Danmachi: A Mage's Journey

Akira looked at the slightly bashful Astraea with surprise flickering in his eyes. The corners of his lips curled upward without thinking, and he softly replied, "I know… Astraea."

The café wasn't far—just a short walk away. In only a few minutes, the two arrived at their destination, a quaint little café that clearly stood apart from the surrounding buildings.

There were no flashy signs or grand entrances, but delicate art pieces were hung tastefully near the door.

Light filtered in through the glass panels, casting a gentle glow over the small wooden round door entwined with creeping vines.

Greenery and hand-drawn posters adorned the entrance, creating an ambiance that felt both natural and serene.

Inside, the interior opened into a flexible and thoughtfully designed space. There were cozy open seating areas and tucked-away private corners, separated not by walls, but by half-height partitions and lush potted plants. It gave the feeling of intimacy without isolation.

The blend of warm off-white tones with dark brown wooden textures made the atmosphere feel calm and inviting. It was a bar-style café, run with quiet efficiency and charm.

After indulging in rich coffee and delectable desserts, the two slowly departed, smiling as the owner bid them a heartfelt farewell.

"I didn't expect coffee and sweets to be so unique here. It really opened my eyes. I'll try making it for you next time."

Astraea said softly, savoring not only the taste but the rare recipe the café manager had so casually shared with her.

Of course, recipes were the lifeblood of any eatery. Yet the manager had offered it to her without hesitation.

Perhaps it wasn't merely her divine identity that invited trust—Akira believed it was her gentle, open-hearted aura that made people want to draw near.

After a short rest on a roadside bench, the two began strolling again, hand in hand. They wandered leisurely through the street, stopping often to watch the impromptu performances of local entertainers.

With each stand they passed, Akira bought a different snack to try, almost as if he were on a quest to taste everything the city had to offer.

Astraea would sneak a bite the moment he wasn't looking, only to flash him a mischievous smile and say, "This one's delicious too, Akira."

Looking at the half-eaten snack in his hand, Akira chuckled and took a bite from the same spot. "Hehe, you're right… it is delicious, Astraea."

"It seems my boyfriend's a bit of a pervert." Astraea teased, feigning outrage.

She clasped her hands and gave him a light knock on the head, as if reprimanding a naughty child.

As they walked, the sky shifted into a warm orange hue, dusk gradually painting the city in shades of gold.

From the direction of the clock tower, the sound of chimes rang out, a gentle reminder that their date was nearing its end.

The gentle breeze danced across Astraea's face, swinging her long brown hair.

She turned toward Akira and opened her soft red lips. "It seems our first date is drawing to a close. But as a first date… this time we shared together has brought me so much happiness and contentment."

She looked at him with eyes that sparkled like starlight—filled with affection, quiet joy, and something deeper that she didn't try to hide. A faint, gentle smile played on her lips, touching Akira's heart like a melody only he could hear.

Akira met her gaze and returned her smile with radiant warmth. "Astraea… I'm so glad you like it. I'll remember this date for the rest of my life."

Then, as if remembering something important, he suddenly turned away and said, "Wait just a moment—I'll be right back."

He hurried toward a flower shop he often passed by during his return from adventuring.

Stepping inside, he scanned the displays until his eyes landed on a particular blossom. Small golden petals surrounding a raised, purple-brown core. The sight sparked something in his chest.

He didn't know why, but he had a gut feeling that these flowers suited Astraea perfectly.

"Boss, could you wrap a few of these for me?" Akira asked, pointing to the flowers.

The shopkeeper glanced toward the figure waiting outside. Though he couldn't make out her full appearance, her elegant presence was impossible to overlook.

With a knowing smile, he asked, "Is it for your goddess? Just a few will do?"

Akira nodded. Flowers with such prominent petals didn't need to be excessive. A few were more than enough.

With practiced hands, the florist trimmed the lower leaves to keep them from draining water from the blooms. He carefully pierced the stems to maximize absorption, then wrapped the bouquet with care and handed it over to Akira.

With the bouquet in hand, Akira stepped out of the shop and returned to Astraea, offering the flowers to her with both hands.

"Astraea … please accept these flowers. I don't know exactly what kind they are, but I just have a feeling—they're perfect for you."

Astraea accepted them gently, holding them with both hands. She leaned in and inhaled the subtle scent—a mix of jasmine and rose, delicate and warm.

Then, still holding the bouquet in her right hand, she linked her left arm with his.

The two began walking toward the Stardust Garden, their steps in perfect sync.

"Akira… you really don't know what kind of flower this is?" She asked, curiosity tinged with amusement.

Akira scratched his cheek and thought aloud. "It looks a little like a sunflower… but not quite."

Astraea giggled softly and explained, "These are called black-eyed susans. The name might sound a bit strange, but they carry a beautiful meaning in flower language. Would you like to hear it?"

Akira groaned and shook his arm, feigning frustration. "Astraea, stop being so mysterious. Just tell me already."

Astraea giggled and replied in a soft, teasing voice, "Guess what it is. If you get it right, I'll give you a reward."

Akira rubbed his chin, thinking seriously. He knew flower meanings often revolved around love, so he ventured, "Is it related to love?"

"Correct. That's one of them. Can you guess another?" She asked, her expression hopeful as she watched him.

He pondered for a long time, but nothing came to mind. Eventually, he could only shake his head.

Astraea gently guided his arm to point at herself and asked, "When you see me, what comes to mind?"

It was like a jolt of electricity went through his brain. His eyes widened slightly as the answer clicked into place.

"…Justice… Astraea-sama?"

At that moment, Astraea's face bloomed with joy. Her expression was brighter than spring blossoms, her smile so radiant it made time seem to pause.

"Exactly! You got it! Akira really is sharp." She said happily.

Akira chuckled, though he felt her hints had been pretty blatant.

"Hehe… it's just that my love for you is strong. When we're on the same wavelength, nothing can stop us."

Astraea reached out and gently tapped his forehead with her finger—her skin smooth and fair like polished jade.

"You're such a sweet talker."

She then added, "The flower's meaning is generally understood as fairness and justice, believing in one's own love, and a love that's truly unique."

Akira didn't reply with words. Instead, he simply held her hand a little tighter, as if trying to pour all his emotions into that single gesture.

Feeling the warmth transmitted through their entwined fingers, Astraea turned her head to look at him.

In the quiet of her heart, she murmured, 'The meaning of this flower must be the perfect embodiment of our love. You chose them without knowing, Akira… That's why I believe—our meeting must have been fate.'

(End of Chapter)

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