The Demon Saint is Missing, so I Ran to Another World

A Date with the Beastman Queen (Part 2)

**Kuro**

Well, that went better than I expected. For the entire day, Ursura and I just strolled around Arles, taking her to the best spots in town. I did take them on a tour before, the first time they came to Chersea, but I guess she wasn't able to enjoy it that much since we got the Orphans with us back then. This time, we're alone; no guards, no retinue, no children. We looked like a normal couple on a date.

And of course, just like on a usual date, after we tired ourselves walking around Arles, I took her to my favorite restaurant: the Holy Frills Diner.

"!!!" Mister Ricardo threw me a bewildered look when he saw me with someone else other than Eris.

"She's another friend of mine," I explained to him.

"Friend, or girlfriend?"

"You could say that, too."

"You lady-killer!" the restauranteur grinned and elbowed me lightly.

"She's the queen of Cherwind by the way, Lady Ursura of the Beastmen," I whispered. "She is dressed like that because she didn't want her royal background to be revealed."

Mister Ricardo's eyes almost popped from their sockets as he couldn't believe what I just told him. For our date, Ursura wore a simple white dress, similar to those worn by anime girls' summer illustrations. She also got a white hat to pair with it, ostensibly to hide her face, but it did match her appearance perfectly.

One would think that the bear-woman is a gentle soul, unlike the rough and wild Ursura that I know.

"Anyway, Sir Kuro, please have a seat with your royal lady," Mister Ricardo escorted us to the best seat in his restaurant. When he made sure that we're comfortable with our spot, he took our order.

"Just the usual for me," I told him.

"I'll get what he wants," Ursura added.

"Right away!" the restauranteur quickly disappeared to his kitchen.

"..."

Honestly, I was apprehensive on telling Maddie about this date with Ursura. I mean, the Beastman Queen just came and demanded I take her out, which I kind of dreaded since it was all too sudden. I was afraid Maddie and Lily would get angry...

...or is it just my mind. See, when I was young, my family used to watch soap operas about adultery and similar stuff every night, and maybe it got into my consciousness.

"..."

But then, I was feeling kind of weird when talking to them earlier. It's as if they're forcing themselves to smile and encourage me to take Ursura on a date.

Ah, I guess I should stop thinking about those things and focus on the person I'm with.

"Hey!"

"Hm?"

"You alright, Kuro?"

"Hm? Ah, yes! Why?"

"You look like you're thinking of something."

"Oh?"

The bear-woman nodded, "Let me guess; it's those girls back at the Holy Palatial Gardens, no?"

When she said that, I nearly jolted. I don't know if she saw that, but if she did, I got a lot of explaining to do.

"Just what I expected," Ursura had a grin on her face, but I could tell there's sadness in her eyes. "Well, I guess I couldn't compete with someone who is with you longer."