Ah, everything feels like a long dream.
How much time has it been since I've entered this world already?
How much have I been through...
How many relationships have I built?
To think all of them were with characters of a novel I read before dying.
The so called 'phobias' that each of us users have... it's linked to our past lives.
Still, a fear of being alone? Did I have some severe abandonment issues?
What could it be...
Hey, system... it's been a while since I've contacted it. Problems of this world should have been resolved by now, but I feel like there's more to uncover.
[Host, what is it?]
What is god hiding from me?
[...]
Playing dead? Fine, I'll have to find out myself...
Each user's past life, including mine, have already been revealed. Though something I find strange is... the heroine and the prince's past life... it's said that they met some strange doom.
If it's something that could wipe out all of humanity, it has to be dangerous.
That... might also reveal how we ended up here.
The book I read had an unfinished ending, and I'm meant to rewrite it. The previous world without me in it ended due to some unknown causes...
I have to stop it.
_____________________________________
"N/N~"
"Elise? What are you doing here?"
Currently, Elise, the supposed-to-be villainess, was clinging onto my side like a lovesick puppy.
"Lately, I feel like we haven't had much time together... and there are others to compete with now too,"
Noticing her pout, my expression softens. It's true, maybe I have been neglecting her.
"I'll make it up to you, Elise. Is there something you want?"
Perking up, a mischievous smirk crept onto her face. I've landed myself in trouble now, haven't I?
I soon found myself in the bustling marketplace again, dragged around by an excited Elise.
"N/N, this one suits you well... oh, but this one does too. You look perfect in everything!"
Phew, shopping is tiring after all.
I wasn't one with plenty of money or time, spending so much money shopping was something I never could've imagined doing.
"Elise, come to think of it... Even if you don't marry Prince Leonas, you'll still be inheriting the Duke's title, huh?"
Despite it not being mentioned much in the novel, Elise was an exceptional character. Just being overshadowed by the male and female leads, a gem diamonds just seemed average.
"That's right. Even inheriting the Duke's title, my family is dominant in the kingdom... it's definitely enough to support N/N for ten lifetimes!"
"You're so impressive, Elise... compared to me, I..."
Strange, I feel a pang of guilt in my heart.
It's always been Elise chasing after me, hasn't it? Yet... she's so exceptional, surely...
No, she won't leave me like that.
And yet, the fear of her ever abandoning me...
I felt a shiver up my spine. Ever since learning of my 'fear of being alone', I've become more paranoid.
Maybe my past self was onto something.
"N/N, are you okay?"
"Hm? I'm fine. I just need a break, I'm a little tired,"
"Do you want to head back already?"
"No, it's fine. Why don't you continue shopping first? I'll take a stroll, we can meet up again to have dinner,"
Saying this, I headed out of the store, leaving a slightly concerned Elsie behind.
I need to clear my head.
I think... it's time for a drink.
_____________________________________
It's been a while since I've been to a tavern.
My physical body may be underage, but my mental self... just a few sips wouldn't hurt.
Wearing a hood over my head to conceal my appearance, I went over to the counter.
"What would you like, Miss?"
"Recommend one for me, would you?"
Nodding, the bartender then went off to make the drink. As I waited, my gaze swept over the crowd.
All unfamiliar faces, ones I'd forget upon leaving this tavern.
"Drinking your sorrows away, eh?"
"God?"
Spotting the familiar figure sitting beside me, I tilted my head.
What was she doing here?
"Our last conversation has got you troubled, hm?"
Leaning closer, she propped an elbow on the table, leaning her face against her hand.
"Well, it's hard not to be weirded out by the thought of it... the users, the phobias and all... they sound so complicated,"
"Are they? Well, I suppose things are in a mess. The one responsible for it has already disappeared without a trace after all,"
"What? Weren't you the one who created this whole system?"
"That's true.. though it wasn't solely my idea, yknow? I'd much rather spend my time teasing cute girls~"
"..."
Taking my drink from the counter, I finish it in one big gulp.
"Hey, Y/N... do me a favour, will you?"
"Huh?"
"Try to remember it all..."
She stood up from her seat, just as my vision got blurry.
"Wait..."
I called out, as the hooded figure disappeared among the crowd.
What was that?
_____________________________________
"Geez, N/N! To think I found you passed out on the streets in the middle of nowhere!"
Being reprimanded by an angry Elise, I can only tuck my tail between my legs, drooping down as I listen to her scoldings.
I must've drunk too much and passed out while trying to make my way back...
I take a bite of the creamy stew, savouring the warm and salty brew, a feint scent of herbs in it.
"N/N, are you listening?"
"I'm sorry, Elise... I won't go wandering around so much anymore,"
"That and... please take care of yourself, I'm worried about you. For some reason, you keep ending up in trouble..."
Sighing, Elise finally calmed down.
"You seem troubled lately. I took you out today, not just to spend time with you, but to let you take a break,"
Elise's gaze carried only sincerity and concern, making me feel guilty. I'm hiding too many things from her...
Maybe it would be right to reveal a few things.
"To tell you the truth, something has been bothering me lately,"
"What is it? I'm quite capable too, I want you to rely on me!"
I furrowed my brows, placing my fork down.
"Elise, what if I told you I'm not actually... from here?"
__________________________________
Ah, that vacation was nice! Very much needed... I think I'm all motivated to continue writing again! I realised recently I haven't been focusing so much on the romance aspect, humans have been touching more on important plot points... so I've decided to slightly alter things!
A Christmas special chapter is currently in the makings too, so look forward to that!
Happy reading!
Your Author,
Baldie