Chapter 47: Would You Fall for a Spicy Chicken Burger?

A Rare Free Day

Today marked the final rest day before the second round of the Holy Knight exam, Rita’s first truly free day.

No tasks from Cecilia, no succubus-hunting talks with Momoka, and Valphis, whom Rita sought, was nowhere to be found.

Yet a date awaited her.

Last night, before parting, Kross had said, “If you don’t mind, I’d like to properly thank you tomorrow. Are you free?”

Rita agreed without hesitation—how could she refuse a beautiful girl’s invitation?

Rising early, she washed up and headed to the meeting spot.

In a world without phones, internet, or chat windows, finding someone was tricky.

But a set time and place simplified things greatly.

This game world’s time mirrored reality, from seconds to years, sparing Rita much hassle.

Still, was this really a date? Maybe Kross just meant a polite meal or… a basket of eggs?

No, as a brothel worker, maybe not eggs but something more suggestive.

Waiting briefly, Rita spotted Kross jogging toward her.

Today’s Kross, dressed like an ordinary girl-next-door, gave no hint of her profession unless she’d told Rita.

“Lady Rita!” Kross hurried to her side. “You’re my savior. I’m honored you’d spend time with me, and I’m so sorry for making you wait!”

“No worries, I just got here,” Rita replied.

“Phew, glad you don’t mind.” Kross touched her chest, smiling brightly.

Such a sweet girl. Her sunny smile alone felt like it could heal Rita.

“Actually, I invited you to show my gratitude, but I don’t have fancy gifts…” Kross twisted her fingers, her smile tinged with awkwardness.

“Since you’re not local and here for the exam, how about I show you around Solus City? Is that… too plain?”

A date! Absolutely perfect!

“How could it be? You don’t need to do anything—helping out is just right.” Rita suppressed her glee, keeping it polite.

Kross’s face lit up with admiration. “As expected of a future Holy Knight, so kind-hearted!”

“Heh, anyone would do it,” Rita said modestly.

“But only you saved me, Lady Rita. You’re special!”

After more pleasantries, their date began.

A City Adventure

Rita’s idea of a date involved movies, aquariums, or Ferris wheels—none likely in this game world.

Yet substitutes existed. Kross led her through the city, and by noon, bought snacks and drinks. They headed to a grand theater.

Along the way, Rita confirmed if Kross was the bunny girl. Blushing, Kross admitted, “You saw me so shy then.”

Showing tickets, Kross guided Rita to a second-floor private box. Seated, her face reddened again.

“Sorry, I queued early, but stage-side tickets were gone. This was all I could get…”

“No problem,” Rita reassured. “I’m thrilled you brought me. A private box is cozy—no one will bother us.”

“Phew, good!” Kross relaxed, setting snacks on the box’s table.

The view was great, the stage fully visible. Even if not prime seats, this box wasn’t cheap.

Soon, the curtain rose, actors in lavish costumes emerging from intricate sets for the first act.

“I picked this without knowing if you’d like it. I hope you enjoy it,” Kross said.

“What’s the play about?”

“A knight and a demon noblewoman falling in love during the Dark Era.”

Cross-species romance—popular everywhere, it seemed.

No way she’d fall for a spicy chicken burger, though.

“What’s the Dark Era?” Rita caught an unfamiliar term.

Kross giggled. “Are you teasing, Lady Rita?”

Her voice wavered—she wasn’t local, and this was a rare chance to learn history. “I really don’t know.”

Kross gave a “what am I gonna do with you” look. “Back then, peace didn’t exist. Races fought endlessly over land and resources, war scorching the earth, bearing a weight it couldn’t endure…”

Kross explained slowly, both mostly focused on the stage. She hushed when actors spoke or sang, timing her words perfectly.

Rita got the gist: a chaotic era of territorial wars, but with races instead of nations.

As the play unfolded, Kross tossed in occasional quips. The private box meant no worry about disturbing others, creating a cozy vibe Rita enjoyed.

“Look, the heroine’s here.” Kross pointed to a horned girl on stage.

“What race is that?” Rita rubbed her chin, recalling no such beings from her time fleeing demon lands.

“Demon,” Kross answered, then corrected herself. “Abyssal Lord, a rare demon race.”

“Abyssal Lord…” Rita repeated, mentally reviewing her experiences, confirming she’d never encountered or heard of them.

“You know, Lady Rita, ‘demon’ is a broad term. Races vastly different from us, hostile to humans during the Dark Era, get called demons. We mostly judge by experience.”

Rita knew. From leering older women to goblins with colorful weeds on their heads, swinging clubs and babbling before she twisted their heads off—grass and all—they were all “demons.”

Since Kross brought up demons, wasn’t this the perfect chance?

Casually, Rita asked, “By the way, Kross, have you ever seen a demon?”

Her question hung, unanswered, the stage’s song filling the silence.

Puzzled, Rita turned, finding Kross’s eyes wide, pupils trembling, hands clamped over her mouth to stifle an unladylike sound.

Yet Rita caught the retching noise from Kross’s throat.