The Water Magician

Gordon was elated.

For the first time in his twenty-three years of life, he was finally getting attention from women.

The blazing flame mage Gordon of the Hero Party wasn’t bad looking, to say the least.

In fact, he could be said to have above-average looks.

However, he was a bit rough around the edges, slightly overconfident, and had a tendency to look down on others.

Each of these traits could be considered factors that made him unappealing to women.

While one might overlook a single flaw, having all three was simply too much.

Yet, a woman who was utterly taken by Gordon finally appeared.

She was Nancy, the secretary of Viscount Oswin Fletcher.

Viscount Oswin Fletcher was a composed individual who wore a monocle and had been entrusted with managing the interests of Duke Flitwick's house in the royal capital, essentially placing him in a senior advisor position.

His secretary Nancy was a cute young woman with lively eyes who had just turned twenty, and Gordon was completely smitten with her.

As spring finally arrived for Gordon…

Hero Roman was overjoyed.

Bellrock, the earth attribute mage, toasted several times to celebrate.

Cleric Graham nodded without changing his expression.

However, the wind attribute mage Alicia, the scout Maurice, and the enchanter Ashkan frowned.

"Are you sure? You’re not being deceived, right?"

"If a girl is attracted to Gordon, she must have bad eyesight."

"…"

Each expressed their concerns in their own way.

After arriving in the royal capital, the Hero Party had requested an audience with the king.

However, due to the king's health concerns, they were being kept at Duke Flitwick's residence.

They were living without any discomfort, and with Gordon’s newfound romance, there were no particular issues.

Cleric Graham was engrossed in discussions about the Light Priest of the Central Nations, various gods, and their teachings, leading a fulfilling daily life.

The trio of Alicia, Maurice, and Ashkan were also having tea parties with the maids of the duke's residence, establishing personal connections.

That day, Gordon was set to go out with Nancy.

Nancy had invited Gordon to a newly opened shop in the royal capital.

Could it be a date?

Gordon's excitement peaked, but his mood plummeted when he discovered that two other members would be joining them.

"Roman… Bellrock… why are you two here?"

"Well, it seems Nancy is treating us," Bellrock replied, scratching his head.

"We thought it would be rude to intrude…" Roman added, scratching his cheek.

Just then, Nancy arrived.

She whispered to Gordon, "I’m sorry, Gordon. The viscount insisted on bringing both of them along to entertain you..."

Nancy spoke apologetically.

"Oh, uh, no, I don’t mind at all! Yeah, it’s disrespectful to go against the viscount's wishes. No problem at all!"

"Really? Gordon, you’re so kind!"

Saying this, Nancy clung to Gordon's arm.

Gordon's face turned bright red, and he wore a lovesick expression...

Gordon's first date was going smoothly.

He completely ignored the two men trailing behind him, his gaze filled only with Nancy.

They meandered around the vicinity of a building known as the 'Kingdom Magic Research Institute', or rather 'Ilalion Mansion', which featured delicious eateries and wonderful clothing stores, so he didn't mind at all.

In the first place, Gordon, unfamiliar with the geography of the royal capital, had no idea where they were heading.

The two men following behind also disregarded the couple in front of them, entering shops at will, buying tempting food, and admiring the items sold at weapon shops, fully enjoying their time.

But tragedy struck suddenly.

The two men had wandered off somewhere, leaving Gordon and Nancy to have lunch at a stylish restaurant. While Gordon was settling the bill, Nancy stepped outside first.

As Gordon paid and stepped outside… to his horror, he found Nancy collapsed, blood pouring from her mouth.

"Nancy!"

Gordon rushed to help Nancy up.

"Gordon..."

She gasped out his name weakly.

"What happened…?"

In a hurry, Gordon pulled out the potion he always carried and made Nancy drink it.