—
Ilifelen calendar, year 5202, Riso, 10th.
—
When spring comes, snow usually melts around the empire. However, that is not the case in some places. One such place is the home of a young lady. Her big, tender eyes shine with beautiful purplish-pink amethyst. Her long, silky silver-white hair reached all the way down to her hips, flowing gently in the sun's morning rays as she looked past the barrier separating the city from the outside world.
The hair started turning silver-gray at the roots, becoming the same shade as her mother's. Although she got her hair from her mother, her eyes were that of her father's.
On the other hand, her sister received their mother's light green eyes and silver-gray hair. They all thought she'd look very similar to her mother. However, as she got older, her hair became slightly brown. Although not as brown as her father's, it was a unique shade of light brown and ash.
The two children were a mix of the two almost equally, which other family members often point out, noting how lovely it was since it was so easy to tell that Amethely and Chely were their daughters.
Of course, Amethely was happy to hear all of it—yet… loneliness persisted in her chest. Unlike her sister, she was no magical prodigy; unlike her parents, she didn't have their smarts, both being in the forefront of bleeding edge magitech.
The more they pampered her, the more insecure she became. Just like her family, she wanted to be special, too. Everyone in their family had something going for them; her grandparents on her father's side were heads of academia. On her mother's side were her grandmother, a saint, and her grandfather, a blademaster who'd gone missing before she was born.
Compared to them, she was just an ordinary girl with love for her family and flowers. She'd stroll around their mansion garden daily and help the gardeners care for them.
It would always cheer her up after magic and sword practice. She wasn't gifted in that regard; all she could do was try her best, yet her best couldn't match any talent. Just at the tender age of ten, she would secretly cry herself to sleep for her incompetence—at one point, she even wished she didn't have her beautiful eyes and hair or face…
"it doesn't suit me," she cried quietly to herself.
It was easy for others to tell whose daughter she was. She thought that if she were at least adopted, there would be a reason for her mediocrity—but that wasn't the case; she is a princess of Aurlux despite it only being a city-state, by law, she and her sister are.
That was what she thought. She clenched her chest with a makeshift magic device in hand. "You can do it… Ame…" she said nervously under her breath.
The spring night, when her parents were away for months to come, and her sister was strictly under sage Milena in the capital, Amethely left the safety of the city barrier and entered the cold, snowy, and icy landscape.
—
Present day Ilifelen calendar, year 5212, Meain, 8th.
—
While Amethely's thoughts drifted toward the past, running water slowly rinsed the sweat of her skin. With water warm to the touch running down her face to her shoulders, her chest rose slowly as she took a deep breath, heaving a small sigh as tension escaped from within.
Her smooth skin was slightly flushed but less so than her deep red cheeks. She'd been zoning out, imagining a scenario play where she met the boy she'd fallen for. They'd hold hands, talk about the things they liked, and get to know each other, later becoming a couple, sharing kisses, going on dates—she wanted a relationship like her parents. But… her past flashed in her memories, snapping her back.
It's a little ironic… she thought to herself.
In the past, she'd wanted to become someone special just like the rest of her family—now that she was in the eye of society—someone extraordinary, she couldn't but want to be an ordinary girl too, which wasn't impossible; it was just a matter if the other treated her as such. Which was why…
"—I wonder… will he treat me differently when he finds out?" she murmured as she hugged herself. "Not only will he find out I'm the current saint, but also a strange girl…"
Amethely sighed yet again but became distracted by a soft sensation of her arms.
"…"
Her chest was tightly squeezed between them, which she found slightly awkward—they were slightly larger than the last time she had taken a shower, which was actually yesterday.
Frankly speaking, had her mana fountain not broken, she'd still be using cleansing magic as she rarely required showers or baths since she became highly proficient in all kinds of cleansing magic. This also meant she only had to replace the bandages around her chest once a week. So, she'd always worn them all the time, even in sleep—of course, she loosened them.
And just as yesterday, when she had to wash herself manually, she was surprised by her soft bosom now that she paid attention to them.
"…"
She looked around awkwardly and cautiously—despite knowing nobody was watching and—squish…
…They barely fit in my hands anymore… is this why I've been feeling slightly uncomfortable…? she thought as she softly squeezed them again. Then, her face turned a glowing hot red as she realized—
What am I doing?! She whimpered internally as she covered her face with her head hanging.
After getting over the embarrassment she caused herself, she turned the shower off, grabbed a nearby towel, dried her lengthy hair, then wrapped the towel around her shoulders and got another towel for her body.
As she exited the bathroom in a pajama and a towel on her head, she locked eyes with Keilyn, who was flipping through some pages and blueprints of the golem she was planning to build.
"Kei… my hair is slightly messy and still wet…" Amethely sniffed as she approached her friend.
"Duh, you've only used a towel," Keilyn replied as she approached the couch, waving at her with a hairdryer in hand. There was also a comb and everything Amethely could possibly need.
"…" Surprised by her friend's preparedness, her eyes widen.
"C'mon, come sit here," Keilyn patted the couch while grinning.
Amethely nodded and did as Keilyn said. "I feel like you're spoiling me too much sometimes…" she lightly giggled as she sat down.
"I'm not," Keilyn huffed. "Besides, do you want to appear like a mess if you were to meet that prince of yours?" she added teasingly.
"…" Amethely naturally pouted as her cheeks puffed.
"Aww, don't sulk; I'll make you prettier—so much so he'll be smitten by you!"
Still sulking, Amethely turned her head slightly in a bashful manner. Though her lips still pouted, Keilyn could tell she wanted to smile—which she eventually did.
"Ehehehe~" Amethely's expression melted. "He did call me pretty…"
"I'm sure he did," Keilyn replied as she began drying her hair.
Now that a bright smile had fully bloomed, Keilyn couldn't help but roll her eyes in mock exasperation as she shook her head; a smile was pulling her lips—Amethely's happiness was contagious, after all.
"A-and he also told me that I had a nice scent…" she added sheepishly, her face beet red as she covered her mouth with both hands.
"…"
WHAT KIND OF WEIRDO DID YOU FALL FOR?! Keilyn cried inwardly.
"O-oh… so he's a little… strange…" she said, not knowing what actually to say.
Suddenly, Amethely panicked. "T-that's not it! I-I was the one sniffing him… s-so… I'm the strange one…" she added promptly, not wanting her best friend to think her crush was weird.
"Right…" Keilyn stared at her through the mirror with a blank expression.
Her friend's gaze slowly dug into her as she felt herself shrinking—even Amethely herself knew what an embarrassing thing she'd just confessed.
"…" Silence befell them for a moment.
"Did he smell nice?" Keilyn inquired, slightly teasing yet skeptical.
"H-he does… it was a slightly citrusy scent, fruity and sweet with a subtle softness," Amethely revealed, covering her steamy face. "O-oh… But don't sniff him…" she added sheepishly.
"…"
I'm so worried!!! Keilyn thought as alarms went off inside her head.
"Got it…" she sighed. "Oh, by the way…" she said, her words trailed off.
Amethely tilted her head slightly. "Hm? What is it?" he innocently asked while peeking through her fingers.
"Don't use bandages anymore."
"…"
"…"
It became quiet. The only sound was from her hair being combed—she didn't know how to reply. Not only that… she didn't have a single bra… if not bandages…
It can be… is she telling me to—
"Ouh…" Amethely yelped as Keilyn pinched her cheek.
"You're not thinking I suggested something indecent, did you?" she smiled, but not smiling.
"…"
"Sigh… what I meant was—you got those tits! Why not use them!" Keilyn exclaimed.
"Wh-wha?! Wh-what?!" Amethely stammered in protest, clenching her chest.
Keilyn quickly walked around the couch and sat beside her, placing her hands on her shoulders while looking her dead in the eyes.
"Ame, look, listen," she voiced, her tone more serious than ever.
"O-okay…?" unsure, Amethely listened.
"Good. First off, you got large boobs, correct?"
Amethely nodded, bewildered in agreement.
"And them breasts are really defined and well shaped, right?"
Amethely nodded—reluctantly, now fully confused.
"Are your bosom soft, too…?" Keilyn asked, dead serious.
…Amethely nodded—her face flushed red as she averted her eyes, clenching her chest tighter as her shoulders rose while her gaze sheepishly fell.
"That settles it! You'll have to use all you've got to charm him. That's one of them—your buttocks… Ame," Keilyn called her name with a lowered voice. "Let's do a little experiment—sit on my lap," she said while patting them.
"Huh…?" Amethely uttered, bewildered by the abruptness.
…A moment later, Amethely did as she was told, and Keilyn wrapped her arms around her stomach in a hug, resting her chin on her shoulder.
"Mm-hmm…" Keilyn mused. "Alright! They're soft—but the volume isn't as visually noticeable as your boobs… Hmm,"
"…"
"Now, let me sit in your lap," Keilyn grinned playfully.
Just like that, the two switched places, but Amethely was still confused about what her friend was doing. But one thought crossed her mind—she's so soft… and smells nice… she thought as she hugged her from behind.
"Okay, let me get off," Keilyn said, and as soon as Amethely released her, she added. "Hug me."
"…" Shyly, Amethely covered her chest, hugging herself sheepishly. "U-um… Kei… I d-don't have by b-bandages on…" she stammered.
—Pierced
Keilyn's heart exploded. Her embarrassed friend was just too out of this world—too precious… she thought as she clenched her chest.
"A-ahem… I already know—I felt them on my back," Keilyn said, hugging Amethely abruptly.
"H-huh!?" Amethely froze. But as she noticed Keilyn not saying anything, she began to worry. "K-Kei…?" she voiced hesitantly.
At the same time, Keilyn snapped out of her daze in a jolt. "…They truly are as soft as you say… well, I felt them on my back…" she murmured under her breath.
"…Um… Kei, I always thought your bosom was soft too… Are you sure this benchmark isn't faulty…?"
Keilyn grinned. "That was the point of this experiment. So? How was it? They were nice, right?" she inquired, referring to her own bosom and buttocks.
"…How they are…? U-um… yeah… nice…?" Amethely answered, tilting her head to the side slightly.
"I see, I see. Well, listen, Ame."
"O-okay?"
"Do you get it now?" Keilyn asked.
"…?"
"Aaand you don't… Sigh… You see, you thought my boobs felt nice when we hugged, right? And when I sat on your lap, and you hugged me from behind—it was nice and soothing, right? Wouldn't he think the same?"
"…"
"…"
"…!?"
It took a few seconds for Keilyn's words to register in Amethely's mind. But when she understood. she rapidly nodded as she fully comprehended her friend's wise words. She puffed her chest proudly yet bashfully.
"Woah! That's the spirit!" Keilyn exclaimed and gave Amethely a high five. "Alright! Don't hide them from him, got it?!
"Y-yes!" she replied.
"If you converse with him and it's time to say goodbye, approach him cautiously, see if he's fine with an embrace before parting ways," Keilyn said, grabbing Amethely's arms.
"Nnn!" she nodded.
"—Oh, but don't sit on his lap, okay? That's a no-go—it's for later development. Otherwise, he'd think you're a weirdo."
"…" Amethely averted her gaze—she'd thought she'd use all her arsenal but assumed wrong.
"—Don't tell me you thought…" Keilyn's words trailed off, her mouth slightly agape while her expression was deadpan.
"…" Amethely shyly averted her eyes only to cover her face.
"Sigh… well, to be honest. I don't think you actually need to do any of this," Keilyn said after a deep sigh.
She pulled Amethely into her chest and hugged her.
"You know? Your face, I'm envious—I mean, you've got a beautiful face. Not only that, you're so nice some think you're naive—but you're not," she said as she stroked Amethely's back.
"…" Amethely quietly listened as Keilyn continued.
"I mean, sure, you're pretty shy, but at the same time, you're bold—you even sniffed a stranger because you thought he smelled nice, and now you're actually trying to find him. If that's not bold, then I don't know what to say," Keilyn chuckled lightly.
"…" Embarrassed, Amethely covered her face. She couldn't tell if Keilyn was reprimanding her or complementing her. But…
"You're trying your best. Not only that, you're absolutely adorable, and I'm not even biased—who wouldn't fall for a girl like that? At the very least, he'd be flattered, no? And you told us he doesn't have a lover, right? Either he's blunt like you said, or he's actually into you," she added, smiling gently.
Amethely didn't know how to reply; her chest tightened, but it wasn't unpleasant. She could only voice her friend's name, "Kei…" under her breath. She looked at her face. "Um… I don't think you need to be envious of my face or anything… I think you're—"
"Alright, alright. I wasn't fishing for a compliment. It's about you right now, got it? Be more selfish, will you?"
Amethely hugged her friend tight. Her face melted into a smile. "Thank you…" she shyly said.
…
..
Later that night, the venue dazzled with warm light and was coated in the pleasant scent of food. Among the well-dressed attendees were sisters, paladins, as well as those from influential families—such as the imperial family.
Everyone present wanted to have a chance to speak to the wanderers while also meeting old friends.
Just as the Pope had finished his speech, applause echoed throughout the halls. The next one was the Head of Command and the former emperor, Rigeld Ilifel—his speech was filled with proud determination, emotion, and aspiration as he represented both the imperial family and the empire's security.
"…" The venue went completely silent momentarily—loud applause exploded as everybody cheered.
Now that the banquet had officially started, people began to flood toward the wanderers, trying to engage them in a conversation and build a connection—whether it was simple curiosity or ulterior motives, the attention wasn't a bad thing—especially after finding out they all had high magical proficiencies—meaning life would be pretty easy if they get the proper support. But among them was one who'd managed to sneak away—Alum Miller.
In the beginning, Chely had been keeping a close eye on Alum, but when she took her eyes off him, he'd disappear—not only that, Amethely was surrounded by people and wasn't able to look for the boy she liked. Thus, Chely couldn't confirm her suspicion.
"Hey—" Suddenly, a girl in a pastel blue dress spoke to her. "Why the serious look?" she asked, handing her a wine glass.
"…Kei? Weren't you with Ame?" Chely replied as she received the glass.
"Well, you know how things are with her," Keilyn replied casually. "By the way, I saw you looking at a quite handsome lad for a while—was he the one Ame is so infatuated with?"
"…" Chely sighed and averted her gaze. "I'm not sure," she said.
"Hmm…" Keilyn softly hummed in contemplation. "Is there something about that Wanderer?" she inquired, seeing how Chely was uneasy about something. So, she changed the question. "Are you worried?"
"Of course I am…" Chely sipped the alcohol. "I don't want Ame to get heartbroken…"
"…" Hearing those words, Keilyn frowned. "Might you elaborate?" she asked sternly. "Sure, he seemed pretty quiet and collected, but he did have a cute smile talking to that white-haired girl—wait…"
"Sigh… that girl clearly likes him, right?" Chely said, leaning on the pillar next to her.
"…" Keilyn couldn't say anything but to wait for her to elaborate.
"Take a close look," Chely suggested as she nudged Keilyn's eyes toward Miu, who wore an elegant black dress.
"She's… really beautiful, huh? So she's Ame's rival?" Keilyn murmured.
"Yes and no," Chely replied.
"…?"
"You see," Chely continued. "He doesn't see her in a romantic light. I can tell. That guy's preceptive—yet he doesn't reciprocate her feelings. And it's not like she doesn't try to appeal to him—how do you think it would fare for Ame if he's the guy?"
"That's—"
Before Keilyn could respond, Chely added. "Not only that—he's the most dangerous among them—lethal, even. I know those eyes—he has them; they're the eyes of someone who'd seen the depths of a very dark abyss."
"…"
Again, before she could answer, Amethely approached the two of them with a radiant smile brimming with sweet elegance.
"Older Sister Chely, Keilyn, you should have called out to me if you were done speaking to the guests," she said elegantly despite her sulking.
"Oh, sorry about that…" Keilyn and Chely apologized.
"Nnn," Amethely smiled. "But what were you two conversing about?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
Suddenly, Chely had a bad feeling—Keilyn wore a smug look on her face. "You see, some of the attendees who'd met you regularly seemed to wonder why you'd… enhance some… features," she said, grinning playfully.
"Wh-wah?!" Amethely subtly reddened and averted her gaze.
"Oh, but don't worry, they're cheering for you despite thinking——she's trying so hard… even resorting to using pads… good luck, Saint Amethely!" Keilyn chuckled in amusement.
Someone definitely said that… Chely thought to herself, elbowing Keilyn to signal her to stop teasing Amethely.
"I'm not…" Amethely voiced under her breath.
But I'm not using theeem…! Amethely cried internally as she retained her external grace while trying not to cover her reddening face.
As she thought about what others thought, her eyes suddenly caught a glimpse of long black hair and golden eyes. It was a beautiful woman, but also… the boy she'd met at the park.
The girl seemed worried about the boy as he looked pained, covering one of his golden eyes. Unconsciously, she reluctantly began to walk toward him. However, Chely gently grabbed her by the hand.
"Ame? Are you okay?" she worried as she saw her sister wearing a pained expression.
"I found him…" Amethely said.
She was unsure of how to act—her heart stung when she saw him in pain, but also because he already had someone caring for him—she hated that the thought even crossed her mind. How selfish could she be for thinking that?
Seeing her distressed friend, Keilyn quickly cast her gaze in the direction where Amethely looked. There, she saw a woman and a boy who seemed close—but they didn't really look like siblings despite sharing hair and eye colors. However, the boy seemed to feel ill and was heading toward one of the balconies while gesturing to the girl not to follow him.
"Ame, he went to one of the balconies—he's alone. You should go," Keilyn suggested, patting her on the shoulder.
"But…" Amethely hesitated.
"Don't worry, if he's the one I think he is, then the girl you saw was likely a friend or his guardian," Chely reassured. "Did the girl have black hair and golden eyes?" She asked Keilyn.
"Yeah…" Keilyn replied.
"There aren't many with those features here—I can reassure you it's his guardian. Ame, go see him," Chely said, pushing her on the back.
"Sis… Kei…"
Amethely hesitated, her lips pressed together, and she headed toward the balcony with a determined look. But when she looked back, Chely and Keilyn waved at her with a smile.
—You can do it, Ame, she reassured herself.
…
..
In a monochrome garden, a boy gazed at the gray sky. With a book in his hands, he watched snow-like ash fall. Devoid of light, his eyes shifted toward the high walls surrounding the monochrome garden—the outside was dark and crimson. He would rather remain in his unfeeling prison.
Until crimson black cracked his world—entering without permission. A boy with black hair and molten eyes entered through the cracks, displaying hostility.
"Monochrome, don't interfere!" he exclaimed, collapsing the grey garden into a dark crimson void.
"…" The boy with blue eyes and snow-like ash hair closed his book. "Interfere? I'm not. I'm protecting him. Why don't you understand? Sinister?" he replied coolly.
"IN WHAT WAY?!" Sinister violently cried—the ground beneath Monochrome began to crack from pressure as Monochrome fell to his knees.
"Sigh… we used to be such good friends…" Monochrome voiced under his breath. "Don't you get it? She's a saint; she's too good for someone like us—we'll only be hurt."
—Tch
Sinister clicked his tongue and clenched his fists—before Monochrome could react, he was sent flying from a violent kick, which shattered the dark space.
"Don't screw with me!" Sinister calmly said, walking closer.
Slowly, it began to rain colors in the white space—paintings started to appear everywhere—memories. Happy memories.
"…!?" Monochrome's blue eyes shook at the sight. "Why…" he uttered.
"Hmph!" Sinister scoffed. "While you were unconscious, we've begun to regain our humanity and emotion. As I said—DON'T INTERFERE."
Monochrome didn't utter a word as he stood up, and then suddenly—all the paintings began to burn in a blue flame—turning everything to ash.
"No… No more. Never again," Monochrome said, unfeeling.
"Y-you—"
Before Sinister could protest, he turned to a pile of ash. Monochrome watched as the world slowly turned gray again; he sighed softly before he uttered chilling words.
"I'm sorry, Sinister. I swore, so… rest for a while."
But…
"—No, I won't—I've slumbered for too long," Sinister said. His dark voice echoed, and everything downed as it all sunk into the abyss.
But suddenly, everything became white—both Monochrome and Sinister's eyes and hair returned to black and gold. Sinister glared intensely while the unfeeling Monochrome turned to walk away.
…
..
At the balcony, Alum clenched his chest, breathing heavily as sweat ran down his chin. He clasped the stony parapet—he was unusually hot but also cold. His right eye flickered between molten gold and frosty sapphire—Monochrome and Sinister were fighting for control. Alum himself hadn't fully recovered and couldn't stop them from rampaging as they ravaged his insides; in the end, he coughed blood while panting. Until…
"—U-um…" A sweet, unfamiliar, yet familiar voice soothed his mind—just like that, he regained control.
And as he turned around, a familiar girl was standing there—the one he met at the park. Her long silver-gray hair was neat and straight, brushing her shoulders and tucked behind her ears. Her purple-pink amethyst eyes seemed to twinkle but seemed shaken by worry.
And this time, she wore a long dress with hints of frills. Her shoulders were slightly exposed, and cutouts around her elbows—which showed a little skin on her arms. Even though the dress didn't emphasize them, he couldn't help but notice that her bosom was more pronounced than he remembered. But what surprised him the most was a red ribbon tied on her arm—
Huh… is that…?
But before his hunch was confirmed, the girl looked at him sweetly. "Are you okay?" she asked, her head leaned to the side adorably with concern.
"…I am," he replied, somewhat abashed for worrying her.
"O-oh… okay…" Amethely shyly stammered, her eyes darted between the floor and him.
Just like that, the conversation died.
"…"
"…"
"So…" Alum hesitated. "Hi…" he said, placing a hand on his neck as he glanced at her face.
"H-hi…" Amethely replied sheepishly.
Suddenly, everything became even more awkward but warm and comfortable as the two awkwardly locked eyes.
…
..
It had been some time since they reunited; their conversations always seemed to stop at a dead end, but it wasn't too bad, they thought. Both of them continued to lock eyes bashfully.
For Amethely, Alum was just as handsome as she remembered. His soft-looking jet-black hair and golden eyes stood out even at night when the shiny stares dazzled in the sky.
His costume was formal and militaristic—which made sense since he borrowed military clothes. Still, she wanted to hear his voice more, she wanted to get closer, but—how? She thought.
When she saw him in pain, she wanted to heal him but could not use her magic. Not only that, they were in the monastery, and she had no reason to carry a healing core as there were healers everywhere.
Useless and with no agency, she thought of herself as incompetent again for being unable to help. But the fact that he wanted to see her too made her incredibly happy—she'd suggested they go and get him checked, but he said he was fine.
Amethely didn't know if he indeed was or that he wanted the same thing as her—and that was to be alone with one another.
What am I doing?! He said he was glad to see me too, but I'm worried—I want to be alone with him but… but he seems injured!
But as her mind raced, her eyes happened to land upon the dorms, and she thought of something bold.
"U-um… Mister, could it be that you're afraid to ask for help from thinking you'd trouble someone?" she asked.
"…" Alum seemed surprised and averted his gaze. "Perhaps. I wouldn't want to disturb the festivity—"
"That isn't the case at all," Amethely scolded him, stepping closer. "If you're not feeling well, you should rest; if you are injured, you should seek treatment!" she huffed, puffing her cheeks.
"…" Alum's eyes widened, and his expression melted into a faint smile. "Okay…" he agreed.
Satisfied, Amethely nodded with a smile, but her face reddened when she realized how close they were—yet she didn't back away.
"S-so… um… I wouldn't find it bothersome…" she said, tugging his shirt.
"O-okay… if you'd have me…" Alum replied, scratching his cheek.
Overwhelmed by happiness, Amethely clasped his shirt tighter as her eyes widened with vulnerability. The light in them seemed to twinkle and dance, causing him to chuckle. But as he did, she pouted and gently headbutted his chest. Her head lingered there.
"Meanie… I'm worried. And here you are, laughing like a fool…" Amethely murmured, her voice as gentle and soothing as ever.
"Sorry…" Alum smiled gently.
Looking up, Amethely asked, "Are you really?" in a somewhat childish, hushed voice filled with suspicion.
"Mm? Am I?" he wondered, which caused Amethely to headbutt him on the chest a second time.
"Dummy…"
"…I suppose I am," he replied as he awkwardly and reluctantly placed his hands on her shoulders.
Amethely didn't say anything as she looked into his eyes, tugging the hem of his shirt playfully but sheepishly.
"Hey… we've yet to introduce ourselves… right?" Alum calmly voiced. "I'm Alum Miller…"
"Alum…?" Amethely echoed his name softly. "Oh… I'm Amethely Ilis…. U-um… sorry for the late introduction…"
"I don't mind… Amethely…" Alum replied, scratching his cheek.
Amethely took a deep breath. "…I-if possible… could you call me Ame?" she requested, clenching her chest endearingly as she nervously clasped her hands.
"Then… it'd only be fair if you called me Al, right, Ame?"
"…!" Amethely's heart skipped, her chest squeezed as she became light-headed. "Al… Al… Nnn! I'd be happy to call you that," she smiled brightly.
"…!" Alum clenched his chest, coughing blood again.
"A-Al?!" Amethely panicked.
…
..
—Tap, tap, tap
As the two walked in the empty halls, they'd subtly glance at one another as each step echoed. The lively festivity could be heard from a distance, but the silence between them was louder.
"So… you've been in this world for only three days?" Amethely inquired.
"Mm. It seems like we can't return to our world," Alum replied casually.
Hearing his words, Amethely felt a pang of pain in her chest—just imagining being stuck in an unfamiliar world and unable to return must hurt. But…
"I pity the others," Alum suddenly said, surprising Amethely. "They have somewhere they belong over there. And now, they'd have to find somewhere new."
"…"
Amethely halted and looked at him with saddened eyes. Alum halted, too.
"What's wrong, Ame?" he softly voiced.
Amethely took a deep breath. Finding the courage to ask, her voice shook. "Al… Don't you feel sad…? What about your family?"
"…" Alum went silent momentarily before his lips curved into a smile. "My family is here. That's why I pity the others."
"Is… that so…?"
"It is."
After that, the mood turned somewhat strange. She lamented over the fact she'd made it super awkward. Their silences before were awkward but warmed her with jittery excitement—but now, it was uncomfortable—almost unbearable.
Of course, Alum took notice of her self-reprimand; thus, he decided to ask something he'd been wondering.
"Ame," he gently called her name.
Not expecting him to call her suddenly, Amethely became flustered. "Y-yes?" she answered while fidgeting with her hands.
"Pff," Alum chuckled, finding her reaction cute.
"H-hey…!" she retorted, hitting his arm playfully while puffing her cheeks.
"Pff… sorry sorry…"
"Nngh! You're not sorry at all!" she protested.
Just like that, he continued to tease her. Apparently, her reason for falling asleep at the park was the same as his—she'd forgotten to sleep. And before long, they would arrive at her room before Alum could ask his question.
Alum was instructed to sit on the couch while she dug up magical instruments. And as she was doing so, his eyes drifted around the room. It was filled with magical devices, blueprints, and plants.
It smells like her… he thought—wait, it's her room, of course it does, he sighed.
He decided to watch Amethely instead. Each time he looked at her, his heart would race, and his face would turn red.
But…
Seeing all the high-quality equipment and spacious room filled with flora and decoration, he couldn't help but think she really was a young lady—the difference between their status sunk in. In this world, he was a nobody. He was broke and had nothing in his name—yet…
I really went and did it… is this what it's like to fall for a girl way out of your league… Alum thought. But… I don't care—I'll just have to make up the difference, he calmly stated.
But as he thought along those lines, Amethely turned toward him, and their eyes met—she'd melt into a smile and wave at him—he'd scratch his cheek and wave at her.
—Why is she so… cute? Sigh… I've really got a lot to do…
…
..
After having examined Alum, she couldn't find any oddities except for a cut in his lungs which she restored with a healing core—it bewilders her.
"I don't understand… your body is very healthy. I can't find a reason as to why such healthy lungs would become damaged out of nowhere," she voiced her concerns as she contemplated deeply as she noted her findings.
"…"
"Based on the data collected by the scanner, the wounds appeared suddenly two hours ago…" She looked up from her notes, her eyes filled with anxiety. "Al, are you really okay?" she asked, her voice shaken.
"I am now. Thanks to you," Alum replied gently.
"…"
"…"
"If you say so…" Amethely sulked, her lips pouting as she frowned while looking at the results.
"Oh, don't sulk," Alum chuckled.
"I'm not," she huffed.
"But you are,"
"No, I'm not."
"Okay, okay. You're not."
"…I was… I'm sorry…" Amethely admitted sheepishly, not wanting him to think she was annoying.
"I see…"
"…"
"…"
As the two became enveloped in silence, Amethely would serve them tea and treats—Alum had treated her to sweets prior, so she thought to do the same. But unfortunately, she couldn't find caramels, which he seemed to like. When she told him that, he began to blush for some reason.
After that, not many words were exchanged between them—just like how it was at the park when they snacked, only to then part way.
Is it going to end that way again? Amethely thought, her chest tightened with loneliness—she didn't want that.
"Um… Al," she suddenly called his name as he enjoyed the treats like a small animal as he read her blueprints.
"Mm?" Alum turned to her.
"A-after this… could I meet you again…?" she queried, twirling her hair and tilting her head adorably.
"!?"
Alum gulped and clenched his chest.
"A-Al!?"
Amethely hurriedly moved closer to examine, but as she did, she stumbled and ended up pushing him down on the couch.
"…"
"…"
The two of them turned beet red, their heart racing while steam leaked out from their ears. Frozen in place, they could only look each other in the eyes until—boom! Boom-boom!
The colorful explosions helped them to regain their composure—Amethely hastily got off him and planted her face in a pillow. Equally embarrassed, Alum covered his face with his arm, but he couldn't take his eyes away from her adorable reaction. But they couldn't stay like this forever.
Alum took a deep breath. "Ame, I think we should head back," he suggested.
Peeking up shyly, she nodded. "Y-yesh…" she fumbled—for some reason, she seemed oddly determined.
And when they were about the exit the door, Amethely suddenly stopped him. Her gaze was locked on him. Her parted lips were shaken. As she took a deep breath, she covered her mouth with a tightly clenched hand.
"Al…" she softly voiced.
Her face grew redder by the second as she trembled—her breath was uneven, and her heart was beating faster than she could handle. She was becoming numb, and her mind blanked. Mustering up the courage of a lifetime, she spread her arms awkwardly, reaching them towards him.
"W-w-will y-you… h-hug me…?" her voice was almost inaudible, and her stammering was uncontrollable as her eyes spun in circles.
At that moment, Alum's mind blanked, too, and without notice, he just embraced her.
"I-I will…" he said after the fact.
Overwhelmed by his warmth and scent, Amethely squeezed him tightly. "Eh-ehe-hehe~" she giggled, her legs weak and shaky. "Y-you already are…" she mustered a teasing remark.
"I am…" Alum couldn't find anything clever to say, neither needed he as he too firmed his embrace.
Sharing warmth, their hearts beat loudly. Slowly, their uneven breaths quelled as they began to smoothen into each other. Quietly, they continued to cherish their closeness. And when Amethely's legs finally gave out, they slowly fell to their knees—still in one another's arms. Neither could let go, nor did they want to. And with that, fireworks continued to go off in the background as the banquet was reaching its climax.