CH 68

[……Fuuuuu.]

I take a deep breath and resume the breathing I had unconsciously stopped.

Erasing the expression off my face, I pretended as if this would be just like usual.

Fortunately, I know Lily’s affinity values without having to confirm them.

While pretending to do the calculations, I think about what I’m going to do from here on out.

Unlike Status, the Affinities of a person doesn’t change.

If this is the case, there’s a high possibility that Lily will only attend this Affinity Appraisal this one time.

—————–I can’t let her go at this moment!

I quickly write down the numbers and letters as I remember them, trying not to let out the impatience welling up inside me.

Then, just as I was about to hand it to Lily, who had come near me……

[……Ahh.]

The paper slipped out of my hand, fluttering in front of Lily’s eyes.

After a moment’s delay, the face of Lily, who reflexively bent down to pick up the paper, and my face, who hurriedly chased after the paper, came close to each other……

[————–I know your “secret”.]

——-and I whispered as such into Lily’s ear.

※　※　※

Without any unexpected events happening, I was able to finish my Affinity Appraisal job.

Then, I persuaded a reluctant Resilia to “leave me alone to verify an event”, and came to the front of a fine dining restaurant on the outskirts of Frelia.

Convincing Resilia took an unexpectedly long time, but thanks to my hasty arrival, there was still some time before the appointed time I wrote on the Affinity Appraisal paper.

As I was feeling relieved to see that the other party hadn’t arrived yet……

[……Rex-san, right?]

I heard a voice echo from the shadows of a building.

I should have known it was indeed her, but the sight of her secretly made me breathless.

[……Lily Harmonix.]

There stood the character, who for better or worse, had moved my heart the most in B&B.

※　※　※

【Lily Harmonix】

Initial Level: 5

Class: Bard

Age: 19 years old

Birthplace: Citadel Linesta

And her specialty is……

[Ummm…… Isn’t it about time you told me? What do you mean by you know my secret?]

[Hmm? Ahh, my bad.]

As I was once again recalling her data from my gaming days, Lily, who was sitting opposite me, complained to me anxiously, and I came to my senses.

I’m not sure if that’s something she could consciously do or not……

However, even when I was being careful about it, when I saw the way she clenched her fists in a frightened manner, I naturally felt a desire “to protect her”.

Even me, who knows “her” true nature feel that way, so I think B&B’s development of Lily was quite well done.

[……First off, thanks for going out of your way to come here.]

After meeting up with Lily, I told her that “it’s not something we should talk about here” and we moved to a private room in the restaurant.

When a young woman is invited to a private room by a man she has almost never met before, their natural reaction would have been to become wary.

I thought Lily would be reluctant to accept my invitation, but surprisingly, she readily agreed and went inside the restaurant.

(No, but…… I guess it may just be the way it goes.)

There may have been a unique system in place in this world, where committing a crime isn’t worth the risk, or it could be that there’s a certain amount of trust in this restaurant, which was often used for meeting events by reputable people even in B&B.

Or perhaps……

Shaking my head, I shook off these thoughts and looked at Lily.

(Indeed, I know Lily’s “best-kept” secret.)

However, as to how I could make use of this secret in the most effective way, I scrutinized this cautiously.

[Ummm……?]

Hearing Lily anxiously asked me again, I stopped thinking.

The one with the overwhelming advantage in the current situation is me.

There shouldn’t be a problem if I play through this by the ear to some extent.

[I can indeed see other people’s Affinities with my <Inspect>, but in fact, I can see more than just that. I can also see other things.]

[What do you mean?]

Lily asked in a slightly hoarse voice.

[Those words mean exactly what it means. I can see a lot of things with my <Inspect>. I can see a person’s name, their Class, and techniques and magics they’re good at.]

I didn’t miss the slight tremor in Lily’s shoulders when I said the word “magic”.

[T- That is…… Is that true?]

Of course, I’m lying.

However, it was true that I knew what Lily was capable of.

[I’m not going to lie about this. To prove it, I guess I’ll say what you’re good at.]

[Eh……]

Pretending not to notice Lily stiffening, I continued with a nonchalant expression on my face.

[Lily Harmonix. Class: Bard. Your specialties are <Musical Instrument Performances> and <Singing>. And also…… <Dark Magic>.]

As soon as I spoke those last few words, I could clearly see Lily’s face stiffening.

After a few moments of silence, Lily spoke with her trembling voice.

[A- Are you going to turn me in to the town’s guards then?]

Lily’s trembling voice sounded like she was really scared of me.

(If this was an act, she really is quite remarkable……)

I spread my hands out in a deliberate attempt to reassure her and intentionally spoke in a laid-back manner.

Concealing my true motives in mind……

[Ahh, don’t get me wrong. I’m not trying to persecute you for it. Besides, although Dark Magic is frowned upon, it’s not a crime to learn it. Well, I don’t think it’s a good idea to use Sleep Magic or Confusion Magic on people though.]

In this world where committing a crime isn’t worth it, it can be said that if it’s just limited to the crimes between humans, you can say that this world is a lot safer compared to Japan.

But even if that were the case, there were still drunks who can’t be helped with, and when you’re tangled up with such people, you could get away with casting light Sleep or Confusion Magic.

This is what “Lily” herself said in the game.

[I- I know it’s not a good thing to do. However, for a woman traveling all on her own, there are some things you can’t just get away with peacefully, so ummm……]

Lily was trying to desperately talk her way out of it, but I soothed her down.

[Like I said, you don’t have to worry about it. I’m not trying to persecute you for it, but rather, the opposite.]

[The opposite?]

Lily looked puzzled.

[I’m not doing Affinity Appraisal just for the sake of others. By doing these appraisals, I could gather information on talented people. In other words……]

[You’re scouting me?]

She should have been quite dumbfounded by my earlier words, but as I had expected, she really is quite quick-witted.

[H- However, I’m not that good as an Adventurer, and even when it comes to fighting……]

I know that. What I need now is someone who can collect information in town. For that reason, what I need isn’t combat power. It’s a person’s sociability skills. Their quick-wittedness. It would be even better if they have one of the “tricks” to lighten the mouth of the informant when needed.]

She seems surprised by my unexpected suggestion, but her responses seem to be more positive than I had imagined.

Here, I gave her a little bit more push.

[I know this is bad, but I did some research beforehand. With a personality that can’t leave troubled people alone, everyone has a good reputation of you. This too is a rare talent.]

Of course, I’m just bluffing here.

[That is…… I- I’m just being normal. The people I’ve met have all been very nice…….]

However, my words seemed to be more effective than I thought, as Lily pressed her hands on her cheeks.

[That’s exactly why I want to ask Lili for this. For the sake of saving the world, will you lend me your strength?]

[I- I……]

Lily showed signs of hesitation.

Well, I guess that’s to be expected.

Lily, who is a “thoroughly good person”, shouldn’t be able to refuse this invitation without a reason.

However, I slowed down my assault here.

[Sorry. I didn’t mean to trouble you. It isn’t as if you need to make a decision here today.]

[Eh……]

[You would need time to think and understand each other’s intentions. ……I was being too hasty. In any case, since we’re in a very expensive restaurant, let’s have some good food and alcohol.]

I tried to say that, but I knew without even asking that putting aside the meals, she would probably refuse the alcohol.

In worldviews with medieval settings, it’s often the case that people can drink alcohol at a young age, but perhaps because the devs wanted to be seen as a company that endorses underage drinking, this world was just like Japan, as “you have to be 20 years old to drink alcohol”.

So, Lily would surely be apologetically declining my invitation for that, citing her age

Well, that’s what I thought……

[Ummm, I usually refuse to drink alcohol because I’m not old enough yet. However, the truth is I turned 20 a little while ago. That’s why, if it’s just a little bit……]

After some hesitation, Lily responded as such.

[This would be your first drink then? Well, it’s an honor then.]

I grinned at her words, but I’m inwardly seething with anger.

""

(You f*cking liar! I know you’re still nineteen!)

In the first place, her event begins in which Lily brushes away a persistent male Adventurer who was making her drink, insisting that “she’s only 19 years old”.

I heard that this random event will stop generating in the fourth month of in-game’s second year, so my knowledge of the game proves that Lily is still 19 until then.

I knew I shouldn’t let this woman bother me, so I just ordered some of the dishes and alcohol I’d seen in the game.

As for the name of the dishes, they are all stuff that I have heard of in modern Japan, so I don’t think these meals aren’t much different from those.

After finishing the order, I asked casually.

[You’re from Linesta, right, Lily? Do you have a family there?]

[Yes. I heard that my parents used to travel around, but after I was born, they already have a store set up in Linesta. I’m also thinking of going back home sometimes, but I enjoy traveling.]

[I see. What about siblings? Do you have any?]

[I don’t have any. ……Fufu. I wanted a kind older brother though.]

The sidelong glance she made as she spoke words that seemed to insinuate something almost took my consciousness away.

So that she wouldn’t notice my thoughts though, I kept my sanity in check by clenching my fists and poking my fingernails into my palm.

Lily isn’t a very flashy-looking girl.

Although she has a face that could be described as beautiful, most characters in fiction are beautiful.

Compared to the most beautiful women, such as the <Goddess of Salvation>, she even looks somewhat plain.

Her clothes are neatly covered even around her neck, and together with her long skirt that reaches almost to her ankles, giving her a chaste atmosphere around her.

Despite this, the reason why she is so eye-catching is probably because of her perfect manners.

Her elegant and graceful mannerisms are somehow soft, inviting motherly and protective feelings at the same time.

Her movements are calculated not to attract women’s emotions though, but men’s.

Regrettable it may be, but I must also say that her breasts, which are so large and full that they would be unnatural for a game character, are also effective in attracting my gaze.

If I let my guard down even a little bit, I would be lured into a deep rabbit hole from which I wouldn’t be able to escape.

As if to intensify her attacks, Lily leaned forward.

[Even so, this indeed feels like a dream come true. Rex-san’s name resounds even in other cities after all.]

[Please stop with that. I’m sick and tired of the fame that isn’t suited for me.

[Fufu. Isn’t that fine? The fame makes you look even cooler. <The Founder of the New Path of Swordsmanship, Rex Toren>. I could even write a great poem with such a subject.]

Wait a moment! 

Seriously, that’s the first time I’ve heard all that!

[Please give me a break. That name is too heavy for me.]

[I suppose that’s something I can relate to a bit. I was teased a lot about my name when I was a kid. ……However, I wouldn’t have become the person I am today without this name, so I guess it was all for the best.]

Those were just empty chatter, like playing into a charade.

Though I say that, I couldn’t deny that I was enjoying this exchange.

(However, this is a good sign.)

Lily is more eloquent than I’ve ever seen in the game, and her demeanor shows that she was in a good mood.

Perhaps, the emotions I could feel from her currently were just “acting”, but I didn’t care.

Just now, she spilled out a “piece of truth” that “she” normally would never say.

She must have thought I wouldn’t be a problem if she just dropped this information, didn’t she?

She must have thought I wouldn’t understand if she put it that way, didn’t she?

(With her like that, she had at least “let her guard down”.)

Lily must be distracted.

She must have felt relieved that what I was holding was just “her learning Dark Magic”, something that couldn’t be fatal against her, and not “a secret she really wanted to hide” that could potentially threaten her.

What happens when you combine that situation with a bout of alcohol with someone who probably hasn’t had drank it before?

[Since we’re at it, how about we have a toast?]

Picking up a glass of wine that had just been served to us, I smiled towards Lily.

Fortunately, I’m a rather good drinker.

Of course, I’m not on the level that can be described as a heavy drinker, but I do know my limits as a member of society.

If I can glimpse behind Lily’s “mask” even a little while being careful not to show any openings……

(Perhaps, it won’t be long before the decisive moment comes.)

Covering up my innermost plans, I raised my glass to Lily.

[To our future.]

[C- Cheers.]

Modestly extending her own glass towards the glass I held out to her, we lightly clinked our glasses.

[Ah, it’s delicious……]

Looking at Lily as she drank from her glass and her cheeks blushed red, I moved my wine glass towards my mouth, covering up the smile that was about to warp my face.

※　※　※

It’s scorching hot.

Something stinging hot swirls about, rushing around like a whirlwind.

Gorororo. Gorororo. The rumbling of the earth echoed around, curiously coming out from my ears and soaring to the heavens.

My consciousness was caught in the air, flying in weightlessness, fleeting up to the empty skies.

In the midst of all this, my mouth was the only one that asserted its presence.

[Liiiiiiike I shaiiiid! I’m a nwormal pershon! Not someshwing shtupid like a Hewo! Heeeey, you lishening, Lily! Lily-chaaaaaaaan!]

Life feels so good.

After all, the world is in space, and the space is…… space?

[R- Rex-san? Are you alright?]

Ah, that’s right.

There exists within that space is a fairy.

[Lily shuwe is cuuuuute! You’re the cucheeeest in the woooorld! Jyapan’s nyumbah one!!!]

At my words, the nearby fairy whispers.

[I- I understand. I understand already. That aside, can you walk, Rex-san?]

[Can I walk? Cyyyaaaan I wa—- wor—— wekk……]

I tried to step forward.

However……

————-There’s a trap!!!

""

The floor suddenly turned slushy like mud, making me slip off my foot.

I’m Rex, so of course, Rex knows all about traps.

That’s why, responding to it with the most obvious answer, I evaded the trap……

[Boing?]

My foot slipped and my legs swung to the side, but my falling head was caught by something soft.

—————A slime?

As my head flickered with the answer to my question, I reached out my hand and grasped the truth of the world.

I should have grasped a very wonderful feeling just now, but it turned into a pink elephant and fluttering its ears, it flew away……

[Rex-san! Your inn! Where’s the inn where you’re staying?]

Inn?

The elephant disappeared into the rainbow, and in its place came a beautiful fairy asking me something.

In response to it, I…… uhh…… I should…… uhhh…… What am I doing again……

There should be something……

……………………….

…………………..

………………

………….

………

[Rex-san? Rex-san?]

[Nhuah?]

[We’re here. Can you properly lay yourself down by yourself?]

[I can still…… Talk more with Lily……]

[Yes, yes. I’ll lower your body now, okay?]

Bomf, I felt myself sinking into softness.

Sinking and sinking……

The cold lake feels very comfortable~~

[……Geez. What a helpless person.]

At that moment, I felt something warm touch my cheek……

[—————Good night, Rex-san.]

Before I could ascertain what that is, my consciousness……

※　※　※

Shuko, shuko.

Shuko, shuko.

Shuko, shuko.

I was awakened by a strange sound echoing in a steady rhythm.

[———–!]

As soon as I woke up, I felt a dull pain in my head and frowned at the stink of alcohol coming up from my body.

(I see, I ended up getting smashed yesterday huh……)

As the memory of yesterday comes back to me, I cover my face with my hands.

(I freaking blundered!)

I was supposed to be looking for an opening, but I ended up exposing one.

Still, I didn’t say anything fatal…… I think. I shouldn’t have said anything like that, so it should be okay.

Besides, just a few words.

At a moment like this, I just want to say a few words.

(You freaking Rex! Why the heck are you so weak to alcohol!!!?)

Acting like a cool character, but seriously? You’re weak to alcohol?

Just after the first drink, I could already feel my consciousness turning dodgy.

As I groaned at this unexpected blunder……

Shuko, shuko.

Shuko, shuko.

Shuko, shu……

The steady rhythm that I had been hearing all these time stopped.

And then……

[Hyihh!]

My voice reflexively leaked out.

She was there.

In the midst of this dark room with no lights on for a long time, she had been sitting in the corner.

[Resilia……?]

Within the dim room, Resilia’s beautiful, too beautiful face turns around and catches me within her vision.

And there, I noticed it.

And at that moment, I realized something.

The true identity of that sound that had been resounding in the room.

That was the sound of Resilia…… sharpening a knife.

[……Ahh. You’re awake.]

Her body swaying a bit, as if gliding through the darkness, Resilia rises to her feet.

Incidentally, at that moment, the knife she was holding glints dully in the faint light.

[R- Resilia? Y- You’re mistaken. This isn’t what it looks like……]

Even though I said that, I don’t really know what she’s mistaken about or what exactly is the situation in her eyes.

However, I feel like I must say something here.

Well, that’s what I was thinking, but I couldn’t get the words out of my mouth.

[Hey, Nii-san……]

She drew closer.

With a face devoid of emotion, her eyes not reflecting light, she approached with the ominous silver-colored knife, and one step at a time, she drew closer……

[————–Last night must have been fun huh.]

Letting out a scream, I instinctively leaped back and tumbled down the bed.