"—AL! I want a hug!"
As those words left Amethely's mouth, everyone turned their heads, raising their eyebrows, blinking. Emely gasped, seeing how Alum turned and walked toward the saintly girl who'd requested something so bizarre. But when he accepted her into his arms, her eyes couldn't help but wander toward a certain girl—and it wasn't only her.
Lova frowned at the sight, Lena clenched her chest, her shoulders raised as she looked around, but her eyes always steered towards Miu. As for Julia, who once thought of Miu as a rival because she assumed Miu and Noel were an item, gritted her teeth—are you just going to let this play out? She questioned with a glare. But even she recognizes the hypocrisy of her own thoughts.
Yet, Miu herself was calm. Her red-ruby eyes were as wide as the others', her lips parted as if words wanted to escape, but even though her friends felt for her, a small sigh escaped, her lips curving into a faint smile—
I see… she's the one you like…
Her shoulders breathed, the tension released, and she could finally relax—she finally knew who. And she couldn't blame him for falling for Amethely.
She… can pull him back—I don't think I could've…
"Huh? Is this a harem situation going on?" Kevin remarked carelessly.
"Kevin…" Kurt called his name calmly, then sighed.
"—Guh…?" Kevin groaned, having received an elbow to the side, not too rough, but noticeable.
Daniel watched as his two friends engaged in silent banter, remaining quiet himself—it wasn't his place to comment, and not too far from him was David, who seemed indifferent to the whole ordeal, but for a moment, he flinched.
And for all Kevin, there was something going on between Alum and Miu, then there was Luna, and now Amethely? Of course, people knew about Luna, but not everyone realized Miu was in love with Alum—only her close friends.
Because in most people's eyes, she had Noel, even though both stated they were just childhood friends, others didn't see it that way—until Noel showed clear interest in Chely alongside Miu's casualness toward it.
I don't get it. What does she see in that guy? And now he's with some other girl, Oliver scowled inwardly. Moreover, I'm more confident than ever that his hands are stained—the bastard didn't even exhale after the devastation—no sigh, no smirk, and no hesitation.
Then there was the facility staff that stood there, shocked by the actions of their revered saint. "So the rumors were true?" they whispered amongst themselves. While most of them were speechless, some were happy for their saint, who finally found herself in love.
Meanwhile, Alum and Amethely were in their own little world.
"I didn't think you'd be so bold," Alum remarked, squeezing her slightly tighter.
"I-I really was?" Amethely stammered slightly, her cheeks somewhat rosy, as her pinkish amethyst eyes quivered when they peered into his soul. "I just… thought that you were… a little scary, like someone I didn't know and… panicked," she confessed.
"Makes sense," a pragmatic reply followed, yet what seemed like cold words were coated in a soothing, warm tone. "We don't know each other that well. I wish you don't come to hate me when you do."
"I… I won't. I know you've probably had a past filled with burdens, some you might not want to share—still, I… if I can help. I want to ease that burden, only if a little."
"…" Alum paused, his eyes widened, then a light chuckle followed. "I'm not too burdened by the past. The past stays in the past. But I acknowledge it. That won't change."
"I see…" Amethely rested her head on his chest. Her shoulders eased, and the embrace loosened as her weight fell to him. "That's… good," she murmured.
Alum also relaxed; his embrace wasn't as tight—it was just tender.
"Okay… that's 30 seconds," he calmly said and pulled away.
Amethely tilted her head in confusion, then turned bright red as she realized that she was supposed to be monitoring and instruct—
"Pffts… ahahahaha-hahaha! I-I can't! Seriously?" Noel burst out laughing. "You seriously apply that rule here too?" he added while struggling to hold his laughter.
"…" Alum cleared his throat, but the faint blush on his cheeks was apparent to anyone. "So what?" he glared. "It's not like we could stay like that," he sighed, then glanced at Amethely, who was steaming.
"True," Noel shrugged. "But, y'know?" he glanced at Amethely.
"W-w-whaaa-waa…" she stumbled, unable to form a sentence.
And somehow, despite the absurdity of the chaos, chuckles began to echo throughout Chely's storm barrier; the once-heavy mood slowly lightened. Even the cross-armed Chely relaxed a little, lowering her shoulders. Luna faintly smiled, her favorite person and idol were in love—of course, she rooted for them.
…
..
After returning from the outdoor facility, Alum was met by a dark office, lit only by the desk lamp. Then there was an old man who looked like a villain, hunched over with his chin on his fingers.
"And who said he wouldn't show off?" he remarked, grinning, though his silver eyes weren't.
"Is that the first thing you have to say, Sir?" Alum calmly replied.
"Well," Rigeld shrugged. "That and—what the bloody ash! The facility was built for practice—not a damn testing site for destruction magic!" he exasperated, holding his temples.
"I simply followed orders," Alum shrugged as if he hadn't just obliterated the ground and ripped out the trees and shattered all the windows of the facility.
"Sigh… It's my bad. Other magic facilities aren't built for such destructive magic without the city barrier activating—how are you feeling? Suffocated by the barriers pressure?"
"I'm alright. Just nauseous from heavy mana suppression."
"Urgh… well. Take a day off. Or if you're fine, I've got something to show you."
"What about the reports?" Alum inquired, tilting his head slightly.
"Meh, they'll come flooding in. Besides, since you caused it all, you should know all the details, right?" Rigeld said, defeated by the logistical headache it'll bring him.
Sigh… he's competent, but he thinks of himself as a tool—and he excels in that regard. But… as a disciple of mine? Far from qualified. Sigh… A smile crept up the old man's face, warm yet melancholic. But that's not inherently a fault—the kid has to gotta learn there's more to power than its practical use case.
"So?" Rigeld inquired, raising a brow.
"What is it that you've got to show me?"
"Armaments. I figured you're plenty ready as a mage, but… You need a support weapon, especially so when you're not capable of materializing a divine weapon."
Rigeld then got up from his seat. And Coral, who suddenly appeared behind the curtains, flapped her wings, fully illuminating the once-dark office. She then landed on her master's shoulder, letting out a soft "Prrri?", rubbing her head on his cheek.
"She's quite affectionate," Alum said, smiling a little.
"Right? Well, you perchance have one or two things to learn from her. Or are you doing the "I love you" training again?" he replied, smirking.
"I can make do fine without," Alum sighed inwardly, remembering his sore throat. "About the armaments…"
"Oh, that? Well, you'll see. They're tools made by mortals, and used by mortals. Pretty self-explanatory, I'd say. They'll be critical during missions, and although we deal with mortals too, sometimes."
"Mm."
"And most graduates from combat academies prefer to join the guild because of the freedom, which is why we leave the minor defense threats to them. Here, however… You might be stationed somewhere for weeks, months, or years. But there's a perk here, too: we tailor tools for their needs. Isn't that exciting?"
"…"
"Well, you needn't worry too much. Most of it is voluntary, and many go, since, y'know? Not a lot of people venture out of Ilifel's borders." Rigeld patted Alum on the shoulder. "You've been melting a lot of swords. Why don't we get you something? It might even help you catch up to her a little faster," he smirked.
"…" Alum averted his eyes, his ears slightly reddened. "You're spoiling me," he voiced in mock annoyance.
This guy's so meddlesome, but… I don't sense any ill intent—sigh, I've grown soft.
"I don't mind, ahahaha. I'm swimming in Lech. And well… I don't know who adopted whom. But you're like a twin to Luna. You might as well be my long-lost niece."
"You already have another niece," Alum remarked.
"Well. He's too caught up in etiquette and politics to care about little ol me. Anyhow. Follow me."
Alum nodded and followed behind Rigeld with the same inexpressive look, but somehow, indescribably, he's demeanor was softer.
When they reached the elevator, Rigeld hit the lowest floor, which took them a few minutes to reach because of the people entering and exiting. But once they arrived at B10, a hall filled with open doors presented itself. It was surprisingly lively as coated researchers walked between the rooms, holding magitech cores and parts from the different storage areas.
Alum watched carefully as they walked; there were areas with different metal alloys, different machinery, and CMI cores ready to be programmed on rows of shelves.
"Piqued your interest?"
"A little."
"Haha, I see," Rigeld chuckled. "This department specializes in catalytic weaponry and artillery. And unlike the hard-locked catalytic weaponry you can find on the market, these are soft-locked and can activate within the city barrier with non-lethal capabilities, of course."
Alum simply nodded. He knew that dangerous weapons were being sold, but since they were hard-locked and unusable within the barrier, he wasn't concerned. And unless the weapon was traditional, such as a sword, using non-mana weapons or being in possession of one was illegal in Ilifel. Basically, every firearm from his world would be classed as highly prohibited, not necessarily because they were more lethal, but because they couldn't be controlled.
"Then, every weapon from my world would turn this place upside down," he casually remarked.
"Well, makes sense. You guys don't use magic," Rigeld shrugged. "But the same could be said if we turn off the barrier," he smirked.
"I suppose."
..
Eventually, they arrived at the massive warehouse, walls a matte gray, but well-lit, and there were shelves upon shelves of weapons encased in glass. Rigeld's grin widened.
"Pick whatever you want. From catalytic guns, swords, or traditional steel, or the few magisteel available."
"Magisteel?"
"Well, they're a bit unconventional, Luna likes them for some reason, though. They work like the chemical gun your world uses, using a reactive mana crystal."
Alum tilted his head to the side slightly, "Within regulations?" he inquired.
"It has to hit a critical state, which can't happen within the barrier. So, yeah," Rigeld explained casually, and thus a history lesson began. "Initially, it was exclusively used in artillery inside aircraft because it's an efficient weapon. Compare that to the catalytic counterpart, which relied on manaflow and charge. Then, someone had the bright idea of shrinking artillery to the size of a handheld catalytic weapon," he shrugged.
"I see," Alum pondered.
Sensing Alum's piqued interest, Rigeld walked toward the section where a few Magisteel lay encased in glass.
"This is similar to what Luna uses, which is based on the Tides & Sun series produced in Lea Nor—but this? Produced in-house, closer to The EAC."
Alum looked at it; on display was a silver gun, inscribed with PARC-PN6 on the barrel—Portable Artillery Rail Cannon Production Number Six.
"It's the only one. But I don't recommend it, though—you could even lose a limb from the recoil."
"And Luna uses one?"
"Well, it's great if you can handle it," Rigeld replied smugly.
"AP6—as in armor piercing?"
"Yeah, good for sturdy beasts with scales that just ricochet the crap out of projectiles. Though not a problem for most catalytic weapons."
"Mm."
"But more often than enough, the projectile isn't used to kill, but to crack open armor."
"In terms of beasts, right?"
"Obviously. If used against other mortals, a shot in the chest is often enough. But it'd be overkill to use a Magisteel for that. By the way, this one is hard-locked."
"I see."
"…"
"…"
"It's a little like you. Don't you think?" Rigeld commented as he glanced at Alum sharply. "A bit reckless—why don't you take it? The PARC-6."
"…Why?" Alum asked, his eyebrows scrunched as he looked at the old man, bewildered, with a look that said—Are you sure you want to give me a weapon like this?
However, Rigeld only flashed him a smile in response as he took it out of the glass enclosure and handed it to him.
"But unlike the tool, you're a mortal and can't afford to be as reckless—so what do you do?"
"…"
"This is but a small reminder: don't become the thing you wield. Simple, right?"
Alum couldn't protest. But he did sense Rigeld's intent, rather, scolding, albeit indirectly. The Magisteel in his hand was absurdly heavy for its size, but he found a small lever on the grip, which he then slid to the side. Underneath was a toggle labeled "Safe/Unsafe Mode."
—Click…
As the toggle changed, Rigeld smiled, hitting Alum's back while Coral chirped. "Very well, let's get you a sword that doesn't melt."
However, there was a muffled, fuzzy sting in Alum's chest, a strange feeling. It was as if he was being looked after—but it wasn't a bad feeling.
"Hmph…" Alum huffed, mock-annoyed as he crossed his arms.
"Huh? Did you just sulk?"
"No, Sir."
"Really now? Well, don't be so polite. I'm not mad anymore."
"…Affirmative."
"Sigh… so rigid."
"Pfft…" Alum lightly chuckled. "And you're stubborn to a fault, Uncle Rig," he remarked.
"Ey, brat, what did you say?!"
"…" Alum averted his gaze. "You've grown old. Are you sure you aren't hearing things?"
"Hmph, as if," Rigeld frowned.
..
After a tour around the weaponry, Alum couldn't find a sword that matched him—instead, Rigeld was the one being picky, so it concluded with they left without one, even though Alum would've been perfectly fine with whatever.
Once they returned to the office, there were stacks of paperwork waiting for them. But also a Princess lying on the couch reading a book.
"Al, Uncle. Where were you?" she asked, looking up from her book.
"I toured Al around the weaponry."
"Mm," Luna affirmed. "Did you find anything you liked?" She turned to Alum as she got up, patting the sofa.
"I did—the PARC-PN6."
Luna's eyes twinkled. Her lips parted as a cute smile surfaced on her face. "You've got good taste," she giggled.
"Well… Uncle Rig just handed it to me. So…"
"Oh, I see," she said, giving Rigeld a thumbs up.
Meanwhile…
I seriously don't get why she likes them that much… Rigeld sighed inwardly as a headache slowly crept closer.
"Although… wouldn't the RP-2 or 3 be enough? The PARC-PN6 is a marvel and all. But why would Al need a pocket artillery?" She turned to her uncle, deadpan.
"Ah… well. It was more symbolic than anything else, ahahaha," Rigeld shrugged as he laughed it off.
"…"
Alum slumped down on the couch beside Luna, facepalming.
…
..
It was evening, and Amethely was settling into her new room just fine. The room carried a floral scent, flowers, and vines climbed along the walls. Her workspace was similar to her old one, filled with blueprints and prototypes.
She jumped onto her soft bed and rolled around, hugging her pillow until she stopped and looked at the ceiling.
"I wonder what Al's doing."
The corner of her lips curved slightly as she thought about him. They'd met earlier today, and she was happy with that. And because he blew up the facility, they had to move, and, of course, he didn't go with them.
After having got to learn more about the wanderers, she realized they didn't just see her for her status or revered her, but rather… as embarrassing as she was about admitting it. She was just treated like a pretty and capable girl when they got to know her, which wasn't a bad feeling, but it wasn't something she was used to.
"Their culture sure is different, isn't it?" she thought aloud. "Ehehe, but unlike Al, they couldn't make my heart beat like this," she squirmed, hugging the pillow tighter as her heart throbbed by just thinking about him while burying her face into its softness.
—Ding!
"!!?"
Then, suddenly, she heard the doorbell. Quickly, she changed from her pajamas to her simple, saintly attire to get the door. She tied her hair with the silk into a ribbon, smiling giddily at it before calming down to a soft smile.
As she went to open the door, she met a familiar figure—her older sister Chely.
"Good evening, Ame," she said simply.
"Good evening, Big Sis. With brings you here this late hour?" Amethely lightly inquired.
Without saying anything, Chely hugged Amethely, almost sobbing. "I'm sorryyyy. Big Sis was acting strange today. I didn't mean to hurt youuuu! I felt awkward and wasn't sure how to act professionally towards my sweet little Ame~"
"…"
Feeling a little suffocated by Chely's sisterly affection, Amethely just smiled and accepted the embrace. But she noticed something… soft. Usually, her sister always wore armor, even when she wore more casual clothing.
"Ehe-hehe~" Amethely giggled lightly. "It's been so long. Usually there's metal," she innocently mentioned.
"…!" Chely stiffened, looking guilty, but her face was also bright red. "W-Well… It's more comfortable this way…"
"Nnn~? Really?" Amethely teasingly hummed. "Since when was Sis concerned with comfort?" she lightly teased, her eyes half-lidded as she smiled smugly.
"Ugh… Th-that's…" Chely searched for the right words before changing the topic entirely. "A-anyways. I'm about to head over to Al's room. Are you coming along?"
Amethely puffed her cheek, pouting as she stared. "Really, Sis' been going to Al's room?"
"Oh, um… I'm not alone if that's what you think. Noel usually invites me over, and we relax over some… games?"
"Nnnnnnn~ suspicious. Do his friends hang out there frequently?"
"Basically, every day," Chely chuckled.
"R-really?" Amethely expressed, confusion flashed all over her face.
"By the way. That request was very bold. I didn't know my sweet little sister was so proactive," Chely teased. "Still… if you're lovers, I wish you'd told me earlier."
Amethely froze. "W-we are?" she tilted her head, contemplating, her thoughts swirled.
"You're… not?" Chely raised a brow.
"I'm not sure…" Amethely fidgeted, glancing from one side to the other.
"Sigh…" Defeat escaped Chely's lips—she knew their feelings were mutual, but she didn't know Amethely was this dense—
"B-but… he did tell Kei that our feelings were mutual… Eh-ehehe…" she shyly giggled.
Nevermind. She's aware and so is he… Chely sighed again, but for another reason.
..
The two chatted casually as they walked the short distance to Alum's room. And when Noel opened the door, he smiled brightly.
"My my! If it isn't the saint!" he cheerfully exclaimed.
"Hello, Mister Noel," Amethely smiled politely.
"Sigh…" Chely frowned.
"Of course, I didn't forget about you, Ms. Tsundere Hero," he grinned.
"Tsundere? Giving me a nickname now?" Chely retorted, pulling his cheek.
"Bwy sthe way. Jush cah me Noeh," Noel said, reaching out a handshake.
"Pfft…" Amethely lightly giggled, "Okay, Noel. You can call me Ame," and shook his hand. She'd heard about him from Alum, and… he only had nice things to say about Noel.
"Sigh… you seriously continue to talk even like this?"
"Yeh, of corsh," he replied, oh, smug he was.
Chely pinched his other cheek as well, and stretched them—of course, when he tried to speak, it was just incoherent, causing Amethely to laugh.
They like each other and banter like old friends… It's so adorable, she giggled.
Then, as Amethely entered the room, Alum was nowhere to be seen. But Emely, David, and Miu were.
"I didn't think you'd bring her here on the first day," Noel commented as he flung his arm over her shoulder.
"Hmph."
"Aww, just a, 'Hmph,' huh?"
But as Miu locked eyes with Amethely, her eyes wandered down ever so slightly.
"…"
"…"
Oh… I thought that Alum might've liked flat-chested girls like Luna and elegant girls like Saint Amethely… though… she was kinda flat during the day… do… do they grow when it's night? I-is that a thing…? Sigh, I'm relieved it wasn't because of my chest—w—wait—wait wait! Where are my thoughts drifting!? Miu exclaimed inwardly, ashamed; she covered her face.
Meanwhile…
W-wow… I thought Miss Miu was pretty, but… even more so than during the day—she's also Al's close friend…? A-and that pretty lady is also super pretty… I'm glad their cousins… But I didn't think he was this close to a pretty girl like Miss Miuuuuu! She's more developed than I, prettier too, social, and sweet!—uuuwh, I'm getting self-conscious…
"Hello. It's nice to meet you all again," Amethely voiced angelically, her head spinning internally.
"Hey," David replied, almost indifferent.
"Hi, Lady Amethely," Miu waved, still flustered.
"Hello, Lady Amethely," Emely smiled. "Are you looking for Al?" she inquired.
"W-well…" Amethely fidgeted. "Is it that obvious…?" she shyly asked, her lips pressed together as her clasped hands pressed her chest tightly.
"It sure issss~" Noel voiced teasingly—but his face got headbutted by Chely, whom he'd wrapped his arm around. "Ow…"
"Hmph…"
"…It is," the others followed.
Miu wore a troubled smile, while Emely thought it was cute how red Amethely was getting. As for David, he shrugged.
"….."
—Am I really!? Amethely cried internally.
A/N
I've been baking quite a lot as of late, and I jokingly told myself I'd write a novel about baking and that you guys could actually follow the recipe in whatever's made that chapter, haha.