Chapter 154 - Goodbyes Again

Just like the main room was open–the kitchen room also was open. It was just like a part of a greater assembly.

High stools lining themselves upon each length side being coupled with the charm of that high counter, right next to the kitchen, "You're raising the level. Like that."

Giving off the same sober kind of aura as the sofas and coffee table: they were really cool.

Who wanted charm? Because charm was present.

Very charming, in fact, but that would be it, really.

"Heh, heh," still standing beside that high counter (so high I couldn't even see the upper surface of it) I went on chuckling to myself, "I wouldn't make a fortune selling houses, that's for sure."

But it wasn't my fault, still.

Visiting a residence really can be tiring and tedious and above all else: very boring.

"But cheer up, myself. You aren't done yet."

Now, peering around me again, there was that chimney over there: kind of big and kind of cool; but again, that was it.

There were also these stairs going up to the second floor … but again, that was it. Who wanted to visit them? Not me. That was for sure.

Needless to remind myself this residence's last name was about to be Whim Thingy.

I should only wait for Old … and … well. When Old's around, at least, he speaks to me. That's way, way, way less boring.

"Ah, and there's a window here–"

–There was a window in the kitchen too; folding my legs down, and unfolding them at once; I jumped to it and stepped on the kitchen counter … which was quite large, that was cool.

And so, making myself a place up there, I worked my way closer to that window, yanked the curtain, frown my eyes, and struggling against the sun–I saw Old just at my door–our door.

"That's my ticket to less boring lands…!" I muttered to myself, nodding eagerly.

He was here, already! Coming back home!

Hurrying off of the kitchen counter (without even knowing why I'd do that) I abruptly jumped down, letting my legs take my back up once below.

Meanwhile, he'd already pressed the door's handle: "I allow myself in, hoh!... young lad?"

And bursting out of the kitchen, "Old Sipping!..." I shouted to him, making sure my voice wouldn't be loud in the slightest, "you've come back!–yay, it's time to celebrate!"

"I have, I have. Indeed. Time to what?"

What was that he was carrying onto his old wrecked body? So many big boxes and sacks: "And what is all this stuff again? Is the princess giving them, like I just so ingeniously guessed??"

"Absolutely," skillfully closing the door after he'd entered with his foot, carrying too much stuff, "Oh, and I'm hoping you at least thanked her, by the way."

"I did. And what about your old body? Want me to help? I could … and so–"

"This old man will be fine. See how strong I am, now, hoh hoh!"

"Oh, err … and, what was it that I wanted to say again … oh yes–Welcome to my humble abode, stranger! Hehe~, still can't believe that moron (me) got you all this … go on and compare it to the former house??"

I might've been a bit too motivated and stimulated–but the words still poured out of my mouth so generously.

Assaulted by my many blabbers, Old replied, "Hoh, no need, no need. Much gratitude. Watch your voice, though."

"Ah, yeah … and err … I think that's all I had to say. I'm pretty bored now, already."

"Oh, is that so?"

Yes. I was bored. Initiating that conversation with him didn't prove useful, in the end.

And Old Sipping wasn't so bored, with all the stuff he was carrying.

Hmm, and regardless; what would be the second boredom-killer on the list? Observing him.

Doing that wasn't all that boring, too. So I served and helped myself. He can be a funny animal, at times.

The old man was very slow in his movements. Nothing like the quickness he'd so well displayed back on the battlefield.

As he passed by me, I followed him with my even slower eyes.

And that, up till he went to the fancy yet ugly table, delivered his package safely. Glancing over to Leafana, I did the same as him.

Then I talked:

"And … by the way, what about your explanation of her illness you were about to tell me about. Know what causes it?"

Old Sipping, carefully examining her from a distance, quickly turned his face to mine; his two old parched lips muttered:

"About that…"

"About that??"

"This old uncle shall tell you, but wait."

He now proceeded to walk towards me, still letting his two old, piercing eyes see through me.

"Why?"

And he walked pretty quickly, now. One step after the other, under the wide and beige classy tunic he had let loose now that we weren't fighting anymore–he already passed by me again, "When I shall be finished with Lady Elina, of course."

Ah.

So she was still here?

"Sure, goodbyes again, Old Sipping. You'll tell me afterward."

Tip, tap, tip, tap.

Creak~

(Onomatopoeias truly are the best.)

Walking the way he was, the old man quickly got next to his exit, "Sure thing, young man. Go attend your own business … if you even happen to have occupations–hoh, hoh!–this old uncle shall be quick."

Creak.

Thump.

Well, he could say whatever he wanted, that old body of his still pretty held much strength, even at his late age.

Anyhow: I was all alone again.

"What was it again? Visiting the residence, right. … Hmm … let's go about that. I at least should cover up the whole first floor–and there's only that room left."

Dragging down my feet against the wooden floor: I'd be down to do that, now.

There was one weird-looking door.

It stood out. And it was somehow even weirder, as I saw it right now, that it didn't even catch my eyes before.

In terms of catchiness; I was confident in saying it was well above every little piece of decoration and embellishment of my newly-obtained place.

And so, there was that room that now caught my interest.

I'd covered up virtually all the first floor during my inspection, except for these two rooms. There were three, actually yes. But two of them wouldn't count.

Far ahead to one edge, there was Old's room. It was situated by the dining table. I didn't go in it, but I didn't need to–I simply acknowledged its presence, and that'd be it.

Also, sideways to the kitchen on the same last wall, I was facing right now. This room was just about some sort of mixture between a walk-in closet and a storeroom.

As the old door that served of lid for itself already was half-opened (my guess is Old stored stuff inside, already) I didn't need to go and see for more details.

Now though, you, the 'other' room to the opposite, I haven't quite seen you yet. And you're weird.

I'll be honest–your door is what puts me off. I mean, it is so … different?

White, smooth, and clean. Even the design of the handle was different and stood out compared to any other handle I'd have had the occasion to see, at some point.

"I bite, I bite."