Chapter 74: Well, That Could Happen
I was a bit concerned, but ultimately, Airi had given her permission.
Feeling that it was okay to follow my heart, I relaxed and headed towards the meeting place.
Merilyn, who was waiting for me there, dressed the same as before.
Youve arrived, Hyo-sung.
Sorry, it took me some time.
No, its okay. I can wait a bit, especially since its been a long time.
Merilyn said this, scanning me over.
As she did so, the smile on her lips became more pronounced.
Youve changed your outfit from earlier Hehe, maybe its because Hyo-sung is wearing it, but what you have on now looks great~
Her compliment was focused more on me than on the clothes.
Feeling a bit embarrassed by her words, she looked down at her own body, draped in a black cloak, and began to express regret.
Meanwhile, I didnt think to change Maybe I should have changed into something nicer?
No, its fine. After all, were just meeting for a casual meal today.
A casual meal? Dont tell me you plan to end todays meeting with just that?
Yes?
Well, since weve met after a long time, I want to spend more meaningful time together to celebrate our reunion. For example
Merilyn trailed off, then leaned in closer to my ear.
Feeling embarrassed by her subsequent whispering, I blurted out my confusion towards her unwittingly.
Merilyn.
I had momentarily forgotten.
She was someone who actively joked about such things.
Hehe, its just a joke~
Even if it was a joke, such a frivolous one didnt look too good.
Unsure about voicing my displeasure, I suppressed my words, and she, turning her back to me, began to lead the way down the street.
Well, no use in dawdling, lets have a meal first Do you have any place in mind to recommend, Hyo-sung?
Is it okay for me to decide?
Ironically, Im not from the empire. Im used to visiting unfamiliar places, but Im still not well-versed in the local geography since the last time I was here, I only stopped by briefly.
Indeed, even a frequent traveler couldnt know everything about a newly visited place.
So, thinking it was best for me to lead today, I began to follow her, eyeing a familiar signboard in the distance.
Theres a decent restaurant nearby. Its a bit pricey, but I can afford it.
Oh my~ Hyo-sung, are you treating me to the meal?
Of course, I should treat you since its been a long time. Merilyn, youll surely be satisfied, just like Airi was when we went last time.
It may be expensive, but its worth it.
As I smiled, imagining Merilyns happy face, I noticed her suddenly stop in her tracks on the street.
With Airi
Merilyn?
Who is Airi?
Ah, well, thats
My response trailed off abruptly.
Seeing the coldness on her face as she turned to me, I almost felt as if my heart had stopped.
No, not stopped, but it had slowed down.
For that brief moment, the look in her eyes was indelibly etched into my vision.
Hyo-sung.
But even that brief silence seemed to bother her.
She spoke to me again as time flowed on.
Who is Airi?
At her repeated question, I finally regained my composure.
Feeling a chill of unknown origin, I replied with difficulty to her question.
Shes well a house guest.
I didnt know why.
Perhaps it was the best answer I could give in this situation.
A house guest, so shes staying at your place?
Yes, thats right, but
Why?
Why was Merilyn looking at me like that, and why was I tensing up just from our eye contact?
Did I unwittingly step on a landmine?
Hmm, is that so?
Merilyn spoke thoughtfully, making me feel even more uneasy.
Then she averted her gaze from me, drawing a smile on her lips.
Well, that could be.
Her voice was light, contrasting with her previous coldness.
There was no trace of her usual playfulness or coquettishness.
As if, for that moment, she had become someone else.
Merilyn? What did you just say?
Ah!
Just as I was worried about that point, Merilyn eagerly approached.
I was startled by her sudden action, but by then, Merilyn was already clinging to my arm.
Hehe, shall we go right away?
M-Merilyn, suddenly linking arms like this!
Whats the matter? Its okay since we havent met for a long time, right?
Saying that, Merilyn leaned her head against my arm.
I felt her softness pressing against me from various points, but I pretended it was fine and started moving again.
Yes, then Lets go.
Hehe, thank you~
Merilyn, walking with me and expressing her small gratitude, seemed to have lost her previous severity, as if it were all a lie.
As if that feeling itself were an illusion.
As if emphasizing something wordlessly.
No, it wasnt just my imagination.
Even though I didnt have much experience with women, I wasnt so oblivious as to not understand what Merilyn felt for me.
Especially since she left and returned even after leaving such a letter.
Wouldnt it be strange to think she had no feelings for me?
The name of this restaurant is Storm of Time and Space. Quite unique, isnt it?
Ahaha, yes. Its a very unusual name.
As much as I pondered this, sitting across from her in the restaurant, I couldnt help but feel complicated watching her smile so freely.
Once, upon receiving her letter, I had dreamed of a special relationship with her, but now I was sorting out my feelings for her and contemplating new connections.
Yes, there had been a commotion before I met Merilyn, so I had to be cautious about this aspect.
Her previous gaze was enough to raise such an alarm.
Um, just having a meal might be a bit plain Shall we order some drinks too?
As I was collecting my thoughts, Merilyn quietly asked while looking at the menu.
Regaining my composure and looking into her eyes, I could see her smiling, unaware of my inner turmoil.
Drinks, you mean?
Today is a day to celebrate our reunion. I think it would be nice to commemorate it with a drink.
Ah, well, I dont think I can drink today.
A disappointing answer to her anticipation.
But it was unavoidable.
Before coming here, Airi had expressed her worries about me possibly getting drunk and causing a mishap.
Do you dislike alcohol?
Its not that I dislike it, but it seems difficult to drink today.
Then it cant be helped.
Merilyn expressed her disappointment but reluctantly accepted it.
Relieved that it passed without issue, I then placed our order with the waiter and spent time chatting with Merilyn.
Most of our conversation was about the recent updates in our lives.
I shared my accomplishments as an adventurer, and Merilyn briefly talked about her journey back to the empire after successfully resigning from her lord.
Given the chaotic world, my return was delayed.
Though much was left unsaid, it was clear she had endured a lot.
Her concluding remarks subtly revealed such concerns.
Ahaha, its good that you returned safely.
Yes, its a bit late, but I guess its time to start anew from now on.
Her statement was laced with bright smiles and anticipation.
I couldnt respond, only managing an ambiguous smile.
Starting anew from now
Even though I had already sorted out my feelings for her and was moving on to new relationships
Would she still show me the same smile if she knew my circumstances?
Your order has arrived.
As I was feeling anxious, luxurious dishes were gradually set on the table.
Merilyn, pausing our conversation, picked up her fork and knife, turning her attention to the food.
Hehe, now that weve shared our updates, shall we start eating?
Merilyn began cutting the well-cooked veal steak with her knife.
After meticulously cutting a piece, she picked it up with her fork and opened her mouth.
She naturally directed the fork towards my mouth, not hers.
Here, Hyo-sung. Ahh~
Merilyn then opened her mouth, indicating that I should follow suit.
Feeling embarrassed by her action, my gaze unconsciously began to wander around.
Merilyn, as I mentioned before, doing this in public is a bit
I dont do this with just anyone. Its because its you, Hyo-sung.
Weve just met again after so long, this much is okay, right?
Despite my discomfort, Merilyn smiled coyly and pushed the fork towards me more assertively.
Her gestures, which were not forceful during our first meeting, now appeared more assertive.
Even after being apart for over three months, it seemed like the feelings we shared back then hadnt faded.
Just for today.
Unable to refuse such sentiment, I ate the steak, and Merilyn, watching my reaction, chuckled and picked up another piece with her fork.
Now, Hyo-sung, one more bite Hmph?!
But was I going to just let this happen?
Seizing the moment she opened her mouth, I cut a piece of steak and fed her, causing her to look at me in surprise.
After all, I brought you here. I came to treat you to this food, so it would be a problem if you didnt eat, right?
She chuckled and swiftly removed the fork from her mouth.
As we locked eyes, Merilyn swallowed the meat in her mouth and continued to stare at me.
Is it good?
Yes, yes.
Maybe she didnt expect me to be so forward?
Her voice quivered unexpectedly, and then she lowered her head and replied quietly.
Very tasty. Maybe its because Hyo-sung fed it to me that its even more
Her voice seemed almost timid, yet she couldnt hide all her emotions.
More than the fact that I ate what she offered
The fact that I fed her seemed to be perceived as something more special.
Im glad that youre satisfied.
Feeling satisfaction just by observing her surely meant I hadnt completely let go of my lingering feelings for her.
Even though I couldnt prioritize her over others, I still hoped she would be satisfied
Regardless of how our relationship would evolve, my sincere wish was for her happiness.
Excuse me, please.
While we were dining intimately, a waiter interrupted me and Merilyn.
Then he placed something on our table and gestured towards a secluded corner of the restaurant.
The gentleman over there asked me to give this to you.
This?
Turning around, I saw a middle-aged man wearing a fedora.
He brushed his long hair back, draped his coat deeply, and stood up, moving towards the restaurants exit.
His back felt strangely familiar No, that couldnt be.
Why would that vampire appear here, of all places? I laughed and opened the envelope on the table, finding two tickets and a familiar note.
[Young man, as a token of appreciation for showing me something good at my regular breakfast spot, Ive prepared a small gift for you. I hope you and the lady have a wonderful time.]
Damn it.
Using the term breakfast in the evening was a dead giveaway.
Ah, haha. It seems someone has taken a liking to us.
In that moment, I was bewildered, realizing that the vampire was really a regular here and that I had been spotted with Merilyn instead of Airi.
Trying not to show my surprise, I smiled vaguely, but Merilyns gaze was not on the tickets in my hand but towards the restaurants exit.
Her lips lost their smile, and she followed his retreating figure with her pumpkin-colored eyes, previously shown to me.
It seems harmless for now; shall we hold off on it?
Merilyn?
Oh, sorry. I was just concerned about the person who showed us kindness.
Merilyn switched the mood back, chuckling softly.
It would be a lie to say I wasnt bothered by the abrupt change in atmosphere, but for now, I chose to overlook it.
Whatever might happen later, Airi trusted that I would return safely.
Hmm, these tickets seem to be for an opera nearby. You said you had time until the evening, right?
Yes, if Merilyn is okay with it, we can go together
Yes, since Airi gave her consent, it should be fine for now.
As long as the whims of transcendent beings she often warned about wouldnt occur, the foretold future should not deviate
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