Chapter 1082 - A Brief Moment
In a hospital, being quiet is common sense. However, this was a Special Private Patient Room... a Grand Floor. It was soundproofed and located far from the general wards. I could probably make a lot of noise and get away with it, while any noise from outside was completely blocked out. When I was first shown in, my reaction of Wait, is this a hotel? was perfectly normal.
It wasn't even strictly white; the large room was decorated in chic colors. Aside from the unfamiliar equipment and monitors, it didn't feel like a hospital room at all. I vowed never to ask about the cost of staying here.
I had this room all to myself... or rather, it was a private room, so that's expected. Despite waiting for my test results, I was actually full of energy, so I naturally wanted to spend my time however I pleased. That's just the mindset of a normal college guy.
But my permanent watchdog was Alicia White herself. I knew that despite her cool and quiet exterior, she wasn't actually speechless... but...
"..."
I couldn't even imagine having a loud, casual conversation with this Princess. So, for the past three days, the room had been filled with a polite silence.
If I had a game controller or a sword in my hand, it would be different, but Ashe usually didn't get high-strung or excited in daily life. She was impressively consistent with her character. Even when she temporarily let go of her duties and had free time, what she picked up was...
"...Mh?"
In her hands, which were even more beautiful than white lilies, was a book with a plain, stiff cover. In her hands, it somehow looked incredibly sophisticated. She sat quietly in a chair with the closed curtains as her backdrop. She was a fantasy-like beauty, her white hair shimmering in the slivers of sunlight that peeked through the fabric. Her garnet eyes also shone.
"What is it?"
She looked up from her book and brushed a strand of hair from her face. She noticed I was staring and tilted her head.
"...Do you have any experience as a model for a painting? In Rome or somewhere?"
"...Hehe, I've heard that one too many times."
I used a joke to cover my tracks, but she had a smile that made me feel like I was losing my mind. It was so beautiful it didn't feel real. I've said I was bored for the past three days, but to be honest, I wasn't bored at all. I could spend forever just watching Ashe be bored... No, that might be an exaggeration. Actually, if someone told me to do it, I probably could.
"Mm... Want me to entertain you?"
"No, it's fine. Enjoy your peaceful reading time."
And so, we continued. While we were alone, the room was mostly quiet. Ashe spent her time reading her stories, and I spent mine reading her blank expressions...
"..."
And sometimes, we closed the distance.
She was likely being careful to maintain some balance. Ashe didn't hesitate to take the initiative, but she seemed to adjust how far she stepped in. She stood up from her chair and moved to the bed. Specifically, to the side where I was lying down, bored.
It was an easy capture. The prey had no intention of escaping. She sat on the edge of the bed, her back to me, the white waterfall of her hair filling my vision. She didn't turn around, but I felt the heat from the hand she reached out to join with mine. It was a faint touch, one that Sora or Nia would probably only give a slight glare if they saw it. Whether we laced our fingers together depended on our mood.
By the way...
"Ashe."
"Mh..."
"What are you reading today?"
"Mh."
The title of the book hidden under that stiff, boring cover was...
"[Inter-World Mixer - Falling in Love with My Cosplaying Sister Who Sneaked into Beast-Ear Heaven -]"
It was this. I wanted to keep that a secret from the world.
"Your tastes are way too varied."
"It's surprisingly interesting. The writing and the pure love theme don't match the silly title at all."
"Oh... I see..."
"The sister wants to be an Anthrope. The rival heroine is actually a beastman cosplaying as a human because she admires humans. The twist in the second half is simple but well-written."
"It's kind of annoying that it actually sounds interesting, so please stop."
This side of her was also incredibly cute. How could it be anything else?
Tap, tap, tap.
A sound echoed in the quiet room. Three soft but clear knocks at the door.
"Mh, I'll get it."
"Yeah, please."
Ashe stood up from the bed and walked toward the door. Her hair and eyes were as they were; she hadn't used her bracelet to change her appearance. I didn't worry about it either. Ashe opened the door without hesitation. Anyone else seeing her true face would have caused an uproar, but she didn't care.
"...Hello there. Good day to you."
"Mh, good work."
A man in a white coat was standing there. He was in his early forties and looked thin. He looked a bit tired, which gave him a slightly downer vibe. He was a tall, dark-haired Japanese man with dark eyes. He didn't look like a very reliable doctor.
However, he didn't seem fazed at all by the Princess of the virtual world standing in front of him. In fact, they spoke to each other like old friends.
"Hello, Kasuga-kun. How are you feeling today?"
He leaned to the side to look past Ashe and gave me a playful wave. I gave a wry smile, thinking he really didn't look the part of a doctor.
"I'm in top shape, Sensei."
"That's good to hear."
I waved back, and Sensei... also known as Tominari Komei, a former neurosurgeon... gave a lazy grin. Then he added,
"Sorry to keep you waiting. I brought all the test results with me."
He held up a thick file.