Evolve (9)
"... What is this?"
Celestia spoke in a cold voice. When she first walked in, her expression was bright, but suddenly, she radiated a severe chill.
Celestia was staring at me and Licorice—or more precisely, at the tumbler between us. If her gaze had physical force, it would have pierced right through the tumbler.
'Is she angry because I used it without permission?'
I tried to guess what had made Celestia upset. Certainly, anyone would be displeased to see someone using their things without permission, especially if it wasn't even the owner doing it.
"Ah, sorry about this. There weren't any proper cups..."
As I tried to pull my hand back, signaling that maybe I should stop drinking, Licorice gripped my hand even tighter, as if it wasn't time yet.
She had regathered enough strength that she should have been able to hold and drink by herself, but she showed no sign of letting go. It felt as if my hand had become just a tumbler coaster for her use.
'Was she really that thirsty?'
The situation was a bit odd, but by now, trying to take the tumbler away felt awkward, so I gave up and let Licorice do as she wished. The time dragged on uncomfortably.
Gulp, gulp. Completely oblivious to my feelings, Licorice glanced at Celestia while draining the water in the tumbler. Whether it was because she had rehydrated or had rested well, the red tinge in her face looked much more lively. She sensually licked her moist lips with her tongue.
I stared blankly at the empty tumbler. It wasn't even mine, and she hadn't even drunk it neatly. Lip marks were all over it. I couldn't help but wear an apologetic expression.
"I'll wash this and return it to you... Celestia?"
"..."
Celestia didn't respond. It was as if she wasn't even aware I was speaking to her. I had thought her gaze was fixed on the tumbler, but now I realized it had actually been on Licorice all along.
Celestia asked in a low voice. Though she tried to sound calm, her displeasure was obvious.
"Why are you in Hyun-woo's room?"
"Because I slept here."
Licorice answered in my stead, stretching as if to suggest it was self-explanatory. The blanket that covered her fell to below her shoulders.
Even before, as she sat up, the blanket had ridden up to reveal her ankles, and now, with it falling lower, her light clothes exposed even her collarbone.
Celestia's eyebrow twitched.
"I wanted to sleep, Hyun-woo let me, and I slept here, in this bed. I've had a hard time lately, but thanks to him, I slept comfortably today."
When Licorice said this with a sly grin, I slapped my forehead. It wasn't a lie—but it wasn't exactly true, either. Anyone could easily misunderstand.
Whatever her intentions, Licorice was definitely saying these things on purpose. I could tell. Sensing that the atmosphere was getting weird, I knew I needed to calm things down.
I handed the tumbler to Celestia and said, "There were some circumstances, so she just slept here for today."
"What circumstances?"
"It's a bit difficult to explain right now..."
When I put on a troubled expression, Celestia pouted and glanced at my bed. Licorice boldly lifted her chin as if to say "take a good look if you want."
Celestia frowned briefly, then suddenly looked relieved.
"You didn't sleep in the same bed, did you?"
"What? Oh, right. I just dozed off on the chair."
"You must be tired, not being able to sleep properly because of an unexpected guest..."
It wasn't exactly an unwanted guest, but she did show up without warning, before I even got to reply to her message.
"It's just for a day."
I shrugged, adding that I hadn't been sleeping well lately anyway. I recover quickly, and since my monstrous healing had taken care of most of my injuries, even a quick nap was enough to satisfy my need for rest.
"I'm going to sleep here today too. And tomorrow. And the day after tomorrow."
"... Then where am I supposed to sleep?"
When Licorice's voice suddenly jumped in from the side, I couldn't help but make a dumbfounded face. Up until just now I thought she was joking, but this time I could sense her sincerity.
"So, am I supposed to have nightmares again? I didn't have nightmares last night because I slept here. I don't believe that's a coincidence. Don't you agree?"
"..."
I wanted to argue it was just a coincidence, but as I thought about it, maybe it wasn't.
The source of Licorice's nightmares was Lobelia. She was connected to something called the Holy Tree. In my room, there existed something of the same type, albeit at a different stage of growth.
Perhaps the sprout had kept her from having nightmares? That's what I thought. Up until now, she suffered nightmares, but after sleeping in my room, she was fine. That's a clear difference—if the environment had changed, that was it.
'And Licorice seemed to interact with the sprout before going to bed.'
Whether that was related to her nightmares or she was just playing around wasn't certain. But if the former was true, then when Licorice went back to her own room, she might start having nightmares again.
I knocked on the container holding the sprout and looked at it as if to ask if I was right. It only kept up a facade of innocence, quietly observing the situation.
"Then I'll hand this over. Take it with you."
"No can do. I never intended to separate from you in the first place. Who knows what might happen if you force us apart? Look—it's already about to go off the rails."
The sprout was preparing to throw a fit—silent but definite agitation. Somewhere a shrill "kyaaak!" seemed to echo: "Wanna see me throw a proper tantrum?"
That was the feeling I got from it.
Just the threat of what would happen if I handed it over was enough to give me a headache.
'It wouldn't still act like this when fully grown, would it?'
For now, I could brush off the sprout's behavior as childish, but if it kept this up even when it became that towering tree I saw in my vision, it would be a huge problem.
'Still, there's no reason to get angry, is there?'
It was a blurry line. No one's life was hanging in the balance. If I got upset just because things didn't go my way, how would I be any different from the sprout?
Words formed and unformed in my mouth. I had plenty to say but in the end, none of it became sound. Leaving the other issues aside, I had to ask, just in case.
"Was it you? Is it thanks to you that Licorice didn't have a nightmare?"
Again, the sprout just wagged a leaf. No thoughts were conveyed, so I couldn't know if that meant "yes" or "no."
"That's why I'm saying let's sleep together until the situation is sorted out... Well, if you say no, it can't be helped."
Licorice twirled the end of her hair. She kept glancing at me with that not-really-wanting-it look that made my heart soften. No, it had already softened. Maybe it was because I realized her circumstances were a lot like mine. I just couldn't be harsh toward her.
'I'll have to move to a bigger room or get another bed.'
It felt a bit awkward, but if it was Licorice, I didn't mind. When we were in the residential area, we sometimes worked overnight and ended up spending long nights together anyway.
In the end, just as I was about to say "Okay",
Celestia, who couldn't keep up with the flow, quickly interjected.
"Wait, wait a minute! What are you all talking about? Nightmares?"
"Ah."
Unconsciously, I glanced at Licorice. She shook her head—she didn't want me to tell yet.
'Hmm...'
It was awkward. Without explaining what kind of nightmares those were or why she was having them, we'd get nowhere.
As I agonized over how to explain, a thought suddenly occurred to me.
'... Why am I stuck between these two, suffering from the crack of dawn?'
Seriously. Why was I the one explaining, and why did I have to? I looked up at Celestia and Licorice.
Celestia was waiting for an explanation, and Licorice was lounging on my bed. Seeing me about to give in reassured her, and she seemed more comfortable. That made me stop hesitating.
"Licorice, since it can't be helped, I won't say no. But since you insisted on staying here, you explain things yourself."
"... Huh? Me?"
"Yes."
"Are you sure? Then she might misunderstand even more, you know?"
Licorice lifted the corners of her mouth as she shifted her gaze to Celestia. Almost instantly, Celestia's eyelids trembled in agitation.
Seeing signs that things might ignite again, I let out a deep sigh. I walked over to the bed, placed a hand on Licorice's shoulder, and met her eyes. At the suddenly shortened distance, she flinched and looked away.
"You slept well, so why the attitude?"
"..."
"Stop messing around and explain it properly. This "nightmare" thing isn't something to joke about. You decide how much, and in what way, to explain. Okay?"
"... Okay."
Licorice nodded. Though she didn't look pleased—her cheeks flushed, as if reluctant—she had agreed, so we wouldn't keep going in circles.
"Celestia, don't take it too hard. Things aren't settled yet, so it's awkward for us to explain. It's not like we're hiding things on purpose. When it's sorted out, we'll tell you everything, I promise."
"If that's the case..."
Celestia took a step back. To be honest, Celestia and Licorice were essentially in the same boat. There was nothing to hide from her.
I could explain if I wanted to, but it wasn't my place. Licorice, who'd been quietly suffering, had to be the one to decide.
I glanced at Licorice. She was now deep in thought, so much so that she didn't even notice her light shirt had slipped over her collarbone, revealing the round curve of her shoulder.
I wanted to snap a photo of her now and show it to her later. I could practically see her face flush bright red once she realized, then run around yelling, "Have you lost your mind?!"
I thought of teasing her, but knowing how she was about such things, I decided to let it go.
'She can handle herself.'
I wasn't responsible for looking after everything.
It wasn't the first time Licorice had subconsciously acted spoiled, but this was the first time she'd done it so overtly.
I was startled and slow to sort things out today. But given the circumstances, I felt I'd done my part.
"Well, I'll leave you two to talk. I've got things to do today."
Trailing off, I made a hasty exit from the room. Behind me, Celestia reached out, urgently calling my name, but I pretended not to hear and quickly walked away. The sprout also slipped out with me.
It was still my room, but it no longer felt like it. It had become a public resource. I'd expected this day to come eventually. It just happened to be today.
I wondered if the two were talking well, as I'd suggested. There was no sign of either chasing after me, but just in case, I picked up my pace. Right then, Nadia appeared around the corner with Carry in tow.
She was bouncing lightly as if her body had almost fully recovered. Carry was moving alongside her, supporting her just in case she tripped.
Nadia spotted me, and with excitement, waved her hand. Even her fluffy tail wagged back and forth. The combined energy of the two was so strong my whole body felt it.
Seeing them had a calming effect. Nothing could beat Nadia's tail for peace of mind.
"Hyun-woo! Are you ready? Today we—"
"Yeah. Today we're supposed to service the power loader. Let's talk on the way."
"Uh, huh? What happened? Why do you keep looking over your shoulder—eeek..."
Mid-sentence, Nadia suddenly squeaked, surprised. It was because I kept walking and picked her up over my shoulder.
I could sense her startled gaze, but that was it. She didn't struggle or ask to be put down. Maybe she had her own reasons and, as usual, quietly accepted it.
I didn't break my stride but called out the morning greeting I always used.
"All right, let's get started with today's work. Did you sleep well?"
"Yup! Of course!"
Nadia nodded. Or, to be precise, I felt her do so. She was signaling that she felt good. Even without her saying so, I already knew.
Her fluffy tail fur was glossier than the previous day. Yesterday it seemed a bit rough, but now it looked irresistibly soft. I almost wanted to bury my face in it. Rest was definitely the best cure for recovery.
"By the way, when are you going to put me down?"
"When we get there."
"I feel a bit embarrassed, like I'm being kidnapped..."
"It's fine. No one's around."
"That's not really the issue..."
Nadia muttered softly, but said no more. Instead, she wrapped her tail around my neck like a scarf and suddenly started sniffing, as if she was taking in my scent. I wondered if her sudden silence was out of concentration, not consideration.
Thinking maybe I smelled and should pause, Carry caught my attention. He paced in front of me, as if asking for some attention too.
「⸜(⌯'▾'⌯)⸜」
"If you keep moving without looking back, you're going to bump into something."
「ヽ(•̀ω•́ )ゝ」
Maybe trusting his collision sensors, Carry confidently indicated that wouldn't happen. Just then, the sprout that had been riding in my belt pouch suddenly jumped out and thumped Carry on the head.
「(☍д⁰)」
Suddenly hit, Carry's face fell into a pout as he pointed at the sprout with his robotic arms, tattling that it was the culprit.
"Please, get along..."
Despite my sighing plea, they ignored me. Whatever the reason for their constant bickering, a day when Carry and the sprout could get along seemed far off.
Soon I arrived at the Albatross's cargo bay. It was called a cargo bay, but it was really more of a maintenance area, since for smooth operations, the two sectors were combined.
Today, Nadia and I were going to fix the damaged power loader from our last battle, with Carry's help. It was so badly wrecked that it was almost a full rebuild rather than a simple modification.
Next to us, the multilegged tank sat in standby mode. It was almost as big as the power loader, but lately hasn't had a chance to perform. Most of our recent battles were aerial, led by the Albatross and Griffin.
One bay over, there was a small armed shuttle that Roxy had seized. Since it was military, it was better armed and armored than the one Celestia had brought from the residential area.
Wagging her tail against my cheek as if asking to be put down, Nadia went to fetch her tools for the job. As she did, she casually brought up something.
"So, why were those women—no, those two—in your room, Hyun-woo?"
It was such an unexpected question that I spluttered water everywhere. I thought she didn't know...
"You knew?"
I wiped my mouth with the towel Nadia handed me. I hadn't really hidden it, just hadn't told her yet. But now it felt like I had.
"It was obvious from the overwhelming smell."
"Ah."
I remembered Nadia falling silent earlier as she sniffed around. No wonder she got quiet. She'd figured it out right away.
Seeing my embarrassment, Nadia chortled.
"I was just teasing. I'm sure there was a reason. I'm curious, but I'm not going to pry. If it's something I need to know, I'm sure you'll tell me, right?"
"... Yeah. I only learned about it myself yesterday, so things aren't settled yet, but I'll tell you when they are."
"Okay, I'll wait."
Even after sharing our pasts and growing closer than when we were in the residential area, there was still some invisible distance between Nadia and me.
You couldn't see it, but it was definitely there. Still, it didn't make things uncomfortable. That gap wasn't about distance; it was a kind of space, a margin for possibility.
That was what I liked about it. Maybe that's why I found Nadia so reassuring, why her closeness never felt burdensome.
Just then, as Nadia giggled, she shifted to a worried expression.
"But are you sure it's fine to leave those two alone?"
"What do you mean?"
"Those two are in your room now, right?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"Hmm..."
When I made it clear I didn't understand, Nadia hesitated, mouthing words then giving up, and just grinned mischievously.
"Oh, never mind. They're adults. What's the worst that could happen? Let's do our own work."
Part of me worried if I should go back and check on them now, but Nadia dragged me off, so I couldn't.
'... It'll be fine.'
It was out of my hands now. I had told them to handle it, so whatever happened was my responsibility. Pushing aside my tangled thoughts, I stood before the ruthlessly dismembered power loader. It was time to really get started on repairs.
Before we began, Nadia struck a solemn pose with one foot on a supply box.
"Hyun-woo, I've realized something important."
"Oh? What's that?"
"What we need most right now. Firepower!"
"... Firepower?"
"Yeah, firepower! Overwhelming firepower to wipe out our enemies at once! You saw it, right? Those small missiles took out all the pureblood supremacist reinforcements in one shot!"
"..."
I was at a loss for words, watching Nadia pointing grandly into the distance. It seemed she'd gotten swept up in something weird.
Suddenly, I felt a strange sense of distance.