[+1 Gold Coin Gained.]

Leonard straightened up as the system's notification flashed before his face. He used his shirt to wipe the sweat that was continuing to drip on his forehead before taking a sigh.

It was time for him to go back to his room so he could shower and change into new clothes. However, before he could turn around, a soft voice called out to him.

"Leonard?"

His head snapped to the side immediately.

Standing a short distance away from him was Anika. She was holding a basket of bread wrapped in cloth. Her wide eyes blinked at him in surprise, as if she'd just caught sight of something unbelievable.

"A-Anika." Leonard stiffened, lowering his shirt quickly as if she hadn't just seen him rin this state, drenched in sweat. "Uh… good morning."

Anika, who was surprised, tilted her head to the side. Her eyes were still on him.

"You're… working out?"

Leonard coughed into his fist, trying to play it cool.

"Yeah, just… You know. Some exercise. Nothing big." He forced a smile on his face.

Anika's lips parted away slightly, then closed again. Her eyes flickered once to his chest and arms before quickly looking away, her cheeks suddenly became pink. She quickly moved the basket in her hands as if to give them something to do.

"I-I didn't know you did things like this."

Leonard scratched the back of his head, embarrassed.

"Well, I, uh… just started recently. Keeps me sharp, I guess."

For a brief moment, the silence stretched between them. Anika peeked at him again, only to quickly glance away, her ears red now too. She bit her lower lip as if trying to stop herself from saying something, but her gaze had already betrayed her.

Leonard, noticing her blushing face, felt his own cheeks heat up.

"Oi, don't look at me like that. I'm a mess right now."

"I-I wasn't looking!" she stammered, her voice was a little too high than she normally has.

Leonard smirked despite himself, a little pride sneaking in with his embarrassment. He wiped at his neck with his shirt again and straightened up, trying to sound casual.

"Anyway… you're out early. Did you go to the bakery?"

Anika nodded quickly, still avoiding his eyes.

"Y-Yes. I was thinking of inviting you all to have breakfast in my room. That's all."

Leonard nodded at her words, feeling his lips tug into a small grin.

"Breakfast, huh? Sounds good. Just wait for me then. I'll go take a quick shower and change."

Anika's fingers tightened around the basket, her eyes flickering to his for a moment before darting away.

"S-Sure. Take your time."

"Alright," Leonard muttered, followed by a chuckle. He was trying to sound more casual than he felt. Finding the opportunity, he quickly turned around and started walking toward their inn.

Suddenly, he became more aware of how much of a mess he looked like.

When Leonard left, Anika was left standing in the same place. She only watched as Leonard walked away from her.

When he disappeared right before her eyes, she blinked once. Then twice.

"What am I thinking?" she whispered under her breath.

But no matter how hard she tried to shove it away, the image of Leonard, with sweat dripping down his jaw, his shirt clinging to his chest and arms, flashed vividly in her mind.

Her heart gave a strange flutter.

Her face warmed immediately, and she shook her head furiously, muttering to herself,

"No, Anika. Don't think about that. Stop it."

Biting her lip, she turned quickly and started walking toward the inn, too. She almost ran away as if doing so would help her run from her own thoughts, too.

- - -

By the time Leonard finished showering and changing, the lingering stickiness of sweat was gone, replaced with the fresh feeling. Just like their conversation, he made his way to Anika's room once he was done.

The door of her room was already open. The warm smell of baked bread drifted out, making his stomach grumble in hunger.

Inside, the others had already gathered.

Anika had set some simple bowls, cups of milk, and the basket of fresh bread she had bought earlier on the table in their room. Her face brightened slightly when Leonard stepped in, though she quickly turned her attention back to arranging the food.

"Leonard, you're here," she said, her voice softer than usual.

"Yeah. The bread smells good," Leonard said as he took a seat. His eyes swept across the table, and he couldn't help the faint smile tugging at his lips.

"You didn't have to do all this, Anika."

"It's nothing big," she replied, shrugging her shoulders. "I just thought it would be nice to eat together before the day starts."

"Yes, Boss! Anika is right!"

"Eat with us, Boss!"

The others also cheered in a loud voice, even raising the piece of bread they were holding.

Leonard couldn't help but chuckle at their loud voices, shaking his head as he reached for a piece of bread too.

"Tsk, tsk… all of you better eat properly," he said, "Because once this breakfast is over, you're going straight into battle."

Eric and Ferio laughed at it.

"Don't worry, boss, we'll conquer them all!"

"Yes. Yes. We'll eat now, fight later!"

Their laughter was loud and carefree. Leonard only smirked, tearing his bread in half before taking a bite. On the side, Gareth remained silent, but he would also join their conversation from time to time.

"Alright," Leonard said once the laughter had settled into smaller chuckles. He raised his bread like a toast, the grin never leaving his face.

"Eat up, guys. Today's going to be tougher than yesterday. But that's fine, because we'll be tougher too."

"Yeah!" they shouted in unison, their voices brimming with confidence.

The room was filled with excitement again.

Leonard took another bite of his bread, savoring the warmth spreading through him. Eating is really the best after working out.

Then, almost unconsciously, his gaze drifted to the side.

Anika was eating with a smile on her face. She was laughing with the others, especially with Eric and Ferio, who had so much story to share. She looked so carefree that time.

'She really looks pretty, doesn't she?' he thought as a smile slowly crossed his face.

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