"Frieren-sama, where did Shichen-sama go?"
"How would I know?"
"Aren't you worried?"
"No."
"Frieren-sama!"
As soon as they checked in and got their room, Frieren climbed onto the bed and immediately flopped down to sleep.
Fern was used to her being like this, but today was different.
Shichen had ditched them!
Who knew what he might do—this was a town. There could be bad women here.
"Fern, what are you worried about?" Frieren lay face-down on the bed, eyes closed, asking lazily.
"What if some bad woman…"
"Haha—then you really don't need to worry."
"Why?"
"Shichen isn't interested in ordinary women."
"Ordinary women?"
"I can't really explain it. Just don't worry about that."
"But Shichen-sama is a man. What if he can't resist temptation…"
"Relax. A normal woman's temptation won't work on him."
"Frieren-sama, why are you so calm?!" Fern was so annoyed she could scream.
"Because I don't need to worry."
"This kind of thing…"
"Ugh. If you don't believe me, go follow him and see for yourself." Frieren sighed.
"I can't find Shichen-sama."
"He's easy to find. With a face like his, he stands out anywhere."
"True… Okay. Then you sleep, Frieren-sama—don't go anywhere." After warning her, Fern left immediately.
"?"
Frieren lifted her head toward the door. That girl's decisiveness was kind of scary.
Fern left the inn, went to the town gate first, then followed the direction Shichen had gone.
To her surprise, she didn't search long before she found him.
And it wasn't the scene she'd imagined—him surrounded by women.
He was alone, bent over in front of an accessories shop, carefully picking something out.
Was he choosing a gift for Frieren-sama?
Fern hid in a corner and watched until Shichen finished buying something.
After that, he went straight back to the inn.
Finding the inn Fern had booked was easy for him.
Fern kept following him and returned to the inn as well.
Fern had booked two rooms: one as their bedroom, and one for cooking.
Why not book a third? That was between Fern and her thoughts.
"Frieren, I'm back."
Back at the inn, Shichen didn't wait for a reply—he flopped onto the bed and pulled Frieren into his arms.
She was small, soft, and warm. Once he held her, he didn't want to let go.
"Mmph… don't bother me. I'm sleeping," Frieren complained.
"Weren't you sleeping the whole way here?"
"I didn't sleep well. This bed is better."
"Then you're not eating dinner?"
"Just wake me up when it's time."
"Unreal…" Shichen finally asked, "Where's Fern?"
"I'm back." Fern walked in at just the right moment.
"Fern, where'd you go?" Shichen asked, curious.
"Nowhere." Fern shook her head.
"Hm? Weren't you—"
"Frieren-sama!" Fern cut her off loudly.
"…What?" Frieren jolted a little.
"Is there anything you want to eat? I'll cook dinner." Fern smiled—too politely.
"Really? Fern, you're being nice now?" Frieren looked like she couldn't believe it.
"Yes. I'm rewarding hardworking Frieren-sama," Fern replied, still smiling.
"…I see." Frieren stared at Fern's smile for a second, then understood.
"I want stewed meat."
"I'll go make dinner." Fern turned and left the room.
"Whew… terrifying," Frieren muttered in relief.
"What's terrifying?"
"You wouldn't understand."
"Heh—what were you about to say about Fern?"
"Nothing." Frieren shook her head, tilted, and went right back to sleep.
"You didn't look like you had nothing to say."
"I said nothing. Stop bothering me."
"Fine. I'll nap too."
Tap, tap, tap—
Footsteps sounded outside, like someone was lingering near the door instead of leaving.
Dinner was simple. After eating, Frieren sprawled on the bed reading manga.
Fern didn't seem interested—maybe Frieren's bad influence was too strong, and she didn't want to fall into that pit.
"Shichen-sama…" Fern looked at him, hesitating.
"What is it?" Shichen turned to her.
"N-nothing." Fern shook her head.
"Heh. Perfect timing—I want to go out for a bit. Fern, come with me."
"Huh?"
"Frieren, want to come too?" Shichen asked without waiting for Fern's answer, turning toward Frieren.
"No." Frieren refused immediately.
"Then Fern's coming with me." Shichen walked out of the room.
"…"
Fern hesitated, glanced at Frieren lying there motionless, then got up and followed.
Shichen waited at the inn entrance until Fern came out, then started walking in a certain direction.
"Shichen-sama…" Fern hurried to keep up.
"We'll just take a stroll. Digest a little."
"But we didn't even eat that much…"
"Why do you talk so much?" Shichen pulled her close and strode forward.
Fern couldn't resist; she ended up being dragged along in his arm.
At night, the town wasn't busy. The streets were dim and quiet, with no lanterns—just darkness.
Fern had no idea what Shichen was doing. She simply followed.
Shichen walked with her for a long time and she still didn't ask anything, and he couldn't help marveling at her patience.
"You're not going to ask me anything?" Shichen finally prompted.
"Huh?" Fern blinked.
"Come on… you're making this awkward."
"Since when does Shichen-sama get awkward?" Fern smiled faintly.
"That's normal."
"I don't think so." Fern's smile deepened.
"Forget me—what were you trying to ask earlier?" Shichen changed the subject.
"Nothing." Fern denied again.
"Tsundere again? You're sixteen now. Try being mature."
"I'm not a tsundere!" Fern puffed her cheeks and denied it.
"Sigh. Really nothing you want to ask?"
"Nothing!"
"Really? Then why were you tailing me earlier?"
"Huh?" Fern froze, staring at him.
"You think my senses wouldn't notice?"
"…!" Fern's face went bright red.
"Were you wondering if I bought something for you?"
"I wasn't!"
"Oh? So you don't want it?"
"Huh?" Fern stared blankly.
"Here." Shichen stopped teasing. With a flick of his hand, he held his palm out in front of her.
On it was a silver hair ornament.
"This is…?" Fern stared at it.
"It's for you. Come to think of it, I've never bought you anything. I saw this and thought it would suit you." Shichen smiled.
"You… really bought it for me?"
"Who else would it be for? Want me to put it on you?"
"Okay…"
Fern stood still. Shichen clipped the ornament beside her ear.
"Yeah. It suits you." Shichen nodded, satisfied.
"Really?" Fern wanted to see it, but couldn't.
"Really. Trust my taste."
"Shichen-sama… why did you suddenly buy me something?"
"Because I felt like it. Why are you asking so many questions?"
"…Okay. Then can I do something now?"
"Hm? What do you want to do? If you want to do it, just—mmph!"
Before Shichen could finish, Fern covered his mouth with her own.
Her flushed, bashful face was right there, inches away.
~~~
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