72. CONFESSIONS
Prune looked down from the balcony, the sultry wind caressing her skin. Her silver-white hair swaying gently in fluid waves, her fluffy tail in droop.
Her line of sight was directed at the light rail transit a distance away. From where she was, the 12th floor of the apartment complex, the station situated below looked nothing but the size of an eraser.
She then turned to look back inside the apartment.
On the table was Noel’s laptop and his drawing pad. Placed beside neatly stacked books, education material for Liliath’s studies, self-help and philosophical books could be seen.
Further up on the partition that separated the living room and kitchen was Liliath’s collection of various tea bags.
Prune had already realized Liliath’s peculiar tastes that were indeed out of this world.
Despite living with 2 friends, Prune felt that the word ‘lonely’ described her situation well.
Those two.. were so close to each other, it was sometimes fairly awkward to join in their interaction. At least.. that was what Prune thought.
She let out a frustrated sign, bringing her fluffy tail to the front and hugging it tight, she went inside, closing the sliding door to the balcony.
She was too late.. Prune had never thought Noel would continue to stay in her life. She had expected that they would part that day.
That said.. it was a typical thing for first love to fail– isn’t it?
The doorbell buzzed– or rang? Whichever the onomatopoeia that suited it most, Prune dragged her sorry self to the entrance, expecting to see Liliath and Noel returning from their trip.
Without checking the intercom, Prune opened the door.
She lowered her gaze to see a boy wearing a cap and bright orange shirt, a large duffle bag on his shoulder.
His eyes met hers, and he smiled– grinned.
“Are you Noel?” he asked.
The boy, beautiful eyes with long eyelashes, angular chin, crisp hair, suave look.. it was as if he was taken straight out of a super model’s magazine. He would’ve been the envy of every female if only he were taller..
He was slightly shorter than Liliath– by Prune’s calculation. What a pity.
“Sorry, Noel is out at the moment, are you Nine?”
Nine– it was the boy’s name. A number.
Perhaps Prune thought the name wasn’t all that weird. Noel– a girl’s name. Prune– a fruit. Perhaps the most ordinary amongst them was Liliath.
“Yup, so you’re Prune then? Wow, so you actually have silver hair– and a tail too!” Nine exclaimed in surprise.
Prune laughed a little.
“Come on in.”
Nine, the fourth tenant of the apartment, someone Noel’s mother successfully persuaded just like everyone else. Nine had a ‘troublesome’ TALENT. Prune just didn’t know what it was– yet.
“Wow, it’s so comfy.. there’s an awful lot of tea here,” Nine commented, dragging his duffle bag into the room. “And it’s nice and cold.. sooo much better than the heat outside.”
“Your room is at the farther end, follow me,” Prune took up the role of a guide.
“Oh, wow. This is my room? Amazing,” Nine looked at the place he would be staying for the next three years in amazement. It was incredibly spacious, had a wonderful ambience– built in shelves, closets, a queen size bed– a wonderful view of the city, a desk, waste paper bin, chair.. it had everything. Everything Nine could wish for.
“This is your room, hope we get along Nine,” Prune said.
“Yes, thank you very much Prune,” Nine settled himself into his room, organizing his items– and let’s not forget the importance of checking the bathroom amenities.
Prune watched Nine from a distance since she didn’t particularly have anything to do– rather, she hadn’t had the mood to do anything.
“I need to buy stuff.. Prune, are there any extra toothbrushes?” Nine called out after checking the bathroom.
“I think I'll have to ask Noel about that..”
“How about a hair dryer?”
“Hair dryer? Yes, there is one under the drawer of the sink in the main bathroom.”
“Also, just to confirm, there’s another tenant by the name Liliath right?”
Prune nodded. If anything she was confused about why he would ask for a hairdryer.
“Sanitary pads.. right.. I need to buy that.” Nine muttered.
“Sanitary pads?!”
“Nevermind, then I'll be off. I don't have Noel’s contact– so help me tell him that I've arrived. I’ll be out to get the necessities, see ya!”
Nine made a beeline to his room, slugged a sling bag over his shoulder and bolted out of the apartment, leaving Prune bewildered and confused.
===
Shops to the left, shops to the right. Basically a shopping district.
Summer is going to be over in a few more weeks, then comes autumn. Hopefully it will be cooler by then.
Liliath was joyfully walking beside me. In her hand was a paper bag filled with various condiments. Not clothing, not jewelry, not soft plushies.. heck, not even junk food.
Condiments. Period.
Tomato sauce, chilly sauce, mustard, seaweed seasoning, mayonnaise, thousand island, tartar sauce, mirin, saysauce, miso paste, chilly paste.. so on and so forth.
It was her latest obsession after tasting pizza the other day.
Oh, I can't forget new tea bags. Yeah, Liliath bought more tea on top of those we already have back at home, the apartment.
Tea fanatic..
But seeing her smile like this.. I don't think I have the energy to retort.
Anyways, I was also holding onto a bag myself, I can't let Liliath carry all the burden now can I?
We were heading towards a coffee bistro we saw earlier for a light lunch. And then we’ll get a take away for Prune on the way. I wonder what she would like.. I heard dogs can't eat chocolate but she’s more of a half-wolf so.. I guess it’s fine to get her a cup of chocolate?
Anyways, I pushed open the door of the bistro– ladies first. LiIiath entered without forgetting to whisper a ‘thank you’.
The bell attached to the door rang and the barista looked at us.
Liliath’s concealment barrier was in effect, but she would adjust it based on the situation– in this case, inside the bristo which wasn’t all too packed, she reduced the strength of it.
The barista gave Liliath and I a weird look.
Ah. Makes sense. Liliath and I were wearing school uniforms after all. It would be weird to see a male and female wearing matching school uniforms together on a ‘date’ when the summer holidays aren't over yet wouldn’t it now?
I can only hope the barista doesn't report our conducts to MondaI High– then we’ll be screwed for sure. I commend Liliath over how carefree she’s being.. ignorance is bliss~
Well.. there were two main reasons why we were ‘dating’ wearing our school uniforms. First was because of the shitty quests. Second was that Liliath wanted to feel how it was like to wear a school uniform before she had to wear it to school for real– something like a test drive– except she’s test-wearing a clothing.
Here’s are the quests by the way:
===
Current Points: 3215
Quests: Passion:
Cuddle with Liliath for 5 minutes. 40P
Smell Liliath’s hair. 30P
...
Quests: Commitment:
*Buy something Liliath would need in the future. 20P
*Say ‘you look beautiful’ to Liliath. 30P
...
Quests: Intimacy:
Watch a movie together. 25P
*Go on a date with Liliath. 50P
...
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: 2 (Upgradable) (67/100)
===
Special Quest:
Complete a full course date with Liliath as a student. 150P
RULES: Liliath cannot find out about the specifics of the task. If found out, the quest will be terminated. Special quests cannot be removed and will be refreshed weekly. Special Quests completed before the week ends will only be refreshed the following week.
73.
Ignoring the gaze from the barista and the other customers, Liliath and I ‘courageously’ walked to the counter. An assortment of cakes were on display, the drink menu listed on the blackboard that hung on the ceiling.
This in one fancy ass bistro alright..
“What tea do you want this time?” I asked Liliath. Counting this, it would be the third time Liliath and I came to this place. The barista was the same every time. I think his name was Bob.
A common name.
“Strawberry flavoured tea please,” Liliath requested.
“Ice or no ice?”
“Iced.”
At the end of it all, I got myself a latte, and for the food, it was three chicken pies. Two for Liliath, one for me.
We went and sat at a corner seat further away from the entrance.
There Liliath dug her bag and took out the condiments– arranging them in a row. One by one, she began to check the packaging and ingredients.
Liliath probably loosened the barrier. I could feel a number of stares directed at us.
Bob came– in his bistro-like attire and nearly dropped our drinks together with the pie because of the spectacle created by Liliath.
I could only smile wryly. Bob, likewise, understanding how peculiar the person Liliath was, could only accept it as it is.. this wasn't the first time Bob was shocked by her conduct.
Taking a sip of my iced latte, Liliath took delight in opening the various different packaging types of the condiments, every packaging was different. Some with tabs that needed to be lifted, others with a simple twist of the cap. There was one that required her to cut the tip with a knife– but she sliced it off with an air blade.
Magic is convenient.
She then proceeded to dope the condiments on the chicken pie– dividing it into multiple quadrats? Each quadrant had a different sauce to it. And from then on, Liliath savoured each and every flavour with a radiant smile– with questionable eating etique.
She looked like an obsessed alchemist, one of her mad experiments– except that she was experimenting with food, which made it a million times cuter– and weirder.
Taking a few bite of the chicken pie, Liliath looked at me and asked.
“Do you want to try any of these sauces?”
“Well.. I've already tried most of it. I guess I'll leave the decision to you then. Please do,” I pushed my plate of chicken pie over to her.
“Very well,” Liliath said as if saluting.
I wanted to laugh there.
Looking out the window– towards the avenue, benches, palm trees and fountains in the distance– I started to ponder.
Lilaith has changed a lot hasn't she? From the first time we met– it has been a month now. Yeah.. summer vacation is long..
Anyhow, I realized that Liliath is in fact a curious, and open person. She’s the kind who doesn’t really give a shit about people’s opinion– of course it doesn't mean she doesn't take into account what others say– just that she’s very conscious that other people’s opinions are theirs to keep. Everyone has their own opinions after all.
Furthermore, I've also learnt more about the twisted side of her personality.. She can be quite creepy at times. I guess it’s to be expected as a demon lord. She’s not afraid of blood, gore– sometimes she goes all the way and does things that would send chills down anyone’s spine. Quite literally, a sadist.
Then again.. I’ll admit it’s kinda like this side of her? I swear I’m not a masochist yea?
Sounds stupid.. I know.. but I've come to realize that I like Liliath. Genuinely. Or would ‘love’ be a better word?
I love her… so to speak. Which is frustrating because I have no clue what Liliath is thinking. She’s so proactive when it comes to completing the quests set up by the system– even though it’s supposed to be like ‘couple-related’.
It’s not like Liliath is unfamiliar with ‘love’ either. She clearly understands the concept of and requisite of it.
Which is confusing..
I suppose it’s very soon that I'll have to talk to her about this huh? I have to be the one to confess… I guess.
Sigh.. Living together in an apartment with an ex-crush and a crush is crazy.
I look at Liliath, seeing her smile at each bite warms my heart– at the same, a prickling feeling could be felt. She’s so close yet so far.
I can't use the normal human standard of her behaviour to judge whether or not Liliath feels the same way about me. It may be different– after all, she may just be doing the quests out of guilt– a way to repay the debt she said she could never pay back.
Which is not true– since the debt exists nowhere else except her own mind.
I hope the fourth tenant can help alleviate some of the awkwardness between us three.
Prune has been acting distant. The first few days since we moved in two weeks ago were fine, but coming to this week, there was like a wall between Liliath and I and her.
Rental would become Liliath and my expenses. Father and I decided that we would slowly cut the allowance bit by bit each month. So I'll have to find a way to earn money ASAP. My first idea is to open up commissions, which is something I find funny I haven't done yet because I was scared.
Yes. I’m scared of opening art commissions. But I'll have to push myself to do it. There’s a lot I don't know, but sitting and waiting without doing anything isn’t the right way either. I have to move forward.
I looked down at my chicken pie that had been dyed yellow.
Yellow.
What sauce is yellow?
Mustard.
Yeah, mustard.
FFUFUUFCCK WHAT?!
“Liliath.. you.. why mustard?!”
No.. the point isn't why mustard.. but why FLOOD my h-half eaten pie with MUSTARD!!!???
“Hm? Mustard has a tangy, spicy feelin’ I thought you would like, or could I be mistaken?” Liliath’s replied with a questioning voice.
“Y-yeah, I know it’s tangy and spicy but sauces like these should be used in moderation ya?”
“I apologize,” Lilith searched through her paper bag for something, “How about I make up for it”
Liliath then took out a can of whip cream, the spray kind. How suspicious..
She turned it over a few times, unbuckled the seal, test-sprayed it on her chicken pie a few times and beckoned me over.
Whip cream and chicken pie combo? Wut?
“What are you..”
She pressed the trigger, and whip cream sprayed out of the nozzle, splashing on my face–
“Liliath wha..” I was about to raise my hands to wipe the cream away but was stopped by her.
She cupped my face with both her hands, brought her face close to me– licking the cream off my face.
Her slippery tongue on my skin. Blood rushed to my head and a sensation that sent a chill down my spine.
Parting from me, Liliath licked her lips seductively and smiled at me.
Ding.
‘Liliath’s Special Quest Completed.’
“A modest 250 points,” Liliath said.
WwHwwwhhaaa????!!
It took me a moment to realize what had just happened.
I looked away. Taking the provided tissue I wiped her saliva off my cheeks.
And this is what I mean by Liliath being creepy, twisted and proactive. It’s impossible to measure her by this world’s standards!!!!
Timidly turning my head to look at Liliath again.
She had her fingers pressed against her lips in a bashful manner, her cheeks a little redder.
“It surely is contradicting,” she whispered to herself.
74.
Liliath and I returned to our apartment using the light rail transit.
On the way, we got Prune lunch and the chocolate milkshake– though it would’ve melted if it weren't for Liliath’s temperature preservation magic. OP.
Prune ate the takeaway on the kitchen table– Liliath sitting opposite to her counting the number of teabags she currently has. Liliath has been getting along with Prune just alright, though, she still refers to Prune as beastkin at times.. but it’s not like Liliath purposely distances herself from Prune.
“Right, Noel, the new tenant had arrived this morning,” Prune spoke in abrupt, noodles muffling her voice.
“Oh, yeah. So where is he now?”
“He went out to buy some necessities,” PRune said, swallowing the food.
“Did he mention when he would be back?”
Prune shook her head in denial.
Ah well.. It's not like I have any other plans for today. Dating Liliath is a good achievement for today. I suppose I'll work on other things.
The living room and kitchen was separated by a partition, so I could see Prune wolfing down her food and Liliath now making her own cup of tea.
“Prune, do you want tea?”
“No thank you, I already have this milkshake.”
Liliath nodded with a smile, proceeding to boiling water using magic– which is much more convenient than an electric kettle.
I started writing an art commission information list on my laptop, adjusting the pricing and whatnot. Everyone is different– even though I've watched a number of videos talking about how to do commissions, it’s a lot harder when I'm actually doing it.
Ding dong– or buazz.. or whatever the doorbell sounds like– echoed inside the apartment.
“I’ll get it,” I got up from my seat and walked to the door. His name is Nine– if i’m not wrong.
Checking the intercom, what I saw was a girl with shoulder length hair in a bright orange shirt, wearing a cap standing loosely, the bag of bought items in tow.
“Prune.. is Nine wearing an orange shirt and a cap?”
“Nom.. that’s him.” Prune chucked a few words between her teeth.
Him? What.. the fourth tenant is a girl for gosh sake? Why him? Mom said that the tenant was a male right? Perhaps I heard wrong.
I gingerly pulled open the door just to be greeted by a short lollita whose face was blocked by the visor of her cap. She had to raise her head up to look up at me.
“Who are you?” Nine asked in her squeaky cute voice.
“You’re Nine right?” I snuck a look at the items she bought– sanitary pads– erm.. let’s not look any further.
“Yup that’s me and you are? Prune’s secret boyfriend?”
“I’m Noel.”
“Noel.. heehhh…. why are you a male?”
What in the actually fuck is this girl talking about? Of course I'm a male.
Sighing, I continued, “Well.. ask my parents, they were the one who made me in the first place.. anyways, come in– and I guess.. nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too NOEL~”
Her voice was so cute– I wanted to puke sugar then and there. It was a nightmare to hold it in.
“Nine… wha?!” Prune jumped in shock.
“I’m back– could you be Liliath? Oh my gosh, you actually do have purple hair!”
“Pleasure is mine. Likewise, I extended my greetings to you, Nine,” Liliath nodded as a simple greeting.
“So you’re the person who bought all these tea bags– an amazing collection you got nare’.”
“N-Nine.. why are you a girl?!” Prune was freaking out.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“He’s supposed to be a boy! A boy!”
“What are you talking about, I'm a girl,” Nine stuck out her chest in pride. Quite literally– she doesn't lose to Liliath in the slightest. The only thing she’s missing is a gothic costume. It would be perfect then.
“No.. Noel.. you have to believe me, Nine isnt a girl, not possible!” Prune said frantically.
“Calm down Prune..” Liliath placed her hands on her shoulder, “I believe your claims.. Nine does seem rather suspicious. I’ve heard of assassins disguising themselves as the opposite gender.”
Nine frowned in response.
“Nine, what is your TALENT?” I asked, a little doubtful. Something is amiss alright.
“You first Noel, what is your TALENT. It’s rude to ask for other’s before you own.”
To Nine’s words, I pointed at Liliath.
“I don't get it.”
“She’s an otherworlder.”
“I now get it.. WHAT COME AGAIN???!! An otherworlder?” Nine kept glancing to and from me and Liliath. “Do dragons exist?”
Liliath nodded at his question.
“Angels?”
Liliath pondered a bit before nodding her head in.
“God and goddesses.”
Liliath nodded.
“Magic.”
Liliath pointed her finger at Nine and nodded.
Nine’s mouth kept flapping out and down but no voice could be heard. Silencing magic or something like that I think.
Liliath then turned to me.
“She’s quite an eccentric one.”
“Is that so?” a little surprised at her words.
Nine who realized her voice wasn’t registering started flailing her arms.
Liliath snapped her fingers and Nine’s yell shot through the roof.
“SOMEONE HEAR ME!! Oh. So this is magic,” Nine who reimagined composure after seeing me pressing my fingers to my ear came back to reality.
“And your TALENT Nine?”
“I’m not convinced. I still don't get your TALENT.”
“Then would it be made clear if I told you that Noel is my master?” Liliath blinked.
“Liliath..” seriously? Is this going to be a signature joke of ours for life?
“Is that so? Pretty good TALENT you got there Noel,” Nine grinner, “Gimme a sec, I’ll go arrange my items then I’ll tell you.”
“You better,” Prune growled.
“I will. I will. Be patient,” Nine said, sounding displeased.
Nine headed to her room.
“I swear she’s a boy,” Prune said to me.
“We’ll see about that..” I actually have no clue what’s going on either but..
“I’m back, what-sup.”
Prune’s tail stood on end, Liliath rubbed her eyes while I had my mouth wide open.
“What?” Nine, who looked like a first rate male model called out with his crisp deep voice. But he was short! He was freaking short! A midget! A male lolli!
I’m innocent! I’m innocent! Don’t call the FBI!!!
Nine shrugged, passed by me to the fridge holding a few can drinks.
“Permission to use the fridge?” Nine asked.
“Y-yeah..”
“Thanks.”
“Hey Nine.. what is your TALENT exactly?”
Don't tell me...
“Still can't guess even though you’ve seen it in front of your eyes?” his voice changed to a female voice all of a sudden! I don't know how the hell it happened but his– I mean his– her hair grew back to the original shoulder length??!!
And when Nine finished rearranging the canned drinks, she looked at me– I mean, us with a frown.
“I-Illusion magic?”
“Hah…” Nine looked like she had given up, “C'mon’ you can do better than that right?”
Her swaggy manner of speaking only sounded weirder considering her cute high pitch voice.. I feel like his male voice was better suited for this role..
Prune and Liliath looked at me pitifully– it seemed they too didn’t dare to guess his/her TALENT.
No fucking way.. tell me it’s a lie.. such a TALENT can’t possibly exist in this world right?
Bracing myself, I squeezed the words out of my mouth.
“C-changing genders..”
“Bingo!” She said in a cheer.
...
WHAT IN THE FUCK?!
And with this– I learnt that the fourth tenant has the potential to become, gay, lesbian, bisexual and gay. An absolute weirdo.
I regret underestimating the ‘troublesome’ TALENTS of the world…
75.
A few weeks ago..
“You called father?”
I entered the office. There, my father on his chair– facing away from me spoke.
“Take a seat,” with the most dramatic tone he could muster, sounding like a yakuza with a missing cigarette.
“What’s this about?” I asked in a flat tone.
He spun himself around, elbows on the table, hands weaved together to support his chin.
“This is about Liliath. How do you feel about her. honestly, Noel.”
My body froze up, like a lightning bolt had just struck out of nowhere. I wanted to speak but there was something caught in my throat. My saliva obviously.
“I suppose that’s the answer.. I won't pursue the matter further,” my father continued in a matter-of-fact tone. “Here’s the thing, you’re already aware of the risk when you’re together with Liliath correct?”
Risk.
Yeah, Liliath is a Demon Lord.
Not to mention the kind of person she is.
‘Don't trust me.’
Her words echoed in my mind once again.
“Don’t let it get to you,” my father smiled.
“Huh?”
“See here, fear is one of the strongest emotions in the world. Fear is what causes a relationship to break down. Take for example.. me. I’m not a perfect spouse.. There are times when your mom and I give each other the cold shoulder. But the root of it all is what? It’s fear. Fear is what causes us to close up.. to act defensive, afraid of facing each other, causing us to make mistakes. Get that?”
Fear. Right.
The last time I had fear take over my system was when I doubted Liliath. When I thought Liliath was plotting something–
It only hurt her.
I never intended to betray her but it just happened. A misunderstanding– caused by fear. Well.. partly. Then again, It could be said the same for Liliath, she misunderstood my prudence because of fear.
“Being careful and fearful are two different things.That siad, it’s not like you can live a life devoid of fear– there are times when you will undoubtedly feel fear. Fear of doubt, fear of death, fear of rejection, fear of the unknown.. the list goes on.”
“Your point is?” I asked, a little taken aback.
“Take care of Liliath.” he replied in a serious tone. “Her mental state is unstable, and since you’re taking responsibility for her, I thought to remind you of something that may be holding you back from doing the right thing in the future. And don’t be afraid to reach out of help if things go out of control. Especially when your life is at stake. Though, the chance of you actually being beaten black and blue by Liliath is shrimpishly small.. i’m guessing. TALENTS don’t usually bite back, some do, I’m not sure which category your’s is under.”
I nodded.
Liliath’s mental state is unstable– an undeniable truth. Her twisted personality might just be the surface of all the pain she had locked inside of her.
Fear.
Fear of death–
Fear of being manipulated–
Liliath is superior to me in almost every aspect– be it strength, magic abilities and wits. She can very well toy with the entire world with her magic– and I’m responsible for keeping her away from that path.
Well.. the only thing I beat Liliath in is the aspect of common sense.
I should probably invest in common sense but.. Liliath told me she preferred learning about this world from scratch. It was a lot more interesting that way. To experience something new every day.
It’s more fun that way.
===
Knock. Knock.
The sound of the bedsheets shuffling could be heard. Liliath opened the door– dressed in her nightgown– tonight, she looked even more beautiful than any other day.
Even more beautiful– even more distant.
“Good night?” Liliath raised a puzzled voice at my silence. In her hand was a self-help book. She had been reading this sorta book a lot recently.
Seeing my gaze at the book in her hands–
“It’s wonderful how various thought leaders encapsulate and distribute these insights to the people of the world. Knowledge is indeed power– or so the quote says.. Noel?”
“Liliath. I need to tell you something..”
My voice tapered off.
“I believe it’s something of importance... should the discussion be held inside my room or yours?”
“I think anywhere is fine.”
Take a deep breath.. calm yourself down. This question will eventually have to come.. better do it now than later before the chance is gone.
Liliath went back into her room, shut the door and locked it.
Huh?
There was a moment of silence. What’s this?
“Are we going?” Liliath tapped my shoulder from behind. I flinched.
“Y-You scared me there..” I exhaled. Liliath probably used teleportation magic.
“If I don't practice magic my skills may become rusty you know?”
“Well.. I don't think you have to jump on me like that..”
“Noel has a strong heart so it should be alright.. isn’t it?” Liliath’s words implied an innuendo.
I had no words to retort.
We proceeded to my room where Liliath– as usual, sat down on my bed.
“What is that you want to talk about,” Liliath crossed her legs.
“H-how do you feel about me Liliath.. as a person..” hesitantly, I asked.
No matter how much I steeled myself for this moment– this fear I'm feeling is inevitable. I can't run away from these feelings of mine. Push on, push through, fight, accept.
“As a person– Noel is my saviour.” Liliath said in a serious tone.
“Ah.. not in that sense.. let’s phrase it in another way.. how do you feel about me..”
Heck. Are you dumb Noel? Liliath is already misunderstanding because you’re beating around the bush, and here you are with another rhetorical question.
“Kind… Noel is kind.. and supportive.. I suppose?” Liliath tilted her head.
My hands were shaking, my throat unusually dry.
“Liliath..”
“Yes?”
Just say it.. don’t dodge. Say it straight.
“I love you.”
There you go. My confession. I said it.. the weight is lifted– but a new weight dawned upon me.. The weight of anticipation and the fear of the unknown– fear of rejection.
Liliath’s eyes shot open wide at my words.
I looked down to the floor.. my heart racing, head spinning. Rejection fills my mind.. a turmoil of negative thoughts– the infinite spiral of..
“Noel..”
I raised my head to look at Liliath.
She wiped a tear from her eyes, taking a breath.
“Noel, I..”
===
“Oh, you’ve come Liliath, sit down please,” Diana-sama, who was seated on the table beckoned. Two cups of tea had been prepared, it seemed Diana-sama had come to understand my tea preference.
“Thank you, may I ask what this is all about?”
It was a while ago when Diana-sama requested a ‘heart-to-heart’ talk. I came her exactly for that.
“Ahahah, i’ll get straight to the point Liliath, how do you feel about Noel?” Diana-sama held a motherly smile.
Goosebumps formed on my skin.
“About Noel..” I looked down at the tea, shimmering under the warm light.
Noel.
How do I feel about him? He’s a vessel. My vessel.
He’s also someone I'm painfully aware to be emotionally attached to..
“It’s hard to put into words, however, I do find myself quite fond of him.”
“Oh, what a princess-like answer. Alrighty, I won't dig into it too much. The next one is the more important one– do you have any future plans?”
Plans for my future– as an individual who is not of this world.
It would be wrong to say I didn't have one.. Only one.. the most important one.
One driven by the instincts of thyself– thyself, a demon lord.
That however, brings about itself certain risks that.. I presume Diana-sama wouldn’t be willing to hear, nor agree with this ambition of mine.
“I don't have any future plans as of the moment. At best, I plan to learn more before coming to a conjuncture– perhaps that’s my current plan.”
“Good. Then I have a recommendation.”
Diana-sama then took out a stack of books that she seemed to have planned to pass to me. Lowering it to the table, our tea created ripples.
“Maybe these can help. Liliath, you're the kind who likes reading right?”
I nodded, taking up one of the numerous books on the table– I scanned the cover and contents. It was a genre similar to the one I borrowed from Noel, ‘thinking fast, thinking slow’.
“Reading can help expand your views, perhaps you would learn something here you wouldn’t otherwise can back in your world,” Diana-sama had a motherly smile as she spoke.
“I will keep that in mind, thank you Diana.”
“One more thing, take care of Noel alright?”
I nodded at her kind words of care.
What a nice family. I envy this fact about Noel.
76.
I love you.
Those words that came out of his very mouth.
A sense of elation, joy and warmth spread in my heart. An unusual fuzziness.. murky.. confusing.
“Noel, I..”
I wanted to reciprocate.
I wanted to accept.
Noel’s feelings, his confession, I'm delighted.
However..
“..I cant accept your feelings.”
Was the answer that came out instead.
It was an answer that became so because of my title.
My title as a demon lord– an undeniable truth, one that I cannot but accept.
It was, is and will forever be a part of me.
I can't deny it, can't act against it.
“I-I see.. I suppose let’s..”
“DOn't be too hasty Noel, I haven’t finished now have I?” I surprised myself at the light giggle I made. The look of remorse on Noel’s face however.. It pained me. “I can't accept your feelings.. at least.. not yet.. until the prerequisite has been met then..”
Noel is mine, mine alone. My one and only vessel.
I will make him my vessel, then the rest will certainly come naturally.
Yes.. calmly now.. only if I could…
“Prerequisite? W-what do you mean..” Noel stuttered at his words.
I believe he too wouldn’t approve of it.. not until I have everything in place.
That’s it. That should be my plan for the future.
But I’m scared.
Should the ritual fail Noel will cease to exist..
Furthermore, there is no certainty in the ritual Demon Lord Javiel informed me of.. anything could happen. And if it was all but a lie– false information. I would lose Noel– forever. My life would then be over, that will be the end.
I stood up with unsteady steps, confused in my thoughts and tittered towards him.
“Liliath?”
I embraced him.
I can’t have him run away. No. He has to stay.
“Please wait.. I will make sure everything happens accordingly… wait for me..”
However, I had no plans. I didn’t know where to start… I only know now that I need to start. I need to start now.. I don't know how much longer Noel can wait, I don't know how much longer I have. Perhaps a month? Maybe a year? Forever would be too far..
If there’s even a tiny shred of possibility there– I will have to grasp it.
“A-alright.. I will wait..” Noel brought his arms around my shoulder and pulled me closer.
“Wait for me Noel.. I’ll definitely make it work.”
Noel will be mine.
Mine alone.
===
I opened my eyes to find myself back inside my own room.
The contents of yesterday’s confession with Noel remained in my mind. A small smile crept onto my face.
I’m glad Noel confessed.
Please wait a while longer– I don't know how long it would take but I will definitely return your feelings..
With such thoughts, I should continue to build Noel’s trust. The hard part would be to refine and confirm the method and contents of the ritual…
I had no clue where to start.
I got up from bed, drank some water from my water bottle and exited my room.
I stopped in front of Noel’s room. He was still in bed. It was unusual, he would be up earlier than me in most circumstances, which proves the mental strain he placed on the confession.
Hoping that he wouldn’t misunderstand my wishes, I proceeded to the bathroom.
There I met Nine, a gender-unknown human brushing ‘her’ teeth.
The act of brushing one’s teeth came as a surprise when Noel first taught me about it. It seemed that such was the habits of the inhabitants of this world. I can't seem to understand why swallowing ‘toothpaste’ was not allowed. It wasn’t poison, tasted good yet was a taboo item to ingest.
“Mornin’ Nine,” I greeted.
“Hm? Owhw, mourn’in Liliatth,” she replied with a lisp as her mouth was filled with a delicious cooling taste.
“You’re rather early, I suppose I’ll go use the other washroom.”
“Giimee a sec,” Nine spat the toothpaste and rinsed her mouth. Wiping the water off, “I’m done, you can use the bathroom now.”
“Much appreciated Nine.”
“Gotcha.”
Nine was a beautiful girl dressed in a yellow flower dress. She had probably cleaned herself in a bath. I wonder why she would wake up so early though.
“Nine, is there any reason why you’re so early?”
“Early? It’s my habit, I wake up at 4am everyday. You’re early too ya know?” she spoke in a cute voice befitting of her small stature.
“Nine, were you originally a girl or boy.”
Perhaps I should take this chance to get to know her better.
“I’m a boy. But I prefer being a female because it’s funnier that way. I’m officially bisexual and I get to troll people like this,” Nine giggled.
Trolls? Bisexual trolls? What is bisexual? Can a single person actually fall for people of both genders? It seems that language comprehension has its limits… No, rather, trolls have no gender in the first place.
“Are there trolls in the world?”
“I’m one of them,” Nine grinned.
I flinched, prepared a defensive stance, narrowing my eyes.
“You look human though.. I have never met a troll like your kind..”
To my surprise, Nine flashed me a dumbfounded expression.
“HUh, what. You’re serious… ah.. I get it now.. terminology issue, yeah. Liliath, by ‘troll’ I mean, ‘prankster you know?”
“Prankster? I do not know.”
“What… I guess this is to be expected of an otherworlder. Noel must have it hard.. but it’s funny,” Nine giggled again. “Ah, speaking of which, are you interested in knowing what happens here when I change between genders?” Nine pointed at her crotch with a shrewd smile.
“I rather not,” I shook my head with a frown.
“Oya? I’ll answer it in a roundabout way then. I’m not gay if I hang out with another male in my female form– I’m sure that answers your curiosity right?”
“You’re not happy if you hang out with another male?”
PonderingI my words for a moment, Nine then shouted, huffing, “Not that ‘gay’!!”
If Nine never mentioned it, it was hard to imagine she was originally a male to begin with.
I tilted my head.
“Whatever.. enjoy your bath, and see ya around Liliath,” Nine laughed as she ran off.
I stood there confused. Gay in the context meant: happy, right? Perhaps such misunderstanding is why ‘transgender’ is a popular story genre in this world.
Locking the door, I look at myself through the mirror. Velvet hair, crimson purple eyes– features that did not exist in any other person.
I wonder what face I showed Noel yesterday night?
The obvious reaction to that thought was my face turning beet red.
I hope he continues to treat me the same from here on…
===
Finishing my shower, I headed to my room. On the way, I noticed that Noel had still not awoken. It seemed that he was bothered by the matter yesterday.
I could only pray that he would come out alright.
I had a hair dryer in my room that I do use at times, though recently I have come to realize magic is much more convenient and versatile.
After which I picked up my phone and sent a message that said good morning to Noel’s family group. Continuing, I entered the gallery app to see the various photos of tea bags in the display. Mixed in between were pictures I took of different interesting places with Noel.
I admired the photos, bringing back pleasant memories.
I don't want it to fade.
I don't want it to end.
Such were my thoughts– my unneeded emotions.
It would only get in the way of my goal.
Leaving the photo gallery, I went to check the quests for today.
===
Current Points: 3215
Quests: Passion:
Cuddle with Noel for 5 minutes. 40P
Have Noel smell your hair. 30P
...
Quests: Commitment:
Have Noel do house chores. 20P
Have Noel thank you for something. 10P
...
Quests: Intimacy:
Watch a movie together. 25P
Cook a dish together. 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: 2 (Upgradable) (67/100)
===
I should pay attention to Noel’s attitude towards me before deciding which to cooperate for a completion.
Putting that aside, we have already accumulated enough points for the item needed for the ritual.
Shifting away from the quest list and into the shop, I spun the item catalog, stopping at one item.
The philosopher's stone.
Perhaps I should start taking the studies of ‘doctors’ seriously. It might contain some clues to Javiel’s theory.
