Chapter 14
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: First Experience in This Wonderful Village (2)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
It had been a while since I'd worn plain clothes, and the collar felt a bit tight around my neck.
I undid one button and checked the clock in the square. It was 9:45.
'Later than I thought.'
It was still before the agreed time, but I'd figured Lucia would be out waiting at least thirty minutes early. Guess getting ready took longer than expected.
Grip─
That's when someone tugged at the hem of my shirt from behind.
I turned to look, but all I could see was a wide-brimmed white capelin hat—no face in sight.
"...Hehe, Master."
Lucia took off the capelin, smiling shyly.
...I thought my heart had stopped.
Not her usual flawless silver hair, but ordinary dyed brown.
That was the problem.
Up until now, Lucia had seemed almost inhumanly perfect, like a piece of art in a gallery. Today, she felt like a living, breathing person.
I don't know if it makes sense to say she looked even prettier now that she was a little less stunning...
But what can you do?
When a girl like that is standing right in front of you.
"...Master?"
I must have zoned out too long. Lucia was looking at me with a hint of worry.
"...Shut up. You think a worthless meat toilet like you gets to keep her master waiting?"
"Hah... I'm sorry, Master."
I'd snapped a bit out of surprise, and it came out harsher than usual. Lucia pulled her hat down low and apologized.
"Sorry for being such a stupid meat toilet..."
...I hadn't meant to go that far.
They say a woman's looks are her weapon.
Once I started noticing Lucia's appearance, the guilt from making her sad hit me like a truck.
"...We're acting normal in town today. So call me Eugene, not Master."
I softened my tone to change the mood.
"...Yes. Got it."
"And you..."
Fine for me, but Lucia's name was too famous, publicly and privately. Calling her by her real name ruined the disguise.
"Siah..."
As I pondered a fake name, Lucia spoke up hesitantly, her voice still downcast.
"Call me... Siah."
Siah.
A nickname I'd used occasionally in my first playthrough.
Nothing special about it.
I'd just picked it because it was easy to remember—dropping one syllable from her name...
But Lucia said it like it was the most precious thing in the world.
"...Yeah. Got it."
"Hehe, thank you."
No doubt about it.
Lucia's shy smile was murder on my heart.
-Ding -ding
Right on cue, clear bell chimes rang out.
It was 10 o'clock. Carriages started rolling into the station with the clatter of hooves.
"Let's go. ...Siah."
"Ah! Yes, Eugene."
Lucia smiled brightly and boarded the carriage.
"It's been a while since I've been to this village."
A village about two hours by carriage from Carnea Academy.
When students talked about "the village," they meant Sankisan Village over ninety percent of the time.
It was the closest one to Carnea, built with entertainment spots and food places geared toward students—decent scale, too.
"Ah, Eugene, remember that place?"
Lucia, a bit excited, grabbed the end of my sleeve and pointed.
I looked where she was staring: a dark alley, dim even in broad daylight.
...I remember.
That alley was where I'd made her lift one leg like a bitch in heat and piss.
I glanced back at Lucia. She touched her flushed cheeks, reminiscing happily.
"I was so scared of getting caught back then... It's great now too, but I kinda miss that thrilling chill."
...My conscience was pricking me hard for the first time in ages.
What the hell had first-playthrough me been up to?
"Ah! That shop's still there too."
This time, a pet supply store.
...Yeah, that was where I'd made her pick out and buy her own collar.
"Wanna get one now?"
"...No."
Every time we passed something while walking the village, Lucia dropped a line like she missed those days.
And every time, it chipped away at my sanity.
"...Ah!"
Lucia let out another gasp, like she'd spotted something else.
'Please...'
I braced for whatever she'd say next, but she pointed at a bench.
"Eugene. Mind waiting on that bench for a bit?"
"...Sure."
I nodded, and she trotted off, calling back.
"Hehe, I'll be right back!"
I was mentally exhausted anyway—perfect timing for a break.
I sat on the bench, closed my eyes, and rested. Felt better already.
"...Eugene."
Lucia's voice pulled me back as I waited.
I opened my eyes to a massive bag clutched in both her hands, right in front of me.
'...Jackpot.'
Bringing Lucia had paid off.
My stomach was rumbling anyway