"Hey, how does this look?"
Saying that, Agetha spun around on the spot.
"Oh, it looks cute."
"Really? Thank you."
It seems that dressing up more than usual is considered etiquette when going to the theater. Therefore, we had previously gone to a clothing store to have expensive outfits tailored for us.
Agetha was wearing a long black dress with a design that was sheer at the shoulders and chest. She had a large flower-shaped accessory on her head.
"You look handsome too, Kiska."
"Is that so?"
I stammered a bit in response to the compliment. I was also wearing a suit. I recalled paying a considerable amount for this suit. Since I didn't have any money, Agetha covered the expenses for me. I made a mental note to repay her with the reward money I received from the king.
"Well then, shall we go?"
Saying that, Agetha came over and linked arms with me. Then, we walked together to the theater.
◆
The tickets given by Prince Eligion were indeed in a special seating area, the best seats on the third floor. Moreover, it was a private room, with only the two of us, and if we rang the bell, attendants would come and pour drinks for us freely.
"By the way, Agetha, how old are you?"
"Why are you asking that?"
"I was curious if you can drink alcohol."
Agetha's appearance is that of a delicate young girl. In this country, it's generally acceptable for anyone beyond small children to drink alcohol, so I assumed it wouldn't be an issue.
"Depending on whether you include the time I was sealed or not, my age changes significantly."
"You don't have to include that…"
"Then let's say I'm 15."
"Alright, so alcohol is fine."
"And how about you, Kiska? How old are you?"
"I'm 18."
"Surprisingly older."
Does that mean I look younger than I am?
After ordering wine and toasting, the play began. I had initially thought it would only involve actors performing, but it started with powerful performances by numerous musicians.
Then the actors sang while mouthing their lines. Agetha explained that this was called opera. Before I knew it, I was completely captivated by the opera.
The story was about a protagonist wielding a sword to save a beautiful angel who had been put to sleep for defying the gods. In the end, the protagonist kissed the angel, she woke up, and they pledged eternal love.
Although the performance was an extensive production lasting for hours, it seemed to end in the blink of an eye. I had casually visited the theater due to its popularity, but I never expected to be so mesmerized. My heart was still pounding, and the excitement lingered.
"I'm glad," I said to Agaha, and she nodded with a slight blush, perhaps from the alcohol. We had a light dinner before heading to the theater, so all that was left was to return.
We walked back to the palace where we were staying. On the way, we didn't exchange a single word; the lingering emotions from the opera still filled our minds.
"It's late now; let's go to bed," I suggested when we reached the front of our rooms. We each had our own room, and it had become a recent habit to return to our rooms before sleeping.
However, tonight was different. Agetha had grabbed onto my clothes and wouldn't let go.
"Agetha…?" I called out, but she remained silent. She didn't make eye contact and kept her head down. Moreover, her face was as red as if it were on fire.
Even without her saying anything, I already knew what she wanted. I couldn't help but recall that day, the day I rejected Agetha. At that time, my emotional wounds hadn't healed, and I still didn't understand her well, so I rejected her. But I regretted it because my rejection had hurt her. I had decided that if such a situation arose again, I would accept her.
Suddenly, she muttered something without raising her gaze. "I don't want to be alone tonight…" As soon as she said that, something within me snapped.
◆
I've done it…
I lay in bed, consumed by regret. Agetha was sleeping beside me.
As soon as I had done what I did, a sudden wave of sobriety washed over me. I couldn't help but feel like a despicable man. First, I had gotten involved with Nyau, and now I had crossed the line with Agetha.
Thinking about it, I seemed like a lowlife. However, if I were to reject Agetha's affection, it seemed like I might end up getting killed by her or, worse, she might choose to take her own life. So, I couldn't just back off. Of course, there's no denying the fact that I couldn't resist the advances of a cute girl.
And as for Nyau, she probably doesn't remember our relationship, so that should be okay. Maybe. Agetha is likely to be jealous, so I can't let her find out about Nyau.
I've also created a complicated situation, and I need to take responsibility. Do I have to go and introduce myself to Agetha's parents? Wait, didn't Agetha mention she came from a different world? If that's the case, her parents might also be in a different world. Meeting them might be difficult, considering I don't know how to travel to another world.
When morning comes, I'll ask Agetha for more details about all this.
◆
I wake up.
Oh, it's morning already.
"Agetha!"
I call out while trying to embrace Agetha, moving my limbs.
"What's wrong?"
Huh? Agetha was standing right in front of me. My body, which should have been lying in bed, is now standing upright on the ground. I observe my surroundings. It's clear that this isn't the room I stayed in at the palace.
"Where is this?"
"Are you half-asleep? Pull yourself together. We're about to go defeat the Demon Lord, and you're acting like this; it's annoying."
"The Demon Lord…"
I mutter, realizing that we are inside a dungeon.
"We've already defeated the Demon Lord, haven't we?"
"Huh? Are you really half-asleep?"
The Agetha in front of me wears a puzzled expression. Ah, this atmosphere, it's the Black Agetha.
"...!!"
Finally understanding the situation, I feel a chilling sensation. Yes, time has rewound again. Moreover, it seems to be before defeating the Demon Lord, meaning we've been set back a whole week. That means someone killed me.
Who could it be…?
There was no one else in that room except Agetha and me. Either someone invaded from outside and attacked me while I was sleeping, or Agetha killed me. I can't think of any motive for Agetha to kill me. On the other hand, I have no clue about any other human.
"Hey, Agetha. Are you aware of the time loop?"
"If it's a time loop, we've been through it quite a bit."
I phrased that poorly.
"Agetha, do you have any memories of doing intimate things with me?"
"Why are you suddenly talking about that!"
Agetha blushes and stammers.
"It's an important question. Answer it properly."
"I don't have any memories like that… What's gotten into you?"
Until now, Agetha retained her memories even through the loops. However, for some reason, she seems to have no recollection this time.
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