043: Chapter 3 ~ One person's outing ①

May 20, 2021 - 3 minutes read - 630 words

One Hour Later

Charlotte has gotten ready and is standing by the front door. Her hair has been disguised to a black color and she’s carrying a small basket. She’s wearing the hair accessory Allen had picked out for her earlier.

However, her face is very nervous. She looks into the mirror and carefully checks her appearance.

“Well, I’m ready… Is it safe for me to go out?” Charlotte

“Of course it’s fine. Please rest assured that nobody will discover your identity, only I could see through the spell.” Allen

“If Allen says so…” Charlotte laughs softly.

She takes a firm step out of the door. She looks down the narrow path leading from the mansion to the city.

Charlotte takes one last look back at Allen with a tense-ish expression.

“Then… I’m off. I’ll be back before sunset.” Charlotte

“Oh, if you can. Pick up some ingredients for supper.” Allen

“Okay!” Charlotte

Charlotte bows her head then walks slowly and carefully down the path. She looks a bit uneasy, but committed to her path.

Thanks to the sun illuminating the scenery, it looked like a beautiful painting. Because of that, Allen rubs the corners of his eyes.

“Sniff… She was a doll-like girl with no confidence until recently… Before I knew it, she’s striking out on her own two feet!” Allen

“What are you starinyaa at? And those feelings?” Myaha

“It’s pretty unpleasant.” Erika

The previously hidden Erika and Myaha appear with cold looks. Allen refuses to respond to their provocations and is satisfied with watching Charlotte’s back leaving. He’s happy that she was able to leave.

But… it’s hard to keep an eye on her from here. Allen gazes to where Charlotte is heading…

“Now, the mission has begun! I’ll do anything that is needed to support Charlotte from the shadows!” Allen

“If you find a part-time job as well, Myaha can’t complainyaa.” Myaha

“Oh, you could pick up souvenirs for dad and mom.” Erika

Thus, Allen heads triumphantly towards the city after his companion. Secretly. He’s being very careful to not let Charlotte notice him.

Even today, the city is busy. It was a bit cloudy in the morning, but it all cleared up by noon, so it was a perfect shopping day. Charlotte arrives at the crowded boulevard and sighs.

“Wow… I really traveled by myself.” Charlotte

It was only a small journey of 20 minutes on foot from the mansion, but it was a significant journey to her. Charlotte vaguely observes the boulevard for a little while, but soon hits her fist into her palm.

“Ok, let’s start here. I’m going to do my best!” Charlotte

She takes a small map from her basket, gets her bearings and starts down the main street. Allen watches all of this from behind a nearby building.

“Brilliant! Great, Charlotte! Just like I told you, use the map to plan your movements! You’re making me proud…” Allen

Before Charlotte left, Allen gave her a few pointers.

Remember to consult the map
Don’t follow strangers
When in doubt, ask a trustworthy person for directions
etc.

Charlotte looks to be remembering the suggestions. Even if a barker mentions her, she just bows her head and refuses. So far, her first outing is going well.

Allen is getting more and more fired up. It’s like he’s watching the moment when a child stands up for the first time. Obviously, Allen hasn’t raised any children.

While Allen has his moment, Erika and Myaha josh with each other.

“Hey, donyaa think is really overblown?” Myaha

“Did my brother become a father?” Erika

“No, but he seems to be pretenyaa to be…” Myaha

“Yes… He’s hopeless…” Erika

“You two! Stop being so noisy!” Allen

Allen whispered to the two so Charlotte wouldn’t notice her shadows.