Point of View: Aliyah

Smile, smile, smile... I must not let anyone see that I look like a fool.

I can let Fir come and rescue Yaling without complaining, and I can even ignore the ambiguous relationship between Oyado and Chunbai. But that guy completely ignoring me since I arrived is crossing the line, isn't it?

He plans things without consulting me, decides what others should do on his own. What on earth is he thinking?

He seems too concerned about this world, yet at times, he acts so carefree.

Such an enigmatic person!

I absentmindedly looked up at the sky while eating the fried noodles I bought from a nearby restaurant, lost in thought.

Why am I following this guy? Is it because he gives me a unique feeling?

Maybe I'm just paying attention to him because he's the first person I met in this world who isn't an NPC.

If that's the case, then am I just being stupid?

"Aliyah, your noodles are all falling onto the table."

"Really? I'm sorry."

Upon hearing Loyce's reminder, I quickly put down the noodles that were hanging in mid-air.

"What's wrong, Aliyah? You said you wanted to have a late-night snack, but you seem uninterested."

Ms. Mary asked with a smile.

"Are you jealous of Oyado, Chunbai, and Fir going to have fun?"

"Who's jealous? Just acting like a fool."

"Hehehe~ Although Fir is a blockhead, being continually attacked by them may just make him smoother, and he might roll away one day."

"Roll away if he wants to! It's none of my business!"

I slammed the chopsticks onto the table and stood up.

"I'm not in the mood to eat anymore. I'm going for a walk in the streets!"

"Wait, Aliyah!"

Loyce chased after me, but I ignored her and walked away quickly from them.

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"Aliyah, wait for me!"

Hearing the continuous shouts from behind, I stopped in my tracks.

Turning around, Loyce, who was panting heavily, ran up to me, wiping away sweat and gasping for breath.

"Aliyah, you have such good stamina..."

"It's quite surprising that your stamina, as a mercenary, is actually so poor."

"Hehehe, maybe it's because I haven't had much to do lately and ate too much."

Loyce cutely stuck her tongue out.

Looking at her expression, I couldn't help but size her up again.

Is she really a mercenary? Aside from slight muscles in her hands and waist, the rest of her looks fair and slender. I really can't imagine how she wields the large sword behind her.

Oh well, even I can use a large sword. There are many things in this world that don't make sense; I shouldn't dwell on it.

"Why did you follow me? Don't try to preach about love between girls to me, I don't understand and don't want to understand."

"Hahaha... You're right, understanding isn't that simple. But, Aliyah, you seem lonely. Even though everyone is together, you're lonely, Aliyah."

"Lonely... huh?"

I pondered for a moment and realized that she might be right.

Taishi Xi, Bai Yueguang, and Hei Luoli are always together. Although Ms. Mary doesn't usually talk, she occasionally chats with Dale. Oyado and Pure White never seem to tire of annoying Fir...

But I'm tired...

Really, ever since I left the academy and came to the Eastern Continent, without Princess Cher and Blanche to chat with, I feel completely isolated.

Even Fir ignores me...

I'm being ignored...

Always being ignored...

Why am I so tangled up about it? Why do I care about someone who clearly doesn't care about me...

"You're right, I really have nothing to do with this place."

"Huh?"

Looking at Loyce's puzzled expression, I smiled and opened my terminal.

I haven't really done much of the Thief occupation's main questline, and I have no idea how to progress the Dual Swordmaster occupation's main questline since leaving the academy.

Even after drinking that werewolf transformation potion, I got a werewolf side quest, but I never completed it.

But now I know where the orcs are, so if possible...

"Loyce, does your guild have any orc or elven members?"

"An orc or an elf? Let me think, there might be some in the Northern Branch, but only occasionally... Wait, wait, wait~ What are you planning?"

I nodded satisfiedly and grabbed Loyce, heading in the direction of the inn.

"We're going to have some fun, of course. It's been a while since you've taught the mercenaries in your mercenary group, hasn't it?"

"Yeah... but is that okay? Leaving Fir and the others behind?"

"Don't worry."

I turned and smiled, then lifted Loyce's chin.

"Those guys actually have an easier time when we're not around~ Or do you not want to take me there?"

"N-No, I definitely want to!"

Loyce nodded vigorously like a pecking chick.

"Then... let's go!"