Better than losing my mind, I thought as I closed my eyes. Even if I didn't wake up, I was sure that my sister would wake me up in time…or at least that was what I thought, but how unfortunate for me.
I feel like I'll drop dead any moment.
Sleep eluded me. It wasn't that I wasn't tired—far from it, in fact, but it's not easy to sleep when your mind is filled with thoughts. What bothered me most were my memories, or rather the lack thereof. No matter how hard I tried, it was as if I was walking blind in a forest shrouded in mist, trying to find my way when I couldn't even see the path on which I stood—that was how it felt trying to piece together the memories of this past month.
It was strange, extremely strange. Everything before that was completely fine. I could easily recall my breakfast from a month ago. In fact, it was as vivid as if it was yesterday. Almost too vivid. I checked the date, just in case I was simply imagining it, but that wasn't the case.
Sigh.
For now, I brushed it aside. I had an exam to give after all. The warmth of the morning rays fell upon my face as I laid on my bed, staring at the ceiling above.
Damn it.
It was morning already.
There were things that I wanted to do before heading for the university, first of which was checking out an old artifact shop Zoras visited frequently. Why did I want to do it before, you ask? Quite simple, my dear reader, it was because the shop would be closed by the time I was done with my exam, therefore this was something I had to take care of first. If it was the work of an artifact, then it was definitely either from that shop, or Zoras donated it to that shop.
Speaking of which, a month has passed since then…his brother should also be returning soon.
Fjorcroft's job, I wasn't quite sure what it was, but the position he held was indeed quite high in the government. As such, he would often be away for months. This time though, whatever it was that he was tasked with, he said he would take care of it in a month, so he should be returning any day now.
I hope he returns soon.
I would be able to be out a bit more. I was thinking of going to the Royal Library, but it was quite far away, and I would definitely need to stay a few nights out. I couldn't just leave Zoras' sister alone.
I checked in on her after freshening up.
Still asleep…huh?
I couldn't recall her having anything important, so I let her be. If there was, she would wake up by herself; she was quite responsible after all, and moreover, I don't think I would be happy either if someone woke me up at five in the morning for no reason whatsoever. I made some toast and left two for her, before heading out.
The streets were a pleasure to walk on.
It really is Victorian Europe, huh?
Carriages passed by, drawn by horses. The nobles had their canes on them. The streets themselves were a pleasure to the eyes. Streetlamps had their frames made of wrought-iron with frosted glass. Houses were made of bricks, with arches over the windows, which had grilles shaped as grids. Of course, it also had all the bad of Victorian Britain. There was a clear distinction between nobility and the common folk, but that was changing rapidly.
Towards the centre of the city, you could see two large chimneys. That was where the industrial area was. I did wish to go there, to see it all with my own eyes, but right now I did not have the time.
Eventually, I made my way to the shop. The door was open, right next to a glass window on which artifacts were displayed on shelves, and inside was a familiar old man.
'Welcome in—oh! If it isn't Zoras. What brings you here today?'
Even if I knew that this person was pushing eighty, he sure did not seem like it. In fact, if I didn't know any better, I would probably think he was in his forties or something. A lean build with a sharp jawline and not a wrinkle on his face. If not for his hair and beard which had lost their colours, you couldn't even tell he was that old.
To think someone his age can be this active and full of vigor.
He could probably live a hundred years more.
'Has business been well, Mr. Douglas?'
'It's been blooming recently. It's honestly quite strange, the sudden increase in demand.'
'Is it now? The Study of Artifacts has always been a subject of great interest. The only difference is that people can actually afford it now.'
'Perhaps. Well, what brings you here?'
'Say, Mr. Douglas, did I give you any artifacts recently?'
'Recently? None that I recall…why? Did you happen to lose one?'
'Something like that. I've been forgetting things a lot quite recently.'
'Haha, young ones these days, so fragile and forgetful.'
'Haha…'
It doesn't seem like I took anything either…I can't really ask him that directly, can I?
'Well, Mr. Douglas, I have a test now, so I will take my leave.'
'Already? Why don't you browse a bit? We've got a few new things that might peak your interest.'
'I would love to, but I must go.'
That confirms it. I didn't take anything. If I recall correctly, you can only borrow a single artifact at a time. Zoras definitely does not have enough money to buy one.
'Well then, take care.'
'Goodbye, Mr. Douglas.'
I left the shop.
I should probably go visit Clint now.
Clint, a friend of Zoras who was exceptionally good in the Study of Curses. Perhaps he could be of some help.
Wait…what if he thinks I am some demon which possessed his friend? That…would be far from ideal.
On second thought, no. I should probably avoid him.
As I was lost in thought, I suddenly felt a gaze on my back and my heart fell. A prickling sensation crawled up my skin. It lasted for only a moment, but that was enough for sweat to roll down my face as I felt the ground beneath my feet slip away. What…was that? I wondered. Could it be that someone had recognised that I wasn't from this world? No, that wasn't possible. If that's not the case, was there anyone who would harbour ill-intent towards Zoras?
Damn it. I need to get out of here.
Quickly, I made my way away, making sure to keep my guard up. I took the most crowded path I could think of to the University. Of course, it did slow me down, but if there was someone after me, it was risky to be alone, even for a moment. Of course, it could also be my mind playing tricks upon me—I couldn't be sure, but it was better to be safe than sorry.