Ch 6: Gray and Vanisa bondings

As they approached the next village, Gray couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and relief. The village stretched out before them, its modest buildings and winding pathways nestled within the gentle embrace of the countryside. The sun bathed the village in a warm, golden hue, casting long shadows that danced across the cobblestone streets.

Gray noticed immediately that there were no guards stationed at the gate, a stark contrast to the heavily fortified towns he had encountered before. He furrowed his brow, the lack of security seeming odd for such a well-populated area. "Huh, a village," he muttered to himself, surveying the scene. "We've walked this far already now?"

Beside him, Vanisa stood with an air of eager anticipation. Her eyes sparkled with a bright, inviting warmth. "Are you thirsty, Vanisa?" Gray asked, noticing her subtle hint of discomfort from the heat.

Vanisa's smile widened, and she responded cheerfully, "Yeah, I am." Without missing a beat, she reached out and took Gray's right hand in hers. Her touch was warm and reassuring, and she gave him a playful tug.

"Let's go," she said, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

Gray, momentarily taken aback by her sudden forwardness, was swept along by her energy. "Whoa, whoa, whoa hold up!" he exclaimed, struggling to keep up as Vanisa led the way. Her grip on his hand was gentle yet firm, guiding him through the village's entrance.

As they moved through the bustling streets, Gray couldn't help but be drawn to the lively atmosphere of the village. Children played in the streets, their laughter ringing through the air, while market stalls displayed an array of fresh produce and colorful crafts. The scent of baked goods and savory dishes wafted from nearby food vendors, adding to the village's charm.

Vanisa, with her hand still clasped in Gray's, navigated them through the crowd with ease. Her face was lit with a genuine, joyful expression, and Gray found himself smiling despite the chaos of being pulled along. The sense of camaraderie and shared experience made the moment feel special, even amid the bustle of the village.

As they finally approached a quaint little tavern, Vanisa led Gray to a small table by the window. The interior was cozy and inviting, with wooden beams and a warm hearth crackling in the corner. Gray took a deep breath, letting the comforting aroma of the tavern's fare envelop him.

Vanisa settled into her seat, her eyes still gleaming with excitement. "This place looks perfect for a drink," she said, her voice carrying a note of satisfaction.

Gray took a seat opposite her, still feeling the lingering warmth of her touch. He couldn't help but marvel at how easily she had drawn him into the rhythm of the village. As they waited for their drinks, he felt a sense of contentment, a brief respite from the trials of their journey. The simplicity of the moment, with Vanisa's bright smile and the bustling village around them, made Gray feel as though he was exactly where he needed to be.

The tavern's interior was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the brisk air outside. Gray and Vanisa had just settled at their table, the clatter of dishes and low murmur of conversation providing a comforting backdrop. As they waited, the waiter approached with a polite smile.

"Sir, is this all you need water for your girlfriend?" the waiter asked, glancing at Gray and then at Vanisa, who was sipping her cold water with evident satisfaction.

Gray felt a flush rise to his cheeks at the term "girlfriend," a combination of surprise and embarrassment coloring his face. He fumbled for words, his mind racing. "No, um, that's not—" he stuttered awkwardly, his gaze darting around the tavern.

The waiter remained patient, his demeanor calm and professional. Vanisa continued drinking, oblivious to the minor awkwardness unfolding. Gray's internal panic was only interrupted by the system's sudden interjection.

System:「"Do you need silver coins?"」

Gray, still flustered, thought quickly. "Yes, I have silver coins in the system storage," he replied mentally.

The waiter, sensing the delay, repeated, "The cold drink only costs 1 copper coin, sir."

Gray's mind raced. "Wait, I need to buy some food too," he said aloud, trying to regain his composure. He quickly listed the basic food items he had in mind. "I'd like to get some bread, cheese, meat, vegetables, and fruit."

The waiter nodded, noting the items. "It will be 200 silver coins, sir."

As Gray processed the amount, the system chimed in again.

「"Currency detected."」

Gray's right hand, nervously clutching the edge of the table, began to glow faintly under its cover. He felt a mix of relief and embarrassment as a pouch of silver coins materialized, appearing as if by magic.

He took the pouch and handed it to the waiter, trying to mask his nervousness. "Here you go, sir. This is the exact amount—200 silver coins."

The waiter accepted the pouch with a nod and a respectful bow. "Thank you, sir. This will cover the cost for both of you. Your food will be ready shortly."

As the waiter departed to prepare the meal, Gray let out a sigh of relief, his face still tinged with the earlier blush. Vanisa, still blissfully unaware of the exchange's awkwardness, looked up with a cheerful expression.

"Thank you, Gray, for the water" she said, her eyes bright with appreciation.

Gray managed a smile, feeling a mix of embarrassment and satisfaction. "No problem. It's the least I could do."

As he settled back into his chair, he glanced around the cozy tavern, appreciating its warmth and comfort. The bustling atmosphere seemed a world away from the intense encounters of the past moments ago. For now, he could focus on enjoying this brief respite, with Vanisa by his side and a hearty meal on the way.

The waiter returned with a tray, setting it down with a flourish. The spread of bread, cheese, meat, vegetables, and fruit was laid out on the table, each item looking more appetizing than the last. The aroma of the freshly prepared food filled the air, mingling with the savory scents of the tavern.

Vanisa's eyes widened as she took in the feast before her. "Wow, did you order all this, Gray?" she asked, her voice full of delight.

Gray smiled, feeling a mix of pride and contentment. "You can have it all," he said, his tone casual but warm.

Vanisa's face lit up with joy. "Yay!" she exclaimed, her excitement palpable. Without missing a beat, she reached for a piece of bread and cheese, savoring the flavors with a look of pure satisfaction.

She continued to eat, her enthusiasm evident as she piled more food onto her plate. Each bite seemed to make her smile wider, and she occasionally glanced at Gray, her eyes twinkling with happiness. Gray couldn't help but chuckle softly, charmed by her genuine enjoyment and the way she seemed to savor every morsel.

As Vanisa ate, she occasionally offered Gray a piece of the food, her generous spirit as bright as her smile. Gray accepted with a grateful nod, savoring the food as well, but his gaze often returned to Vanisa's beaming face. Her happiness was infectious, and for a moment, all the stress and challenges seemed to melt away.

The cozy tavern, the shared meal, and Vanisa's joyful presence created a perfect moment of respite from their travels. Gray's heart warmed as he watched her, feeling a deep sense of contentment and connection.

As the meal drew to a close and the evening began to settle in, the sky shifted to deep shades of twilight. The last rays of the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the village. The tavern's atmosphere became more relaxed as the hustle and bustle of the day gave way to the calm of the evening.

And than they begin to stand up than vanisa has walk closer together outside of the tavern as vanisa is now more close to gray.

Vanisa, still full of contentment from the meal, leaned closer to Gray. She nestled against him, her warmth a comforting presence as she clung to his side. Her proximity felt both reassuring and intimate, and Gray found himself enjoying the closeness.

Outside, the village continued to hum with life. The streets were alive with the soft sounds of evening conversations and the occasional laughter, a stark contrast to the quiet companionship inside the tavern. The flickering lights from the lanterns and the cool night air seeped through the open window, creating a soothing ambiance.

Suddenly, the system's voice echoed in Gray's mind, a subtle reminder of its presence. 「Did you enjoy your time here, Gray? Your life in this world?」

Gray glanced at the sky, his thoughts mingling with the twilight hues. "I'm not entirely sure yet," he admitted, his voice thoughtful. "This world is still so new and different from what I expected."

He turned his gaze back to Vanisa, who looked up at him with a smile that radiated simple happiness. The contrast between his inner uncertainty and her outward contentment made Gray reflect on the complexities of his situation. The evening's serenity, the village's lively ambiance, and Vanisa's affectionate presence all created a moment that was both peaceful and introspective.

As the village lights twinkled in the encroaching darkness, Gray remained deep in thought, caught between the allure of this new world and the uncertainties.

Vanisa noticed Gray's pensive mood and gently asked, "Are you okay, Gray? You seem lost in thought again."

Gray snapped out of his reverie, offering a reassuring smile. "No, no, I'm fine. Let's head to the inn."

Vanisa's face brightened with a joyful smile. "Yes!" she chimed, eagerly grabbing Gray's arm. Together, they walked through the bustling village streets as the evening deepened, their surroundings casting a cozy, inviting glow under the street lamps.

After a short walk, they arrived at the inn. The sign outside read "Temporal Stay," which Gray found a bit peculiar. The inn's façade was quaint and welcoming, with ivy creeping up the stone walls and lanterns softly illuminating the entrance.

As they stepped inside, the sound of the bell tinkling announced their arrival. Vanisa, still clinging to Gray's arm, looked around with curiosity and excitement. The innkeeper, a cheerful woman with a warm smile, looked up from behind the counter.

"Welcome, adventurers!" she greeted, her eyes widening as she took in the sight of Gray and Vanisa. "Are you two a couple?"

Gray's face flushed with embarrassment. He stammered, "N-no, we're not." His voice was barely above a whisper, his cheeks turning a deep shade of red.

The innkeeper chuckled, her laughter echoing through the room. "That's a funny response. Are you sure?" She leaned in playfully, clearly enjoying the moment.

Gray's blush deepened, and he tried to regain his composure. "How much for a room for one night?" he asked, attempting to shift the conversation.

The innkeeper's eyes twinkled as she covered her mouth with her hand, a teasing grin spreading across her face. "Oh, are you two on a honeymoon tonight?" she teased.

Gray's head felt like it was on fire, his embarrassment reaching new heights. "N-no!" he blurted out, while Vanisa, still clinging to him, blushed but smiled shyly.

The innkeeper's laughter filled the room again. "It'll be 50 silver coins for the night."

Gray's hand, which had been resting on Vanisa's back, began to glow subtly. The system's voice echoed in his mind: 「Warning: Your money reserve is low. You must find a job in the morning, Player Gray.」

Gray's heart sank as he realized he hadn't anticipated running out of money. "I didn't know I could run out of money," he thought, a hint of frustration in his voice. "I thought it was unlimited."

With a resigned sigh, he withdrew his glowing hand from Vanisa's back. He fished out a pouch of silver coins and handed it to the innkeeper. "Here you go. This is exactly 50 silver coins."

The innkeeper accepted the pouch with a grateful nod, handing Gray a key. "Thank you. Enjoy your stay."

As they ascended the stairs to their room, Vanisa turned to Gray, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Seriously, Gray, where did you get that money?" she asked, her tone a mix of admiration and wonder.

Gray chuckled, a small smile playing on his lips. "I don't really know," he admitted, shrugging his shoulders. "It just appeared."

Vanisa laughed softly, her face lighting up with her characteristic cheerfulness. "Well, I'm just glad we have a place to stay. Thanks for taking care of it."

Gray returned her smile, feeling a mixture of relief and satisfaction. The warmth of the inn, combined with Vanisa's presence, made the evening feel cozy and comforting. As they reached their room and the door clicked shut behind them, Gray couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment, despite the uncertainties that lay ahead.