Chapter 17: Girls Days Out

Days passed.Fay had all his time to digest what had happened. He wonders if he should take back his body. He really only asks him to pick it up after tossing it himself because he feels so angry at him.Now that he thinks about it, perhaps Trevor did like him. No. He definitely likes him, even if, his feelings get twisted at some point.Is it his fault for not noticing earlier and rejecting him? Or is it because he left his body in a closet? Or is it because he assumed Trevor is a trustworthy person?Or, like Kyubey said, his actions are to show his 'affection'. Fay tried to see the 'reasons'. He can't appreciate it.He wouldn't mind if Trevor or any other person lusted after his body. Even he had desires that he couldn't help but feel. He wouldn't mind if Trevor asked him to have sex with him directly even. And even if Fay refused to do it, he will still remain friends with Trevor. He understands how feelings are. Desire is a part of human nature.But there's a line you shouldn't cross.There's no question, no request. His body can't answer or reply. He forced himself onto it.He knows no one is perfect. And things don't always go the way we want, or expect. He experienced them, a lot of times already. Even before he came into this world.Even he isn't perfect. He wonders if he overreacted to seeing what Trevor had done.If he had to put himself in Trevor's shoes, did he think it's 'okay' thinking he wouldn't find out? Its Kyubey that had told him his body even moved. If Kyubey hadn't told him he wouldn't notice anything amiss. Probably.It's not even his true original flesh. The flesh he was born with is discarded the moment he becomes a magical boy. Its just an artificial body made with Kyubey's technology.No... Even if that body is an object, it's still his property. Whether it's your clothes, your armour, your bed, your curtain, and whatever else - no one can ever accept if someone 'dirtied' them without their consent....Still...Fay remembers how Trevor had profusely apologized to him. He knows Trevor felt immense guilt from it. Is it guilt from being caught, or for what he had done, or because Fay himself who he had liked caught him doing it? The truth is it's all of them.Fay had never, not even once looked at Trevor for the whole month. Even though he's not that chatty, Fay often gives simple greeting and gestures to his friends.But he had entirely ignored Trevor's existence like the invisible air.He noticed Trevor had been indulging himself in self destructing behaviour particularly drinking a ton since then.He knows it's because he himself felt guilty over what he had done.... Maybe I should at least, slowly forgive Trevor, Fay thought.He doesn't think he could for now. He can't even look at him. The idea that, he had touched his body while it was 'unconscious' without asking anything, broke into their room to steal it, everything feels wrong in his heart. ...'Amber, did you notice anything strange about them?'. Lisa asked Amber who's sitting on his desk reading a book.Amber closed her book.'Yea... I find it off too. I happen to see he walked past by him but he acts as if he doesn't exist.'"You think they had some fight?".'Probably. No... They definitely are fighting about something"."And that guy seems to drink a lot these days. He lost his focus during the subjugation and got injured a few days ago too."'...'. Amber remembers it.'And the other person doesn't open a portal to see Eli... Until you suggested it...'Each time Wain or Trevor gets injured, Fay will always, without question asked, without any request, directly open a portal to her clinic unless they themselves refuse it. But at that time Fay didn't.Lisa and Amber are certain now. They really don't like the atmosphere. It's tense.'Can you guess what's their problem?'."Not sure... But, what problem could they be...?".'Is it because he had feelings for him?'."But that shouldn't be a problem...? Even Wain had confessed to both of us. But we don't even care. So... He shouldn't care to this extent. Trevor isn't a bad person or ugly. He is quite handsome if I had to say myself. Why does he seem to hate him so much?".'Should we ask?', Lisa suggested.Amber thought for a while."I think, it's an issue between them. We can just hope they settle it themselves", Amber sighed.Lisa nodded. But she doesn't agree with Amber to just let them settle it by themselves. He will ask Fay later.She feels glad that at least Fay had returned to his usual self these days. She remembers how Fay, stabbing those wolves with his rapier without regard to his own body being bitten, how his hand and shirt is soaked with blood, how empty his eyes look, and that smile that is purely out of habit and aren't genuine.How creepy it felt that chill ran down her spine.'Amber how about we have a girl's night out, with Fay!'. Lisa had an idea.'Hmm... Alright.'. Amber agreed.Another few days passed. They take another 1 or 2 days vacation just because. Fay opened up the portal to the Capital because the town Angis felt boring.Lisa went to grab Fay away from Wain. They had been together days and nights. It's their time to be with him now."Eh? Where are you guys taking Fay". Wain wondered.'Its girls' day. Men aren't allowed'. Fay smiled a little, remembering something similar to this when he went to karaoke or shopping with his girl friends back in Kamihama city in the previous world."I am going with them". Fay just smiled at Wain, seeing his ears visibly drop.'Okay. Have fun'.Wain thought to himself he and Fay had already been sticking together day and night. It would be like a break.Elvis seeing this also spoke."Then we can have our own boy's day!".'Yeah'. Trevor answered shortly with a hint of a cheerful attitude but it was cute short....Lisa dragged both Amber and Fay. Lisa is like the most extrovert of the group so naturally she is the leader."Let's go shopping!", Lisa drags them both to the noble district where all unnecessarily branded expensive goods are. Royalties and nobles, and the richest of merchants and adventurers would come here to do their indulgent shopping and dining of the highest class.They entered the largest clothing store in the Capital.The store is so large and had multiple floors. It divided into kids and adults' section. And divided by the men and women section. And there's even a special section on the women one.The women section also has a specialised section for custom made dresses especially important for the royalties and nobles as they have this tea party or when they attend some balls or birthdays. There are a few women having their size measured.Amber and Lisa went with Fay to the pre-made women section. Fay's shoulder is small and he could fit in as well.Shirts, blouses, skirts, dresses. It's the Capital after all. They are worn on casual days like this of course.Lisa is not sure why but the men's section is very bland. Like there's no difference in design. They are just plain shirts and suits in dark colours. And there's really only either the colour is different or the size is different. The lack of creativity suffocates her. Are men supposed to be boring when it comes to fashion? "Fay, look at this. It suits you I think". It's a light blue coloured shirt with embroidered stripes. It's simple, not too feminine for Fay, and the embroidery makes it looks elegant.Fay agrees it suits him well and likes it very much.'Yeah. It's really pretty...'.Fay took the shirt and tested it out.They went shopping and did a mini fashion show among themselves."Fay… how bout we check that section?". Lisa wants to check the hot section and use Fay as an excuse.Fay blushed a little, thinking about Wain. Will he like it?They went with red faces inside. And imagined how they would look in them. From Lisa and Amber's approval, Fay took a very thin translucent flat bra and a very thin and equally translucent underwear of the same slightly blue colour. He felt so embarrassed taking these and buying them."I am sure Wain would like it!", Lisa is confident. Fay nodded.They went here and about afterwards."Look there's a salon.".There's a variety of services there.Everyone went there. They did facial treatment and waxed their body. Even Fay waxed his legs.Lisa and Amber curled their straight hair, now their hair is wavy."Ouhh... I like this a lot", Lisa commented on her own look in the mirror.'Yea you look different, like fresh look'. Fay commented. Fay has a short hair like men do so he doesn't have any hairdo.Amber is a bit unsatisfied about her looks."I think it made my head looks weirdly big..."'No, you look great!'.'yea yea', Fay added.Still, they walk around some more. Now there's a makeup store.'Lets go!'.They paid for their service and all of them now wear elegant clothing's with elegant makeups and elegant hair with elegant nails.The trio walked out of the makeup store feeling like nobles at a tea party."Ohohoho. Even the prince would take notice of me don't your think?".Lisa wears a purple wavy dress with fit lower half for the day.Amber wore a white blouse with frills on her hands and puff in her shoulder paired with a long slit laced skirt. She also has a cute hat.'Maybe they would notice Fay first', Amber retorted.They look at Fay.The natural makeup accentuates his clear blue eyes.The simple long-sleeved shirt with embroidered vertical stripes with a hint of glint give it a touch of elegance. The small buttons made of sapphires also give it a touch of luxury. He wore normal beach-coloured pants. He probably looks like a noble because his face is already unnaturally flawless and beautiful combined with the makeup.While they are chatting, suddenly Fay went to walk forward.They look at what he is doing.Fay crouched to pick up a coin pouch. Fay noticed it's full of platinum coins and almost choked on his own saliva.He tapped on the nobleman shoulder at front."Oh?". He looks at the beauty who tapped his shoulder. He sneaked out secretly because it's so boring."Thank you, beautiful, miss(?)".'Welcome... Emm... I am a man actually...', Fay fiddles his fingers."Oh pardon my rudeness. Thank you for returning my pouch".Fay nodded and wanted to walk away."Wait. What's your name?".'Its Fay". Fay looks at the unnaturally handsome man, probably only a year older than Fay. His golden hair and blue eyes give a sense of majesty."Cute name". It's his first time having this feeling at first sight towards someone. His father had arranged for a few daughters of influential nobles for him to choose and marry.Although most of them look pretty with their makeup, jewels and dresses, Fay in front of him outclassed all of them. His innocent look and demeanour, it's very different from those women who only see him for his status and his handsome face.'Would you like to have dinner with me. My treat.'."A-ah-... Umm.. I come with my friends".Amber and Lisa quickly went with him.He had to look at them. But he had to look at Amber twice. She seems familiar... Her white hair, and her smaller stature. Only her eyes seems different. But he can't be mistaken…Isn't she his ex-classmate from another kingdom back in the academy?"Rosanna?".Amber is surprised because there are no guards accompanying him which is really unusual for a member of the royalty. She looked at the golden-haired man with blue eyes. He is the 2nd prince, prince Alaistar Mercer.'I go by Amber now, your highness'. Amber did a small curtsey, bowing her head a little.Lisa and Fay had to blink twice at this random chance meeting.They both awkwardly repeated Amber gestures.Alaistar just smirked and accidentally let out a chuckle. Especially at Fay who did the etiquette meant for women; it made him look cute."It's nice seeing you here and well. I am sorry for what had happened to you. You are always welcome to stay anywhere in the Empire... Although I assumed you had already settled here well?"."Yes, your highness. I am just an adventurer now back in the small town of Angis".Fay and Lisa look at the exchanges between them and look at each other.'I see. No worry. I am well aware of the situation in Atlanta. You are always welcomed here.'"Yes, thank you, your highness".???Now they can guess why Amber never tell them about herself. Who would have thought her background is so deep even the- who is this anyway?'Oh pardon me. I haven't introduced myself. I sneaked out actually but since Rosanna, I mean, Amber has found me out; I can't pretend anymore'.'I am the second prince, Alaistar Mercer. May I know you two beauties?'.Lisa wants to faint. Her lips are so salty the prince truly took notice.'I-I am Lisa. I am just an adventurer, working with Amber'."I am Fay. I am also an adventurer, working with them". Fay feels so nervous and fidgets his fingers.From stories he read offending a royalty can get your head beheaded. He doesn't even know if he should look at the prince's eyes while talking or not, whether it's rude or not.Alaistar looks at the cute guy in front of him. His small stature and lack of defining muscle doesn't seem like he uses swords or bows.'You are a mage as well I presume?'."Yes your highness. I can use space magic-".Fay blurted out of nervousness. He quickly smacked his own loose lips.Alaistar showed an amused look."Did I hear you correct?".'Ah... I...'. Fay gets nervous."Your highness, I hope you can keep them a secret", Amber said with a bow.'Of course. You don't have to worry. It's very rare. I wouldn't want attention either'.'Come with me. I know a good place'.Everyone had to agree. They went to a fancy looking restaurant. They are brought into a private room for VIP customers. The chandelier is made from magic crystals. The seats are made from scales of salamanders covering the cushion, with a frame made with treant wood. The utensils are normal silverware though.The food comes in a basic 3 course meal. From the appetiser, main dish and dessert.The appetizers are mysterious boiled small eggs plated. The orange yolk is creamy and melts in the tongue. The main dish is a steak made from tri-horn cow beast served with garnish. Fay chooses a medium well option. The dessert is simple pieces of exotic fruits and smaller bite cakes made from them, imported from the Elven kingdom.During the time, Alaistar made some brief conversation.'Amber, did your party know your identity?'.He casually swirled the wine glass he had.'They don't, your highness'."I see... I won't intrude anymore".'Fay, right. Can you show me your magic, if that's alright?'.Fay is silent for a while.'Let me tell you a secret in exchange'.Fay looks at him.Alaistar waves his hand. A bright golden magic circle forms as some golden light shines bright. Everyone in the room felt refreshed and energised and they felt like all their old wounds and scars instantly healed. Everyone is shocked!The first Emperor, is a Hero blessed by the Gods and led humanity against the invasion of the demon army and slayed the Demon Lord. Light magic is a signature magic used by a Hero - which requires both divine power and mana, and having the affinity to use light magic.Members of the church can only use raw divine power to heal ailments and repel undead. And blessing of the gods may give skills or improved magic power but most of the times you can't use light magic. To use light magic is different, the power level is different. Fay had read this in the history book.Members of the current royalties of the Draconian Empire do indeed have the blood of a hero running through them. Having access to divine power is also a confirmation of being a royalty, although only some fraction of them have it. But Alaistar not only has divine power, but can use light magic.Everyone, even Amber is stunned as everyone knows about the Demon Lord vs Hero trope. Only a hero that would need to fight against the demon lord can use light magic. Is he a Hero of the current time...?Everyone has that thought. But then this is a peaceful time. There's no demon lord. And thus, there shouldn't be a Hero.… Unless it is an ominous sign.'Oh, please keep it a secret. Some spells suddenly appeared in my head a few months ago. It's a bit weird...'.Actually everyone had a worrying thought. For a 'Hero' to already be here is a bad omen. But they swallowed their thoughts.'My brother is the direct heir and this can lead to... problems'.Everyone nodded and understood the significance.The 2nd prince, has the chance to take over the throne because he has the power of the Hero of the legends, just like the first Emperor.'We will keep your secrets, your highness'. Amber spoke.Fay also nodded.Since Alaistar shows him a secret, Fay too should show him his.Fay opened 2 white illusionary portals. One in front of the dessert stand, one in front of his hand. He grabbed the small cake without needing to stretch his hand too much.'I can make portals like this, to connect space.'."Ohh. Interesting. You can keep objects in some space as well?".Fay nodded while putting the cake into a portal leading to his inventory. Then take it back out."How about, teleporting?".'Umm. I can't teleport but I can make portals across long distances'.Alaistar opened his eyes wider and felt really amused. He has his secret. Fay has his secret. He feels he had a lot in common with him."Aside from it, what other elements do you use?"Fay thinks about it. He decides to just tell him about Ice magic since the possibility of being a Hero is a more significant secret."I can use wind, water and, Ice".Fay used the spell Snow, as fluffy snow rained down from above his hands and stopped abruptly.He gets more and more surprised."Amazing!"."How about becoming my royal guard?".Fay is a bit stunned at this sudden request.Amber and Lisa had to look at Fay. He won't just, leave, right?The pay to work for a royalty is definitely high. And these are peaceful times - except the magic beasts and bandits, what to guard against? And magic beasts can't get into the capital which is surrounded by big towns and villages all around it. It's really just to show off status these days. So Fay basically can just walk around Alaistar doing nothing and get paid in gold.Maybe if Fay is some common mage, he would accept it. But money is the least of the problems he had."I am sorry your highness. But I prefer to stay as an adventurer". Fay fidgeted his fingers.'Oh... Too bad. What is your party name and rank? If we have some special request, I would get you guys some quests.Amber scratched his cheek.'It's Elvis&Gang. We are Mithril rank adventurers'.Alaistar ignored the funny name."Ohh. Rosan-, Amber, I know you are talented. But to think you already work for Mithril rank party in less than 2 years, that's amazing. If I want to eat some gryphon's meat I would ask you guys to hunt one next time". Alaistar let out a small smile."We appreciate the offer, your highness". Amber can only smile and nod.How rich can you be to pay for an adventurer team to hunt a gryphon just to eat its meat? And knowing a noble they would only eat it for one dinner.'I envy you guys. Being able to fight beasts and defend the towns and villages. While I just stay at the castle doing nothing or pretentious diplomatic work. At some point it felt like my life had no purpose'. He let out a sigh.He did receive education on territory management, diplomacy, stewardship, leading war and whatnot. But he's learning them as a helper or a 'spare' to the crown prince, in case anything happens to him he would be the next in the line.Everyone has no comment. Fay is not sure what a 2nd prince does as a job, maybe helping the king or something(?).'Your highness, I think, as long as what you are doing benefits the people it has a purpose'."I see". Alaistar can only smile at Fay's encouragement.In a way, marrying some random princess also benefits the country and thus the people in the long run. But it still felt, purposeless in his heart because the people are quite content, he supposes. No dying nor starving people in the Capital and anywhere in the Empire supposedly – because he knows how rich the Empire is. As for the other place, he doesn't know much. But as far as the territory goes, everyone has enough resources.The Empire should send resources to the 4 kingdoms under its reign. As for other kingdoms, that's their problem.Food is plenty with the fast-growing plants and vegetables added with magic crystals fertilisers and meats of beasts from outside that seems endless. Except for small villages that can't afford to get beasts meat by hunting and having to raise animals.Even then the nobles controlling the territory should be able to hire adventurers for them or send resources directly. The kingdom is prosperous, even his pocket money in his pouch is full of platinum coins. If there's anyone starving somewhere within the Empire, then it's really because the noble managing the territory pocket the money for themselves instead of helping the people.Is that his problem? That's the current Emperor, or the subordinate King of the kingdom in question problems. The scale of management is so large he felt so disconnected to the people that even if he has a 'purposeful', job, it doesn't feel real. He can't see how it benefits them even if in theory it would.He felt shackled inside at his purposelessness. He wants to do something that has meaning for him. He had a dream to be an adventurer as well. He could care less about the throne or the title of a prince. What man doesn't dream of slaying beasts and dragons and protecting the people with their own strength?"Would you like to be guests at my place?".Amber, Lisa, and Fay looked at each other.'Excuse us your highness, but we are just adventurers. It's a bit...'."It's alright. I understand". Alaistar had a hint of sadness in him.He's actually lonely and doesn't have many friends.He looks at Fay, politely biting into a fruit. He noticed he smiled a little when he bit into them. Probably feeling elated at how sweet it is. How cute.Fay noticed the gaze and looked back.Alaistar unconsciously had to look away and pretend he didn't stare at him.Everyone went out of the restaurant."How about I buy you guys some gifts? As a thank you for returning my pouch and for a chance meeting with a classmate of mine?".'You don't have to, your highness'. Amber politely declined."It's not a request. Come with me". Alaistar turned around and just walked forward.They can't decline so they follow. They went into a very large jewellery store."These store jewelleries are made from magic crystals of magic beasts and enchanted with various spells. Pick anything you like from here. Or I will pick them myself".Everyone had to choose reluctantly and see everything around them. Everything costs at least 50 gold coins. Is this alright?Fay saw a pretty simple brooch with elegant phoenix design and a red stone embedded in them. It is enchanted with the spell of fire shield on it. 1 platinum?Nevermind.Fay can see these magic crystals are carved to make it pleasing to the eyes. It's actually really wasteful. But the excess powder is probably recycled to use for various other products.Fay finally sees a really nice brooch with a small red crystal on it. The red crystal is carved to have a gem shape on it.It is enchanted with minor protection spell. And it's also a one-use item of 70 gold coins.Fay went to show Alaistar to show him his choice and he thinks it's too cheap. But he kept his complain. Lisa got herself an ear cuff with hearing enhancement enchantment. Amber got herself a ring with fire starter enchantment.The enchanted items allow the user to use specific spells enchanted into it until the mana inside the magic crystals is all used up.Alaistar pay with platinum coins with zero hesitation.He also picked up a simple necklace with a visibly glowing gem on it. It is enchanted with a 'Calming' spell. Mind magic is rare, and whoever it is that can use the spell, they enchanted this item.Everyone thanked the prince profusely.Just as they were about to say their farewell, Alaistar called out to Fay and handed him a box.Alaistar felt a bit nervous for some reason. He had to swallow his saliva."Here. My gift for you".'Your highness... I already have a brooch here.'. Fay fidgets his fingers."It's from me, just for you". He placed one of his hands behind his neck out of nervousness. He had never had a crush on someone before he didn't know how to approach this.Fay reluctantly takes it from his hand."Open it".Fay opened the box. A very beautiful elegant necklace with a white gem that seems to slightly glow is in it.'It has a rare mind magic enchantment to it. If you get scared of beasts you can use it, or if you need to sleep well, I mean, I know you can fight monsters just in case'.He doesn't even know what he's blabbering to Fay. He had never lost composure like this.Fay can see he seems to want him to have it. Fay smiled and appreciated the gesture."Thank you, your highness".The bright magic lamp illuminates the pretty and perfectly cute face. His sapphire eyes reflect the light, causing it to have a glint on it. And the cute smile with a hint of dimple on one side."Beautiful...".Badump. Badump.The prince doesn't realise it. But he had a genuine smile on him that accentuates his already unnatural handsomeness. Passersby who had seen it would fall for a second, both men and women.Fay, is without exception.Even his heart had paused for a moment, seeing the prince give him a genuine smile.He had to look away from the locking gaze to each other. He didn't know it was possible to feel attraction to someone this fast; other than Wain.He still accepts the necklace. He's not sure if he should tell him he already has a boyfriend. But, would it be too rude to mention it out of nowhere? The prince never said he liked him. It's offensive to assume someone likes you for no reason. What if he just thinks of him as a friend and gives the gift to him and out of nowhere, he mentions his boyfriend?Alaistar of course likes Fay. But he's aware of his current status, he never planned to court him. He had given up most of his own feelings the moment Fay told him he's a man. His gender is already a problem. And his status as an adventurer is also a problem. Unless he defends the kingdom from Mithril or adamantite level beasts or participates in war and gets knighted. But even then, the status is still too low.Unless, it's just to be his 'mistress'.He thinks about it seriously. But to ask someone to be his mistress sounds like asking them to be a plaything.He's not sure if that would offend him....Wait, Why did he have to make it so complicated? It doesn't have to! Alaistar gritted his teeth and took a deep breath."Fay...". Alaistar mustered his courage.Fuck it. We ball!"Would you like to go out with me?".Fay is surprised at this sudden confession.He fidgets his fingers. Amber and Lisa had their mouths open in shock."Your highness... I am sorry, I already have a boyfriend".Alaistar had his heart broken in an instant. Why did he assume he's single anyway? With his pretty face he is sure he had many eyeing him."Oh...".Fay still smiled, feeling a bit happy because the handsome prince asked him out. It's flattering."I am sure your highness will find someone worthy of your position someday".'Thank you for your encouragement'. He smiled at Fay, but he is heartbroken."It's already late it seems. Farewell then".They walk in the opposite direction, finally walking their own lane....