"Hmm?"
(I'm back with one arm again, do they have to do a blackout all the time though?)
When I came to be, I could see July playing with my face as she pulls my cheeks with a cute smile...
"Hehehe~"
I left her to do her own machinations before she finally realizes I'm awake and hastily backs away replying:
"B-B-Big bro, you're awake!?"
I stand and hold my numbed cheeks replying:
"For now yes. Still, is it even allowed for someone to disturb another person like that when praying?"
"She is free to do so, dear saviour. Though, she must be prepared to reap the seeds she sows."
"Ah..."
"I'm sorry, Agxtv! Your sleeping face was just too irresistible to not tease."
(What kind of stupid excuse is that!)
July whose hiding behind a pillar gives off an excuse.
"So do you do that to your dad when he prays too? Or sleep?"
"Mhm! Yea!"
July nods with the most innocent smile and I can't but respond with a sigh thinking,
(That's annoying and cute... Kids... I wonder if Lil Omena acts like that? Maybe I should search my memory again for entertainment next time. Then again, how am I suppose to know if little Omena pulled any pranks on me when I'm still asleep?)
"Just try not to do that often okay?"
"Okay..."
July sulks as she gets closer to me, I look back at Echo whose holding the magic cartridge asking:
"Say, Echo, you're a Saint right?"
(Maybe she might know something).
"Yes, is something the matter?"
I look at my hands saying:
"I've met this lady behind a curtain with glowing red eyes. Do you know who she is?"
"You met who!? That... That can't be..."
When Echo fell into deep thought, I can help but think,
(Jackpot!)
"We can have this conversation for another time. But for now, I think it is safe that we... Uh..."
(Now that I think about it...)
I look back at July whose preparing our bag asking:
"Hey, July, I just realize this but, are we actually in a rush to return or anything? I mean, when we get back we can still contact your father with magic or something right? And with the transport and tools we have, we can traverse this place safely now yeah?"
"I guess we can and with grampapa's help, we'll be able to contact daddy, big bro-Agxtv! Sheesh, why do you have to make me call you differently!?"
July pouts with her cheeks puffed as she glares back at me.
(I guess it is hard to immediately change who someone called like that).
"I see, when we're alone and secluded like this, you can call me big bro."
"Okay!"
I look back at Echo and give her my hand asking:
"Sorry, continuing the conversation, it is safe that we stay in here tonight. This may be sudden but we'll be leaving early tomorrow morning since who knows if something like this will happen again. It's fine right?"
"Of course, just come to me if you need anything. Your method, unorthodox as it may be sure is efficient. I'll help you prepare your room upstairs."
"And another question."
"What is it, dear saviour?"
"Do you have anything that can tell time other than looking up at the sun?"
"Um... Excuse me?"
"Yea, what do you mean count time big bro?"
Echo along with July asks me with curiousness in their face. I try to make a shape with my fingers saying:
"Like something that can determine when the sun will set or when will the sunrise occur. You know, like a sand hourglass or a clepsydra at least?"
(I mean if the blessing translates some of your languages to greek means that they must borrow some aspects right? Then again, I don't think greeks have a theocracy anyway... Wait, what countries do I still remember in my previous world? Let's see, northern Europe where I was born, have around multiple countries before they unite which is, Denmark, Sweden, Norland, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia. I guess Greenland count if you say north? Ah! Fuck this previous world history... But then again, those who ignore history are doom to repeat it... But this world has a different history so... Yeah, let's just think another time).
"-gxtv, Big bro!"
"Huh? What is it?"
I look July whose holding my face with both her hands while I'm still deep in thought. She leans close saying:
"Echo said she does have it."
"Oh?"
I look at Echo who pulls out a particular item inside her robe saying:
"Are you perhaps referring to this?"
In her hand is some sort of bronze machine that resembles a clock. With all the numbers and the three hands to count seconds, minutes and hours.
"Yes, that thing! I know this is sudden, but can you let me borrow that?"
"Huh? I'm surprised you know such a mysterious item but you know how to use it yourself?"
"Use it? And mysterious? I mean you just look at the clock's hand right?"
"Clock? Hand?"
It seems Echo spirals into deeper confusion as she tilts her head and frown. I pull away from the also confused July's hands and gesture her to give me the item. Echo, still confused complies and hands it over as I could feel the smooth texture.
(This is not bronze, I don't think bronze feels like this anyway or what I remember. Still, I don't know what date and calenders they use either. I mean what year is this anyway?)
I look at the machine and realize how even the time design is kinda similar to my world. Or maybe that is just my blessing translating this thing. From 1 - 12, the hour hand is now pointing at 9 while the minute hand points at 7.
"Oh! It's already that late?"
"Um, what are talking about, big bro?"
"Um, dear Saviour, even though I have such intricate magic item, to be honest, I don't know how to use it. Even though I can pour my magic into it, it does nothing when I do so and it's definitely not a weapon either."
I look back at Echo asking:
"Then, where did you get this thing?"
"That's a gift given to me by a friend from the time pantheon. She told me that it will help me out as I live here... Yet I still have no clue how to use it since she told me to find it out myself. I thought maybe it could speed up the growth of my crops but that doesn't seem to be the case."
(Well ain't that the same as gifting your friend with trash?)
I nod in understanding and pity saying:
"Yeah... That's because this tool is not meant to be used like you probably think it is."
"Pardon me?"
I look behind the plate and realize there's a hole to hang it.
"You're supposed to just put this thing in a place that's easy to look at and frequently visited. For example... Here!"
I hang the clock on top of the altar and Echo looks at me even more confused asking:
"And?"
"That's it probably. Oh, wait!"
I grab the clock again and check when I realize there isn't any place to put a battery in but when I peek on the gaps in the machine, I could see a glowing red crystal inside of wrap by some glowing silk. I place it back saying:
"And the only purpose of pouring magic in is to power up the crystal so that the clock just keeps on moving."
(Or that's how I perceive it anyway).
"Then why do we even need to look at it big bro?"
I point at the hands at the clock saying:
"You see the numbers on the plate of that machine?"
They both nod and I continue explaining:
"Simple enough, that thing tells you what time is it right now. For example, the small hand counts as hours and long hand counts minutes. So when the small hand reach that number 9 and the long hand points at 7, you read it as 21:35.
From what I remember, a day would end when both hands point at the number 12 while still dark and the sun would rise when the number reaches 5 - 7, and it would set at the same number."
(I can't believe I'm teaching people how to read a clock. Then again, this is pretty neat).
"Really!? Even though I don't understand many of the words you said but how did you know that!?"
"Astonishing! To think this tool could do such a thing! I can't believe she would give me such important possession."
They both gasp in shock and I can't help but take the pan asking:
"As you can see, since it's already night, why don't we have dinner? I'll be cooking tonight. Or have you eaten already?"
"Oh, not yet, we were too nervous to know the result you'll bring to think of dinner. But, you have taught me such a valuable lesson, why don't you let me do the cooking dear saviour? As a thank you."
"Uhm! To think you would understand such intricate knowledge about time itself and know about alchemy too, you must be some famous prodigious scholar!"
(Really? It was common knowledge from where I came from. And it's not time but more of astronomy- either way, this feels weird).
I scratch my head and look away replying:
"Well sure I guess. Thanks."
"Leave it to me, big bro! And when we return to my hometown, I'll cook you an even better meal! Not only that, I really want you to meet my grampapa!"
(I just realize this, but why?)
"Hahaha, I must agree, you must be some famous knowledge keeper or something. Sit down, relax, and think of this as a celebration to the hero that drives back the black demon."
Echo hand me the magic cartridge as she says that and leave along with July.
(Seriously).
"You two are too kind..."
(But knowing that they trust me because of Tyo's soul inside of me means that when they find out the truth it will be more painful... I wonder, when will I tell them the truth. But when you think about, it, having a boy inside of me just sound wrong, isn't it?)
"The suffering I felt before my death... I shouldn't forget it."
*************************************
It is said that far to the north, people could see the bridge that connects men to the Gods. It is said that the blighted waste up north is so dark that even the sun barely reaches the horizon. And the cold winter blast freezes even the volcanoes to their core.
Beasts of all kinds rarely stray to the north for the value of their lives. And those who do are mostly monster reaching the apex of their life or desperate creatures. Those who cannot become the hunter shall always be prey.
But, only one month in a year when the entire sky would be swept clean and a beautiful sight shall grace the land.
I scratch my ears as I hear more voices in my head wondering if little Omena's behind it since it's her voice after all and not some old man anymore. My eyes look up at the glittering skies and the ever-changing aurora bridge. What greeted me first when I first step foot in this land was nought but a white canvas and a sparkling night. But now, I see a blanket of golden, and patches of green in between right where I step instead of mather nature's white blanket.
"Are you having trouble sleeping, dear saviour?"
Echo' voice enters my ears as she approaches me. I look back at her seeing how she has changed her robe to a pair of shorts and a shirt where I could see the curves of her body...
(That's dangerous... Still, a saint wears something like that huh?)
She takes a seat beside me on the roof where we are basked by the light of the aurora skies and stars.
"Not exactly, it's more of..."
(Should I tell her now?)
"More of what, dear saviour?"
Echo asks me back with a smile as she looks up at the beautiful night sky.
"If you would trust me when I reveal the truth of something."
She looks at me with concern asking:
"Hmm? Is something the matter?"
"I... Right now, the only reason why both you and July trusts me is because of the light from my body right?"
"Yes, and?"
"I don't wish to build relations upon lies, deceit and a floppy foundation. Since our relationship- wait, that sounds wrong. Since our bond isn't that deep let me get this straight, the light you see on me doesn't belong to me at all. It belongs to the other soul residing within this body. The real owner of this body."
"I see, I was suspecting that to be the case but to think you would speak of it like that... I'm astonished."
"Really? I guess that's a normal thing to do to strangers."
"Even then, I would still put my faith in you."
"Huh? Why?"
Echo looks ahead at the mountains beyond while the cold winds blow replying:
"Let me ask you, when did you learn that the light doesn't belong to you?"
"Um, just recently to be honest. Back when I prayed in the altar."
(And I don't think that figure would lie something like that for a warning).
"And I suspect the lady behind the curtain told you about it no?"
"Oh, do you know something I don't?"
"Not exactly since it's all speculations."
"Speculations huh? This may sound weird but WHY do you trust me?"
Echo raises two fingers infront of my face saying:
"There are two reasons, one is if she, the woman behind the curtain is willing to talk to you then I believe you are worthy of my- no, all the High Theocrats trust. And second, is that there's a universal rule all living things abide."
"Oh? What could that be?"
(Finally, a rule I could learn).
I ask in curiosity and Echo looks back at me and pokes my left chest saying:
"There can only be one soul inside one body. And there can be no exception, like how all things in this world don't disappear but merely change."
"Huh?"
(Wait isn't that a pretty advance knowledge of things!? So she knows about... Um, the law of whatever the name is but doesn't know about time!? Talk about the disparity of knowledge!)
And she continues on explaining as she pokes at my forehead saying:
"And most spells that took control of one body must always have the soul of that body be removed first before it can happen. So, if the previous body's soul is still inside of you there are two meaning, one is that you're controlling it via externally not using your own soul or..."
"Or...?"
"He lets you control his body. Which means the owner of that light entrusted you with his body. Is that not good enough reason to trust you?"
(Magic logic sure...)
"If that's good enough for you I guess that's fine. To be honest, I don't know the value or importance of this light either."
"Y-You don't?"
I shake my head replying:
"Uh, no I don't. I don't know if July tells you yet, but I can't remember much of my past at all. But I can still remember some things that I learn like how to count time or craft a simple medicine or maybe some wee bit of history."
(And some miscellaneous knowledge of my past life).
"Pfff, hahaha! I see!"
For once, Echo burst her bubble and show me a face I never see. Her calm and polite demeanour disappear entirely, replaced by the Echo where she shows an innocent smile and laughs nonchalantly.
"See what?"
I can't help but ask and Echo backs away, hugging her knees replying:
"Hahaha! Pssh... Then I'll tell you. This is not the first time a person with a false light. In fact, it happened most often than not and we worshipers of Libera are trained to discern them. For me, you are the first case where an authentic light is bestowed upon an impostor. So I was always in alert and worried about Jqui when she's with you."
"Wait, impostors? Can you explain?"
(Yes, more knowledge of this world I can use).
"We follower of Libera are always the target of people with ambition and greed. They would try to always use us for our advanced magic technology, spells, and knowledge that's way, way ahead of our time for their own selfish gains. So we must choose the people we communicate very carefully. And the light is but an easier way to identify if that person is trustworthy or not. After all, if God trusts you, why shan't we?"
"Ah! I see... Well, I don't know how advanced your magic is or anything but basically, people always try to get your stuff? And you can discern which is a good person or not?"
"That's right, and the light of a cardinal and beyond is easily recognised too so there are never any fakes. Power in the wrong hands can be very devastating after all. Yet we..."
Echo looks down in despair and I try to urge her to continue saying:
"We?"
"Let's not talk about my homeland for now. What about you? Where is your real body? Will there be a time where I can meet the real you?"
"Oh, the real me? Hahaha, my real body is actually still asleep back at the ruins- wait, is the mountain count part of the city? Anyway, it's still back there."
I point at what remains of the city beyond before continue saying:
"But I doubt you want to meet the real me."
(Since I'm a monster and all. And since I still don't know how to switch bodies yet. And how I could see the city from here really proves how big the city really is. I mean, I didn't think much about it at first, but how big is my monster counterpart?)
"I see... I'll be waiting then. But don't you think you have one more important matter to tell?"
I look back at the window which leads inside the temple replying:
"When I'll tell Jell kuy that the light inside of me is not mine right?"
Echo nods saying:
"That's right."
"To be honest, learning that our bonds are fake is kind sad. But then again, my first impression on her is probably not that good either. I mean, I yell and threaten her to show her self after all. And I don't think I said sorry yet either."
"I see... But don't you think it's better late than sorry?"
"Heh, you're right. I was thinking when we arrived at her home when she's not alone anymore and safe. That's when I'll tell her. Telling her now would just jeopardise the whole trip."
(And I better tell her there and there since I did all those things to her. If I don't take responsibility, I'll be a total jackass).
"Now, it's my turn to ask something of you, dear saviour."
Echo replied back with cold eyes.
"What is it? I mean, it's not like I know much."
(Or anything at all).
"Anselm, that's your name is it not? Your real name?"
"Yeah, Agex tv is the name Jay kyu give me so that I won't sound weird."
(I keep butchering the pronunciation).
"I see... Very well."
She answers back before she stands on her feet saying:
"Either way, you better take a rest, you did say you want to wake up early tomorrow don't you?"
"Yup! Good night, I'll get in first."
"Good... Night? Yes, I guess this is a good night. Sleep well, I'll stay here for a while longer."
I entered the same room as, July. Seeing her still fast asleep, I slip in slowly to sleep on the sheets beside her and begin to wonder as I watch her sleeping face.
(Maybe I was a bit hasty in my actions- scratch that, I was really hasty. But I'll tell you the truth soon, good thing I didn't do anything further, or more like my conscious won't let me).
*************************************
*vroom*
Engines roar with the push of a pedal.
*ptuk* *tuk* *tuk*
White storm knocking on the windows, blinding us if not for the wiper granting us a blur passage.
Without the crystals hanging by the front mirror and a map resting behind the window guiding our eyes like a beacon, we would probably be lost by now. But the most surprising thing here is...
"I'm surprised you can drive July?"
"Mhm! Now it's time to show off my skills to you, big bro!"
July who's pedalling to the medal steers the wheel, albeit a bit slow.
(I'm not gonna ask who make this thing but...)
"Well, you really are amazing. Even I can't drive."
"Hehehe, looks like it won't be long I surpass you, big bro."
"When did you get competitive?"
I look outside the smudged window and see nothing but white everywhere. Only the front view has the guiding beacon leading us with a beam.
"I wonder if the road is already completely buried beneath? I mean it's only a few days have passed since the city lost it's power yes?"
"Uhm! I think it's already around 2 Dgx's deep."
"How long are two Dig x?"
"I don't know, I guess a gate?"
(So they don't have a measurement system yet? No that's impossible with a city that big to not know. Or more like they count differently like how the U.S uses yards or feet, china in the past with their Li, Russia with verst or maybe the ancient Rome with pace. So the people here count with human Dig it? Oh, hold on, is that just a play with word of a digit? And since the word isn't translated, that means it's a new word and things).
"I see... Say, how long do you think we'll arrive at your city?"
"In truth, I suspect it would take us around a day since we need to circle around or avoid monsters by taking the long road as we travel but there doesn't seem to be one at all. So I say we'll arrive there in half a day."
(Oh right, monsters... Wait...)
"Why is there no monsters? After all, I heard that strange things tend to bring ruin. What if we entered the domain of a very powerful monster?"
"Well, when you say it like that big bro..."
I pat July's head saying:
"You know, let's take this all for granted. It might just be that most of the monsters died when they assaulted the city no? This might be the perfect time to use this opportunity!"
"Yea!"
July speeds up and just as we thought, there are no monsters in sight. Only the pure white snow and the feeling of numbness stinging our skin. When I see her shivering, I grab one of the blankets we found and wrap it around her.
"There, that'll make you warmer."
"Hehe, thanks, big bro!"
"Tell me if you need anything else."
"Okay, big bro."
I never really think much of it before but... As I rest my elbow on the edge of the window, I lay my head on my hand as I stare to the outside world. New and fantastical yet familiar in so many different ways. My attention was soon diverted elsewhere when I could see shadows lurking on the corners of my eyes, wondering if I didn't get enough sleep, I clean my eyes and wipe the windows with my sleeves to check once more.
It was no illusion, something is clearly following us from beneath the white blanket. But even from the distance, as if I can sense and know what it feels from just looking at it, that beast seems to be scared to even come close to where we are. For some reason, my gits telling me, screaming at me at what's happening. I just know.
I look at July who's still driving with a smile on her face with no worries while I'm paranoid of another monster trying to jump at us...
(Maybe I should just make her stay calm and give hints so she wouldn't panic).
"Um, July."
"Hmm, what is it, big bro?"
"Wait, now that I think about it... Isn't driving while talking is bad?"
(Now that I remembered something, in my past life, 5th world countries started using auto-drive mobile transportation which reduces traffic jams by a whopping 50% and thanks to that, people can just talk and enjoy themself until they arrive... Technology sure makes us take stuff for granted).
"Oh, I think it's fine. I may not be the best driver or more like most of us are still new compared to the Hero Hyu."
"I see... Do the monsters here camouflage when they hunt? Like hiding under the snow and stuff?"
"Hide? And camouflage? I don't know what camouflage is but most of the monsters that eat humans don't hide. And the one who usually hides is our cattle which only eats snow by digging deep."
(I may not be in expert in biology but...)
"How does an animal even survive eating only snow?"
July leans forward at the steering wheel as she rests her chin replying:
"I don't know, they just do. Stop asking such intricate questions only you can understand big bro. I'm not as smart as you..."
"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean dishearten you. I mean I'm just curious about this world I have forgotten."
July sits straight with a smile replying:
"Hehe, I guess you really are a prodigious scholar."
"Oh, yeah, by the way, why did you want me to meet your grandpa? I mean not only your dad but your dad's dad too?"
"Nu-uh, grampapa is mommy's dad. And he is a scholar like you! I heard he's gonna get a new job soon, and since you're so smart, maybe he knows who you are."
(Well that's kinda bad but...)
"Really!? He might know who I am?"
"Mhm!"
"Heh, now I'm curious with both your dad and grandpa."
(And I hope I don't get beat me up mercilessly. I mean with her personality, she must have very protective parents. Especially since she doesn't have a mother, oh boy, her dad will chew me to bits if he knows what I have done).
"Hehehe~, I'm sure you'll love them too."
(I just keep ignoring it since then but... Ain't she laughing again? I mean, didn't she said laughing is forbidden?)
"Um, July I wanna ask something."
"Hmm, it's not complex right big bro?"
"Oh, nothing like that just... It's about you."
"Eh? Me!?"
I nod saying:
"That's right but... Haven't you been laughing from time to time? Like Ehehe rather than fufufu? What's the difference?"
July's eyes leer forward even more as to try to not look at me replying:
"Em... Well... That's... Hehehe is more of an expression than a laugh."
"I still don't understand."
"It's just not laughing okay!"
"Okay, okay! Hehehe is not a laugh, yes?"
"That's right!"
*sigh*
Similar yet foreign indeed...
"By the way, if we're going to take around half a day to travel, wouldn't that mean we need to rest?"
"Don't worry big bro. I grab an energy crystal just for this occasion."
I pat her head saying:
"Sorry, If only I can drive too, I wouldn't have to force you to use such an item."
"Eh? It's fine big bro. I want to be useful too!"
"I'm glad you're enthusiastic but if it hurts your body and health I would feel bad."
"Don't be! Just like you're doing your part, I'm gonna do what I'm good at."
"I see..."
I look away and try to spot the monsters trailing us. When I realize it's not there anymore... I grip my sword as I only hope for the best.
(Hmmm, let's just hope for the best. For I'm lucky that I didn't take too much of anything).
*************************************
With chatter and a bit of conversation, the bright skies soon turn grey as the white wave around us becomes even harsher than even the wiper doesn't really do much to clean. With only the light of the crystal to guide our way, July continues to drive on.
"Say, how much further until we reach your hometown, July?"
"Hmm, I don't know. But from the crystal and map, I guess we're close."
I look at the mal and see how we're getting to the city July points back at the bunker.
"Oh, good. If it's too much, I suggest we take a break... But I wonder if we'll get buried though."
"Don't worry big bro. We'll arrive there shortly."
As she said that all I could see is nothing but plains of snow...
"I think I can see the city."
July commented which prompt me to look ahead shouting:
"Huh!? All I see is white everywhere!"
"Hehehe, then you better be prepared, big bro."
"Wait what do you mean?"
July lift her foot off the pedal and stops. As I wonder what else is going to happen, 2 silhouettes of white with grey outline appears from behind the thick snow. While I was barely able to discern the two, July goes out of the car with a huge smile.
"Wait, July!"
I quickly get off trying to stop her but she jumps ahead at the two white figures and hugs one of then tight in her arms shouting:
"Grampapa!"
"Huh?"
"Jqui? That can't be... You're alive!"
The figure who seems to be her grandfather lifts her up from her armpit and spin around while the figure beside him backs away to give them space.
"Oh, by the blessed stars, I was really worried when I found out you were not with the evacuation group."
"Jqui, did her best, grampapa! Oh!"
July taps her grandfather to put her down and walks to me, pulling me over saying:
"And grampapa, look! This man is my saviour! He helped me traverse the ruined city and even drove back a black demon! And thanks to him, we even met a Saint!"
"Hoh my!? Really!? Who might this figure be?"
When July finally drags me close, I realise that the two figures are wearing some sort of camouflage winter suit that blends easily through the snow. Wearing goggles and covering most of their skin I wonder how did July tell that's her grandfather there?
"By the fractured stars, you're... Tyo!"
"Tyo? Do you know him grampapa?"
"Yes, and there's no mistaking it..."
(Oh! Do they know him?)
July's grandfather pulls her away from me.
"It's been a while, Tyo. To think you would return again."
Seeing the hostile atmosphere they give, I try to defuse it saying:
"Um... I think you've mistaken me for someone else?"
(I mean he's right since this body belong to him but since I'm the one controlling it now, I'm not him).
"You may have helped us with the building plan but... Do you think we've forgotten what you did to us?"
The figure beside the elder finally speaks to reveal a girl's voice. She pulls out a knife hidden under her coat and I can't but wonder,
(Dammit Tyo boy, did you break her heart and cheat on her or something!?!?)
"Um, I'm sorry if did something wrong but please, I mean no harm."
The elder raises his arms to prevent her from stepping further saying:
"Hold it, Gfks! Phew... Since you brought my granddaughter back safe. We'll let you live and provide you with enough magic energy to leave and find another city-"
"Grampapa, what are you saying to him! Agxtv helped and saved my life even when he lost his memories and limb! He even cooked for me too! Please, don't be mean!"
July hugs her grandfather from behind to stop him. He turns around asking:
"Wait what!? He cooked for you too!? And Agxtv?"
"That's the name I gave him since he can't remember his own name."
(Wait, is that how you think of my name? A joke?)
The grandfather pats July's head and looks at me saying:
"I see... It seems there are many things to explain. Forgive me, for being blinded by my past grudge... Since my sweet granddaughter vouch for you. We'll give an Exile like you at least a chance to explain what transpired."
"Elder! You can't be serious!?"
"That's enough, Gfks! We'll give him the more appropriate sentence when we know more. And if he really is Tyo, he would've been beside his Sister and Hyu by now!"
"Tch!"
The girl clicks her tongue and turns away when the elder pats July's head again saying:
"Well then, sorry for the inadequate welcome. Jqui, bring your transport in. We'll guide you on the way."
"Okay, thanks grampapa! You're the best!"
Leaving me with a weird and confusing feeling. I can't help but wonder what will happen next... When we get inside the truck and move forward. July tugs at my sleeves saying:
"Sorry, big bro... It seems things won't be so cheerful. But it's weird if you're from my town, why haven't I heard of you before!?"
I pat her head replying:
"It's okay, July. I was thinking who I was before this but I didn't think I would be so infamous..."
"Uuuh..."
I mess her hair a bit and point at myself with my thumb saying:
"But don't worry, I did say I would want to marry you. And to do that, I need to prove I'm an upstanding man worthy of you!"
(Yup, no taking it back now).
"Fufufu, big bro, I don't really care what kind of man you are. If you're willing to stay by my side till the end... I'm more than happy... You're more than I can have."
July giggles as she looks away blushing with a smile...
(I really don't deserve her. I mean, can such a girl even exist!? And this progression... Hmmm...)