Chapter 54: Disguise
Things seemed to have settled so simply.
Changing dormitories, faking a boyfriend—for Lungmen as a whole, these were just insignificant little things. After Exusiai, who hadn't cooked in a long time, made a large pile of desserts, and everyone tasted the unique sweet flavors of Laterano, Li Lin also took the opportunity, with Sora's permission, to mention the matter of the fake boyfriend. Everyone made a fuss and joked about it for a while, and then that was that. After all, everyone had actually seen Sora's predicament.
Transitioning was actually not particularly simple, especially since Sora had stayed in Kazimierz for a long time without making an appearance; now, it could only be said that her popularity had slightly recovered, still a far cry from her peak period. Plus, changing styles, to say fans were turbulent was an understatement.
Actually, Penguin Logistics had already received quite a few fan-sent razor blades and miscellaneous farewell letters, but these had all been dealt with, not letting Sora see them.
And although Sora didn't say anything, the pressure in the workplace would only be more, not less.
When signing the contract with Penguin Logistics back then, although there was an element of Sora begging Penguin Logistics to come knocking and sign an unequal treaty ( - lit. treaty under the city walls), how could an entertainment company casually throw a cash cowinto the water? During the days when Sora wasn't seen at Penguin Logistics, it was also this girl herself, struggling and striving in her own way. But even if Sora's songs possessed a charm that could shake hearts and boost morale, it was still too miserable against all-around suppression.
Coincidentally, Li Lin's identity was sensitive; as the Butcher of Kazimierz, the hero of the new knights, and also a good man who indeed set out to rescue Sora by fighting an ambush battle, directly announcing a romantic relationship shortly after rehabilitation, this seemed like a matter of course to outsiders.
And after confirming this layer of relationship, many other things could proceed smoothly. It seemed to be an entirely beneficial and harmless matter.
The girlfriend of a hero/butcher, versus an idol supported by a freeloading pretty boy —these were two completely different concepts.
Even if accused of something, or if tabloids spread some random rumors, the people behind it would probably sweat three catties in fear, dealing with themselves, terrified Li Lin would come knocking to take their dog lives. That was truly someone who wouldn't even spare a dog; anyone with even a little information knew this clearly.
This plan, no matter how you looked at it, was very smooth, logical and natural , without any room for criticism. If there was a single problem, it might be Sora's reputation being damaged, not Li Lin's. After all, the Heaven's Butcher —it wouldn't be surprising whatever such a person did. Let alone dating an idol, even if he suddenly said he wanted to save the world one day, Terra people wouldn't find it very strange. After all, the strong are strong in everything they do, a matter of course.
However, there seemed to be some problem with the planning in this aspect. After Li Lin finished speaking, Sora called Exusiai over to the platform outside.
Unlike the originally cramped Penguin Logistics rooftop, the blowing air had also become much warmer.
Exusiai, who was called up, looked at Sora leaning on the railing with a melancholic expression, seemed to understand something, and nodded seriously.
"Before it was Prophet looking for me, now Sora, you're also looking for me? If there's anything, just tell me. I'm different from others, my lips are very tight , if you have any grievances or doubts weighing on your heart, you can tell me, okay? Don't judge by my appearance, I'm also an angel."
Exusiai clutched her chest and nodded with a smug look; if one ignored the apple pie crumbs by her lips, it would probably be even more convincing.
"Don't judge Prophet by his appearance; actually, he's quite considerate of others. If you're worried about what Prophet might do, then rest assured. That fellow talks tough, saying he hates it and is unwilling, but even just to repay kindness, he's learning how to make apple pie, you know? Although what he makes is still quite unpalatable, whatever Prophet promises, he will definitely do, rest assured."
And looking at the vibrant Exusiai before her, the hesitant look on Sora's face intensified. Finally, she just sighed, looked at the still strangely-faced Exusiai, and showed a somewhat fragile smile.
"Senior Exusiai… I'm sorry."
"Hm? I don't know what you did that you need to apologize to me for?"
"Regarding Li Lin's matter… Sorry."
"Wasn't that something you two discussed? This doesn't have anything to do with me, right?"
Looking at the somewhat hesitant Sora, Exusiai, who was eating apple pie, showed a somewhat inexplicable expression.
And looking at Exusiai's expression, which genuinely felt it had nothing to do with her, Sora smiled, gathered her sideburns against the blowing breeze. Looking at the gradually setting sun in the distance, she spoke in a somewhat ethereal voice. As if feeling lost and uncertain about her own future.
"Actually, I didn't want it to be like this either. Senior Texas, I've clearly been watching Senior Texas all along, but this kind of conventional 'hero arrives' ( common trope) thing, how should I say, it's a bit like cheating, right? Why was it accomplished so simply?" As she spoke, Sora smiled, turned to look at Exusiai who still wore a completely baffled expression, and said to her in a low voice, yet also as if persuading herself of something.
"Miss Exusiai, don't you think doing this is very excessive? Clearly just smiling happily, and then like that, so unexpectedly, almost leaving our lives in that way… Conventional things, it's precisely because they are very heart-stirring that they become conventional, right?"
"…? Sora, what are you talking about?"
"Why work so hard for someone who is just a companion? Clearly, you were like that yourself, why could you still smile and comfort us? I can't understand this point no matter what… So, just give me three months. After three months, I will know what my true thoughts are. I'm really sorry. Senior Exusiai. Really, really very sorry. But I also have reasons I cannot back down from, so, I'm sorry…"
"Oh? Oh oh…"
What on earth happened… Is that fellow Prophet really that sinful?
Looking at the girl wiping her tears and leaving on her own, Exusiai didn't know what to say either, staring blankly at her departing back, as if even the apple pie had lost its taste.
In short, it's all Prophet's fault?
Squinting at the suddenly tasteless apple pie in her hand, Exusiai thought for a moment, and decided to give up thinking.