The sun rose again on the blissful morning in this cursed world. As for my morning routine, I tidied my bed and worked out. After that, I took a bath. It looked like a normal day, but living with a girl is kinda hard.
"Cassius, can you wear a shirt at least?" Gesine was eating her breakfast, and I was on the couch reading a novel. I took a few glances at her, and she would always look at my chest and arms before swallowing her food.
"Just focus on eating, Gesine. There's nothing to see here." I did say that, but she was still looking at me. Her ears were reddish, but more like a light pink.
"So uh, Cassius, do you mind staying here to guard this place? I need to go out and buy some flowers and visit my aunt."
Well, that doesn't sound good since I also have plans today. Though I do understand her concern since last night a thief broke into her room, and thankfully nothing was stolen.
"Oh, you see, I also have something to do as well, so I can't really stay here," she looked a bit worried about this place.
"I see. Then when I head out later, make sure to lock the doors and windows. Nothing must go in, not even a fly."
"A fly? I look at this place; it has holes everywhere. This looks like it was made thousands of years ago!"
She went closer to me and gave me a smack on the head, "Don't you dare insult the house you're living in!"
"Alright, geez, you don't have to hit so hard." After that, she put her plates into the sink and went into her room. I caught a glimpse of her face and saw that she was smiling.
[Well, isn't she cute when she's smiling?]
The message popped up in front of me.
"Who is this?" I asked, since there was no specific way of telling who the goddess was.
[It's me, Cassia. I came because I felt my goddess senses tingling, and you should really learn which goddess is speaking to you!]
"Your what is tingling? And I don't know how to guess which goddess is talking to me!"
"Cassius? Who are you talking to?" Gesine called out from her room; my voice was a bit loud.
"No one, just talking to myself," I replied as I headed to my room and laid down on my bed; it was more comfortable.
[Booo... Someone is getting lovey-dovey in this house.]
"Come on, Cassia. Gesine is a worldly beauty that rivals the gods. Why would she like a normal dude like me?"
[Well, first of all, you're speaking blasphemy, but I'll forgive you since I like you and your not a normal person Esmond.]
I was struck by her final words, That's right, I'm not a normal person. I lived in this place for only a couple of days, and now I think I'm normal. I will never be normal.
"You really know how to emotionally damage a person."
[Well, of course, since I'm the goddess of love, I need to know how to insult someone as well!]
She's proud of that, but I can't really laugh at this matter. "Cassia, could you leave me alone for now?" It's not like I hate her for saying those words to me; it's just that my deep thoughts are coming back up again.
[Why? Weren't we just having fun?]
"That fun of yours is... Nevermind. Just leave me alone. I have a few things to think about." As I said this, no more messages appeared.
I stood up and looked out the window. It wasn't particularly a good view since it's just walls and houses. I'd much prefer the forest and the rivers; city life isn't for me.
Then I heard a knock on my door, "Cassius?" It was Gesine. I'm guessing that she will go buy flowers right now. "I know what you're gonna tell me, and yes, I'll lock the doors and windows!"
"Alright! When you go out, have a safe trip," she said before going out. It was in the afternoon, so maybe it's time I should probably get dressed in formal attire since they probably won't let me in.
So I scoured the closet; there were a lot of men's clothing and less for women, so it means more choices for me, I guess. I found a decent one; it was in white and gold, perfect for the place that I'm going to.
I wore it and looked at the mirror; it was a perfect fit, so I decided to go with it. It was about time to leave, so I made sure to close every single window and lock the doors. I don't want to make the madam angry.
I headed out and decided that I would just walk there since I'll be buying some flowers on the way. As I walked along the streets, people would gaze at me, and they must be thinking, 'why is a noble walking around?' I do look like one.
I continued walking until I arrived at the inner city. The place I'm going to is near the temple, so it shouldn't be far. I came across a person selling flowers, so I bought three. As I went further, I saw the temple, and beside it was a well-guarded area with plenty of guards. I went up to them so that I could enter.
"Purpose? You look like a rich noble. What are you doing here?" one of the guards said.
"I came for a visit. There are a few friends inside, so I do wish to meet them."
He looked at me and was suspicious at first, but eventually, he opened the gates and let me in. As I did, I saw a peaceful sanctuary with trees, bushes, and a paved path. I followed it, and it led me to a tree with three gravestones.
"It's been a long time, my old comrades," I looked at the gravestones. They were well cleaned and respected, unlike the hero. The stones had their names written on them.
Ayla Ainsley.
Ivan Bennett.
Clovis Bernard.
I wonder if their bodies are here. Probably not, since people can just casually go in like me, for example. There's also one gravestone missing. There were five of us: three men and two women. Though I'm glad that Ayla is here, since it was her and Ivan that helped me a lot along the way.
I bent down and gave them each flowers. I plucked one from Ivan's and put it down towards the grass. It was for a companion that didn't have her own memorial.
"Look at me, left alone to suffer among anyone here in this world. Only the four of you became special, and yet you guys had to leave."
The wind started gusting harder.
"Things will never be the same as back then, even though I'm a being from another world."
Then I heard a few footsteps heading towards me and the gravestones. Is it the guards? Have they found out that I'm not some rich kid noble?
"Hello, auntie," it was a girl's voice, and it was also a familiar one. As the footsteps got closer, I saw a woman laying down a bouquet of flowers next to my companion Ayla.
She had a beautiful face and sad eyes. Then it came to me. No wonder the voice was familiar, no wonder this feeling felt similar.
"Gesine?"