Satoru glanced around and then asked, "So, the entire second floor only has our two rooms?"
"Yes, that's right," Janne replied with a hint of regret in her voice.
"My home isn't that large. When I built this cabin, I certainly didn't anticipate meeting you." She cast a slight resentful look at Satoru, like it was his fault.
"Alright, I suppose it's my fault," Satoru said, his tone tinged with a mock sense of grievance, though he was fully aware that Janne wasn't genuinely displeased.
After exchanging some light-hearted teasing and chatting, they each retreated to their own rooms.
"Good night, Satoru," Janne said softly, her voice warm as she bid him farewell.
"Mm, Good night, Janne," Satoru responded, his tone equally gentle as he wished her well.
The next morning, Satoru awoke to the gentle light filtering through the curtains. He rubbed his eyes groggily, his vision still somewhat hazy from sleep.
As he sat up, he took a moment to adjust to the new day, his mind gradually clearing from the fog of slumber.
Suddenly, he noticed Janne leaning against the doorframe of his room, her eyes fixed intently on him.
This left Satoru somewhat taken aback, unsure of how to respond.
He looked at Janne, at a loss for words, and the two of them stood in silence, the air thick with unspoken thoughts.
"Is something wrong? Did my presence here surprise you? After all, this is my home," Janne remarked, her smile widening as she observed Satoru's speechless reaction, clearly pleased with the outcome of her playful surprise.
Satoru looked at Janne with a mix of confusion and mild annoyance. "And this is my room, you know! Isn't it rather strange to barge in and watch a guy for who knows how long?"
"Alright, alright, my mistake. Please forgive me," Janne said with a playful tone, her smile never fading.
"Hm, it seems that after revealing all the secrets from within, you've become quite a bit more at ease," Satoru remarked, observing Janne's relaxed demeanor.
"Though it also seems you've become rather fond of teasing," Satoru added with a wry smile.
"I suppose that's true," Janne replied with a radiant smile. "But isn't it a good thing?"
"I never said it wasn't a good thing," Satoru replied, still smiling wryly.
"Alright, time to get breakfast ready," Janne said, transitioning to a more practical tone.
Following Satoru's succinct reply, he accompanied Janne down the stairs.
Their footsteps reverberated gently through the stillness of the morning, the soft rustling of their movements contrasting with the tranquility of the early hour.
Satoru reclined into the plush cushions of the seating area, his eyes following Janne's graceful movements as she prepared their breakfast.
The serene symphony of nature played softly in the background—birds singing their melodious tunes, leaves whispering in the gentle breeze.
He allowed himself a contented sigh, reflecting on the tranquil harmony of the morning.
In this serene setting, surrounded by the simple yet profound beauty of nature and the warmth of companionship, he couldn't help but feel that this moment embodied the very essence of an idyllic life.
Soon, Janne emerged carrying the sandwiches she had made and two cups of coffee.
She placed the breakfast on the coffee table, and this time, she sat down beside Satoru.
"So, are you going to Astralya today?" Janne inquired, her tone light yet tinged with curiosity.
"Are there any other places to study in Astralya besides the Glorious Archive?" Satoru asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
"Of course, even though Astralya is a place of free learning, there are still some places that have fixed times for classes, like the Celestial Atrium," Janne responded, her knowledge of the Astralsya evident.
Satoru was quiet for a moment, his face betraying no hint of his thoughts. His expression was inscrutable, making it impossible to tell what was going on in his mind.
"Do you become like a specter upon entering Astralsya?" Satoru inquired, his voice tinged with both concern and curiosity.
His mind raced with questions, and the worry that Janne might vanish before his eyes weighed heavily on him.
Janne offered a gentle smile, sensing the depth of his emotions. "Not quite. The nature of my existence here is more complicated. As I mentioned before, the 'Blessed Curse' ensures that I become imperceptible to any living being that looks upon me. In their gaze, I cease to exist, both physically and spiritually."
Satoru's brows furrowed with worry. "But how do you manage to live like this? It sounds... incredibly isolating."
Janne's smile softened. "It is. Imagine walking through life unable to interact with anyone, unable to be seen or heard. It's a profound loneliness that has accompanied me for years. When you first saw me, Satoru, it felt like a miracle. I didn't know how to react, whether to be elated or suspicious. It was the first time in a long time that someone acknowledged my existence."
Satoru's heart ached for her. The thought of Janne enduring such solitude, unable to touch or be touched, filled him with a deep sadness.
He realized that every smile she gave, every word she spoke, was a rare treasure. "I'm sorry you had to go through that. I'll do my best to be here for you."
"Thank you," Janne replied, her voice soft with gratitude. "But it's important you understand, Satoru, that while I can interact with you, I'm still bound by the curse. The moment anyone else sees me, I will disappear from their perception. It's a delicate balance."
Satoru nodded, his resolve strengthening. "We'll find a way to lift this curse. You're not alone anymore, Janne. Together, we'll seek out the answers and break these chains."
Touched by his earnest promise, Janne's eyes shimmered with hope. "You're different, Satoru. Meeting you has given me a glimmer of hope I thought I'd lost forever."
"By the way, even though I'm an exception, if there are others present, you'll still be affected by the Blessed Curse, won't you?" Satoru asked, his concern evident.
Janne chuckled softly. "Why are you so fixated on this issue? The process of affecting by the Blessed Curse might not be as terrifying as you imagine. Remember how it was in the library? It's the same situation as back then—only you could see me."
"Well, it's just... I'm concerned. But it's a relief to hear that you won't be in any danger," Satoru replied.
After some pleasant conversation, the two finished their breakfast.
"Let us proceed," Satoru suggested with a thoughtful tone. "We still have quite a journey ahead of us to reach Astralsya."
Janne, momentarily taken aback, arched an elegant eyebrow. "Oh? Are you intending to visit the Celestial Atrium?" she inquired, her voice laced with both curiosity and subtle intrigue.
"Indeed," Satoru replied, his voice carrying a hint of eagerness. "I wish to immerse myself in the knowledge this world has to offer."
His casual admission unwittingly revealed more about his intentions than he had realized.
Janne fell silent for a moment, as if absorbing and processing this revelation. Her expression softened, a flicker of understanding lighting up her eyes.
It seemed that a significant question she had been harboring had found its answer, and her mood brightened noticeably.
"Very well, then," she said, her tone now infused with warmth and confidence. "Allow me to guide you. I am well-acquainted with Astralsya and its intricacies."
The two set out on foot from the quaint wooden cabin, making their way toward Astralsya.
The descent the previous day had seemed effortless to Satoru, but today's climb up the mountain proved to be quite a different experience. The steep ascent left him somewhat breathless and unsteady, starkly reminding him of his physical limitations.
His usual sedentary lifestyle had left him ill-prepared for such exertion, making each step a challenge and instilling in him a newfound awareness of his body's shortcomings.
Janne glanced at Satoru, who was struggling slightly with the climb, and simply smiled without comment. Reaching out, she took his hand in hers, leaving Satoru momentarily startled, a flush of embarrassment creeping up his cheeks.
"It seems someone's stamina isn't quite up to par," Janne teased lightly. "We've barely walked a few steps and already you're out of breath."
She quickly added, "I'm merely assisting someone in need, so don't read too much into it." Her tone was light and reassuring, easing the tension of the moment.
Satoru, observing Janne's effortless grace and the way she easily assisted him despite her apparent lack of fatigue, couldn't help but feel she might be even more formidable than he initially thought—at least in terms of physical stamina.
"You're quite the powerhouse," he remarked with a hint of admiration and self-deprecating.
Janne gave a playful smirk. "Hmm, my training here in Astralsya was no mere jest. Even though no one could see it, the results speak for themselves."
Janne's voice took on a teasing tone. "And you, clearly lacking in exercise, hmph. From now on, I'll be your personal fitness coach. I'll make sure to keep a close eye on you."
"Oh, that truly is an honor," Satoru replied with a wry smile.