Chapter 28
AFTER KAGURA and Wallenstein left, Luminaria was dragged off to help with Mage Corps training. While Mira made additional magic stones on Solomon’s request, the first report on the local tomb arrived.
“Thanks. Let them know to keep up the good work.”
“Understood!” The messenger bowed and left.
The investigation had reported no issues.
Mira looked up. “That’s a relief for the time being.”
“Yep. That means our only problems are the divine item and the demon worshippers.”
Just by existing, duke-level demons could exert a negative influence on their surroundings. However, perhaps thanks to his use of the divine item, they hadn’t found any adverse influence from Barbatos. Mira’s purification efforts had worked perfectly as well, removing all traces of black mist ore. There were no negative influences on the spirits in neighboring areas either.
It seemed they would have no unexpected work to do.
“Well, then. I think I’ll be returning to my tower.” Mira had left in such a hurry last night; Mariana was sure to be worried about her. She wanted to spend at least a day with Mariana and then leave the next. She stood up and handed the finished stones to Solomon.
“Yeah, thanks for your hard work. I’ll call you if anything comes up.”
“I’m sure you will. Goodbye, then.”
Mira boarded her wagon in the castle garages and returned to her tower.
When she arrived, she found Mariana and Luna waiting for her.
“Welcome back.”
“Squeak!”
It seemed Solomon had contacted the fairy in advance to inform her that Mira was coming home and the urgent matter had been resolved. However, he’d shared no further details.
“In that case, would you like me to tell you about it?” Mira offered.
After settling down in her room, Mira put the bunny on her lap and began to speak. Mariana sat across from her and listened happily.
Mira, Mariana, and Luna spent a wonderfully lazy day together.
***
In the early morning, when the sky had just started to brighten, Mira slipped out of bed and into the bathroom.
“Goodness. How long has it been since I got to relax for a whole day?” she murmured into the dark living room. The room was completely calm. And with only the slightest hint of morning sunlight seeping in, one might wonder if the air itself was still in slumber.
Recalling the joy of every second she had spent playing with Luna and Mariana yesterday, Mira checked the current time. It was five in the morning; only six hours had passed since she’d gone to bed. Still, she felt a measure of loneliness—her time asleep made it feel as though her day spent with Mariana had happened long ago.
“Ooh. Those are subtle changes.” She spotted a decorative shelf with various small items arranged on it. It was organized based on Mariana’s unique sense of feng shui. One might call it a symbol of her hope for Mira’s safety.
When Mira searched further, she found more evidence of Mariana’s feelings hidden here and there—a yellow turtle figure in the middle of potted plants, a tiger plushie under the table, and more. Every one delighted her.
Eventually, Mira returned to her bedroom and slipped back into bed.
“Miss Mira?” Mariana whispered from right beside her. As one might expect by now, she’d steadfastly insisted that she sleep by Mira’s side. Luna was curled up comfortably by Mira’s pillow.
“Apologies. Did I wake you?”
In the dim morning light, she could barely make out Mariana’s silhouette. Unable to see her, Mira found the feeling of the fairy’s breath beside her even more conspicuous, causing the embarrassed Mira to back off slightly before lying next to her.
“No, I was already half-awake.”
“Hmm.”
Their voices crept faintly through the quiet room. Gentle silence emerged between them once more, and they spent warm time together—a gentle moment disturbed by none. It was mysterious, without words or touch. They simply enjoyed being together.
Suddenly, there was the sound of rustling. Mira turned to find that Mariana had rolled over to face her.
“Miss Mira, are you leaving today?” The sadness in her voice made Mira look down reflexively.
“Hrmm, I suppose I am,” she replied.
“Then I will prepare for your next journey,” Mariana said as she stood up.
“No, there’s no need to rush.” Mira stopped her. “I made you listen to so much of my talking yesterday. Besides, I’m not leaving until after noon, so we have time… How about we sleep in a little together?”
Mira hesitated to set Mariana to work so early in the morning—though one might point out that she’d done so on many occasions before. At the same time, her face betrayed some faint desire to lie with her just a little longer.
Mira’s spur-of-the-moment request brought a smile to Mariana’s face, and she slipped back into bed. “Understood. If that is your wish, Miss Mira.” The distance between them closed just slightly. When Mira felt Mariana’s breathing on her once more, she panicked for a moment.
But that was only for a moment. She screwed up all of her courage, held Mariana’s hand, and faced her head-on.
“I mean… We’ve yet to do this, no?” The summoner smiled sheepishly.
“You’re right,” Mariana agreed with a smile as she grasped Mira’s hand back.
Before long, the warm light that was proof of their bond began to swell around them. Luna awakened to the strange glow and sleepily looked at Mira and Mariana. Then, she snuggled between the two of them.
“Sleepy or not, she’s still a spoiled little baby.”
“Luna loves you too, Miss Mira.”
The girls smiled at each other, then patted the squeaking bunny.
***
At some point, Mira fell back asleep. She woke up again rather late in the morning. When she opened her eyes, Mariana was gone; only Luna was still curled up and sleeping there.
“What a pleasant nap.” She stretched in her sunlit bed and, drawn by gentle sounds and scents, drifted out of the room.
“Good morning, Miss Mira.”
“Mm, good morning.”
How many times had she seen this sight by now? The words newlywed life came to mind as Mira spent a morning pampered by Mariana.
After a shower, Mira changed into the maids’ newest creation and ate breakfast with Luna. Their morning, although perhaps full of everyday things, was precious and blissful to her.
When breakfast was finished, they prepared for the summoner’s coming journey. Mira retrieved necessities from storage and put them into her Item Box. Meanwhile, Mariana packed changes of clothes into her suitcase. At one point, Luna arrived with a blue hairball and put it carefully in a corner of the suitcase.
“Good job, Luna,” Mariana praised her. “One must never forget a good-luck charm.” Pure rabbit fur was known for bringing good luck, so it was sure to be quite effective.
Mira returned from the warehouse and glanced at Mariana’s efforts. She was awestruck when she saw the array of pink undies prepared for her. Apparently, Mira’s lucky color was pink this month. Mira may have been getting accustomed to womanhood, but maidenly undies were the ultimate hurdle. But before Mira could dwell too much on it, a horrifying thought crossed her mind. If pink is this month’s lucky color, then does that mean she’s already…?!
Mira furtively checked the underwear she was wearing and laughed at herself, dressed in such innocent, blush-colored attire. Through bravely allowing Mariana to take care of her and dress her, she had already primed herself for this indignation.
Well, I’m not surprised. It is me, after all; at least I make it look good.
Knowing that she wore both pure white and seductive black well, Mira did her best to convince herself that she’d get used to the pink before long.
***
Two women and one bunny spent more peaceful time together preparing for Mira’s journey. Before they knew it, afternoon had come.
Lunch was over in no time, since Mariana had prepared the ingredients in the morning. She also set aside a meal for Mira to eat during her travels. The summoner gingerly accepted the housewifely fresh-cooked meal.
Midday came. It was finally time to set off.
“I’ll be back before long.”
“Good luck, Miss Mira.”
At the foot of the Tower of Evocation, Mira and Mariana exchanged goodbyes in front of the Garuda-drawn wagon. Mira would return in a week or two if all went well, but this farewell was still a sad one.
In that moment of silence, Luna jumped into Mira’s arm with a sad squeak.
“Whoa, there. You poor baby. Be on your best behavior until I return, okay? That means listening to Mariana.” Mira caught the bunny and rubbed her face against its fur. Luna squeaked happily in response and licked her cheek. “Mariana, I hate to put you through so much, but please continue to take care of Luna.” After hugging Luna once more, Mira handed her over. The rabbit looked at her in satisfaction.
“Yes, of course. Leave it to me.” Mariana accepted the bunny, though she gazed enviously at that freshly snuggled fur.
Parting came with sorrow, even if the separation wasn’t long. But thanks to Luna, Mira realized that one thing could soften the blow—so she did just that, by giving Mariana the biggest hug she could muster.
“Miss…Mira?” Mariana murmured in surprise. Luna, who’d jumped down from the fairy’s hands, looked up to them and squeaked gleefully.
Mira knew that she was doing something very bold, so after a moment, she made an excuse: “You see… Err… It wouldn’t be fair if Luna were the only one to get a hug!” She whispered into Mariana’s ear, “I’d best be off now.”
“Of course. Safe travels.”
After filling their hearts with love, there was no more space for loneliness. It had become the perfect day for a departure, colored by sunny smiles.
No Comments Yet
Post a new comment
Register or Login