“Alright, after careful consideration, I’ve narrowed it down to three books. I won’t repeat the same mistake I made when we left.”

“That’s great…”

After ruminating for about an hour in the bookstore, Geo’s shopping finally came to an end.

True to his previous statement, Geo stuffed all the thick books into his bag while also carrying Lithia’s bag in his other hand to ensure she wasn’t burdened in the slightest.

“…Are you okay? It looks heavy.”

“When I worked at a merchant, I carried this much every day. It isn’t any trouble.”

Lithia’s heart fluttered at his subtle manliness. The anticipation in her heart, that had been swept away by disappointment after the bookstore incident, began to rise once again.

She smiled wryly—how can I be this easy?

“Besides, I want Lithia to preserve her strength because we’ll need it later.”

“Hm?”

“While I did say that I wouldn’t burden you, I want you to do various things, too.”

“Come again…?”

A tsunami suddenly crashed on the calm sea that was her heart!

“Uhm, aren’t we finished here? Isn’t it about time for us to return to the Magical Stone Express?”

“No? If anything, we’re just about to get to the main issue at hand. No way, did you honestly think I just wanted to go to a bookstore?”

“Eh, uhm, until just now, definitely.”

…But certainly, Geo never said that a bookstore was the only place he’d stop by. When they went to the bookstore, Lithia had felt rejected. After all, despite his suggestive proposal, nothing happened.

“I’m sorry, Lithia, it seems that my explanation was lacking. But if Lithia isn’t willing, I won’t rush you. Let’s set it aside and return to the train.”

“Wait! I merely misunderstood! I got off the train fully knowing the implications!”

Lithia rushed to stop Geo who was about to turn around and head for the Magical Stone Express.

“Are you sure? Don’t do it for my sake. Lithia has to wish for it, as well. I don’t want to force you.”

“No, I’m not being forced at all. L-like I said on the train, I don’t dislike anything that Geo does!”

“Lithia—!”

Geo, beaming with joy, spread his arms while holding the bags. However, suddenly recalling something, he put them down.

“That was close. If my hands weren’t full, I’d have hugged you. I have to be mindful of being seen, and also of the time and place…”

“R-right, we have to watch out for that…”

In truth, even if he had dropped the bags and pulled her into an embrace, Lithia wouldn’t have done anything. In fact, if not for his words, she’d have forgotten that they were in public—and not to mention, in the middle of the afternoon.

That’s right, I have to be mindful in public, and think about the time and place…

Besides, there’s no need to rush, we still have plenty of time…

“Anyway, let’s head to the next store before it gets dark. I remember seeing a certain signboard not far from the bookstore.”

All of the sudden, Geo was full of energy. As she stood next to him, Lithia awkwardly fixed her hair.

Even though there was no rush, she said something embarrassing just now. She was worried of coming off as being improper.

“Over there. Let’s go, Lithia.”

“Okay.”

She didn’t realize there was an inn near the bookstore. An hour ago, when she restlessly alighted from the train, Geo suddenly pointed at something while saying, ‘I’m glad we found it right away!’ However, upon seeing that it was a bookstore, Lithia had to quell the raging storm in her heart. At that time, paying attention to her surroundings was the last thing on her mind.

“I didn’t know. To think that one is so close… by…”

Has she properly paid attention; she’d have noticed that going to a bookstore wasn’t the only thing in Geo’s mind. Rather, that bookstore might have been a set up for the actual performance. Lithia, who’d been chasing after Geo, froze after seeing the signboard hanging directly above her.

“—Amazing! The wall is covered with ribbons! You can choose as many as you want!”

He was, in fact, just looking at a certain shop right next to the bookstore.

“I, I see, yay…”

The signboard of the store that Geo rushed into had the words, “General Store” coupled with pictures of cute trinkets and accessories.

---

***T/N: Bro, BRO!!!! dON’T CONFUSE ME LIKE THIS!!! ///drops the R-18 tag

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