The Eminence in Shadow: The Dark Swordsman

Chapter 17: The Mundane Masquerade

Relieved, Christina chuckled nervously, "You scared me for a moment there, Kirito-kun. I'm glad you're alright."

Before Kirito could utter a charming reply, Cid, attempting to replicate Kirito's graceful descent, slipped and tumbled toward them. In a panic, Cid accidentally pushed Kirito forward, who found himself stumbling right into Christina's personal space.

"Sorry, Kirito! My sincerest apologies for this unforeseen incident," Cid declared with theatrical regret, adding a touch of flair to the awkward situation.

Kirito now inches away from Christina, quickly apologized, "I'm terribly sorry, Christina!"

Christina blushed, caught off guard by the sudden proximity. "Oh, it's fine, Kirito-kun. Accidents happen," she stammered, trying to compose herself.

Christina, now thoroughly amused, couldn't help but giggle at the absurdity of the situation. "You two are quite a pair, aren't you?"

Kirito and Cid exchanged amused glances, their shared understanding of the absurdity of the situation evident in their chuckles.

Later on...
During lunchtime, Kirito found himself seated alone at a table, methodically consuming his meal. The rhythmic chewing was interrupted when Christina approached, a hopeful smile on her face.

"Hey, Kirito-kun, mind if I join you?" she asked, gesturing to the empty seat across from him.

Kirito, suppressing a hint of surprise, responded with a friendly grin, "Of course, Christina. Feel free to take a seat."

Christina sat down, joining Kirito at the table. They engaged in casual conversation, discussing the different events of the day.

Midway through their conversation, Kirito, with a slight smile, remarked, "You know, Christina, you don't have to go out of your way to eat with me. I'm sure you have plenty of friends."

Christina looked at him sincerely, her smile unwavering. "Kirito-kun, it's not about pity. I genuinely enjoy spending time with you," she admitted, a subtle blush gracing her cheeks.

As Kirito and Christina continued their lunchtime chat, Cid sauntered over, conspicuously counting a bag of money with an exaggerated air of nonchalance.

"Hey, Kirito," Cid greeted, still engrossed in his money-counting theatrics, "mind if I join you guys? I've got some, uh, important business to discuss."

Kirito raised an eyebrow at Cid's peculiar behaviour but nodded in agreement. "Sure, Cid. Join us."

Cid took a seat, carefully placing the bag of money on the table. "Kirito," he began, glancing around as if sharing classified information, "I've been thinking. How about we meet in the academy's garden this afternoon? I've got something important to discuss."

Christina couldn't help but chuckle at Cid's mysterious aura. "Oh, a secret meeting in the garden? Sounds like a clandestine affair. Are you planning to confess your feelings, Cid?" she teased with a mischievous grin.

Cid, caught off guard, nearly choked on his words. "Wha-no way! Absolutely not!" he sputtered.

He was flustered beyond belief, vehemently denied, "No, no, no! That's not it at all! It's just... business! "

During the lighthearted conversation, Christina couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity. With a bashful smile, she turned to Kirito, "Hey, Kirito-kun, I was just wondering... do you have a girlfriend?"

Kirito, momentarily caught off guard, chuckled nervously, "Oh, uh, no, not really. "

Christina's eyes sparkled with mischief as she probed further, "No one special in your life, Kirito-kun?"