Second Lead Syndrome (1-187) | ✓

• 5 •

The symbol hovered slightly above Cecil's palm. It had reached its completion and Cecil was gazed at it, her clear onyx eyes gleaming with delight, her lips showing a soft smile.

[ Congratulations! You have completed an achievement "What Is Your Element?"! You have twenty-nine achievements remaining, and they will only reveal themselves once you have completed them! ]

[ If you complete all achievements, there will be a special reward given! Do work hard, Cecil Lan~ ]

[ Your element has been revealed, even if you can read it. Let me take the opportunity to announce it for you, it is-- ]

"Earth." Cecil interrupted the AI.

[ ...I shall take my leave then. ]

Cecil chuckled, her smile growing wider.

"I assume it's an element you like, missus?"

"Why, yes it is," Cecil responded softly, still feeling rather weak from the drink. "I'll head off now, thank you, owner."

"Anytime, gal."

Cecil slowly pushed herself up, feeling another wave of nausea hitting her. Fortunately, she did not gag this time. She dragged herself to the door, pushing it open. Inhaling a few breaths of fresh air, Cecil felt her head clearing up and felt a tiny bit better. The aftertaste was still there, but it was bearable.

It was almost close to sunset now.

Cecil knew she had to be home for dinner. They would no doubt panic if she wasn't anywhere in the mansion once dinner starts.

[ Alert! The postponed secret mission will begin now! Secret mission #1: It-- ]

[ ... ]

[ Secret mission #1 will be postponed once again... ]

"...?"

Cecil took her time to observe her surroundings. Any quick movements now would probably make her gag again.

There was nothing out of place.

"You are being really weird today, AI500."

[ I am not allowed to say anything. ]

"Yeah, whatever. I am not in the mood to find the trigger for the secret mission. I feel like shit, I just want to sleep."

[ ... ]

It was certainly a long, leisure walk home.

***

Cecil had an inkling as to why the tavern owner respects people who dares to drink Widerlich.

...I can't taste anything other than bitterness!

Having an extremely bitter taste along with any kind of texture is just sickening!

Cecil took another bite of her food, her face twisting and her parents took notice of her unusual reaction.

"Cecil, are you alright?" her mother's worried voice drifted by.

Everyone on the table slowed their movements, watching Cecil in concern.

Except one individual.

The current people sitting at the dining table were herself, her parents, Hana's parents, Hana and last but not least, Xue.