A Day to Relax

"When was the last time you took a break?" The librarian waltzed over to Jean's desk. The seemingly endless piles of papers only seemed to grow higher even as Jean worked over sleepless nights. "Honestly, you need one."

The role of acting grandmaster was a huge burden that laid on Jean's shoulders. There was barely any time to herself, let alone to take a day off. He entrusted her, and her alone, with this and she didn't plan on letting him down.

"I'm fine, Lisa. Really. I'll get this done. It'll just take me a few days." Ah yes, it would take much more than that to convince Jean. Lucky for Lisa, she knew a few ways to get Jean to budge.

"Oh? But you say that about everything. You've started to neglect your girlfriend." The woman with the witch's hat went over to the bookcase, eying it.

"What? I'm not neglecting you, I talk to you everyday, Lisa." She smiled abit, shaking her head.

"And yet you never hug or kiss me. Quite mean if you ask me. Give me the cold shoulder and all." She was merely teasing. She took a book from the shelf, flipping through the pages.

Jean stood up, going over to Lisa and hugging her. "I'm sorry, I never meant to. I still... get hesitant with affection. But I'll keep working at it."

The other turned around and smiled. "Yes yes, you work too hard." She sighed and put the book back. "Let's spend today together, alright?"

Jean was hesitant to agree. "I... I don't know-"

"Oh come on, you're taking a break today. I'm ordering you to." She raised a teasing eyebrow.

Jean laughed and shook her head. "Alright, alright fine. You win." She smiled at Lisa. "What would you like to do?"

"We haven't been out on a date in a while. Would you like to go to Good Hunter with me?"

"Sure, I am a bit hungry. Lead the way."
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Lisa sat down at their table with a sigh. "Mm, seems like everyone had the same idea as us." She laughed a bit. "I don't mind waiting, though."

Jean looked at the line, nodding in agreement. "Yes, it seems we got here in time to beat the rush."

The librarian thought for a moment before sighing. "Alright, come on, let's hear it. What's been keeping you busy for all these days? Certainly not only paperwork?"

The other only laughed and shook her head. "Always knowing hm? Well.... Alright. In all honesty, it's been difficult for me to focus on work these days. I find myself getting easily lost in thought."

"That's unusual." Lisa looked surprised, "what's on your mind, dear?" She tilted her head.

"I'm worried about grandmaster Varka. He's fully capable, yes. But it's been so long since he set out.... I-"

Lisa hummed, "I suppose it's only in your nature to worry. But you know, he's the most seasoned adventurer. There's nothing he can't handle. Is that all that's on your mind?"

Jean huffed and leaned into the table, slumping down. "I don't know. I think I'm just overwhelmed. Taking care of everything, it's so much. It's hard to back away and stop. I wonder what I'll end up doing once varka returns."

"Oh, well of course you're overwhelmed. You're taking care of everyone's requests and fulfilling your role as acting grandmaster. Honestly Jean, I think you already know what I'm going to say. You need to take a break; or else something is going to slip through the cracks."

"I-" she sighed, "I know. I suppose doing it is a lot harder than it sounds. But I'll keep trying, for you."

"Not for me, for you. You're the one that needs this, not me. I mean, I'd very much enjoy it if we could take breaks together."