[10] LIKE MAGIC
“I’m home,” I took off my shoes and entered the living room. There I saw my mom, who greeted me, and Liliath who was reading a book— is that a manga?
“Welcome back, Noel.”
Yeah... Liliath, polite as usual.
Eh? She got new clothes? Nice, it totally suits her.
Hm... should I compliment her like how the protagonists always do in stories? Nah.. it’ll only create an awkward mood.
The first thing I did was take a shower to refresh myself.
I came back downstairs after a change of clothes, realizing my mom headed out to pick my sister up from school.
Heh.. I’m seeing Liliath actually relaxing for once. That’s relieving.
Her body was sprawled across the couch facing upwards. Her hand extended to the ceiling, holding the manga high in the air. She tilted the book a little, brought it closer to the face while narrowing her eyes before flipping to the next page.
The process repeated a few times, I stood there, at the staircase, dumbly staring at her from a distance. I didn’t know how long it was but I came to when Liliath sat up and stretched her arms.
Then she turned to me.
Uh..
Our eyes met.
“Noel?”
“No. nothing,” I went to the alcove close to the bathroom to hang the wet towel, after which I returned to the living room to see Liliath, sitting on the floor with her knees facing the ground as if waiting for me. Though, she was still engrossed in reading the manga.
“Are you doing alright Liliath?”
“Yes. Thank you,” she continued reading, acting as if I’m oblivious. Good and bad. She’s enjoying herself at the same time.. I kinda realized that she’s in fact a human too. There is a limit to her obedience and politeness— not to say her actions are impolite. Just that she’s being herself, acting as she wants.
I wonder what manga she’s reading?
I drew closer, bent down and snuck a look at the cover.
That..
Hey..
My father is the author of that and..
Wait.. was my mom the one who recommended this book to her?
What the hell. Why..
“Um. Liliath.”
“What is it,” she mumbled.
“You do know that this is..”
“And what about it?” She held the book closer to her face, speaking in a monotonous tone.“I-Isn’t it justifiable that commenters enjoy such an object?”
“Yeah.. but still.”
It’s porn for fuck sake.
“There’s still more right?” When Liliath asked that, I noticed that she was at the last page.
“There’s...”
She lowered the book, her eyes peeping from the gap created as she stared at me, uncomfortably.
How is she keeping such a straight face reading such a thing... rather, how can my mom even recommend such a thing to her in the first place?!
“Where is it?”
Scary.. scary.. that voice, almost emotionless. What the hell. So this Princess has this sort of personality too?
“D-did my mom get that for you?”
Liliath nodded.
Yea... her eyes devoid of emotion. Why is this conversation so intense?
“You know it’s not appropriate to read something like this right?” If anything, I’d like to commend her for her acting. I’m pretty sure under that poker face, she had totally lost herself.
Liliath didn’t seem to understand or.. she was faking the fact that she could not understand.
She’s a Princess. A political figure for gosh sake.
I reached over and tore the book away from her. For a moment she sat there, just staring at me. Soon, her eyes slowly regained clarity, blood rushed to her face and she started trembling.
Crawling into a ball, she buried her head in between her knees.
“I-I’m sorry,” she squeaked.
Wow.
===
“Liliath, can I call you big sister?” Novelle asked, stuffing her face with a spoonful of rice.
Today’s lunch was a pot of stewed meat in soy sauce and mixed vegetables with a side of fresh lettuces. A typical family meal.
Liliath who took small bites smiled at Novelle, “Please do, I don’t mind.”
I found out that Liliath was in fact— not a glutton. Which itself was a surprising discovery. I’m guessing it’s due to her being starved before as a slave? I could only make this assumption.
Moreover... the slash wounds on her arms previously had vanished completely. What in the world..
“Thank you big sister Liliath,” Novelle said, her voice beaming.
“Novelle, please swallow your food before speaking,” My mom who noticed food flying everywhere advised.
“Muu...”
“Right. Mom, today I heard that Prune will be transferring school. She’s been absent the past two days.”
“Hm? Transferring schools? And?”
“No. It kinda reminded me of your suggestion to transfer me out to another school in the past. Somehow, I’m considering that possibility now..”
“Is it because of Prune?”
Because of Prune? I’m not too sure to be honest. It could be? I mean, she’s probably the only friend I have in school. Well, I still meet her out of school but still.. It may just be that I want a fresh start since I’m entering senior high school soon. Plus, the matter about Gruan.
“I’m just thinking since junior high school has ended.. and I’m about to enter high school next year..”
Yeah. What a lie. It’s definitely about Prune.
“So you wish to transfer to the same school as Prune?”
“Well... I could always just expel Gruan.. then the situation on my side would be solved— and I wouldn’t need to transfer schools anymore..”
But the truth is.. I do want to transfer, don't I? Transfer to where Prune is going.
I’m I even that close to her? Darn. I should just forget about it already. First love always fails. Wait— aren’t I admitting that I like her?
“Come again?” My mom looked at me bewildered.
“Which part?”
“The part before you said you wouldn’t need to transfer schools because—“
“Because the situation on my side can be solved?”
“Before that.”
“About Gruan?”
“Yes, yes that.”
“Hey big brother, why don’t you just change school already. I heard bullying can cause mental health issues,” the little devil spoke with a pout, interrupting my conversation with my mom.
Is she saying I have mental health issues then?
“Maybe I should? Oh, about Gruan— you mean expelling him? I met with the principal today. And she told me about my circumstances with Gruan and she asked me about my opinion on the matter.”
“That’s rather.. how do I put it..” my mom showed a half-smile, hiding her anticipation. Gosh, my mom too huh? I really should have just gone with yes and kicked his butt, “So you haven’t made a decision?”
“I told the principal to make her own judgement so I believe no?”
“Big brother is too soft.”
“Yeah, yeah..” can’t retort to what my sister is saying there. But it’s not like I could just make the decision to destroy one’s future or.. rather, Mr, anti-hero’s father is a wealthy man isn’t he? There shouldn’t be any problem if he gets expelled. There would be other private schools willing to accept him, so long as he’s got money.
“I’ll leave the decision up to you Noel. You can choose to continue to study at your current school or transfer to where Prune is— you’ll have to find out the location for me though. I’ll have to discuss it with your father.” My mom made a thinking gesture. After which she muttered something in regards to opportunistic property prices.
“Alri—“
Wait. Did my mom seriously just agree to that?! Transferring to the school Prune will be going?! Which made me question why exactly was Prune transferring? Why was she avoiding me? Or was it simply because she’s transferring schools, that’s why she’s avoiding me? That doesn’t really add up.
“Also, I need Liliath to come to school with me tomorrow,” I glanced at Liliath, she looked at me with her spoon in her mouth. “I also told the principal about my TALENT. She asked about it because she found it weird that I never reported my TALENT even though two days have passed since my birthday. And when I told her about summoning Liliath..”
Students were to report their TALENTS to their homeroom teacher after learning about their 16th birthday. I remember how I told my homeroom teacher that I still had yet to figure out what my TALENT was, so she put the issue on hold.
Then again, I didn’t think the principal would personally ask about it.
“Understood,” Liliath replied seriously.
Uh... it isn’t a subjugation mission and what-not.. just a simple excursion.. yeah. You don’t need to be so serious about it Liliath.
You know what? Forget I said that. I doubt this will end as just a simple excursion
“It’s nice I can have Liliath learn about this world more but— I’m kind of worried though. Especially when Gruan is around,” I said.
Who knows what that muscle dick-head could do if he finds out about my TALENT.
Though I’ve always dreamt of beating the shit out of him once I acquire my TALENT... I don’t think it’s really a good idea to force Liliath around like that. She can use magic to beat up Gruan, maybe? But I still don’t know the extent of her magic capabilities.
Oh. I can’t forget the fact that people will swarm me and Liliath like a flood wouldn’t they?
“Who may this Grayson person be? Your bully?” Liliath was the one to reply instead, her hands on her laps after placing her spoon down. I instinctively followed that gesture of her hands and looked down— to which I pulled my sights back up to her face.. not good. Why did I even look there in the first place?
“Yes. That’s him,” Gruan, Greyson.. wait, was that a name for Gruan and Earl Grey tea’s baby?
“I can do something about it with my magic,” Liliath looked into my eyes. I couldn’t really tell what it was about but— it seemed to me that Liliath wants to go explore my school?
“If that’s the case then.. alright. How about we examine your magic after this? I wonder what abilities you have?”
“Will do.”
That’s right. Liliath is a person. A being with a will, her own wants and hates. She isn’t just a summoned creature, she’s a person from another world.
“Me too! Me too! I want to see magic!” the little devil, Novelle squealed in excitement. This time, she made sure to swallow her food before speaking.
“Right. One last thing— mom, don’t recommend porn to Liliath next time. I know it runs in the family but you know..”
Hearing that the only response I got was laughter. Liliath tilted her head in confusion.
Huh. So the language comprehension skill does have its limits after all.
[11]
The clothes Liliath wore was a white blouse with frills and a blue knee-length skirt. Somehow, I took notice of this point a little late. With her hair tied into a ponytail that cascaded down to her shoulder blades.. she looked bewitching.. somehow. I couldn’t really put my finger on it.
“Is there anything wrong?”
“No, nothing,” I kept my straight face.
The clothing that was dry had been brought back into the house. I was surprised that Liliath took the initiative to help us fold the clothes albeit her clumsiness. Though a princess, she’s incredibly tactful. Which further reinforced my curiosity about her past.
“I will demonstrate a few examples of elemental magic, is that alright?” Liliath asked.
“Yup, go on.”
We were in the backyard of our house, which looked like a small garden split into two. One half was a grass field, the other half flattened with brick tiles. Standing from the shade of the porch, Liliath pointed her hands at the makeshift paper dummy my sister made.
She held that stance for a moment before looking at me. “Is it necessary to hit the paper target?”
“Not really.”
“Hit it! hit it!” Novelle yelled.
“Shh.. don’t yell so loud, it would bother the neighbours,” my mom caressed her head.
“Sorry,” the defeated devil lowered her head.
“Here I go,” Liliath took a deep breath.
Then it happened.
A ring of flame drew a trail around the target.
“Fire elemental magic,” she said.
Novelle had both her hands to her mouth, apparently too stunned to speak. My mom was in awe.
Water that came out of nowhere extinguished the fire— which crystallized into ice. The ice grew and encased the paper dummy.
“I can also use earth and light elemental magic.”
“That’s amazing— Is there a limit? Like the amount of mana you can use before being depleted?”
“There is. But that isn’t really an issue since I’m an individual with a high mana capacity.”
“You could use this for self-defence right?”
“Under normal circumstances..” Liliath shivered a little, “Yes.”
“I’m sorry,” my guess is that she had her magic deprived of after she became a slave— a common occurrence that could be read in mangas or novels. Does that mean that the collar last time had restriction properties? It could just be that it lost function once Liliath appeared in this world.
“Big sister Liliath! Can you make a block of bigger ice! Like a big big one!” My sister stretched her arms open.
“I can?” Liliath said as if trying to convince herself.
“Don’t make it too big, we don’t want people to suddenly see an ice tower in our yard out of nowhere,” I warned.
Liliath nodded.
The ice dome encasing the paper target that had started to melt suddenly grew into an obelisk with a height similar to my own.
Crystal clear ice. I could even see the tree on the other side.
“Uuwow!” Novelle ran towards the small ice tower, and placed her palms on the surface, “It’s cold!”
She started laughing and jumping. Frosty mist spread out with the ice in the middle.
“Liliath, can you demonstrate some offensive magic?” Truth be told, after seeing this, I don’t think I can’t resist not asking for some destruction. I’m witnessing history being created in front of my very eyes.. not really.
Elemental magic is a common TALENT people have actually. Though, this is the first time I’m seeing so many elements being used at one time.
“Understood. Novelle-sama, please stand back.”
Novelle obeyed Liliath’s instructions, returning to mom’s side with sweat running down her cheeks.
A number of icicles appeared floating around Liliath. At the command, it shot forth, the sound of a large impact reverberated, the obelisk crumbled into pieces with a roar.
“Wow,” colour me surprised.
“How is it? Would this suffice?”
“Yeah.. but don’t kill people..”
That’s an incredible destructive power.. I’m pretty sure the icicles created have to be denser than the ice of the obelisk itself, else it wouldn’t have the solidity to smash the ice.
“So there really is a custom of not killing people in this world,” Liliath mumbled.
“It’s different from your world. There are laws protecting the people’s lives,” or something like that along the lines of a typical MC.
“I wish such a thing existed back in our world,” Liliath sighed.
“My condolences?”
I have no idea what to say.
“Is the demonstration over?” My mom asked, “Liliath, is it possible to drink water made from magic?”
“It’s possible. Most people prefer water made in this way as it is the purest.”
“So it’s something like distilled water,” Novelle concluded.
Liliath made a puzzled expression.
Don’t underestimate the little devil here, though she may act cute and innocent, I assure you that she’s much more of a genius than I am.
“Distilled water is water without any impurities, purely water,” Novelle went on to explain.
Liliath stood there, both hands placed to the front elegantly as she listened to my sister’s explanation.
Which reminds me...
“Liliath, does your world have status systems?”
“Status system? That does sound quite familiar— actually yes. However, such a thing is only limited to heroes. The most recent I’ve heard was the development of tools to view statuses.”
“Alright, how about this— can you use other elements besides the ones you’ve said before? Like the healing one— or is that light magic?”
“There are other kinds of elements, though not listed. People who could use them are rarely found. As you have said, healing is light elemental magic.”
“What about dark elemental magic? Or void? Or..”
At that, her eyes narrowed to a slit and her hands started trembling.
“I’m sorry. Forget I asked that.”
I think I have a grasp of some parts of the situation now.
If I remember correctly, Liliath said she grew up in a typical isekai fantasy-setting-like world— which could possibly mean that in that world she lived in— demon lords probably existed.
===
In the living room, Liliath sat on the floor, her hands placed on the table while she wrote away in the math exercise books. Apparently, she had a good foundation when it came to basic arithmetic. Now she’s practising integers, and the introduction of negative and positive numbers.
My honest opinion is that Liliath is a freaking genius. She’s able to grasp the concept of that entire chapter almost instantly. She also had no problems understanding mathematical notations such as the brackets.
While she was busy doing that, I checked the quest board on my phone.
===
Current Points: 50
Quests: Gaining affection:
Kiss Liliath. 200P
...
Quests: Introductions:
Learn about her favourite food. 20P
...
Quests: Gaining trust:
Hold Liliath’s hands. 50P
...
Quests: Utilization:
===Have Liliath use magic. 10P
Have Liliath attack an enemy. 20P
...
Quests will be refreshed daily. Quests that have been completed will be prioritized, else the user can select up to 1 quest per category to remove. (removed quests will be refreshed the next day)
Max quest for each category: 1 (Upgradable) (5/20)
[12]
Oh. WHAT. The list is just plain confusing. Didn’t it say max quest for each category equals one? And it looks like some of them have disappeared. I have 50 points now.
Gaining affection.. let’s ignore that. For Introductions, I now have to learn about her favourite food. The quest for gaining trust is still the same but the ‘have her complete one command’ disappeared. I’m guessing it changed to points since I’ve already completed it?
So the quests will remain until it is completed— unless I decide to trash it. There’s a triple dot underneath each section button, I’m thinking it has something to do with that.
“Liliath, what's your favourite food?”
“Favorite food?” She turned her head to look at me. Yup, she must be so confused, “Is it one of the quests?”
Or not.. darn this lady is sharp.
“Yeah, learning about your favourite food, the reward is 20 points,” I came to sit next to her and showed her the quest board. She’s already seen the worst of it, I don’t think there’s any problems.
Can’t say much about the kissing one, though... is this gacha TALENT of mine— is it an otherworld dating app or something?
“I have no idea,” Liliath said.
“No idea— what do you mean?”
“I don’t have a favourite food,” She tilted her head saying that as her eyes looked into mine... oh so cute gosh, gah!?
“M-maybe you still haven’t found one?” Calm down, calm down. I know I’m all flustered by the fact that she’s keeping a straight face so cute even after looking at the embarrassing requests from the quest board, “You know, I’m thinking we should find a way to complete these quests together so we can wrack up points faster... of course, I won’t try to force you to do the ones that you don’t like.. like the first one so..”
“I understand,” nodded.
I’ll cancel the kissing quest off the list then.. but it’s worth 200 points though.. darn. Thinking about it just makes me want to steal her lips... not good. Not good.
Then I felt something warm.
Huh?
“T-the quest.. the third one, right?” She spoke flustered. Her hand tightened around mine.
“Y-yeah?” I’m jelly.
She pulled her hands away and then we checked the phone together but..
===
Current Points: 50
Quest: Gaining affection:
Kiss Liliath. 200P
...
Quest: Introductions:
Learn about her favourite food. 20P
...
Quests: Gaining trust:
Hold Liliath’s hands. 50P
...
Quests: Utilization:
===Have Liliath use magic. 10P
Have Liliath attack an enemy. 20P
...
Quests will be refreshed daily. Quests that have been completed will be prioritized, else the user can select up to 1 quest per category to remove. (Removed quests will be refreshed the next day)
Max quest for each category: 1 (Upgradable) (5/20)
===
Nothing changed.
No. It says ‘hold Liliath’s hands’, I’m supposed to be the one to take the initiative here?
“Liliath. What if I’m the one w-who need to hold your hand, not the other way around.. do you mind?”
“For the sake of the points— I don’t mind,” she whispered.
My heart started racing for fuck sake. No. Heck, why is this my TALENT?? Like honestly W-H-Y? Why would there be such a system? This is crazy!!
My hands crawled over and I placed it on top of her hand. Her skin was delicate and smooth, soft even.
We didn’t make eye contact, sitting on the floor side by side, — merely staring at the table.
I moved my hands underneath hers and gripped it tightly, her small gentle hand.
It was like that for a while, a while that felt like forever. I didn’t know what to think.
It wasn't long before I heard my phone buzz.
Huh.. I forgot to turn off silent mode.
===
Current Points: 100
Quests: Gaining affection:
Kiss Liliath. 200P
...
Quests: Introductions:
Learn about her favourite food. 20P
...
Quests: Gaining trust:
===Hold Liliath’s hands. 50P
...
Quests: Utilization:
===Have Liliath use magic. 10P
Have Liliath attack an enemy. 20P
...
Quests will be refreshed daily. Quests that have been completed will be prioritized, else the user can select up to 1 quest per category to remove. (removed quests will be refreshed the next day)
Max quest for each category: 1 (Upgradable) (6/20)
===
Oh.. so I need to complete quests to increase the max number of quests. That’s a good thing. More quests equal more options. More options equal more points equals reducing the necessity to do awkward quests.
“Ooooooo. What’cya two doing?”
“Hiiih?!”
I pulled my hand away.
That shriek’s source was me. Liliath sat there unmoving.
I glared at the little devil who peeked over the couch. A shit-eating grin spread across her face. God damn you..
“You two so lovey-dovey it’s cute you know?” The little devil chuckled.
“Shut up.. It’s for the sake of increasing points.”
“So that’s why you don’t want me to see the quests yesterday right? RIGHT?”, this demon, “I bet there has to be something really inappropriate in there that requires you two to go jumping on bed.”
“THAT’S IT, I’M GOING TO KILL YOU!!”
I imagined myself saying that when in reality— I was glaring daggers at her.
Her prideful grin ended with a snicker. She turned around and left to who knows where... I hope she doesn’t tell mom about this.
— I think that’s a hopeless wish.
That’s exactly why she’s the devil— she may look CUTE and INNOCENT on the outside.. inside, however.. she’s totally corrupted by ‘doujinshis’ and R-18 content. Is there a need to remind you that she's only freaking 12 years old?! Though it’s pretty normal cuz as I’ve said... It runs in the family.
I turned around to see Liliath crawled up into a ball.
My thoughts wandered to the sensation of her hands... I want to hold them forever and not let go if possible. It just has that sort of allure to it..
...
WHAT IN THE HELL AM I THINKING?! SSHHHIIIIITTT!!
