novellhall Chapter 51 People of Today and People of the Past
Chapter 51 People of Today and People of the Past
After the tram passed a few stops, Miyazawa Itsuki arrived at his apartment.
He returned to his rented room, changed out of his uniform, and then went outside.
Silently waiting in the corridor.
It didn't take long.
A few minutes later, the sound of elevator doors opening could be heard in the distance.
A girl with long light chestnut hair appeared at the end of the corridor.
The girl walked with an elegant and graceful gait until she noticed Miyazawa Itsuki waiting in the corridor, at which point she unconsciously quickened her pace.
"I'm sorry to have kept Miyazawa-kun waiting."
Tsukimi Sakura looked apologetic.
"It's okay, I just arrived."
Miyazawa Itsuki shook his head.
As an unattached and marginalized individual, it was natural for him to rush home after school and arrive earlier than Her Highness the Saintess.
The fact that the other party returned so quickly was somewhat unexpected for Miyazawa Itsuki.
After all, given Tsukimi Sakura's popularity and personality, there are many people at school who harass her with all sorts of high-sounding reasons.
And she is also the saintly princess who "treats everyone with equal gentleness".
A beautiful girl with a gentle temperament and a kind personality.
You will often face many troubling requests that are hard to refuse.
For example, you could use a study-related excuse to ask a question, or ask the other person for a small, easy favor that will take up some time. This is an attempt to build rapport.
Miyazawa Itsuki had witnessed this tactic many times in the past.
It wasn't just me who encountered it, but also people I knew.
However, that child wasn't as easy to talk to as Tsukimi Sakura.
If you delay her time after school, that child will really throw a tantrum.
"Miyazawa-kun".
Tsukimi Sakuna looked at him with her amber eyes.
"Um?"
"Is your injury better?"
"Thank you for your concern. After resting for most of the day, I'm basically fine now."
"Is it okay if I ask for leave for Miyazawa-kun?"
"Of course not, don't worry, the work at the store doesn't require a lot of physical activity," Miyazawa Itsuki said.
"Besides, if I don't go today, won't Tsukimi-san have to go home alone again?"
Tsukimi Sakura paused for a moment, then looked away slightly.
"I...it's okay if I go back alone."
Anyway, I'm used to it.
I'm used to going to and from school, working, and coming home alone. I'm used to eating, cleaning, and living alone.
Having reliable people around is certainly warm and reassuring, but without them, it's just going back to the old days.
It's okay... definitely.
"But then, the agreement would be meaningless."
Miyazawa Itsuki sighed.
"My deal with Tsukimi-san is based on the premise that I fulfill my duty of protection, and only then will Tsukimi-san provide for my food."
"If I stand you up again, I don't know how I'll face Tsukimi's kindness."
"No...?" Tsukimi Sakuna opened her mouth.
"Even if Miyazawa-kun stops doing anything, I'll still be willing to cook for you."
Seeing the surprised and puzzled look on Miyazawa Itsuki's face, the girl's voice was weak but sincere.
"Because Miyazawa-kun has given me what I've been waiting for."
"Sincere praise, encouragement, and gratitude for the food. I'm already very content with that."
The corridor lights hung over Tsukimi Sakura's head, and in a daze, Miyazawa Itsuki seemed to see a holy halo rising behind her.
Your Highness, those words are too noble.
It made him feel a little ashamed.
Does Her Highness the Saint's Knights exist in this world? Where are they? I want to sign up to join.
"Thank you, Tsukimi-kun."
Miyazawa Itsuki said sincerely.
"However, just as Tsukimi-san has her own considerations, I also have my own childish insistence. I will keep my promise without forcing myself."
He gave a self-deprecating smile.
"Let's just say it's like teenage boys trying to show their competitive spirit."
Tsukimi Sakura stared blankly at him.
Then, she smiled faintly.
"Um."
……
During the break when Her Highness went home to change into her uniform.
Miyazawa Itsuki also returned to his room and opened the control panel.
"Speaking of the convenience of movement, that reminds me of something."
He looked at the item exchange pool in the panel's exchange section, specifically the interface for "Running Shoes".
[Special Item: Running Shoes]
[Effect: When worn, running speed is increased by 15% and stamina consumption is reduced by 20%. Gains one "Temporary Sprint" skill, instantly increasing speed to 200%, with a 24-hour cooldown.]
[Note: Wearing straw sandals gives you a feeling of flying.]
Price: 2500
Miyazawa Itsuki stopped hesitating and clicked to redeem.
[Balance: 4980-2500]
[Special item "Running Shoes" has been obtained]
With a shift in thought, a pair of plain white men's sneakers appeared before my eyes.
Miyazawa Itsuki's mind was also flooded with a series of usage rules regarding the [running shoes].
The appearance of the running shoes is not fixed, but can be changed according to the owner's wishes to match the different styles of dressing when renting a boyfriend.
The skill "Temporary Dash" lasts for three seconds and can be extended by spending points.
The first second of the delay requires 500 points, then 1000, then 1500, and so on.
This is an option that Miyazawa Itsuki would basically not consider at this stage; it's too expensive.
Aside from the possibility of a critical hit, he would need customers to spend 100,000 yen to earn 1,000 points.
That would take so much talking.
They'd probably have to smile so hard their faces would be stiff just to get enough.
Miyazawa Itsuki put on his running shoes.
As expected of an unknown product made by the panel manufacturer, the feel was surprisingly comfortable, as if it were designed to fit the shape of his feet.
The moment I put it on, a strange power seemed to surge through my entire body.
That power can help him run faster and with less effort, and by spreading that power, it can also correct his running posture.
Miyazawa Itsuki attempted a slight jump.
Although not included in the panel's description of its effects, the running shoes do provide a certain boost to jumping ability, and there is absolutely no feeling of foot injury hindering them.
If it were me now, participating in a basketball game, I might even be able to pull off a high-difficulty move like a mid-air spinning dunk.
Miyazawa Itsuki opened the door with satisfaction.
Perhaps it was a telepathic connection, but the door to the Tsukimi residence slowly opened at that moment.
Tsukimi Sakura, dressed casually, stepped out and met his gaze.
Her Highness's casual wear is predominantly off-white in color. While not particularly elaborate, it gives off a charming, girl-next-door vibe.
It has a quiet and clean style with a gentle temperament.
She looked just like a princess dressed in commoner's clothes.
what……
A princess in distress...?
Miyazawa Itsuki's pupils wavered slightly.
In a daze, it seemed as if the figure of another girl was overlapping with it.
It seems there was a similar scene once.
A young, inexpensive girl, dressed in clothes that could hardly conceal her beauty, stood before him, smiling sweetly.
"A-Shu, are you stunned? You're definitely stunned!"
"Only Ashu can see me like this. And I will only show this to Ashu."
"I will always be 'top priority' in Ashu's heart, so Ashu doesn't need to waste his attention on anyone other than me."
"All you need to do is watch me."
The girl's smile was breathtakingly beautiful.