Over the next few days, we became so busy that we barely had time to relax.
Business is booming and our ice cream shop has become very popular in the territory.
Ghost and I are preoccupied with trying out all sorts of flavors to add to the menu.
Not only is the ice cream shop thriving, but Sly recently opened a meat grill shop that is a hit with all sorts of predators.
I suddenly feel sorry for all the prey that was killed. There aren't really any rules about hunting here. This world is like the animal kingdom back on Earth, where it's "kill or be killed". The stronger you are, the longer you live.
I am grateful, however, that the creatures here are civilized and possess advanced cognition. It's almost as if they have the minds of humans.
The mirror business is also still in high demand, as it has become popular with high-ranking creatures.
These individuals are usually those who have lived for a long time, provided significant contributions to the world, such as inventing something or being a scholar, or those who are magic users and leaders, like a chief or a protector of a territory.
Meanwhile, Ghost refused to make copies of his telescope, insisting that it remain exclusive to him.
With business booming, Lion has become focused on improving current inventions. I don't know exactly what his work entails, but I can tell he didn't earn very much in his previous job.
Soon, the castle began to fill with all sorts of furniture and decorations. The workrooms now have better magical equipment and even the library features several more cylindrical bookcases with scrolls rotating around them.
I feel happy about these improvements, but at the same time, I'm saddened by the change in Lion's behavior toward me.
He is still kind, but he no longer spends much time alone with me.
Usually, when we are together, we have deep conversations and share random thoughts.
Now, while he doesn't avoid me and continues to talk to me, it feels more like politeness than affection.
I don't know what I should do.
Should I apologize? For what? Should I explain my behavior? Why, and for what?
I'm torn.
I want to explain my behavior and apologize to him, but what if I've just been assuming he has feelings for me?
I'm not denying that there is something between us, but I don't know the depth of that something.
I want a straightforward conversation.
Years ago, when I was younger, I usually tried to deny my feelings if I didn't like the person, ghosted them, avoided them, or worst of all, lied.
I was terrible.
Now that I'm getting older, I realize some things need to be straightened out with an honest conversation, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.
It prevents further misunderstandings and boosts your courage.
The question is... how do I do it with him?
I'm still a coward.
....
Lion approached me one day while I was busy improving the marinade for the BBQ meat.
Ghost noticed the awkwardness between us, made an excuse and left.
Lion stood there for a moment, scratching his head while his tail drooped on the floor.
He looked nervous, his eyes refusing to meet mine. He told me that several creatures had requested my help with their vision problems.
He said he couldn't come with me this time but told me to take Ghost instead. He added that he would find a way for me to use magic if I needed to create anything, then apologized for being so busy.
Liar.
Before, no matter how busy he was or how little sleep he had, he always made sure to accompany me everywhere.
I felt hurt.
I didn't know why I felt that way, or if I even had the right to feel it.
But.. it still stung. It felt like he didn't want me around anymore.
Of course, the real question was, did I want him? I couldn't answer that.
My eyes started to well up. I sighed and made an excuse to go back to my room. I could barely see where I was going as I hurried toward the portal.
I heard Lion trying to say something, but I refused to listen.
Once I was safely back in my room, I cried silently.
My heart felt incredibly heavy.
I felt unwanted and was reminded that, after all, I am a stranger here.
Pinky tried to comfort me and I held onto his trunk tightly. I cried because I was scared, unsure of where I would go if they no longer wanted me.
Imagine being in a strange land you barely understand with no one to truly trust.
All my emotions flooded my mind and I wept until I had no tears left.
I didn't want anyone, especially Lion, to see that I was hurting. I finally calmed down after some time and noticed that Pinky had an unusually large fruit on his branches.
He plucked it and gave it to me. As I ate it, I felt refreshed deep within my soul.
I continued to cuddle with him and fell asleep a few minutes later.
...
I slept for a very long time.
Morning and night passed until it was morning again.
I woke up feeling energetic and refreshed.
Pinky seemed happy as I continued to snuggle with him.
I went to the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror.
Oh, good. There were no signs that I had cried my heart out.
Instead, my skin looked better, as if I had just used an expensive moisturizer. Whatever fruit Pinky gave me, it was the best I've ever had and clearly had a wonderful effect on my body.
I took a bath and changed into a halter dress I had made using the magic notebook and pen.
Since I felt good, I wanted to look good too.
I created a satchel and packed a few of my clothes inside. I didn't want to come back to this place. I asked Pinky to accompany me, and he seemed delighted.
We went out and waited in the garden while I gathered some more fruit to put in my bag.
Ghost soon joined us and began to curiously inspect my satchel.
He exclaimed that it looked quite useful, since it was a magic bag, I could store a lot of items without worrying about their size or weight.
Ghost continued to inspect the bag until Lion appeared. He looked apologetic and stuttered through his instructions.
I got the feeling he wanted to apologize for something, but I tried to remain unaffected.
He handed me a small box, explaining that it was filled with his magic, which he had turned into dust. He told me to sprinkle it on any objects I made with my magical notebook and pen.
I simply nodded and maintained a professional expression. Ignoring the awkwardness, Ghost picked up Pinky and tucked him onto his back, then swept me into his arms.
Then, he jumped.
I didn't look back.