Back in the hallway, Lily lifted the money bag and gave Mia a questioning look.

"How much is this worth?" she asked, handing it to Mia. She peeked inside and whistled.

"That's dozens of gold coins, which are the universal currency found in the dungeons," she explained. "You could buy decent gear, and have enough left to live comfortably for like half a year. not that you have to worry about that sort of thing, being an Avatar."

That was significantly more money than Lily expected, but she was glad that she would have some money of her own. She was sure that the temple or Mia would lend her money if she needed it, but she didn't want to be a charity case.

Good timing too, considering that I am about to go on my first date, she thought as she took the pouch back and placed it into her bag, to store it in her inventory. Strangely enough, it didn't disappear like items normally did, and she looked at Mia all confused.

"Ah, that's just a quirk of the inventory system. The Avatar who created it millennia ago specifically prevented it from storing the dungeon coins," she explained, shrugging. "The reason why he did that has been lost to time."

Lily nodded, and the girls made their way out of the building. The carriage was waiting for them, as usual, so it was time to find out what Mia had planned for the day.

"Well we are finished with the Guild, so I suppose it's time that I fulfill my obligation," Lily said. "Lead the way."

"Not so fast," Mia replied. "We finished in good time, so let's head back to the estate and prepare properly." She pointed at the red shirt and blue pants she was wearing:

"These are functional, but if I am going on a date with the Avatar of the goddess of love and beauty, they feel inadequate. Besides, some of the activities I planned don't start until later today."

Lily could see her point, and truthfully she was willing to go along with pretty much anything Mia suggested at this point, and not just because of the bet. It seemed like the girl put a lot of thought into her plans, and Lily liked her confident, bossy side a lot.

"Ok, you're the boss today," Lily said, and Mia chuckled.

"I'll hold you to that," she replied as she entered the carriage. Lily got in, sat across from her, and Mia gave the signal to go.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

One short ride later, the girls were back at the manor. Before going into her own room, Mia told Lily to be ready in about an hour. That was plenty of time, so Lily decided to take a quick shower. With that done, it was time to pick out clothes, and with a lot more options than she was used to, that was easier said than done. She shuffled through the giant wardrobe, picking out items to try out. Eventually, she settled on a simple red summer dress that was knee high, along with a lacy black bra and matching panties. Finally, she picked out a lavender perfume that wasn't too overpowering for her enhanced sense of smell, and sat down to wait for Mia.

It's been a long time since I was this excited for a date, Lily thought, not even trying to delude herself into thinking that she was only going out with Mia because of the bet. Her own innate caution and the circumstances of their meeting prevented her from making the first move, but she was glad Mia didn't waste any time.

She didn't have to wait for the dark haired girl long, as a few minutes later she heard a knock on the door. "Come in," Lily replied, and Mia stepped through. It was as if summer itself entered Lily's room. Her sky-blue dress flowed around her as she moved, the floral patterns making Lily a little dizzy. She smelled of roses and honey and her emerald eyes glowed with the joy of life itself

"Wow, you are even more beautiful than usual," Lily said, her mind grasping for words.

"Thank you," Mia replied. "I did my best, yet I know my mortal beauty can not compare to one as illustrious as you, Your Grace."

From her tone, Lily could tell Mia was half joking, but before she could respond, the smaller girl pulled out a golden flower from behind her back.

"A beautiful lily for the most beautiful Lily," Mia said, handing it to the taller girl.

"Thank you," Lily replied, her cheeks heating. "That's very thoughtful of you." She went over to her bedside table, and placed the flower into the ornate porcelain vase that decorated it.

"First, we are going to have a nice little picnic in the town park," Mia spoke as Lily filled the vase with water. "Then, we'll go on a nice walk across town, before watching a play at the theater."

That seemed like a good plan for a first date, Lily thought. Back on Earth, I always liked going out to see a movie on a date, and since that's not an option here, a play sounds good.

"Lead the way," she said, and Mia grabbed her by the hand. They made their way downstairs, and into the courtyard. This time, a different carriage waited for them. It was smaller, and more ornately decorated. The heart shaped windows gave it a real fairy tale feel, and Lily hoped that it would not turn into a pumpkin when the clock struck midnight. There were no guards, only a single woman in the driver's seat who saluted them as they passed. Lily went in first, and Mia sat across from her.

The intimate space, combined with the tinted windows and the sinfully comfortable seats gave the ride a more romantic feel.

Wow, she's really going all out to impress me, Lily thought as they set off. This time, Mia explained, they would be going to the town's southern edge, where the park was.

That meant more things and places Lily hadn't seen before, and she quickly started asking questions.

Reminds me of our first ride together, Mia thought as Lily pointed at another building she wanted to know about. Of course, back then I wasn't as madly in love with her. I think she likes me too, which is more than I dared hope for when I found out she was an Avatar of Dahlia. I would have been happy with just being one of the girls in her party, someone whose presence was tolerated due to her skill. Someone who would warm her bed during a cold night in the dungeon, nothing more. But now that I have a chance for something more, I can't screw it up. With newfound determination, she shifted in her seat slightly and started answering Lily's question.