Chapter 17: What Is She Doing? (1)

Chapter 17: What Is She Doing? (1)

'If that's the case, what would you have done if that thing really existed? Do you think you can imagine it? If yes, then behave as if it exists.'

Imagine that, then act

I walked while thinking about the receptionists words.

I always thought it would be nice to have a girlfriend, but I never imagined what it would feel like. I just thought it would be good to meet someone nice.

However, there was some truth in what the receptionist said; I had to be a little more careful about my lies to get some free time without getting caught.

As advised, I began to imagine 'my girlfriend'.

What would her nature be like?

And what about her appearance?

Appearance... Can I imagine a more beautiful girlfriend than Lily Noona, Vienna, and Luss?

I tilted my head.

It will probably be difficult.

In the first place, it was hard to find someone prettier than them.

I had heard a lot of people asking if I chose party members based on their appearance.

Anyway, if I imagined my girlfriends appearance I should imagine her as a little more modest than them.

Her hair color would be Pink?

'Hmm, pink is good.'

'Yes! Pink hair, pink eyes. Lets go with it!'

And her personality

I remembered a dream I had a few days ago while riding in a carriage with Vienna.

It was a dream of having a girlfriend who understood me, comforted me, and I felt good just for her being by my side.

Okay. I could only imagine that kind of person.

Yeah, one cant compromise the personality. I should consider her the nicest person in the world.

It was still crude, but the frame was set.

Now I had the confidence to be able to answer a little even if the party members suddenly asked about her.

Well How much would they want to ask, anyway?

Returning to the inn, I called the innkeeper.

Madame!

The first floor of the inn was a restaurant, and the second and third floors were accommodations.

My room was on the second floor. I decided to eat something before resting.

The inn owner, who was an old-age common lady who could be seen in most neighborhoods, came over at my call.

Ah, Mister. Long time no see... Aren't you too busy nowadays? Its hard to see even your face.

Ive been a bit busy. But now that I have some free time, I will see you often. Anyway, Im going to eat a meal here. Whats good today?

Her eyes widened.

No, you want to eat? Hey Whats going on with you today?

Why is that?

No. Im just surprised that someone who always eats outside or in the room says hell eat here!

She said with an exaggerated laugh. Then, she continued:

This time Ill make you a hearty meal! What about roasted pork hind legs today?

I felt excited by the unique friendly atmosphere.

Ah, then give me that! Just one beer!

I was increasingly looking forward to it.

All these obvious things were unfamiliar.

.

.

.

How long had it been since I could eat alone without being bothered by others?

Soon, I finished the side dishes patiently.

I finally had a satisfying meal in a while.

****

With a pleasant, subtle intoxication, I moved with my full stomach and entered the room.

- Tick

When the magic light was turned on, the inside of the messy room was revealed.

So far, I was tired and hadnt looked closely. But it was messier than I thought.

Clothes hanging here and there, discarded trash, and if one looked closely, one could see insects roaming around and spider webs attached to the ceiling.

'Ill have to clean this up tomorrow.'

I decided, because there were no plans for tomorrow to hold me back.

I found the sound of these words unnaturally pleasant.

'Because there are no plans for tomorrow.'

Yeah, they were indeed pleasant for some reason.

I smiled and threw myself on the bed.

Even in this messy room, I felt peace; the blanket felt softer and cozier.

So No schedule means I didnt have to get up early, right?

Laughter kept coming.

I couldnt believe it.

It was a long-awaited break.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Please...

I hoped someone wouldnt disturb this happy feeling.

I clapped my hands to turn off the magic light and fell into a slow and deep sleep.

****

"Uwaaahh~~"

How much did I sleep?

I didnt know, but it seemed I slept for a long time.

I stretched and got up.

The magnetism of the bed was gone.

As expected, my bed was not enchanted with magnetic properties.

It seemed it was my body that was attracted to the bed.

But now, my body felt wonderful.

-Why are you worried, Luss? Youre my only best friend.

It backfired.

Memories that always gave her happiness now hurt her.

And, the pain intensified.

Aaaaa It hurts!!

No matter what, the pain did not go away.

Dont leave me Uhhhhh..

She curled up.

It felt like her heart was freezing.

And then, she realized that there was only one part of her body where she felt the warmth.

?

She looked at the place where she felt warmth with her swollen eyes.

It was a friendship ring worn on the index finger of her left hand... The link with him that was made only a few days ago.

It was the next step in the plan she made.

A ring made of cheap metal, not even silver. But it was more precious than anything else.

Uh Uh

She clenched her fist and brought the ring to her lips.

Warmth was transmitted, and she calmed down a bit.

It felt like being connected to Starchis again.

Then, in an instant, as if something had exploded in her chest, there was a pop, and anger engulfed her whole body.

AA AA AA!!!!

Luss had mixed emotions.

She tore her hair.

"So what-"

She clumsily removed the ring from her index finger...

-Its not me!!

Then she got up and tried to throw the ring at the wall, but stopped.

-Tup Tup

Tears began to fall again.

Huhhhhh

This time, melancholy enveloped her.

She couldnt even throw away the ring.

She felt like everything was over. She was confused and broken.

She lay down on the bed again... Holding the ring like that for a while... Then, she began to cry and scream... It went on for a long time.

Ha ha

Then, to Luss, who was pushed to her limit, a thought hit her.

Chis hasnt given her a ring yet, right?

Just imagining the couple brought tears to her eyes, but she had to face reality.

She had to stop crying and find something to do.

The ring is still there?

It still felt like a painkiller that only she and Starchis wore a matching ring.

The voice of the salesman echoed in her head.

It depends on how you give it meaning.

Starchis also agreed to that.

Yes The meaning I give is what matters.

She slowly opened her fist and looked at the ring in her palm.

It could be called a cheap ring with a simple design or a precious friendship ring; a link between her and Starchis.

Carefully holding the ring with her right index finger and thumb, she slowly brought it to her left.

The ring slowly went towards her finger...

it was not the index finger of her left as before It was the ring finger.

Haha

She felt a new emotion that was difficult to describe for her, who had tasted only despair for several days.

It was not a big deal, but it was like a lifeline to her as this feeble emotion was nailed to the bottom of her heart.

The index finger was for friendship... And the ring finger was for a lover.

Im sure Starchis is wearing the ring right now, too, right?

When the ring touched her ring finger, she felt a shady pleasure.

Haah!!

The warmth of Starchis, which she took for granted earlier, was amplified and felt again.

It was such a precious feeling.

With the cool breeze, it felt like she was finally free.

The ring went on and on, inside the finger

Bang bang bang!!!

She was interrupted by the hurried knocks on the door.

Luss, startled, removed her ring from the ring finger and put it back on the index finger. Her beating heart calmed down a little as she was feeling like a criminal earlier.

'Who is looking for me like this?'

No way Starchis? Did you come to tell me it was a lie?

With a flash of hope, she darted to the door.

Wait!!

Then, rubbing her eyes, tidying up her black bangs, loosening her throat, and clearing her voice... She prepared herself, but she couldnt help it. She didn't want to show an unsightly appearance to him.

Luss soon opened the door to her room.

Starch

In front of the door stood two women, not Starchis.

Lily and Vienna stood with as swollen eyes as hers.

Lilys face was a mess.

She spoke while crying:

Luss, let's talk.