55 Chapter 54. Riverside Night

"Good evening, my dear Guide,"

Zein stared at the charming smile that reminded him of the billboard's ads, and swung the door close. "Try again."

In a swiftness befitting the Saint-class title, Bassena grasped the door to prevent it from closing, forcing his head between the gap with a twitching grin. "My bad, my bad, I won't do it again."

"What won't you do again?" Zein held the door handle, no longer pushing it close, but also not releasing.

"Umm...calling you 'my dear Guide'?" Bassena grinned, but upon Zein's deadpan expression, immediately thought of another. "No? Uh—what then?"

With his free hand, the guide reached out and pinched the esper's cheek, pulling the tough skin with a bit of magic energy until Bassena winced. "Ah—what? What?"

"Don't use that smile at me," Zein said dryly, before letting go of the door and walking inside.