Beautiful-Adjective
:having qualities of beauty: exciting aesthetic pleasure. That is the literal meaning of beauty. If I have to use this word, then I will use it now and...——
She waited outside the carriage's entrance. That silky light-blue hair that could almost reflect the sun's morning rays. As if ice had transformed into every strand of hair. Her emerald eyes, which appear unemotional at first glance but turn into a precious gem with a proper look. Her posture, which she honed during her countless days of training as a maid, is simply... unbearable.
And, wait a minute, is that casual attire? Uhm, how should I put it—stunning.
"You are late by 12 minutes..."
"Ah!"
Her cold tone rang in my ears before I realized it. I was completely taken aback.
"And please stop staring."
"Oh, sorry... It's just..."
Is it possible that I had been staring at her for too long? Crap I did not even realized that.
"It's just?" she asked, slightly tilting her head...
"What happened to the maid outfit?"
"Working hours require us to wear maid outfits to avoid getting dirty; going out aside from shopping for dinner, should be in casual clothes."
What a precise response...
"What, do you have a problem with my clothes? Oh, right... you're a pervert with a strong fetish for maid costumes."
"I've never said anything like that!"
She really is sharp-tounged. It's not like I dislike maids. But I didn't say anything of the sort, okay?!
"Well, in any case, that outfit suits you perfectly."
"..."
Why the silence?
When I looked at her, the radiance of the morning sun from behind her created a slight dim silhouette, creating a reddish complement to her pale skin. Perhaps we should call it a sunkiss... But that isn't all. This girl may appear emotionless, but she can actually respond to a compliment.
She was flushed. And the fact that she was attempting to hide her embarrassment only added to her cuteness. I felt as if I'd seen the best view of the city just by looking at her.
Isn't this already a win?
"S-stop with the nonsense! I didn't wear my uniform today because it's a casual day, and my working hours differ from those of a tour guide. Don't make me repeat myself!"
Yep. Cute.
"Oh, I see. I get it. I really like how you looked in that maid outfit, but that clothes also suits you very well, so I have no complaints."
"You appear to be quite skilled at flattery; do you make women cry?"
"Say what?!"
What's the deal with that question? Did what I said make me sound like a playboy? Did I make a concerted effort to compliment her? However, my sister Sakura advised me to complement women's clothing in such situations. Is it possible that I went too far?
"Well, whatever, just get in the carriage because we're running out of time."
"Yes'm!"
We began the tour as soon as we boarded the carriage, with Mai in the lead. I'm not sure if it works out, but given that she's been here for a long time, there shouldn't be anything to worry about, right?
We'd been running for a while, and for some reason, the rattling noise of the carriage was comforting. Why is that, you ask? Because this girl doesn't speak at all! Is she one of those individuals? Those who are having difficulty speaking. For example, remember that stunningly beautiful girl who occasionally sprouted cat ears and couldn't communicate at all? Like Komeow for example* (*Reference from Komi-san can't communicate.)
But reminds of when we are on the mansion, she speak quite well. She has the audacity to tease me, right? So why the silent treatment?
"Where do you want to go first?"
Oh, she spoke. Come to think of it, where do I want to go first...
"Ah, I know. The Library. I wanna go there."
"I understand"
That's that. She stop speaking again.
Well... It wouldn't hurt if she could speak more, right? This trip... is more harder than it seems.
I'd like to visit the library. Why? That is, after all, the first step in our strategy. Gather information about this world, this continent, this kingdom, as well as information about the labyrinth that I have created. I know we have time. But I'd like to move things along quickly. After all, I have a sister waiting for me.
The carriage came to a halt before I knew it. We've already arrived at the city plaza. Why here, I wonder?
"Here is fine; pick us up before six o'clock at night."
"I understand," the driver said as he drove away from us in this strangely large space.
So this is the plaza, huh. In every way, it's vibrant and colorful. The kids are scattered all over the place. Stalls with various products to sell are set up. How should I put it? A brimming bright place?
"Is there a festival going on?"
I'm intrigued.
"No, not at all; this is just how everyday life goes. Isn't it lively?"
She sounds a little braggish, but from the way she said it, I can tell she's having a good time.
"Wow, that's incredible; how lively can this place get?"
"Fufu. You sound like a grandpa."
She's at it again. She likes to tease me whenever she feels like it. Is she aware that every time she does so, her face brightens? That's why I couldn't complain about her teasing.
Is she related to that little teasing master girl*, by chance?(*Reference from Teasing master Takagi-san.)
"This is only the outer plaza; the inner part is even more amazing; let's go!"
Is it just me, or is she ecstatic?
"How do you spend your days off, Mai?"
It would be boring to just walk around, so I started talking a little.
"I arrange the garden. Bake some sweets. And read books."
"That's all?"
"That's all."
I guess I get it now. Why she really is exited. She don't go out that often, huh.
"How about you?"
"Oh, me? I do nothing on my days off except laze around and play video games."
We'd explored the area, taking our time to stroll around. Going from one stall to the next. Our conversation appears to have lasted the entire time we were walking. And, finally,
"Is that so? That's not a good habit is it?—Oh, here's the hospital. Amazing, right?"
"Is that so? Well, my sister works extremely hard, and no one is home if I go out, so...—Ah, so this is the hospital, huh? Yep, amazing."
Size wise it is indeed. I'm curious how they manage to construct such a structure... it's luxurious and classy as heck. Is this open to the public or only to nobles?
"Do you want to enter?"
"Ah, no, not really; after all, I'm not a big fan of hospitals."
"Ah, I see."
We left.
"By the way, what kind of person is your sister?"
"She's mature yet childish, cute yet frightening at times, kind and caring, but she's also very strict; that's who she is."
"Is that so? From what you say, she's a great sister. Oh, we're already here at Central Plaza; look, there's the tower!"
"Yes, she is.—Ah, wow! That's incredible; look how big it is! It can cover the entire kingdom, right? How amusing!"
It really is exiting believe me or not. Even in VLF, they have difficulty providing a description of the tower. However, when viewed in person, it is very defined.
So, from where we came, this is how it looked: we entered from the entrance—the plaza's gateway. The public marketplace was located right next to the entrance. There are stalls, a cloth shop, and other necessities there. The hospital was located just before the central plaza. The Guardian Tower, which is in charge of enforcing the entire kingdom's barrier, stood in the center.
That's how it is.
Circling the entire kingdom is nothing short of amazing. This kingdom is not as small as one might believe. I'm curious how powerful the magic inside that tower is. The barrier it provides even repels dragon attacks in the game. So, if it's applicable even here, I can't even imagine the magical power stored in there.
"Are you finished admiring the tower?"
"Ah, oh..."
I was so enthralled that I stood there speechless. Mai's icy voice was what jolted me awake.
"Amazing, isn't it? But no matter how strong it is in protecting this place from the outside... it can't protect us from the harm that comes from within..."
"That's..."
She made a despondent expression as she said this. I'd like to know more about what she said. I'd like to satisfy my curiosity. But, given how sad she appeared to be saying those things, I decided to remain silent.
"Let's proceed to the library, shall we?"
"Yeah."
But I can't stop thinking about it... I'm curious what she meant by what she just said.
Let's just hope it doesn't turn into a flag...
...To be Continued...