Muggler-kun, also known as Treize, prepared some clothes for me. So, of course, I have no choice but to go.
"Urgh..."
In the storage room at the bottom of the stairs in the annex, the hidden passageway at the back here is the biggest challenge. Pulling the golden knob makes it pitch dark. I can't see anything ahead, and it feels like it could go on forever... What if I see a ghost on the way? There's no ghost there usually, but maybe there is one today.
"Scary..."
But... but this is the path used by the hero in the game to infiltrate my home, so it must definitely lead outside. I did it in the game! In my past life! During lunchtime!
My legs won't move at all, but I have to go. Treize worked hard to prepare my clothes... He must be waiting outside again.
"Let's go." I said to myself.
I was scared, so I left the door to the storage room open and walked slowly, putting my hands on the wall. When I walked a little way and looked back, I realized that the storeroom was farther away than I thought, and I was shocked.
"A corner..."
The secret passage is a bit winding, so there are corners. I'm always afraid to turn here, so I close my eyes tightly and flap my hands around to make sure I've made it to the end of the turn.
When I opened my eyes slightly, everything around me is pitch black.
I immediately close my eyes and dashed straight ahead to the ladder. As I run, trying not to look at anything, I hear the sound of pattering footsteps.
(It's just the sound of me running...!)
There's no one else but me...! I try so hard to believe that everything's okay, but what if I'm wrong...? What if there's someone else here...?
"Waah! I'm so scared...! Ah!"
I let out a cry and, in a panic, ran straight into a wooden door with a thud. I quickly open it and shut it behind me. In the dimly lit small room, I climb the ladder, sniffling as I go. I push the ceiling panel and find myself under the desk in the church.
"Urghhh... sniff, ugh... sniff..."
Every time. Every single time. Why didn't I turn on the light...?
This is my third time here, and I thought the same thing each time.
I walk slowly and open the church's entrance door to the bright daylight outside.
And there, in the light...
"Treize-kun!"
"Oh, you made it."
He was here! I'm so happy!
I let my emotions take over and tightly hugged Treize-kun.
"This is amazing! We always run into each other by coincidence!"
"Yeah, and you're always crying when you do."
"Hehe."
Treize-kun wipes the tears off my cheeks, which makes me feel a bit embarrassed. But it can't be helped. That hidden passageway is scary. But once I'm outside, the tears stop!
As I smile brightly, Treize-kun shows me a gray outfit he had set aside.
"Time to change, right? Here, take this."
"It's the disguise!"
"Yep, you need to be in disguise. Let's go back into the church and change."
"Okay!"
I'm excited!
Changing clothes in the church with Treize-kun. I spread my arms wide, ready for him to help. He looked at me and smiled with amusement.
"Still can't get dressed by yourself, huh?"
"Yup."
"Sigh, alright, just wait a second. Huh? How does this thing even work...?"
He grumbles while helping me out. He's really such a good person! Now that I think about it, he seems to be taking care of the kids in the slums too. It was really impressive how they all listened to him.
"Is Treize-kun like a big brother to everyone?"
"Huh? Oh, well, the boss gives me jobs. Right now, I'm in charge of looking after the kids and keeping an eye on things."
Wow. Treize is only around 10 years old, and he's already so responsible! When I was 17 in my previous life, I found even part-time jobs to be a hassle.
I must have looked really amazed because my mouth fell open, and Treize-kun noticed and laughed.
"What's with that face?"
"Well, it's just that you're still a kid too, but you're already so responsible!"
"...I've got goals to work towards. Alright, raise your arms."
He slipped on the gray outfit over my shirt and pants, then pulled the hood of the robe over my head like a hoodie, tying it snugly under my chin. Done!
Treize took a step back, looked me over thoroughly, and nodded in approval.
"Your face is hidden. Good."
"Really? Thanks, Treize-kun!"
"Yeah. I'll hide your other clothes under the chair. Hey, something's been bugging me—why do you keep adding 'kun' to my name? You used to just call me Treize."
"...Oh, you're right."
We both tilted our heads, wondering why. Hmm...
"Oh, I think it's because 'Muggler-kun' and 'Treize' got mixed together, so now you're 'Treize-kun.'"
"A leftover from 'Muggler-kun,' huh?"
"Is 'Treize-kun' okay?"
"Ugh... Yeah, it's fine."
"Yay! Thanks, Treize-kun!"
Treize-kun let out a sigh and extended his hand. I wasn't sure why, but I grabbed it. That seemed to be the right move, and we held hands as we stepped outside the church.
"Today's just a 'trial.' We can't stay out too late, or your folks will start worrying. We'll head back after a quick look around the town."
"Okay!"
As Treize-kun said, this was supposed to be my nap time. Kitty and the other maids probably thought I was asleep in my room, but once they realize I'm not there, they'll start to worry.
The church stood between the town and the forest, leaning more toward the forest side. There was a path, but no one seemed to walk on it. Maybe people didn't even know this church was here.
"Sometimes monsters show up in the forest. Don't walk around alone."
"Mo- monsters..."
The "me" from my previous life used to defeat them in the game without hesitation, but since I was born, I haven't seen a single one... Just hearing about monsters now makes me feel scared.
I squeezed Treize-kun's hand tightly. He noticed and gently patted my head.
"They're not that strong around here, but just in case. If I didn't have my current job, I might've ended up hunting monsters around here for a living. Maybe even become an adventurer someday."
He laughed, but adventurers get hurt all the time. It's dangerous. He might... he might even die.
"N-no way! It's too dangerous! If you don't have a job, I'll hire you! You can't do anything dangerous!"
"...Alright, I won't become an adventurer. If I run out of money, I'll get a job from you, Fran."
When I imagined Treize-kun getting hurt, tears welled up in my eyes. Noticing this, he picked me up and carried me.
After that, we just took a quick look at the edge of town and then returned.
The town was bustling with people, and I could see how prosperous it was. There were also people who looked like demi-humans, and seeing them for the first time, I excitedly reported it to Treize-kun.
Back at the church, it was time to change clothes again.
"Alright, you're back to normal."
"Yeah! Thanks!"
"Yeah... Well, see ya."
"See you later!"
Treize-kun patted my head and walked out of the church. His figure from behind looked pretty cool.
(Today was fun!)
...Now, I have to go back through that terrifying path again. ...I- I need to get pumped up!