The Eminence in Shadow: The Dark Swordsman

Chapter 36: Ticking Time of Misfortunes

As Kirito and Alpha strolled through Lindwurm, the bustling city streets alive with activity, Alpha couldn't help but laugh lightly. "I've missed having these kinds of conversations with you," she remarked, a hint of nostalgia in her voice.

Kirito smiled softly, his gaze drifting across the colourful array of shops and vendors. "We are both more than busy these days," he replied, a note of resignation in his tone.

"That's true," Alpha admitted with a nod, her expression reflecting a mix of agreement and wistfulness. "I cherish these moments with you, Kirito. You're the only guy I ever talked to freely, aside from Lord Shadow," she confessed, a hint of vulnerability creeping into her voice. "And with you, I don't have to maintain that air of authority. It's... refreshing."

Kirito's smile widened at Alpha's words. "I'm glad you feel that way, Alpha."

As Kirito and Alpha continued their stroll, suddenly a group of girls nearby noticed him and started to whisper excitedly amongst themselves. Then, one of them recognized him and exclaimed, "Oh my gosh, is that Kirito Kuroha?"

Another girl in the group overheard the exclamation and chimed in, "He's even more handsome up close!"

Kirito's smile faltered slightly as he heard the commotion, his gaze flickering nervously between Alpha and the approaching group of girls. "Um, Alpha, we might need to find a way to avoid unnecessary attention," he whispered, a hint of panic in his voice.

One girl from the group exclaimed excitedly, "Come on, let's go after him!" The group then started to move in Kirito's direction, their voices growing louder with excitement.

Alpha noticed Kirito's unease as the group of girls approached, and a mischievous smirk played on her lips. Sensing his discomfort, she reached out and gently affectionately took his hand, intertwining their fingers as she pulled him closer to her side.

Kirito's heart fluttered at the unexpected gesture, feeling a rush of embarrassment flood his cheeks as Alpha leaned in, embracing his arm with a warm smile. "Alpha, what are you doing?" he whispered, his voice tinged with both surprise and bashfulness.

"I'm just ensuring we blend in seamlessly," Alpha replied casually, her smirk widening as she glanced back at the approaching group of girls. "Besides, it's not every day we get to enjoy a leisurely stroll without interruptions, right?"

As the group of girls closed in, their excitement palpable, Alpha tightened her grip on Kirito's arm, flashing a confident smirk. "Sorry, ladies, but Kirito's booked solid today. He's all mine," she declared with playful assertiveness, her tone dripping with faux possessiveness.

The girls paused in surprise, their eyes darting between Kirito and Alpha, unsure of how to react. Finally, one of them managed to stammer out, "Uh, really? But we're huge fans!"

Alpha shot Kirito a knowing look, her smirk growing wider as she nudged him gently. "Right, Kirito?" she prompted, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

Caught off guard by Alpha's antics, Kirito blinked in confusion before quickly catching on. "Uh, yeah, sorry, ladies. Busy day," he chimed in with a slightly awkward grin, trying his best to play along.

The girls exchanged bewildered glances, then shrugged, realizing they wouldn't be getting any closer to their idol today. With disappointed murmurs, they reluctantly began to disperse, leaving Kirito and Alpha to continue their stroll in peace.

Alpha couldn't contain her laughter as she watched them go, squeezing Kirito's arm affectionately. "Well, that was certainly unexpected," she chuckled, giving him a playful wink. "But hey, at least we dodged that bullet, right?"