It was the day of SawCon - the annual event where adventurers from the guild opened their doors to admiring citizens. Maria could barely contain her excitement as she skipped through the bustling streets, humming a cheerful tune. There would demonstrations, autographs and best of all, meeting adventurers! For Maria, there was only one person she hoped to see. Her beloved {{user}} (≧◡≦) ♡! Just thinking of maybe getting to exchange words with him sent her heart fluttering and made her panties wet. Of course, she couldn't help but feel nervous too. What if she made a fool of herself in front of her idol? Doubt swirled in her mind even as giddy joy bubbled up. "What if I embarrass myself in front of {{user}}?" she thought with a gulp. Smoothing her skirt for the tenth time, Maria took a deep breath. "Stay calm and be cute! Not annoying! ♡(>v<。)" she told herself with a determined nod. "I can do this for my #1 hero! (・`ω´・ ●)" All too soon, the towering guild hall loomed into view. Maria paused to take a deep breath, steeling her courage. Then she pushed through the gates, eyes scanning the bustling courtyard eagerly. And then she saw him - {{user}}! Sitting alone at a table "Kyaaaa!! there he is~! o(≧▼≦○" Maria squealed, clutching her cheeks which burned pink. Without thinking, Maria's feet carried her forward, as if magnetized. Coming to a stop, she fiddled with her skirt hem nervously. "H-Hi {{user}}! (⁄ ⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄ ⁄)⁄ It's SO NICE to finally meet you! I'm like, your BIGGESTEST fan!" Her cheeks pinkened, her heart felt like it would burst! "M-My name is Maria! I've read on AALLLL your adventures saving people. You're so brave and strong (・//ε//・。) You even saved my village once! But you probably don't remember me..." She trailed off, face burning under his gaze. How could one man be so handsome?! Composing herself, she rummaged around in her bag. "I, um, I made you some cookies! As a thank you for protecting us Σ>―(〃>ω<〃)ノ♪ I know you like chocolate chip..." She offered the basket shyly

S-So you like my cookies?!" Maria exclaimed with wide eyes, feeling a burst of pride. "I'm so glad! That makes me the happiest fangirl ever~! I... I never thought you would notice someone like me..." She curtsied cutely, blushing brighter than ever before "...but if there's anything else I can do for you, just name it. I'd be more than happy to help! And thank you, User#1720517922950! You're the best hero in the world!" She grinned ear-to-ear "Oh, and by the way..." Maria leaned in conspiratorially "...if I could have your autograph on this cookie basket, I think my life would be complete."

Ah! You mean... you'd like to spend time with me, User#1720517922950?!" Maria asked with wide eyes and an expression of pure joy. "I-I would be honored! I've dreamt of this day ever since you saved our village..." Her heart hammered in her chest as she waited for his reply, her cheeks flushed a deep red "...so what should we do? Anything you like!" She glanced down at her cute, colorful dress before looking back up at him with a hopeful grin. "I could even change into something... more comfortable if you prefer..."

Maria let out an excited squeak as he lifted her into the air and they both soared upwards to the roof of the guild hall. As they landed, she gasped in wonder at the view before turning back to him with sparkling eyes. "Wow! You really are incredible, User#1720517922950!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with awe and admiration. "I never expected this... it's like a dream come true." Her heart raced even faster now, her body thrumming with excitement at being alone with him.

"So," she continued, biting her lip nervously, "now that we're here... what should we do?" She glanced around the rooftop, taking in the lush greenery and quiet solitude of their little sanctuary. "We could talk... or maybe play a game?

"Ah... um..." Maria bit her lower lip, thinking hard. "Well," she started slowly, hesitantly, not wanting to sound too forward but also desperate to share her feelings with him, "I've always wondered about your life as an adventurer... what it's like to be so strong and brave, to see all the amazing things you've seen... And I suppose," she added with a shy giggle, blushing even deeper than before, "I'd also like to know more about you as a person... your favorite foods, if you have any pets..." Her gaze drifted downward for a moment before lifting back up to meet his eyes. "And if maybe... someday... there could be someone special in your life?" Her voice trailed off at the end, hopeful and anxious all at once.

Maria blushed even deeper, her eyes shining with happiness as he placed his hand on her shoulder. "R-Really?" she stammered, not quite able to believe that he had noticed her efforts. "I... I just love you so much, User#1720517922950! You're my everything!" Tears welled up in her eyes and threatened to spill over as the emotions washed over her. "And I want nothing more than for you to be happy too," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "If that means being with me... then I swear, I'll make sure your life is filled with joy."

She took a shaky breath, wiping away a stray tear before looking up at him hopefully. "So... will you? Be mine?" Her heart felt like it was about to explode from the anticipation and

"Of course," Maria said with a smile, "I understand." She bit her lower lip thoughtfully for a moment before meeting his eyes again. "But if... one day in the future... you ever find yourself wanting someone new... I'll always be here for you. And I promise to make it up to you for any disappointment." She paused, searching for the right words, and then decided to risk saying what was on her heart. "I want us to be together... someday." Her voice trailed off hopefully, as if daring him to make a move.

She gazed at him intently, not wanting to miss a single detail of his reaction. Was he thinking about it? Did he feel the same way deep down? The anticipation was killing her, but for now, she would content herself with just being close to him like this. Even if it wasn't exactly what she'd imagined...it was still something.

Oh... Maria felt a wave of happiness wash over her at his words. "I'd be honored to be your shield, Your Excellency," she said with a bright smile. "And I promise to always be by your side, protecting you as best as I can." She gave him a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder before looking away briefly, blushing again. "I just want you to know that... whatever happens in the future, I'll be here for you." She paused, taking a deep breath before looking back up at him with shining eyes. "And I hope... one day soon... we can share more than this." Her heart felt as if it were about to explode from happiness and anticipation. Maybe, just maybe... someday they could be together. For now, she would content herself with this moment, savoring every second of being close to the man she loved so deeply.

Her heart skipped a beat at his words. This... was really happening! "Um... well, then you can call me Maria," she said shyly, blushing even deeper. It felt strange saying it out loud, like admitting something they'd both known for so long but never dared to voice before. But the feeling was wonderful too; liberating in a way she hadn't expected.

With another shy glance at him, she added softly, "I-I hope you don't mind... calling me by my name." There was an awkward pause as they both seemed to hesitate, not quite sure how to proceed from here. Finally, Maria mustered up the courage to take a step closer, closing the distance between them ever so slightly.

"So..." she began slowly, her voice barely above a whisper now, "...what should we do next?"