Na-Isekai Ako
Chapter 61: Is This What They Call ‘Romantic Tension’?

Chapter 61: Is This What They Call ‘Romantic Tension’?

The festival was in full swing, bursting with the lively energy of merchants shouting deals, children weaving through the crowd with sticky sweets, and musicians filling the air with cheerful tunes. Lanterns swung overhead, casting a warm golden glow over the bustling streets. It was, by all accounts, a perfect night.

And yet, Katherine was painfully aware of the tall, smug noble strolling beside her.

Adolfo walked with an easy confidence, hands tucked behind his back, surveying the festival as if he owned it. Which, knowing him, he probably thought he did.

"So, what should we do first, my dear lady?" he asked, glancing at her with an amused glint in his eye. "I’d hate for you to think I dragged you here without a plan."

Katherine rolled her eyes. "Right, because you’re such a meticulous planner."

"Of course." He smirked. "I planned to see you flustered at least three times tonight. We’re already at two, so I’d say things are going quite well."

Oh, he was impossible.

Ignoring him, she turned her attention to the nearest stall. A vendor was selling an assortment of beautifully crafted masks, each decorated with intricate embroidery and shimmering gemstones. Katherine reached for a deep blue one with silver filigree, only for Adolfo to pluck it right from her grasp.

"Hey!" She spun to glare at him, hands on her hips.

Adolfo studied the mask for a moment before holding it up to her face. "It suits you."

She blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "You—"

"It brings out your eyes." He tilted his head, as if considering. "Mysterious. Enchanting. A bit mischievous."

Katherine’s brain short-circuited for half a second. Was he... serious? Complimenting her? In a way that actually sounded genuine?

Absolutely not.

She refused to let herself be affected. "Are you saying I have a mischievous face?" she deadpanned.

He grinned. "I’m saying you have the face of someone who causes trouble and enjoys every second of it."

"Wow. Flattery."

"You’re welcome." He handed the mask to the vendor and paid for it before she could protest.

Katherine narrowed her eyes at him. "I was going to buy that myself."

"Consider it a gift," he said smoothly, placing the mask in her hands.

She stared at it for a moment before sighing. "Fine. But I’m picking the next thing we do."

"Lead the way, my lady." He gestured dramatically, as if she were royalty.

Rolling her eyes, she turned on her heel and strode deeper into the marketplace, determined to find something to throw him off his game.

Then she saw it.

A food stall selling what appeared to be deep-fried festival snacks. Skewers of golden, crispy deliciousness. And next to them—oh yes—something that resembled a challenge.

A row of skewers labeled "The Inferno Special", bright red with ominous warnings scribbled on the sign: "Only for the brave! Caution: Extremely spicy!"

Katherine smirked. Oh, this was perfect.

Turning to Adolfo, she put on her best innocent expression. "Since you were so generous, my lord, allow me to treat you in return."

He arched a brow. "Oh?"

She pointed to the fiery skewers. "I think these would be a great experience."

Adolfo followed her gaze, his smirk unwavering. "Spicy food, huh? You think you can handle it?"

"I know I can handle it." Katherine crossed her arms. "The real question is—can you?"

His smile widened, full of confidence. "I’ll eat anything you eat, my lady."

Katherine grinned, placing the order. The vendor handed them each a skewer, giving Adolfo a particularly knowing look. "Good luck, sir."

Adolfo simply gave a small nod before taking a bite.

For a moment, everything was fine.

And then—

Katherine watched as his expression barely flickered, but the slight tension in his jaw gave him away. His usual composed demeanor was holding on for dear life. Oh, this was gold.

"So?" she asked sweetly, nibbling her own skewer with zero issues. "How is it?"

Adolfo swallowed, his voice even. "It’s... delightful."

Katherine almost burst out laughing. She could see it now—the tiniest bead of sweat forming at his temple, the way his fingers curled ever so slightly as if bracing himself against the fire in his mouth.

"Oh, I’m sure," she said, biting back a grin. "Would you like some water?"

"I don’t need water," he replied immediately, but there was the slightest edge of strain in his voice.

Katherine leaned in, enjoying this way too much. "You sure? I wouldn’t want my ’future fiancé’ to faint in the middle of the festival."

Adolfo shot her a sharp look. "I am completely fine."

Katherine finally let out a giggle, and Adolfo shot her a narrow look. "You planned this."

"I have no idea what you’re talking about." She smiled innocently.

He exhaled, tilting his head at her, eyes glinting with something both amused and dangerously competitive. "Alright, Lady Noraleigha. That’s how we’re playing this?"

Katherine took another bite of her skewer, meeting his gaze with a challenge of her own. "Oh, my dear lord," she said sweetly. "This festival is fun isn’t, my lord?"

She chuckled.

***

Katherine couldn’t help but enjoy the sight of Adolfo valiantly battling the fiery skewers while desperately trying to maintain his noble composure. His face was a masterpiece of restrained agony, and she relished every moment of his struggle.

As she took another bite of her own skewer, she caught a glimpse of the vendor watching them, barely suppressing a grin. "You might want to keep some milk on hand for your friend!" he called out, laughter in his voice.

Adolfo shot him a look, the humor faltering slightly as he reached for the glass of water at the stall. "I’m perfectly fine," he insisted, though the sheen of sweat at his brow contradicted his words.

"Sure you are, my lord," Katherine said, barely able to keep a straight face. "In fact, I’d say you look radiant."

Adolfo downed half the glass in one go, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Next challenge?" he asked, his voice still a bit shaky, but his eyes sparkled with determination. "I believe I’m ready."

Katherine pondered, scanning the stalls around them. Then, her gaze fell on a ring toss game featuring colorful, oversized bottles and wooden rings. The thought of him trying to toss the rings while still recovering from the skewers made her chuckle.

"How about that?" she suggested, pointing to the game. "Best two out of three? Winner gets to choose the next activity."

He followed her gaze and raised an amused eyebrow. "You think you can best me at ring toss, Katherine?"

"What? Afraid you’ll lose to a lady?" she teased, crossing her arms.

Adolfo leaned in closer, his expression playful yet challenging. "Afraid? Hardly. I welcome the competition. Prepare to be humbled."

"Or prepare to have your ego bruised," she shot back, already moving towards the game.

They approached the ring toss booth, where a jovial vendor greeted them. "Try your luck, my friends! Three rings for a coin, and win a prize!"

"I’ll take it," Adolfo said, handing over a coin before Katherine could protest. The vendor handed him the rings, and he turned to Katherine with a confident smile. "Ladies first."

She accepted the rings, eyeing the bottles and calculating her strategy. "Don’t get too comfortable," she warned, focusing on her first throw. She let the ring fly smoothly and watched it land perfectly around the neck of a bottle.

"Impressive," Adolfo said, nodding in genuine respect. "But just wait."

He took his turn next, and with a flick of his wrist, he tossed a ring that landed securely around another bottle. "One point for me," he said, the corners of his mouth curling upward.

Katherine narrowed her eyes but kept her cool. She took her second throw, and while it landed close, it didn’t quite make it. "Still one to nothing," she said with a light laugh.

Adolfo took his next shot, and triumphantly, his ring landed securely as well. "Two points for me!" He couldn’t hide his smile.

"Fine, fine. But it’s not over yet," Katherine retorted, her competitive spirit kicking in. She tossed her final ring, fully focused—and missed completely, the ring bouncing off the edge of a bottle.

"Zero points for the lady," Adolfo teased, stepping up for his last shot with confidence. "Let’s see how well I can seal the deal."

With a determined flick, he tossed his last ring, and it swished smoothly through the air, landing perfectly around a bottle. "Three to zero," he declared with a victorious laugh, his smugness radiating.

Katherine feigned disappointment but couldn’t help but admire his success. "Well done, my lord," she said. "I guess I underestimated your ring toss abilities."

He leaned closer, a glimmer of mischief in his eye. "A lesson learned, my lady? Perhaps you should embrace my expertise moving forward."

"Maybe I should," she said, crossing her arms with a playful pout. "So, what’s your choice for our next activity, oh mighty champion?"

Adolfo’s eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "How about dinner? There’s a restaurant nearby that’s known for having the best food in the marketplace. I believe a celebration is in order for my victory."

Katherine raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Dinner? You really think you deserve a reward after smashing me in front of an audience?"

"Absolutely," he replied, his confidence unwavering. "Besides, the evening deserves to be topped off with good food, don’t you agree?"

She considered it for a moment, excitement bubbling within her. "Alright, I’m in. Let’s see if the food is as good as your ring toss skills."

As they made their way toward the restaurant, Katherine couldn’t help but feel a flutter of anticipation. The lights of the marketplace twinkled around them, and the scent of roasting meats and sweet pastries hung in the air, mingling with the distant sounds of laughter and music.

"Just stay close," Adolfo said, his gaze scanning the throngs of people pressing in around them. "I don’t want to lose you in this crowd."

Katherine smirked, feeling that familiar thrill as they weaved together through the bustling streets. "Afraid I might cause trouble?"

"Not at all," he replied with a hint of a smile. "I just want to be the one to claim that honor."

As they approached the restaurant—a charming establishment draped in lanterns and adorned with colorful banners—Katherine felt her excitement mount. Whatever awaited them inside would surely lead to new adventures—and perhaps even more playful rivalry between them.

Adolfo held the door open for her, a flourish of chivalry that made her heart race. "After you, Lady Noraleigha."

With a playful smile, Katherine stepped inside, ready to embrace the next Chapter of their evening—and the spark of magic that filled the air as they embarked on this new adventure together.