YLTESCIA: A Reincarnator's Tale in the Lands of Merusia (2)

Chapter 279: Brewing Anxiety (pt. II)

"Waah～! So beautiful! I especially like the lace. They're intricate and sophisticated but not too overwhelming." ［Iris］

"Right～? And look here, Iris, there are also different styles here." ［Violet］

"Mmn... I think I prefer this one the most. The color match's Mother's eyes." ［Iris］

Pages were flipped and words were read, soft giggles resounding in the air as two young ladies admired the pictures plastered neatly throughout the magazine. There were accessories, clothes, desserts, and many more. A full-color issue.

Yet despite the joy they felt, they couldn't help but glance at another figure who was uncharacteristically silent, barely touching her sweets. Her eyes were wandering off to a distance, the dull yet peaceful scenery reflected on them.

Of course, that figure was none other than Yuna. She is usually full of energy and enthusiasm, but after yesterday's events, she could barely form a smile, only sipping her tea in silence, her mind wandering to a far-off place, eyes void with color.

Well, who could blame the young lady? Even just yesterday, when Grey promised her he'll get into bed soon after, he was nowhere to be found, or rather, he didn't even get back home. Yuna was alone throughout the long and chilly night... yet again...

Their relationship has been harmonious for the past year with barely any fighting and arguments involved. Now that she's encountering them, she doesn't know what to do anymore, a little afraid to know the truth.

"Elder Sister Yuna, are you okay...? You've not been yourself lately..." ［Iris］

"Older Sister Yuna, if you have any problems, you can just talk to us. We may not be of help, but we can still listen." ［Violet］

The change in her was so obvious, even Violet and Iris couldn't help but notice. They were both worried, but with Yuna not talking to them, there was only little to nothing they could do, acting like little puppies looking at their owner with worried eyes.

"Fufufu. Thank you for worrying, you two, but It's nothing much, really. There's just a lot of things on my mind right now." ［Yuna］

"Really...? We can lend a listening ear if you want." ［Iris］

"Fufufu. You two really are the sweetest things." ［Yuna］

The young ladies tried to reach their hands out to Yuna, but rather than expressing her concerns, what they received were pinches to the cheeks, Yuna fawning over them with a bright smile on her face. A smile which wasn't the one they were used to.

Tap Tap Tap Tap

And just as the atmosphere turned heavy and awkward, a series of footsteps echoed from the hallways on the other side of the door. To the others, it was nothing special, but to Yuna, it was something she was too familiar with.

A trace of urgency on her face, Yuna quickly headed towards the door, a click, clack, and creak echoing the door as she opened it. As soon as she did, a familiar figure appeared before her, now covered in a little bit of dust and hair quite disheveled.

Yet despite seeing him, Yuna couldn't utter a single word. She could only stare at him in silence, figuring out what to say to him. Now, rather than excitement, her heart beat  in nervousness, a chilly darkness swallowing her from the inside.

"Umm, Yuna... Is something wrong...? You look a little pale..." ［Grey］

"A-Ah, no... Rather than that, why do you look so messy and dirty? Did you head inside a jungle or something?" ［Yuna］

"A jungle... Well, yeah, I guess you could say that..." ［Grey］

It wasn't just a jungle, it was deep, dark, and dangerous jungle which had thousands of Middle-Rank beasts and a number of High-Rank beasts ready to pounce at anyone who trespasses their territory. There were even a couple Calamity-Class ones.