After Amber and I finished eating at a restaurant I'd never heard of, we started walking toward her place.
The food had been incredible. Sure, I expected it to taste good—this world was too vivid and "real" for bland meals—but I hadn't expected that level of flavor.
"Thanks again for the meal, Amber," I said.
She looked over at me with a smile as we continued walking.
Yeah… this city was way bigger than the game version.
If it were the same size as in-game, we would've circled the entire place two or three times by now.
"I'm glad you liked it," she said. "It's not a fancy place, but the food's really well-loved."
After a bit more walking, we finally reached what I assumed was her home. Amber unlocked the door and stepped inside, and I followed.
Her house was… surprisingly large.
The exterior walls were stone for the first forty centimeters or so, then a band of wood, and above that a plaster-like material all the way up to the roof. Inside, the walls were brick.
The furniture and decorations made it obvious that whoever lived here—whether it was one person or more—had a good sense of style.
"And this is my home," Amber said proudly.
While I was mentally noting everything, Amber took me around the house, room by room.
There was one door she didn't open. I didn't ask. I didn't need to.
Eventually, she showed me the guest room—which, for now, was going to be where I stayed.
"I hope it's not a problem, Kane. There's no bed in here… you'll have to sleep on the couch for now."
A couch, huh?
Could be worse. Much worse.
Definitely better than sleeping on the streets.
"No, no—it's great. Really."
Amber forced a small smile, like she wasn't sure whether I was being honest or just trying to be polite.
"If you say so, then alright. Oh, and if you get hungry at night, feel free to make something in the kitchen."
Late-night snacking? My specialty.
"Got it, thanks again."
She smiled again—seriously, did her face never get tired?
"You're welcome. I'm heading to bed now. I have to wake up early tomorrow. …Good night, Kane."
It was only around seven or eight PM. I guessed.
But if she woke up early for her duties, then going to bed now made sense.
Not that it was any of my business.
"Good night, Amber."
She turned and headed to her room.
For a moment, I thought her ears looked a little pink.
Probably my imagination… or maybe not.
Now then…
My stomach was full.
I had a place to sleep.
So… what exactly was I supposed to do?
"I guess I'll head to my room," I muttered.
Yeah, that was the most logical thing.
I stepped inside and let myself fall onto the couch.