章節 4: A nice date.
I didn't even know their names.
That was the first problem to solve.
My mind replayed the scene from my last death, their faces etched in perfect detail thanks to the mental boost.
Seeing them now, unmarred by frost, Both of them were beautiful. Striking, even.
There was something that drew me to them, even though I knew absolutely nothing about them.
It didn't matter.
But for now, I had a plan. A simple, almost absurdly hopeful plan.
Each loop, a date. One with each of them. Learn their names, their likes, their dislikes.
The blue-haired maid, with her quiet strength and haunted eyes, was calling to me.
—
The edge of the city, near the towering gates that led out into the unknown. A carriage waited, its driver dozing in the midday sun. The two maids stood beside it, a splash of color against the drab stone.
My heart hammered against my ribs as I approached, my enhanced senses taking in every detail - the rustle of their uniforms, the scent of something floral that clung to the air around them, the faintest tremor of impatience in their posture.
I had to play this right.
"Excuse me," I began, trying to project an air of confidence I didn't quite feel. "I realize this is… unconventional, but I was hoping to steal a moment of your time."
The pink-haired maid raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "Our time? And for what purpose, might I ask?"
I kept my gaze focused on the blue-haired maid, hoping to catch a spark of interest. "A walk, perhaps? If you'd be so inclined."
Silence. The blue-haired maid's eyes widened slightly, her lips parting in surprise.
"Rem, Rem," the pink-haired maid drawled, her voice dripping with mock concern. "It looks like some random trash across the street is looking for you. Would you like to acknowledge said trash?"
She nudged her sister playfully, clearly expecting a biting agreement.
But Rem didn't respond. Instead, a faint blush crept up her cheeks, her gaze lingering on me.
The pink-haired maid, noticing her sister's unexpected reaction, frowned. "Wait? WHAT?!" she exclaimed, her voice then turned sharper. "You're actually attracted?! REM! Ugh!"
Rem hesitated, her gaze flickering between me and her sister. "It- it should be fine, shouldn't it, Ram?"
"Fine?" The pink-haired maid scoffed. "Fine? You're talking about abandoning your duties, fraternizing with a complete stranger!"
"He seems… nice," Rem murmured, her voice barely audible.
The pink-haired maid's eyes narrowed, assessing me with a gaze that could curdle milk. I tried to project an air of a gentleman, though internally, I was bracing for rejection.
After a long moment, she sighed dramatically. "Fine. But I'm watching you, trash. One wrong move, and you'll be wishing you'd never set foot in this city."
She gestured towards a nearby park with a scowl. "Go. Don't keep my sister waiting."
Relief flooded through me.
This was it. This was the start.
I offered Rem a tentative smile and my arm. "Shall we?"
She grasped my arm and as we walked towards the park, I could feel Ram's gaze burning into my back.
It was a start.
But something told me I would never get a date with Ram unless I got to know her first.
With the loops only lasting a day, that's impossible.
Maybe once all of this is over.
—
The park was surprisingly peaceful, a haven of green amidst the city's bustle. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers, a stark contrast to the ever-present fear that gnawed at me.
As we walked along the winding paths, I found myself drawn into Rem's quiet presence. Her words were few, but her eyes, a deep, captivating blue, seemed to hold a universe of unspoken thoughts and emotions.
We talked about simple things. The weather, the bustling marketplace, Our favorite foods. When I mentioned sushi, my face probably lit up like a kid's on Christmas morning.
"Sushi?" Rem echoed, tilting her head slightly. "I have prepared it once, on Roswaal-sama's orders. An emissary from Kararagi was quite impressed."
"Really?" I perked up. "He must have been. Good sushi is amazing, it's the best."
I tried again, this time letting the passion bleed into my voice. "It's the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and sour. The delicate texture of the rice, the freshness of the fish-" My mouth watered at the memory, a phantom taste of home, of a world lost.
Rem watched me with a quiet intensity, her blue eyes reflecting the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves.
"It sounds like you like sushi a lot," she smiled, her voice a soft melody that sent a shiver down my spine. "The emissary spoke of the skill required, the precision of the cuts, the harmony of the ingredients."
"It's more than just skill," I said, shaking my head, realizing how inadequate words were to capture the essence of it. "It's art."
"Like a well-crafted weapon," Rem murmured, her gaze drifting to the weapon at my hip.
"Exactly!" I felt a surge of excitement, a connection forging between us despite the vast gulf of our different experiences. "It requires the same dedication, the same attention to detail, the same pursuit of perfection."
We fell silent for a moment, the only sound the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chatter of birds. I could feel her gaze on me, a gentle warmth that spread through my chest, a stark contrast to the icy dread that usually clung to me.
"Roswaal-sama is a connoisseur of fine things," Rem said, breaking the silence. "He appreciates beauty in all its forms, whether it be a rare flower, a masterfully crafted painting, or a perfectly prepared dish."
"He sounds interesting," I replied, my curiosity piqued. This Roswaal, whoever he was, seemed to have good taste in food at least.
"He is complex," Rem agreed, her tone neutral, revealing nothing of her personal feelings- she seemed to regret bringing him up.
I wanted to ask more, to delve deeper into her world, to understand the forces that had shaped this intriguing woman.
But the words caught in my throat, trapped between the desire to know more and the fear of breaking the fragile connection we had forged.
Instead, I offered a tentative smile. "Perhaps, one day, you could share your sushi with me," I said, my voice a hopeful whisper.
Rem's lips curved into a faint smile, the warmth in her eyes deepening. "Perhaps," she echoed, the single word holding a promise that sent a wave of unexpected joy crashing through me.
"As for that Kararagian noble" a faint smile of pride touched Rem's lips. "He declared that Roswaal-sama must allow him to hire such a skilled maid, even if I am a gaijin. Roswaal refused, of course." Her tone was slightly relieved.
"Of course," I echoed, "A nobleman of lower station could never possibly demand the servants of a margrave but- Maybe maybe I could try your sushi someday?"
Rem's gaze met mine, a flicker of warmth in her eyes. "Perhaps," she said softly. "If this date continues to go well."
The market was a riot of sights, sounds, and smells. Stalls overflowed with colorful fabrics, gleaming metalwork, and exotic spices that filled the air with a heady aroma.
Merchants hawking their wares with booming voices, their words a melodic blend of languages I somehow understood.
I found myself caught up in the energy of it all, the vibrant tapestry of life a welcome distraction from the ever-present shadow of the ice.
Rem, however, seemed less enthused.
She navigated the crowded aisles with a quiet grace, her gaze observant but detached, her expression carefully neutral.
"You don't seem to enjoy this much," I observed, noting the subtle tension in her shoulders, the slight frown that tugged at her lips.
"Too many scams," she admitted, her voice barely audible above the din of the market.
"I get it," I replied, the prices were outrageously unfair. "But try to see it as an adventure. This is a chance to explore something new, right?"
I gestured towards a stall piled high with colorful fabrics, their textures a rich tapestry of silk, velvet, and rough-spun wool.
"What do you think?" I asked, picking up a deep blue silk dress that shimmered in the sunlight. "This would look good on you, don't you think?"
Rem's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise breaking through her usual composure. "I... I don't know," she stammered, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink. "It's too extravagant."
"Nonsense," I countered, draping the silk over her arm. "Every woman deserves a little extravagance now and then." I turned to the merchant, a wizened old man with eyes that sparkled with shrewd amusement. "How much for this fine piece?"
The merchant, sizing me up with a practiced eye, rattled off a price that was clearly inflated. I countered with a much lower offer, my haggling skills kicking in.
"That's an insult!" the merchant squawked, his voice loud enough to be heard over the surrounding clamor. "This silk is imported from the finest weavers in Gusteko! It's worth its weight in gold!"
I chuckled, not intimidated in the slightest. "Gold, you say? Perhaps we can find more reasonable prices with that merchant selling the same fabric over there?"
The next few minutes were a blur of back-and-forth banter, gestures, and exaggerated expressions of outrage and despair.
Rem watched the exchange with a mixture of amusement and disbelief, her lips twitching with a suppressed smile.
Finally, after much theatrical posturing, we settled on a price that satisfied both parties.
And by that I mean Rem and I, because that merchant looked pretty mad.
The merchant reluctantly handed me the silk dress, wrapped in a neat bundle.
"You drive a hard bargain, young man," he said, his voice laced with grudging admiration. "But you've got a good eye. That silk will look stunning on your lady friend."
I turned to Rem, offering her the silk with a flourish. "There you go," I said, my own smile widening. "A little something to remember our adventure."
Rem took the silk, her fingers brushing against mine, sending a jolt of warmth through my body.
"Thank you," she whispered, her eyes shining with a gratitude that warmed me more than anything.
—
The restaurant was nice. Sunlight streamed through stained-glass windows, painting the polished wooden tables and plush velvet chairs in hues of ruby and sapphire.
The air hummed with the low murmur of conversation and the clinking of silverware..
I held a chair out for Rem, my gaze lingering on the subtle blush that graced her cheeks, the way the soft light danced in her blue eyes.
She smiled happily, "Thank you so much, Tereda!" her blush present no matter how hard she tried to hide it balance of grace and reserve.
As we settled into our seats, a waiter, his movements as precise and elegant as a court dancer, presented us with menus bound in leather and embossed with gold lettering.
"What looks good?" I asked, my own stomach rumbling in anticipation. The potions had enhanced my senses, making the already rich aromas almost overwhelming, a symphony of flavors that tantalized my taste buds.
Rem scanned the menu, her brow furrowed slightly in concentration. "The roast lamb with rosemary and garlic is a specialty of this establishment," she said, her voice barely audible above the ambient murmur of the restaurant. "And the honey-glazed duck with figs is also highly regarded."
"Both sound amazing," I admitted, my mouth watering. "But I'm feeling adventurous. What would you recommend?"
Rem hesitated, her gaze flickering up to meet mine. "The chef's special is a stew of wild boar with mushrooms and forest herbs," she suggested. "It is said to be quite... robust."
"Robust, eh?" I chuckled, intrigued. "Sounds perfect. We'll have two of those, then. And bring us a bottle of your finest wine."
The waiter, with a bow and a discreet smile, hurried away to relay our order.
As we waited for our meal, I found myself studying Rem, captivated by the way the sunlight danced in her blue hair, the subtle play of emotions that flitted across her features.
"You're quiet," I observed, breaking the comfortable silence. "Are you enjoying yourself?"
"Yes," she replied, her voice soft but firm. "It is different. But pleasant."
"Different?" I chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Rem hesitated, her gaze drifting to the tabletop. "Why me?" She asked.
"Pardon?" I asked. Not sure what she was asking.
"Why did you ask me on a date? Surely someone as kind and hand- umm, skilled as you could ask for a date from anyone." Rem replied, her gaze still averted.
"Well, first it was your absolute breathtaking beauty. I admit I would probably not ask anyone else out in this city besides maybe your sister."
Rem's face turned atomic as I kicked myself for mentioning my attraction to her sister.
"That is very kind of you, but I am not as good as my sister." she replied, I grabbed the slight shift in subject like a lifeline.
"I'm sure you are just as wonderful as her. I have evidence of that in the form of how wonderful this date has been." I state seriously, I stare into her eyes and seemingly dare her to reject my statement.
To my surprise she tries to do so.
"But Ram is-"
"Nope." I interrupt.
"But I am-"
"Extremely beautiful, kind, attractive, and very wonderful and relaxing company. I also enjoy talking with you." I state matter of factly.
Rem can only blush and nod.
The arrival of our meal, a steaming bowl of rich, savory stew that filled the air with an intoxicating aroma, provided a welcome distraction.
As we ate, I shared stories of my own world tales of heroes and villains, of technological marvels and societal struggles, of a life lived on the edge of chaos.
Rem listened with a quiet intensity, her eyes wide with wonder and a hint of disbelief. "Those aren't a thing? Where did you get those books? I feel like reading a unique author's works would be fun in my off time."
I just shrugged with a smile.
To which Rem frowned. "Don't be stingy! Tell me!"
There was no way I could tell her my past.
Not yet.
A comfortable warmth had settled between us, a fragile new relationship forged over shared likes and dislikes along with a delicious meal.
I allowed myself to savor the moment, the warmth of companionship.
—-
"It's three o'clock," I said, checking the position of the sun in the sky. "We still have a few hours for other activities." I fumbled for the right words, not wanting to betray my knowledge of the impending disaster.
Rem nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "There is a play at the opera house," she suggested, her voice soft but clear. "It is said to be quite popular. Tales of a brave knight and a fearsome chimera."
A play?
It was a far cry from the explosive action flicks I was used to back on Earth Bet, but the prospect of spending more time with Rem, of seeing her reactions to something new and exciting, was too tempting to resist.
"Sounds like fun," I agreed, offering her my arm with a smile. "Lead the way."
The opera house was a grand edifice of marble and gold, its towering columns reaching towards the heavens.
Inside, the air was thick with the scent of perfume and anticipation.
Elegant ladies in elaborate gowns and gentlemen in finely tailored suits chatted amongst themselves, their voices a hushed murmur that echoed through the grand hall.
I purchased two tickets from a stern-faced attendant, my enhanced senses picking up the faintest hint of disapproval in his gaze as he assessed my less-than-noble attire. I ignored him, my focus solely on Rem, who seemed captivated by the grandeur of the surroundings.
The play itself was… well, it was certainly different. The actors, their faces painted with exaggerated expressions, their voices booming through the hall, told a tale of a valiant knight who battled a fearsome chimera to save a village from destruction. The costumes were elaborate, illusions placed on top of them as the stage's grand artwork was expanded by the same magic , the music soaring and dramatic.
It was all a bit over-the-top for my taste, but Rem seemed entranced. Her eyes, wide with wonder, followed every movement on the stage, her lips parting in a soft smile of entertainment as the knight faced his monstrous foe.
I found myself less interested in the play itself and more fascinated by her reactions, the subtle shifts in her expression, the way her hands unconsciously clenched and unclenched in her lap.
During the intermission, we shared a cup of spiced wine, its warmth spreading through my limbs.
"What do you think?" I asked, curious to hear her thoughts.
"It is exciting," she said, her voice soft but filled with genuine enthusiasm. "The knight is so brave, and the chimera so fearsome."
"A bit unrealistic, don't you think?" I chuckled, finding it hard to take the over-the-top acting seriously.
"But that is the nature of stories," Rem countered, her gaze meeting mine. "To take us away from our everyday lives, to make us believe in heroes and villains, in love and loss, in the triumph of good over evil."
Her words struck a chord within me, a reminder of the power of stories, of their ability to transport us to other worlds, to offer hope and solace.
We returned to our seats, the lights dimming, the actors resuming their roles.
As the final act unfolded, the knight slaying the chimera, the villagers rejoicing, I found myself forcing myself to enjoy the story the way Rem did. She was swept away by the power of their performance.
Perhaps Rem was right.
Maybe we all needed a little escapism now and then, a reminder that even in the face of hardship, hope and courage could prevail.
As the curtain fell, a wave of applause thundered through the hall, the audience rising to their feet in appreciation.
I stood beside Rem, my heart pounding, my mind filled with a mix of enjoyment and a growing sense of urgency.
This play was over.
Mine was beginning
The sky was turning orange with the sunsets beginning.
—-
The sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the city. The air grew colder, a subtle reminder of the approaching wave. We arrived back at the carriage, with barely two minutes to spare.
Ram, who had been watching us with a hawk-like intensity, suddenly straightened, her eyes widening in alarm.
"Something's wrong," she said, her voice sharp and urgent.
Before I could even process her words, a wave of bone-chilling cold slammed into us. The world seemed to contract, the air thickening, every breath a struggle.
Ram reacted instantly, a whirlwind of motion as she raised her hands, a shimmering barrier of wind erupting around us. It held back the cold, for now, but I could see the strain on her face, the frantic flicker of her eyes as she scanned the rapidly freezing landscape.
"We have to go!" she gasped, her voice tight with panic. "This won't hold for long. Maybe twenty minutes at most."
But where could we go? The city was already encased in ice, every street a frozen death trap.
As I watched the world around us succumb to the relentless cold, a desperate plan formed in my mind.
"There's another way," I said, my voice calm despite the fear clawing at my throat. "But it requires a leap of faith."
"What are you talking about?" Ram demanded, her voice sharp with suspicion. "What other way is there? We're all going to die!"
I met her gaze, my expression serious. "Would you rather survive this event, or help me save everyone by going back in time to the beginning of the day?"
"Go back in time?" Ram's eyes narrowed. "How is that even possible?"
I didn't have time to explain, not with the cold already seeping through the edges of the barrier, clearly numbing their fingers, stealing their breath.
I pulled out the ingredients I had gathered earlier, my hands moving with a practiced efficiency that surprised even myself.
Two sets of vials materialized, filled with shimmering liquids.
"One of these," I said, holding up a vial filled with a deep, icy blue liquid, "will grant you absolute resistance to the cold. The other-" I hesitated, unsure how to explain something I barely understood myself. "The other might allow you to join me in coming back in time. although It's a gamble."
Ram stared at the vials, her face pale. "That's- that's impossible! Anything strong enough to counter this kind of cold would kill anyone who drank it from mana poisoning or even an explosion!"
"I assure you the cold one will work. I used it on myself." I admitted, my voice low. "But the other one is the only chance we have to save everyone."
Rem, who had been silent until now, stepped forward, her gaze fixed on the vial that pulsed with a faint, ethereal light.
"I'll take it," she said, her voice firm.
"Rem!" Ram cried, her eyes wide with disbelief. "What are you doing?"
"We have to try," Rem said, her voice unwavering. "We can't just let everyone die."
She took the vial from my hand, her fingers brushing against mine, sending a jolt of warmth through my body despite the encroaching cold. Without hesitation, she uncorked it and drank the shimmering red liquid in a single gulp.
Ram stared at her sister, her face a mask of conflicting emotions - fear, anger, and a deep, abiding love.
Then, with a resigned sigh, she turned to me, her gaze meeting mine.
"Give me the other one," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "If Rem's going to jump into the abyss, I'm going with her."
She glared at me. Closed her eyes.
She then declared, "If this doesn't work, I'll haunt you even if you're dead!"
The barrier dropped and they instantly froze.
I looked away, and swallowed the black potion.
–
I opened my eyes, but this time I looked to my sides.
Two Maids were standing next to me.
"I can't believe we aren't dead. Also I can't believe how much that hurt!" Ram exclaimed with a scowl and narrowed eyes that bore into mine.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票