Chapter 5 — Small truths

"Thank you very much for the food, it was delicious… I hope I wasn't a bother".

"Not at all! Eating with more people improve the food taste, don't you think so too, Isuke?"

I nodded my head at Alexia's question.

I really wasn't in the mood to engage in conversation. Again, my thoughts were a mess, as remembering that all my belongings had disappeared at once was quite a blow.

I'm an idiot.

That's the only thing I could repeat to myself over and over again for the stupidity I committed this morning. It cost me a house, a fucking house.

It wasn't a big house, it wasn't the most comfortable, and it didn't have any luxuries that would make anyone jealous of me.

Maybe that's why remembering Lya's words made me feel even more guilty. I still don't understand why she doesn't believe me that it was me who burned down her house accidentally. While we were eating, she kept trying to figure out who was the culprit behind it, but the truth is that it was me, only me.

There's also that stupid lie of being a book teacher, where they basically think I was someone who studied at that ridiculously expensive academy.

If I had that much money, I'd eat myself to death, dammit.

Caught up in my thoughts, Lya and Alexia talked about some topics that I didn't take relevance to them and then said goodbye again, but this time with laughter.

Lya's demeanor now seemed much calmer, very different from how she behaved with me when we were alone or when we were having dinner, the small smile she had on her face disappeared when her conversation with Alexia ended and only a face that showed indifference remained.

"Isuke… I promise I'll take care of it".

Turning around, Lya left Alexia's house.

Maybe he knew I wasn't paying attention to them and that's why he doesn't expect any response from me.

"Visit me anytime!"

Gently closing the door, Alexia turned and headed for the kitchen while humming a song.

"If you need me, I'll be doing the dishes. If you want to take a bath, I have some clothes in the…"

"Alexia".

Interrupting her, I started to follow her into the kitchen.

"What? You would like to help me clean up?"

Alexia's kitchen was probably bigger than my bedroom and kitchen combined.

"Why did you lie?"

"Lie? I don't understand you. What lie do you mean?"

I was surprised by the serenity with which Alexia responded to me.

"Gosh… You know, all the crap you spouted about whether I'm a book teacher who got kicked out of the academy".

"Oh! I see you forgot to remember that you are a student who reached the level of book master and left Astarock Academy when you saw its despicable attitude that discriminates against demi-humans. Never forget that last part, it's key to your speech".

"Alexia, but that's a lie".

Alexia thought for several seconds about what to answer, in the process walking to the table to grab the dishes and carry them to the sink.

"Hey, Alexia…"

"I'm not answering you because I can't get an answer".

"What do you mean you can't get it? Lying is wrong".

"According to whom? Everyone lies, Isuke. I went to a store today, and they lied to me. My father lies blatantly to the people of this town every day. Salesmen lie to sell more, and I can assure you that kings, queens, presidents or whatever you want to call people of power, they all lie to achieve their goals. What's wrong with that?"

Alexia began to wash the dishes.

"So, you lied to me? Are you lying to me, Alexia?"

"Of course. Do you really think people are honest? I guess you've spent too many years reading books without living the real world. You've been cooped up in your house for years with almost no contact with people, I gave you a job, but I didn't expect you to be satisfied with that for almost… 8 years? Wow, time flies by".

His words were another strong blow to me.

I've known her since we were kids, before my parents were arrested. She has always helped me, and I still remember the first time I saw her, I thought she was a fox because of her tail.

I felt annoyed, disappointed, and something inside my head kept telling me that I was a complete idiot not to know something like that. I wanted to go home, but right now, I am doing have much choice.

Am I acting like a coward?

"By the way, don't even think of running to Lya for help. I don't consider her a bad person, but stay away from her. Go upstairs and take a shower, you look bad. You can choose any room after you get out of the shower".

How can we both be almost the same age? I felt like a child being scolded by an adult. I felt so upset and helpless; however, I couldn't think of any answers.

It is uncomfortable.

I went upstairs and paid no attention to the decorations all over the house. Presently, I just wanted to go upstairs and see what I was going to do with my life.

Did I really look that pathetic right now?

I took a deep breath and went into the bathroom that Alexia had prepared for me.

I didn't even want to think about how I would do tomorrow's mission anymore.

What face will I see Alexia with from now on?

I felt that my bubble had finally been burst and I felt too insecure.