We Need to Talk (3)

"Purpose.."

What purpose did Liliath have? I'm not too sure..

If anything she should ask my phone. Was there a purpose to why she was summoned? It happened on a whim right? If anything, the purpose in life is one we create ourselves.

"To enjoy yourself I guess? I mean, there's no big boss or anything you need to kill. You're free to do anything you want."

Yeah. So the kind of 'isekai' life Liliath would live from here onwards is the 'lighthearted', 'slice-of-life' kind. I'm not the protagonist— she is. Hey, isn't that interesting? To lead a life full of beauty without needing to remember the bloodshed of the past.

"I-Is that so?" She sounded dismayed, like a weight had just been lifted from her shoulders.

"Could you be thinking too hard? I'm lucky to live the life I am now. Though I say that this world is in the era of peace. Things like poverty and politics are still present. Just that those things aren't involved in my life— your life, here. So just chill. To most people, the biggest worry in this world is finding a way to earn money and live life."

"Like a commoner's life.."

"I guess you could say so— though, with humanitarian rights and a ban on slavery in place."

Liliath looked up.

A moment went by without a word.

"Noel. I'm free to do whatever I want with this life of mine— correct?"

"Yup. But don't go overboard. The purpose of life is to live, not just to survive. And don't kill.. seriously," was she implying something? No.. please no..

"I understand," she chuckled, with a light smile on her face. "I'm relieved."

"Um, Liliath. So this conversation, I'll keep it between us alright? I don't think telling my mom or Novelle about it is a good idea— what do you think?"

"I'll talk to them when the time comes, I can manage it." Liliath faced me, knees on the floor and bowed, "I'll be in your care from now on, Noel. I'll work hard on living."

I looked at her dumbfounded.

So she's going to look towards the future. The wreckages of her past may float up from time to time— but I believe she'll definitely be able to handle it. Well.. even if she can't handle it alone, there's still us that can help. I'm sure the little devil wouldn't mind introducing her to a few more doujinshis every now and then..

Ding.

"Hm?"

Liliath and I turned to my phone on the table. I finally remembered to unmute.

*

Quests: Gaining affection:

(52% completion) Embrace Liliath for half a minute. 20P

...

*

Fuck.

I don't remember such a quest.. it wasn't on purpose! I swear it was an accident! I only hugged Liliath because I thought well.. she needed my comfort— THAT'S ALL!

UGHH..

Half-way completion.. 20 points.. 20 POINTS. 20 FREAKING POINTS. NOW THAT'S SOME JUICY POINTS!

Should I just..

No.. my conscience doesn't allow it..

I turned to Liliath and noticed her hands spread out, an invitation to a hug.

"S-seriously?"

NO WHY?! WHY?! THIS IS WRONG!

"A-Are you sure?" Against my better judgment, I asked again to confirm.

"To attain the necessary points.." Liliath said, averting my gaze.

Fuck me.. I should..

You know. It makes it a whole nother level harder when the girl is the one that invites you to embrace her.. it's a fact you know? Liliath isn't my girlfriend or anything… and to do this to her.. what if that was the gacha system's aim all along? For the summoner to build a relationship with the familiar—

Ah... this is seriously confusing!!

I swallowed back my words of apology and embraced her.

The feeling of her small body, the tantalising scent of her skin, the texture of the nightgown she wore, the smoothness of her velvet hair, her warm breath that chipped away at my sanity.

I was shaking..

5 seconds.. 10 seconds.. 15 seconds..

Fuck.. doesn't it add to the previous record?! Do I have to do it all over again?!

20 seconds.. 30 seconds..

Ding!

I pulled away at once. I didn't dare to look at her.. seriously.. what have I done...

My heart was in a knot. If she allowed me to embrace her like that.. could it mean that she likes me too? No.. I can't just jump to conclusions.. that.. still though. It's not common sense to allow someone to hug you all of a sudden, what's more, someone of the opposite gender..

Sigh.

I took a peek at Liliath, seeing her gaze casted downwards, hands placed between her thighs.

I had a hunch..

"Um.. Liliath. As compensation.. Uh, do you have anything you want from the store?"

I tried to keep my voice as composed as possible. I almost let out a fake cough there—

She nodded, avoiding my gaze, sliding over to my side to look at the shop category.

She scrolled the main page— not the Liliath specific one. Then she noticed something.

Ah right. I totally forgot about that too— the leveling potion.

She suddenly muttered, "Status."

Ding.

'You got mail!'

Eh.. what?!

Liliath looked confused for a moment before narrowed her eyes. "Do we tap on this?"

"Go for it."

I wonder..