CH.73 Storm before Dinner

CH.73 Storm before Dinner

Is it wrong to say that I’m almost used to heading ‘home’ to the Watchman manor? Am I getting too used to staying there? It is the only place I have slept at since coming to this world, so it does feel a little like home. The guild medbay doesn’t count. I wasn’t sleeping, I was passed out. But then the big question becomes, is it fine for me to stay there? I think it is, but I should probably ask Christina about it. Am I abusing their hospitality?

Well, I’ll worry about it after I ask about it from Christina. If she says I am, I can always live at an inn for a while, or even buy a house once I get the money for the wyverns. Considering that a burrito that is basically a full meal costs a copper coin, I would guess that a night at an inn would not cost any more than a small silver. It could even be something like two or three copper.

With those thoughts, I made it to the Watchman manor. The guard just let me in again. I decided to hand the last burrito I had to him, as a full meal would likely be on the table soon. He was trying to refuse it, but did accept it after I told him I would throw it away if he didn’t take it. Good. I didn’t waste any food. The food police would be proud. Or perhaps not.

“Welcome back, Lord Brian. Did you have a fruitful day?” Nicole welcomed me at the door. She has to have a sixth sense for this. Or is there a button they press at the gate that alarms the butler, or in this case Nicole, about a guest arriving. I’ll go with the second one for now. I guess it could also be magic. Magic explains everything.

“Hello Nicole.” I greeted her. “I achieved everything I wanted to for the day, so I think it would count as fruitful.”

What a strange saying. Fruitful day. Where does it come from? From people that collect fruit for a living?

“That’s good to hear. Dinner is not quite ready yet, but if you want something to eat immediately, I can have something prepared if you want.” Nicole offered.

“No thank you. I can wait.” I told her. I did eat plenty today.

“As you wish. Is there anything else you need?” She asked.

“For now, not really. I’ll be heading to my room, if that’s fine.” I told her.

“That’s fine. I’ll come get you when dinner is ready.” Nicole said and let me inside.

I hadn’t been in my room for long when there was a knock at the door. Is dinner ready this quickly? There is no way, right. Nicole would have just told me to head to the dining room if that were the case.

Another knock. This time a little louder.

“Come in.” I told the knocker.

“Brian.” Alice called out as she entered. “I did it. Give me a reward.”

“Did what now?” Why is she coming onto me? “Oh, a spell, right? You already learned a new one?”

“Yes. Mana was able to teach me better with that book, so I learned a new spell. And you promised me a reward if I did.” Alice pressured. She grabbed my hand and was holding on tight, probably not planning on letting go until I gave her the reward. I do have one for you, but I think it can wait until I see her cast the spell.

“Well done, Alice. I honestly was expecting it to take a little longer.” I told her.

“...Does that mean you don’t have a reward for me?” She asked, seeming a little down.

“I do have something, but I want to see the spell before I give it to you.” I told Alice.

“Then let’s go do it right now!” She was ready to drag me outside.

“No, we won’t. It can wait until tomorrow.” I told her.

“...you’re no fun...” Alice said quietly.

“Then I’ll find out tomorrow.” I told her. I’m in no rush.

“You're a bully.”

“Why? What did I do?” I asked.

“I wanted you to beg for me to tell you. You ruined everything.” Alice complained.

“Or you just wanted to get your carrot sooner. You are so opposite to Lucia in that way.” I told her.

“Are you cheating on me? With that vampire girl.” Alice asked.

“I can’t cheat on you if we are not in a relationship.” I answered.

“I slept with you, so you are mine.” Alice argued.

“And then you get scared when someone sees you holding my hand. Pick a lane and stay in it.” I told her.

“What does that mean?”

“It means that either be the doting girlfriend all the time, including when people are watching, or go back to being the shy girl that doesn’t know how to express her feelings.” I told her.

“...Does that mean I can be your girlfriend?” Alice asked.

... How do I answer that. She is a cute girl, but she is also a little too young for me to feel right with this. She can’t be over eighteen, so I’m just afraid the police will come and throw me in jail. Well I guess there are no police in this world, but the town’s guard basically does that job.

And even if that wasn’t an issue, it’s only been a week since Laura broke up with me. I’m not sure I’m ready to go into the dating scene this quickly. Casual outings are one thing, but full on dates. I’m not sure I’m ready yet.

“Answer me!” Alice demanded.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t. Not yet.” I told her hanging my head down. I don’t want to reject her like this, as I’m sure this is her first love confession.

“Why?” Alice asked on the verge of tears. “Do you really love Lucia that much? Then go marry her.”

“It’s not that.” I argued.

“Then what is it?” Alice asked.

“I can’t... I don’t want to talk about it. It’s personal.” And it would reveal the one secret I have been keeping. The fact that I’m from another world.

“...Fine.” Alice said and left the room. I think I saw some tears in her eyes. Now I really need to apologize to her and the pendant will end up being an apology gift.

I was still thinking about what to do with Alice, when Nicole came to get me for dinner. I followed her to the dining room.

I guess I should talk to Christina about the Alice situation. I was going to talk to her about staying here as well, so I guess I can do both at the same time.