Chapter 12: Like A Dream (Alfred’s POV)

Somehow, I was able to hold out all day.

Since I had that dream this morning, my head’s been pounding and I feel like death. I’m so nauseous I can’t even stomach lunch. Usually, people give me food but today I refused them all. Otherwise, I might vomit it all out.

I have a shift at the bar today. Since the night wage is higher, I earn a lot more relatively for working a short amount of time. I can’t take a break.

The events of the day blur as I recall them, from the time that class ended to the point when I clocked out.

On my way to the carriages, I come across some drunk guys who are basking in the night life. 5 people in total. They tell me to hand over my money, like typical thugs. I refuse, and they move to beat me up.

This day sucks.

My vision shakes, unable to keep still. I probably have a fever. Fortunately, I can still move. I’m aware that my body is more robust than an average person’s.

I down each of them with a punch in the face. During the scuffle, I got hit with a bottle, so my left arm is a bit swollen, but that’s all.

It would be troublesome if someone notices the commotion, so I hurriedly leave

Ahh, this isn’t good. My vision is warping.

I slam into something. Judging by the angry yelling, I must have bumped into someone.

I fall to the ground, remaining there, unable to summon enough strength to stand up.

My condition is especially bad today.

When does the last carriage leave? If I don’t make it in time, then it can’t be helped. Granny might be angry, but in such an event I’ll have to spend the night somewhere in town.

Sighing, I close my eyes.

“Alfred?”

A familiar voice. I lift my heavy head slightly, turning to the direction of the sound.

A small distance away and standing in front of a prestigious restaurant, one that looked like it would turn away people who didn’t abide by their dress code, is Lian. Silver-haired, round-eyed Lian.

He’s wearing a light blue shirt without a wrinkle in sight, a brilliant white tie, and a dark blue velvet jacket paired with slacks. Silver strands are picked up by the breeze, flowing against milky white skin.

Although his eyes are a shade of ice blue, a cold color, there is a touch of warmth somewhere within.

Lian stands up straight, posture impeccable. He’s so beautiful that no one can possibly come up with a complaint about his appearance. He’s dignified and eye-catching. It’s certainly as the guys in class say: he looks like a prince from the country where the Queen of Spirits resides, far off in the west.

To Lian’s side is his family, his mother in a low-cut scarlet gown and his father and brother wearing black suits. They’re all dressed to the nines.

Next to Lian’s father are several sharply-dressed men. It’s clear from a glance they obviously have high social standing. Are they having a formal gathering?

Taking another glance at me, Lian turns and says something to his father. From the looks of their crinkled brows and frowns, they’re having a dispute of some sort. In the end, he bows his head to his father’s peers and his family.

And he runs towards me.

Hey, hey.

Why are you coming over here?

Don’t you have more important business to take care of? No matter how you look at it, those people are big-shots.

“Alfred?! Hey, are you okay?!” He kneels beside me in a panic, and tries to pick me up.

“…Why are you here?”

“How about you? Why are you laying on the ground like this? Don’t surprise me anymore! Uwah, and you’re injured again…! Why are you always getting hurt?!”

How would I know? I want to ask that question myself.

Lian slips my arm around his shoulders and hoists me up. …He doesn’t even mind getting his expensive clothes dirty.

Shifting my attention back to the restaurant, I see Lian’s father leading those men of the upper crust through the front entrance. His mother hides her mouth with a folding fan, eyes piercing through me as if I were something dirty. Something foul. And the way Lian’s brother is glaring at me… If only looks could kill…

“Hold on a second. I’ll call a coach over.” Walking to the edge of the street, Lian sticks out his hand in a wave. Sure enough, one cruises to a stop in front of us.

A coachman dressed in all black disembarks from the driver’s seat, tipping his hat and bowing in one fluid and elegant motion. “Where would you like to go, dear sirs?”

“Please take us to the church in Leis village,” says Lian.

“Understood. Please embark.” The driver shoots a quick glance at me. “Shall I offer you assistance?”

“Ahh, yes. That will be helpful, thanks.”

After opening the door, the coachman gets into position, standing opposite of Lian as he lifts me by the arms into the back seat.

As I sink into the fluffy cushioning, I’m struck with a hazy impression: What a high-class coach. I’ve difficulty stringing together thoughts though. Like everything’s blurring together at once. Without a doubt I must have a fever. My body’s burning up and the sweat just keeps flowing. Lian, who’s sitting right next to me, pulls out a fancy handkerchief, sparing no time in wiping my face.

“You’re feverish… So you were feeling ill today after all. Your face was subtly red this morning. I mean, why are you this injured? Where on earth have you been fighting again this time?”

What do you mean “again?” I’m not always brawling. “I’m not a delinquent. I was dealing with some drunkards.”

“Drunkards?! So you were beaten up by them?”

“Nope. I took them out.”

“Took them out… Really? With your body like that?! You really are abnormal…” Lian’s eyes pop. Then he smiles in a strange way. He places a palm on my forehead, brows furrowing.

“Your fever’s really high. Could it be that you still…”

“Still?”

“Ah n-nothing! Maybe it’s a good idea to pay Dr. Kuma another visit after all,” says Lian.

I shake my head. “I don’t have the money for it now. I’ll be better after I lie down.”

“I-is that so? No, but… Maybe even for you that’s, um, a bit of a stretch. You should really take some medicine…”

“I don’t need it.”

“But…” Lian’s brows are still crinkled, as though he were hesitating. His eyes are shut.

Right, I remember a similar incident.

On that day, my condition was as bad as it is now. I was involved in a massive brawl, and in the end I fell flat to the ground. My memory of that day is hazy at best. The line between reality and fantasy remains blurred.

According to Granny, a kind traveler found me. He took me to the hospital before bringing me back to the church. He even paid for my medicine.

Then he left without leaving his name. Apparently.

What is that even? It’s way too cool. Impossible. These kinds of people don’t exist at this present age. That’s what I thought, but both Granny and the kids gave me the same story when I asked them. Could it really be for real?

Lian rests his palm on my neck, perhaps to measure my temperature.

Thin white fingers. A cool palm, pleasant to the touch. Spreading from his hand is a mild fragrance.

As always, Lian smells wonderful. It’s a faint sweet scent, subtle like a flower, and helps me relax—

Back then, when I had been ambushed in the forest, I smelled a scent similar to this one. In fact, they’re one and the same.

“…‘Magic Abundance.’”

At the sound of my words, Lian gasps and raises his head.

“Granny said…” That that was what I had suffered through that day. That was what the traveler had told her.

“I-I see. Yeah. That may be it,” he says. “I heard that the body would accumulate magic power if there’s too much being produced.”

“Is that so?”

“Y-yeah. Ah, that’s right. I see! If there’s too much magic, then if you decrease it… Can you give me a bit of your magic power? You might feel better if you transfer some to me… Of course, we’ll be using the ‘skin contact’ method. You know what to do, right?” There’s a hint of pink on his cheeks as he presents his wrist.

…Why would you go to this extent for me?

I’m in the lowest socioeconomic class and live in the church. I’m an orphan. You know neither my lineage nor where I immigrated from. Yet you return to help me.

You even give me absurdly expensive medicine.

Maybe he…no, I’m getting ahead of myself But.

Because I left him hanging, Lian, whose face is growing red, is starting to flare up in anger.

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“W-what is it?! I’m telling you to do this even though it’s embarrassing for me! I’ve had enough! If you don’t want to do it then fine! Just lie there in a clump until we reach the church!”

As soon as he finishes speaking, I grab his wrist.

Focusing below the chest, I perform the technique, relying on the memory from the class lesson.

From the palm of my hand flows magic power, seeping deep within Lian’s flesh the moment the heat flares from my skin. Little by little. The slow pace is driving me insane. The relief comes, but barely. It does. It doesn’t. My condition dangles like a trapeze artist, a delicate balancing act.

…At this rate, it’ll take half a day before I’m better.

“The sun’s about to set.”

As I reveal my thoughts, Lian glares at me, face flushing once more.

“Stop complaining! I’m doing this for your sake, so be grateful!”

“That’s true, but…”

I collapse onto him and he bears the full weight of my body. Panicked, Lian tries to support me. But I am too heavy for him, and we end up falling into the space between the seats and the carriage door. I’ve wondered about this before, but has he always had such a thin and light body? I’m sure he’s taller than me—oh, I see. It seems that before I knew it, I’ve already grown bigger than him.

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From the looks of it, Lian hit the back of his head on the carriage. He sucks in a few grunts of pain, obviously irritated. He pushes back against me with both hands using all his strength.

It’s painful. Like I’m going to die. I might not make it, and I can’t suppress it any longer. My magic essence is about to burst out. I might blow up this carriage. When I say these words, he immediately stops moving.

I smile wryly within my heart. Although the feelings of guilt accumulate bit by bit, I choose to ignore it.

…Ahh.

You’re really too gentle. So much that it makes me worry.

Though I know I shouldn’t say such things when I’m the one taking advantage of you…

I seal his lips with my own.

Despite trembling ferociously, Lian doesn’t turn away. Rather than pouring my magic power into him like a rushing river, I let it slowly trickle in. It feels pleasant mixing it with another person’s magic… with Lian’s calm magic.

When our tongues brush, he shivers hard again.

He looks pained, so I release his lips. He breathes deeply, shoulders heaving. It seems he’d stopped breathing. Although he looks annoyed when I tell him to breathe through his nose, he doesn’t say a word. Maybe he just couldn’t.

“…Is a little more okay?”

Letting it rush in is fine too.

Hearing my words, Lian blushes, face burning with anger. His eyes wander, and after looking like he would burst into tears, he squeezes them shut. A show of resolve for his decision.

Does that mean it’s fine? No way. He seemed so against it before. I know I’m the one who asked, but is it really okay?

Still, with his permission granted, I carefully press my lips onto his and search for his tongue. Both Lian’s tongue and body tremble throughout. But not once does he try to escape. The hands that attempted to push me away before now clutch at my clothes.

Warmth settles in my belly, flaring hotter and ever more daring. Soon, I feel as though I can’t restrain it any further. It’s getting dangerous.

Whenever my nose catches the calm and gentle fragrance from that time, I feel comfortable.

…Without a doubt it was you. You were the one who had saved me back then, the impossibly kind traveler.

I’m confident that if I tell you this, you’d run away at lightning speed, so I keep quiet.

Since he allows me to do this much, maybe I can do a little bit more of what I want. Pushing against that thin and shivering body, I cover him with my own on all sides so that he can’t escape. And I press our lips harder together.

By the time we arrive at the church, I’m able to walk on my own. Usually, it takes a whole day for me to recover. The symptoms are spasmodic, so keep forgetting about them.

Though unlike last time, I didn’t open the dams to my magic power and pour it into Lian without holding back.

“I’ve recovered enough.”

“…T-that’s good.” Leaning against his seat, cheeks flushed and panting, Lian glares at me with half-lid eyes. I tried my best to moderate the amount of magic I transferred to him, but it seems I still went a bit overboard.

There was a flushed nape in front of me. I couldn’t help leaning in. Spreading from his skin is a faint sweet scent, and my mind feels suspended in a wreath of clouds. Surely it’s sweet to the taste. Yes, definitely sweet. But if I trace my tongue over it, he’ll be angry for sure. As my nose just about brushes his skin, Lian stirs. He grabs my shoulder and pushes me away, for once resisting. “W-what are you doing?”

“Just a little more…”

”Dear customers, we have arrived. The church is just ahead… Oh. Were you in the middle of something?” The coach driver beams a knowing grin. “Hehe. A secret rendezvous. Two people of different standing, sharing a love that can be stopped by no one. How nice. How enviable. It brings back memories of my youth,” says the driver in a dramatic tone, nodding exaggeratedly.

Well, I guess if you see a scene like this, that would be anyone’s first impression. The curtain separating us from the driver is wide open, so he could see us clearly.

Sure enough, Lian hops to his feet, pushes me away with all his strength, and yells at the coachman, face red, “You’re wrong! That’s not it at all! I’m telling you it’s different! What are you talking about? You’re mistaken! T-this was a lifesaving technique!”

“Hehe. Please rest assured. Our Marlow City Carriage Association is committed to not divulging our customers’ personal information. Following our motto of security and confidentiality, our service to our customers is our first priority. Therefore, please enjoy a quick and comfortable ride courtesy of our association. Thank you for your patronage. We sincerely look forward to being of service again.”

Whether or not that’s something he’s required to say to all his customers, the driver removes his hat in a playful gesture and waves in thanks, still with that sly grin on his face.

“I-I’m telling you, you’ve got the wrong idea…! Ahh, dammit! This is all your fault! G-go on, get out of here! You bastard!!”

With a bright red face, Lian kicks at my feet then pushes me toward the door. I have no choice but to get off the carriage.

I’m a bit disappointed. I want to touch Lian more but we are already at our destination.

Upon disembarking, I suddenly remember something and look back. “You saved me, Lian. Thank you. Without your help, I would have been lying there all night.”

Lian, who drove me out of the carriage, sports a blank expression. Placing a hand on his forehead as though he were shocked, he sighs. “Lying there all night…”

“I really couldn’t get up. You have my gratitude.”

For some reason, Lian’s face is a ripe tomato. He quickly turns away. “N-no need! Later! Hey driver, hurry up and move the carriage already.”

“Understood.” The coachman shuts the passenger door with a smile. Not a beat later, the carriage pulls away into the distance.

I see the carriage off as I open the gates to the church. A soft, sweet fragrance teases my nose.

Ahh, I see. It seems a bit of Lian’s scent must have rubbed off on my own body.

A large and glowing smile spontaneously spreads across my lips.

…There’s no mistake. The scent from now and back then are one and the same. My senses are better than the average person’s.

I’ve found you at last.

But I won’t say it. Because if I do, I know you’ll just run away.

The next day, I head for school in the morning. As soon as I woke up, my physical condition was back to tip-top shape.

Lian sprints off in lightning speed whenever he catches sight of me, so the school day ends without us speaking to one another.

I don’t think he needs to go that far in avoiding me. Although it’s me and I’m hardly a fragile person, it still hurts a bit. Well, I did overdo it.

Since he runs away from me, I don’t get the chance to apologize to him. So I decide to give it some time. Wait until Lian calms down.

I don’t have a shift later so I head to the library after school. According to the library’s newsletter, the newest addition to the Silk Hat Detective Series should arrive today. Just as I thought, I catch Lian loitering in the building. He likes the same book genres as I do.

As I approach him, he jumps in surprise, dashing off in a panic. But he changes his mind and turns and heads back toward me. Once again, his cheeks flush.

He glares and points his finger at me. “Forget about everything that happened yesterday! Forget it, okay?!” he hisses, though still within the acceptable range for a library. As usual the honor student, he refrains from blowing over.

Since he’s talking so frantically, I answered that I will. The tension drains from his shoulders and he looks relieved.

His face retains the blush and his long silver lashes tremble. I want to touch them so much. When I do so without realizing, he jerks away, livid.

“Don’t touch me, idiot!” he whisper-shouts.

Huh. Somehow, Lian reminds me of something.

Ahh, I got it. He’s like that standoffish stray neighborhood cat, silver-streaked and hard to miss. With its beautiful coat, it’s probably someone’s pet. The kids love chasing it around whenever they spot it. Even so, it still comes to the church. Maybe it enjoys playing with the kids after all. Occasionally, the cat would approach me. I’d sometimes sneak it some scraps from my part-time job.

It would always approach you on its own, but as soon as you approach it, it would run away. And if it wasn’t in the mood, it wouldn’t let you touch it.

Yeah, they’re really similar.

…I wonder if you’ll let me touch you once we’re a little closer.

I think this as Lian escapes deeper among the bookcases, my eyes chasing after his disappearing figure.

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