A Chance Encounter in the Market
The streets of Benling were alive with movement, the air filled with the scent of freshly baked bread, sizzling skewers, and exotic spices. Merchants called out their wares, adventurers haggled over gear, and townspeople bustled about in preparation for the upcoming festival.
Ainz walked through the market, his cloak concealing his true identity. He had been in Benling for weeks now, blending into this world as a mere adventurer. His eyes, however, were always alert. Even as he wandered, his mind never truly rested.
That was when he saw her again—Elara.
She stood by a fruit stall, laughing with an old woman selling apples. The sunlight made her dark brown hair shine with golden hues, and her carefree smile made her seem like she belonged here, untouched by the dangers of the world.
Ainz found himself stopping.
It had been days since they last spoke. After their brief exchanges at the guild, he had kept his distance. He wasn't sure why. Maybe he had grown too accustomed to being alone.
Then, as if sensing his gaze, Elara turned. Their eyes met.
She tilted her head before grinning. "Ainz! Are you following me?"
Ainz sighed. "I was just passing by."
Elara took a bite from the apple she had just bought. "That sounds like something a stalker would say."
He smirked. "And yet, you're still talking to me."
She chuckled and tossed him an apple. He caught it effortlessly. "Eat. You look like you live off nothing but dried rations."
Ainz hesitated before taking a bite. Sweet. Crisp.
"See?" Elara said with a satisfied nod. "Tastes better than potions and monster meat, right?"
Ainz didn't reply, but for the first time in a while, he enjoyed the simple taste of something ordinary.
A Day Spent Together
Elara didn't let him leave after that.
"Since you're here, help me carry these." She shoved a small bag of supplies into his arms before he could protest.
And so, for the first time in years, Ainz spent the day walking through the market, not as a warrior, not as a leader—but as a simple man accompanying a girl through the streets.
They stopped by a blacksmith, where Elara picked up a new dagger.
"Are you sure that's good enough?" Ainz asked, inspecting the blade.
Elara rolled her eyes. "Not everyone has god-tier weapons like you, you know."
At a clothing stall, she held up a dark blue cloak. "This would look good on you."
Ainz raised an eyebrow. "I already have a cloak."
"Yes, but that one makes you look like a wandering assassin."
Ainz smirked. "Maybe I am."
Elara playfully shoved his arm. "Fine, be mysterious. But at least let me buy you something normal someday."
A Walk Beneath the Moonlight
Night had fallen by the time they left the market. The festival preparations were nearly complete, lanterns hanging across the streets, their glow casting a warm light over the town.
Elara led Ainz to a small hill outside the city, a place where the stars seemed closer.
She lay back on the grass, hands behind her head. "I come here whenever I need to breathe."
Ainz sat beside her, gazing at the endless sky. "You don't seem like the type to feel trapped."
She smiled softly. "Everyone has chains, Ainz. Some are just invisible."
Ainz fell silent.
"What about you?" she asked. "Why do you always look like you're carrying the weight of the world?"
He hesitated before answering. "Because I am."
Elara turned her head toward him. "Then maybe… you should put it down. Just for a while."
Ainz exhaled, feeling an unfamiliar warmth in his chest.
"…Maybe."
A Confession in the Tavern
The tavern was quieter than usual, most people out celebrating the coming festival. Ainz and Elara sat in their usual corner, a half-empty bottle of wine between them.
Elara swirled the drink in her cup. "So tell me, Ainz. Have you ever fallen in love?"
Ainz thought about it. "…No."
Elara raised an eyebrow. "Not even once?"
He shook his head. "I never had the time."
She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "And now?"
Ainz met her gaze. "…Now, I have time."
Elara blinked, her lips parting slightly in surprise. Then, she laughed. "You're a hard man to read, Ainz."
He smirked. "And yet, you're still trying."
She grinned. "Of course. Someone has to figure you out."
Ainz took a slow sip of his drink.
For the first time in a long while, he felt… content.
The First Kiss
The night was cold when they left the tavern, their footsteps echoing in the quiet streets. They stopped at Elara's doorstep, the lantern above casting a soft glow over her face.
Elara hesitated, then stepped closer.
"I had fun today."
Ainz nodded. "So did I."
She looked up at him, her expression unreadable. "Are you leaving soon?"
Ainz wasn't sure how to answer.
"Do you want me to stay?"
She nodded. "Yes."
Ainz took a slow step forward. "Then I will."
Elara exhaled softly.
Then, before he could say anything else, she stood on her toes and kissed him.
It was soft—uncertain.
Ainz felt her warmth, the scent of her hair, the slight tremble in her hands.
When she pulled away, she whispered, "Good night, Ainz."
She stepped inside, leaving him standing there.
Ainz touched his lips, staring at the closed door.
For the first time in his life…
He wished for time to slow down.