. "What's that, my dear? You're leaving?" he asked, his deep voice tinged with concern.

Vanisa's mother quickly followed up, her eyes widening with a mixture of surprise and joy. "Oh my, has my baby finally found a suiting husband?" she teased, though there was a certain sparkle of excitement in her voice.

Vanisa's eyes twinkled with delight as she snuggled into Gray's arm, her hold gentle yet firm. "It's Gray! He's the one I was destined to be with," she announced happily, her smile radiant as she leaned against him.

Gray's face turned a shade of pink, his smile awkward as he tried to focus on the food in front of him. He nervously chewed on a piece of the bread, the taste of the buttery crust somehow failing to calm his racing thoughts. His hand fumbled with a spoon as he scooped up some of the hearty stew, filled with tender chunks of meat, vegetables, and herbs. It was delicious, yet he barely tasted it, his mind distracted by the warmth of Vanisa clinging to his arm.

As the room filled with laughter and conversation, Gray could only sit there, smiling awkwardly while he ate, trying to adjust to the whirlwind of emotions and the sudden weight of Vanisa's declaration. The food, however comforting, could barely compete with the tension bubbling in his chest.

After they had finished eating and talking about their plans, Gray stood near the door, adjusting his jacket nervously. He glanced at Vanisa's parents, offering them a polite, if awkward, smile. "Ma'am, Mister, thanks for everything—the place to stay and the meal. I... really appreciate it."

Vanisa's mother waved a hand with a warm smile. "It's no problem at all, dear."

Her father, ever the tough figure, nodded with a serious look. "Make yourself stronger, kid. You've got a long road ahead."

Gray bowed deeply, preparing to take his leave, when suddenly Vanisa called out from behind him. "Wait for me, Gray! I'm coming with you!"

Vanisa's mother looked surprised, her eyes wide. "Are you sure about this, baby dear? I'll miss you!" Her voice cracked with emotion, and tears began to well in her eyes.

Vanisa, determined yet gentle, smiled at her mother. "Don't worry, I'll visit you sometime, mother." Her words only made her mother's tears fall more freely, while her father stood by with a proud look on his face. He placed a firm hand on Gray's shoulder. "Take care of her, kid. Looks like you're more than just a traveler now—might be a husband soon." He gave a knowing wink.

Gray felt a jolt of panic shoot through him, but all he could do was laugh nervously and give a hurried nod. As he and Vanisa started walking down the path, Vanisa kept waving at her parents, even when they were just dots on the horizon.

That's when the system chimed in. 「New harem member added: Vanisa, side harem.」

Gray froze in place, eyes wide, his mind screaming. Side harem? He blinked rapidly, trying to process. "Why 'side' harem?" he muttered.

The system responded coolly. 「She has potential to become your real wife.」

Gray almost tripped over his own feet. "Huh?!" he exclaimed in confusion.

The system's robotic voice chimed again, with what Gray could only imagine was a smug tone. 「Wow, in just one day, you've already managed to pick up a girl. Nice achievement.」

Gray's face flushed. "Don't joke about it!" he grumbled, rubbing the back of his neck, feeling both flustered and overwhelmed.

Vanisa, oblivious to the inner chaos Gray was dealing with, hummed happily beside him, still glowing with the excitement of the journey ahead. Meanwhile, Gray walked beside her, mentally wrestling with the concept of "side harem" and trying desperately not to think too hard about the absurdity of it all.

As Gray and Vanisa walked side by side down the dirt path, Vanisa turned her head towards him, curiosity lighting up her eyes. "So, where are we going?" she asked innocently. "Are we heading to your mother's place? Or maybe your home?"

Gray's expression darkened, his gaze dropping to the ground. He walked in silence for a moment before answering, his voice firm but laced with regret. "Actually… I'm here to fight the Demon Lords."

His words seemed to hang in the air between them, heavy and full of purpose. Gray sighed, the weight of his mission pressing down on his shoulders. "I'm sorry if I dragged you into this," he added, his steps slowing slightly, uncertainty creeping into his mind.

Suddenly, Vanisa snuggled against his arm, her soft warmth bringing a surprising comfort. "Don't worry," she said softly, closing her eyes for a moment. "You'll reach your dream soon."

Gray blinked, surprised by her easy confidence. But then her voice dropped to a thoughtful whisper, "But don't you think fighting the Demon Lords is too much of a task?"

Gray's heart sank, his face clouding over. He clenched his fists, his thoughts turning dark. "Yeah… it is," he admitted, his voice barely audible as his thoughts swirled in doubt.

Just then, the system's voice cut through his mood. 「Actually, there is a way to win. You must collect women to become stronger.」

Gray's head snapped up, a nervous laugh escaping his lips. "What?!" he stammered, glancing around awkwardly. "What are you talking about? That's way too much…" He tried to laugh it off, the sound shaky. "Hahaha…"

Vanisa gave him a curious look, but before she could say anything, Gray noticed several people passing by them, casting confused glances his way. They had overheard his sudden outburst, their faces a mix of curiosity and judgment.

Feeling his face flush, Gray rubbed the back of his neck, trying to pull himself together. "Just ignore that," he muttered to Vanisa, who giggled softly beside him. The awkwardness was palpable, but Vanisa's presence helped soothe the tension, even if the absurdity of the situation left Gray feeling like he was balancing on the edge of sanity.