Huff... huff...
I was running in the dimly lit streets before sunrise...
The lake was extremely cold after the snowfall, and the breath exhaled formed distinct white smoke.
In this awful weather, I'm probably the only "freak" who would be out for a morning run.
Although the snow on the streets is cleared from time to time, it still makes a rustling sound when you step on it and leaves a comfortable feeling under your feet.
Back at the hotel, I would massage the muscles in my legs for a long time; otherwise, they would hurt terribly when I woke up the next day.
While the "Azure Crown" can be used to relieve muscle soreness, it does not provide any exercise benefits.
"Next up, one hundred push-ups..."
Simply exercising your legs isn't enough; you can't neglect arm strength either. That's what's called muscle balance...
After I've prepared everything, I'll take a nice hot shower, put on a thick coat, and head to the Adventurers' Guild.
"Pro!"
Just then, I saw Pro and his group. They had just come out of the guild, and judging from their posture, they were clearly heading out to carry out a quest...
"Leon! Good morning!"
Pro responded to me with a friendly smile. Having been in the Adventurers' Guild for a long time, he was adept at interpersonal relationships and was naturally quite good.
"Um……"
Beside him was...
"Lia..."
The moment she saw me, her face tightened, and the message of keeping me at arm's length was written all over her face—it couldn't be clearer…
What are you looking at...?
"No...it's nothing..."
My relationship with Lia remains unchanged. Ever since Martha brought me to the guild, she has disliked me and speaks to me in this tone.
They see me as a rival in love, don't they? That's the feeling...
"Shall we go and carry out the commission?"
"Yes, would you like to come along?"
"Well……"
I thought about it for a long time. The Taralu bear incident made me realize that one person's strength is ultimately limited. It's simply not worth risking your life for a higher reward.
It was fate that I joined Pro's team. Although I initially refused to join, I helped Pro quite a few times as a temporary member.
"You're always like this... If you don't want to come, you can just refuse. We weren't expecting you to come anyway!"
Leah is always like this; the things she says are really unpleasant to hear...
Compared to the beginning, it's much better now; I don't feel that prickly feeling anymore.
However, it can't be said that they are particularly close.
never mind……
I don't necessarily expect her to have feelings for me...
"Fine! I want to take the day off today..."
Although I really wanted to join Pro and the others, Lia's attitude really didn't interest me much; I'm just a kid.
Why argue with a child...
Besides, I really don't plan to take the case. I promised Lilith I'd treat her to drinks yesterday, since she saved me, and I can't go back on my word.
Although I know Lilith might have been joking, breaking a promise will ultimately make one disliked by others.
Leah glared at me, muttered something, and left...
"Women are such a hassle!"
This doesn't refer to all women, but Leah's attitude certainly doesn't make people happy.
As soon as I entered the guild, everyone's eyes turned to me.
"Hey, hey... is that Leon?"
"I heard he single-handedly took on the entire Tara Road bear pack yesterday..."
"That's amazing... even though he's just a child..."
"He's always been alone, shouldn't we let him join our team...?"
"Stop messing around... Don't embarrass yourself by bringing up your D-rank squad..."
People around were talking about it, but...
I don't like being stared at. I thought I had overcome it when I was at home, but it seems I still couldn't let go of it.
"What does it matter to him? If it weren't for Lilith... he would have been dead long ago..."
"A brat is a brat..."
...
There was also some dissatisfaction with me mixed in...
Although what they said was true, it wasn't a pleasant statement to hear.
I can only ignore these words. Once you become famous, you will attract attention from others, whether you like it or not.
When I got to the counter, I ordered four hot beers and peanuts, plus two servings of fried rice, which was about all I needed.
The corner seat was still reserved for me...
It's fair to say that wherever I go, everyone's eyes are fixed on me, and I hate that feeling...
Sitting in the corner, I didn't want to pay attention to them. Anyway, I would be leaving Huxindu in another six months, so it didn't matter anymore.
Waaah...
The heavy door was suddenly pushed open, and there was Lilith!
...
I don't think Lilith dislikes this feeling. She still barges into the guild with a carefree attitude, and everyone's eyes are always drawn to her, always on something interesting.
But Lilith acted as if she hadn't seen me and walked straight towards me...
"Hey! Leon, you brat! You treat someone to drinks and all you get is fried rice?"
She started complaining before she even sat down, which is typical of her personality.
"There's wine here..."
I spoke very softly, not because I was unhappy, but because all the bad things in my heart were mixed up and messy.
"Alright, alright! I'll do as you say!"
She sat across from me with her left foot on the stool, looking like an old man. I'm used to it. But isn't she worried about exposing herself?
I drank heavily, my thoughts not on her, even though I knew it was impolite, since I was the one who invited her for drinks.
But for some reason, ever since the Talaloo bear incident, I've become strange. Am I really the kind of person who can't survive without relying on others?
I don't know, but after a sip of hot beer, I felt much better...
"Bad mood?"
Lilith seemed to see right through me; perhaps it's just that orcs have a very sharp intuition...
I guess so, I think it's mostly written on their faces...
I didn't answer Lilith. I knew that she, who was always so carefree, wouldn't understand my feelings at that moment—they were chaotic and incomprehensible even to myself.
Was it because of Leah? Or because of the stares and whispers?
I'm easily swayed by my emotions...
"Kid! Don't worry about what others think. Just do what you believe is right, isn't that enough?"
Lilith raised her glass to clink with mine, and spoke so gently, it didn't sound like something she would normally say!
Glug... Glug...
I downed almost the entire glass, feeling as if the alcohol would wash away all my chaotic emotions.
"Lilith... I'm sorry... I promised to treat you to a drink... but I..."
I always feel lonely; I do everything alone.
But……
Wasn't this my own choice?
If that's the case, what is there to complain about...?
"Kid! You'll get drunk easily if you drink like that!"
Yeah, this is the first time I've ever drunk like this, even though I've only just learned how to drink...
I downed almost another glass of wine; only then did I feel any better…
I could feel the alcohol kicking in, and my head was starting to spin...
The person in front of me is becoming blurry...
Who is it? Lilith? Sylvie?
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