A week later…
Sapphire's gaze was fixed on Dayesh's bare chest as he hoisted a barrel of wine onto his shoulder and carefully lowered it to the floor.
"Wow, that's a lot of wine," Sapphire commented, eyes lingering on the barrel. "Do you think I could… maybe have some, Big Brother?" she teased with a sly smile.
Dayesh chuckled and nodded, allowing her to fetch a container to store it. She hurried to secure it, worried that the three men might consume it too quickly.
The wine had been a gift from one of the merchants who passed through the sea where Dayesh had slain the massive sea snake.
As Dayesh transferred the wine into a smaller container, Sapphire couldn't help but stare at the liquid glinting in the sunlight. Her eyes wandered involuntarily over his toned body. Dayesh, in turn, stole subtle glances at her, careful not to make it obvious.
Flashback.
On the way to the guild office, the three of them drew the attention of everyone they passed. The sack they carried wasn't completely sealed, allowing glimpses of its contents, which left many guessing what was inside. Khafa and Ghoth carried the heavier portions, while Dayesh led the way in front.
Upon entering the guild, all eyes followed them. Rana was absent from the reception desk, and the sea snake's head. Heavier than a sack of rice, was placed on the floor. Observers could only marvel at how the two men managed to carry it.
One by one, guild members approached Dayesh, staring wide-eyed at the enormous trophy. It couldn't fit into the item box; it was simply too massive.
"This is incredible! How did you manage to kill that sea snake?"
"Unbelievable. Look at that group. No scratches, and yet they defeated a monster that would overwhelm an army!"
Questions poured in from every direction.
"Everyone, calm down," Khafa interjected, noticing Dayesh growing flustered from the barrage of queries. He didn't want any tempers to flare. "Please give us a moment to rest. We just returned from a long, exhausting mission."
"Sorry, we're just amazed. We know no one capable of this feat, even if the armies of two nations worked together, they couldn't defeat that snake."
When Rana finally arrived, she froze in shock at the sight of the sea snake's massive head before her.
"Put it in the storage room, quickly!" she instructed, almost giddy with excitement. Khafa and Ghoth hurried to comply. Dayesh, meanwhile, sank into a chair, exhausted from the endless questions.
"You truly are remarkable, Dayesh. Forgive me for doubting you whenever you take on these impossible quests," Rana said.
"Nothing to apologize for. Do you have any water I could drink? May I ask for some?"
"Of course. I'll fetch it for you."
Three hours later, Dayesh received the half-million gold reward. Gratitude poured in from everyone he and his companions had helped. News of their feat spread across the district like wildfire, and gifts of food, household items, personal necessities, and even wine arrived.
One merchant, in particular, sent a full barrel of wine as a token of thanks for ridding the waters of the sea snake.
Upon arriving at the house...
"Would you cook for us later? Let's have a small feast," Dayesh suggested.
"Of course, Big Brother. But we don't have any stored food; you've been away for a week," Sapphire replied.
"No problem. We'll buy what we need from the town market."
"I'll accompany Sapphire. You should rest first, Big Brother," Ghoth offered.
Dayesh glanced at him, and Ghoth instantly felt compelled to withdraw his offer to accompany her. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"Why did he back off?" Sapphire wondered silently.
"Sorry, Sapphire. My stomach hurts all of a sudden. I can't go. Big Brother will go instead," Ghoth muttered.
"Ah, I see. That's fine," she replied.
An hour later, Dayesh and Sapphire left, reminding them to take good care of Lzith while he was gone.
As they walked, their hands accidentally brushed.
"Oh, sorry," Sapphire stepped back, but she noticed that Dayesh deliberately kept close, matching his pace with hers.
A flutter of nervousness filled her chest. She wasn't used to this, forced into proximity the first time, and now again, walking beside him.
"I could have gone to the market alone, Big Brother. I'm capable," she offered.
"You wouldn't be able to carry the heavier cuts of meat," Dayesh replied with a small smirk.
They arrived at the meat shop and purchased beef and chicken. Dayesh pulled out his hidden item box from the bag he carried and stored the meat inside.
Next, they bought charcoal, seasonings, vegetables, rice, and some snacks for the kitchen.
"Your item box is incredibly convenient, Big Brother. More convenient than the trolleys in a mall," Sapphire praised.
"Some of the things you say confuse me, but I'll get used to it," Dayesh replied, with a small smile.
Sapphire returned his smile, unsure how to respond further.
Walking back in silence, Dayesh eventually spoke.
"Sapphire, I have a question."
She froze, wondering what he might ask. She silently prayed it wouldn't be something personal.
"Yes?"
"Is there anything you want me to buy for you? Anything at all."
"Huh?! Buy? For me? I have money, Big Brother," she replied, confused.
"I just can't think of what to give you as a souvenir whenever I return," Dayesh admitted quietly.
"Don't worry about that, Big Brother. Your safe return is enough for me. If something happened to you, then… who would give my salary? That's already enough of a gift. Just come back in one piece to Lzith, that's enough for me," she said, walking while keeping her gaze on him.
Dayesh felt an overwhelming wave of emotions. His chest tightened. He wanted to speak, but he could only remain silent. Why did her words affect him so deeply? She asked nothing extravagant—just wished for him to come back safely.
He forced the feelings down so she wouldn't notice.
Then, without warning, he took her hand. Sapphire gasped in surprise.
"Big Brother! Why... my hand!" she said, though she didn't pull away from his firm grip.
Dayesh remained silent, walking steadily with her hand in his.
"Let's hurry. I'm hungry," he said softly.