CHAPTER 493: THE LEAST I COULD DO

The sky outside had grown dark by the time Coco arrived home, the sun having already set and leaving the surroundings bathed in the gentle glow of the early evening.

She knew that Kairo would have likely already returned home from his work so by the time she walks through the door, he should be somewhere in the house— doing whatever he normally does.

Coco couldn’t contain her excitement any longer, her mind racing with thoughts after her talk with the guildmaster.

She wasn’t fully expecting the conversation from Baroness Hughes to shift to the talk of vacancies in the guild so when it came up, she was excited.

This way, I’ll be able to keep an eye on Kairo! Coco thought, slamming the door shut, her footsteps quick and light as she made her way inside the house with the only thing on her mind was finding and speaking with Kairo, eager to share the news she had just learned.

Alhai, who was on his way down, paused midway up the stairs, momentarily halting as he noticed Coco’s arrival and her bright expression.

"Someone seems cheerful." He commented, a note of amusement in his tone. "Did something good happen?"

"Alhai! Listen! I—" Coco’s face brightened further, her excitement only growing and was about to tell him why she was excited, but then she spotted Kairo emerging from his room at the end of the hallway from the corner of her eyes. "Kairo! Perfect timing!"

The sight of him caused her to abandon her response to Alhai’s earlier comment as she redirected her attention towards Kairo.

Alhai stifled a chuckle as he watched Coco quickly make her way towards Kairo, forgetting to answer his question, but he brushed it off and didn’t take offence because the mere sight of her being excited was both adorable and endearing.

With a small shake of his head, Alhai descended the stairs and walked to the kitchen, leaving the two alone in the hallway.

Kairo stood there, a puzzled expression on his face as he watched Coco approach him with eagerness and upon seeing her, he couldn’t help, but ask. "Welcome home.. Is something wrong?"

The sight of her evident excitement confused him, his eyes studying her face for any clues as to what had her so worked up.

However, Coco did something unexpected.

Kairo’s cheeks flushed slightly as Coco abruptly took hold of his hands, her action catching him off guard.

"I just had a meeting with the guildmaster!" Coco announced, her grip on his hands tight. "There’s a vacancy for a bar staff or receptionist position available at the guild!"

Kairo was visibly surprised by the news, his eyes widening slightly at Coco’s words.

"You.. Already found a job for me?" He asked, his tone filled with astonishment and reluctance because the realization that Coco probably sought out people to get him hired overwhelmed him.

Coco confirmed her words with an enthusiastic nod, her smile widening.

"Yes, and we can go tomorrow as early as tomorrow to get you interviewed!" Coco giggled and squeezed his hands. "The guildmaster really needs more help so he’s willing to take in anyone who can handle the job! Obviously, I told him that I have someone reliable in mind."

The thought of Kairo potentially securing a job at the guild filled her with satisfaction, her determination to help him find decent work somewhere she can keep an eye on him coursing strongly through her veins.

The Baroness has her eyes on him and with the guildmaster receiving a letter from her, Coco just knows that it’s best to keep Kairo close.

Kairo’s fingers instinctively tightened around Coco’s, his heart racing in his chest.

The realization that Coco had gone out of her way to help him left him speechless, gratitude, affection, and disbelief washing over him.

He took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart, and met her gaze, his eyes filled with genuine surprise and admiration— Coco immediately could tell that he was overwhelmed with emotions.

Coco’s expression softened into a gentle smile, her eyes holding a look of understanding and reassurance.

"It’s okay." She mused softly, her voice filled with sincerity. "You don’t have to accept it if you don’t want to work there. I can always help you find other options. Your choice is what truly matters, okay?"

The sincerity in her words carried a deep sense of support, letting Kairo know that she was there for him, regardless of his decision.

For a brief moment, Kairo simply stared at Coco, his gaze unwavering, then the unexpected sight of his genuine smile caused her to freeze momentarily, the rareness of such a sight catching her off guard.

His lips curled up into a true, genuine smile, accompanied with a tearful gaze— a rare display of joy and appreciation.

Coco felt her heart skip a beat at the sight, her surprise mingling with warmth that swelled within her because even if it was a small, quiet moment.. It held a significant weight.

Kairo’s gaze softened, thinking of what words are best to use to show how grateful he is, but unfortunately, he couldn’t think properly at the moment and ended up going with whatever came to his mind.

"You’re really amazing, aren’t you?" He chuckled, his eyes locking onto hers. "Not only have you helped me get away from the Baroness, but you’ve even found me a job at the guild.."

Coco shook her and released her grip on Kairo’s hands, her arms moving to gently pat his arms, mirroring the soft gesture of a parent to a child.

"You risked so much to come here.. To side with me." She said, her voice filled with sincerity. "I’m simply returning the favor, Kairo."

"But I didn’t do anything as great as this.." The mediator murmured, his eyes welling up with tears.

"You did amazing by simply choosing to refuse the Baroness." Coco giggled and squeezed his arms. "So this is the least I could possibly do for you."