It was a perfect day for a picnic, with the summer sun shining brightly overhead.
“Wow, what a beautiful place.”
“Gau!”
Charlotte let out a voice of awe, and Luu, beside her, looked just as delighted.
The place the three of them visited that day was an unnamed hill not far from the dungeon, the Toa Cavern.
A field of colorful flowers spread out before them, and butterflies flitted gently through the air.
There was not a single cloud floating in the deep blue sky, and the breeze was gentle.
The sunlight was strong, so Charlotte wore a straw hat. Her outfit was a white one-piece dress. Since there was no one else around, she didn’t need to dye her hair and the golden strands suited the look perfectly.
Charlotte stroked Luu's head and looked behind her.
"Thank you, Allen-san. For taking me to such a wonderful place... Allen-san?"
Charlotte's eyes widened in surprise.
A few meters away, Allen was standing frozen, his face buried in his hands. Hesitantly, Charlotte approached and called out to him.
"Um... what's wrong?"
“…Huh!?”
Allen jerked upright as if startled.
His eyes met Charlotte's at close range, and his heart leapt loudly.
Charlotte, oblivious to his inner panic, tilted her head slightly in concern.
“Are you okay, Allen-san? You don’t look so well…”
“Y-Yeah, I’m fine. Nothing to worry about.”
He waved his hand and gave an awkward smile.
But his eyes were bloodshot, and his face had a ghastly pallor. Even he had thought he looked like a corpse when he checked the mirror that morning.
Naturally, Charlotte wasn’t fooled.
She frowned and leaned in closer to examine his face.
“Could it be cold? Let me check your temperature… just for a moment.”
"Huh...!"
Charlotte gently touched Allen's forehead.
Warmth spread from her slender fingertips, and sweat burst from every pore of Allen’s body.
She was so close. Her eyes, sparkling like gemstones, were right there.
A sweet fragrance tickled his nose, and his head was filled with only one thought.
I love her.
“I-I’m totally fine! Just didn’t sleep well, that’s all!”
The words almost slipped out of his mouth, so he panicked and jumped back. He stammered an excuse to Charlotte, who was dumbfounded.
“Last night, I just had a bit of trouble sleeping… If I take a short nap, I think I’ll feel better.”
“Is that so…? Please don’t push yourself.”
“I’ll be fine. You go ahead and take a walk around with Luu.”
“…Alright. But if anything happens, call for me, okay? I’ll be nearby.”
“Gau!”
Charlotte, still looking worried, took Luu with her and walked off into the flower field.
She seemed very worried, but she was probably just trying to make sure Allen could get a good night's sleep. Her thoughtfulness had a terrible effect on his heart.
After they were far enough apart... Allen let out a big sigh and sat down on the spot.
“Nope… This is impossible. Way too much for me…”
All the confidence he had yesterday had vanished.
Allen was completely overwhelmed.