She told me that she wanted to have a chat since its been a long time, and I had no reason to refuse.

Well, in the past Id have probably turned her down, tellin her that weve got nothin to talk bout.

But, if its now, Ive got no problem with it.

Theoretically.

Still, I gotta admit, its fun to be with Indra. Seriously. That girls instigation skill is nothin to scoff at, but shes capable of ignorin malice, and goes even as far as usin it against anyone givin her beef.

I, on the other hand, am very sensitive to ill intent, and immediately end up becomin servile, dont I? Then again, Ive been definitely called a successful person, and in fact, Im now succeedin. Bein on the receivin end of jealousy would be no wonder, now that is.

I mean, now I have a Ryoku, Char, and Bronko. On top of that, Ive got a cool watch and glasses with incredible functions. Moreover, a sword that cuts through everythin and even ranged weapons capable of penetratin nythin. And as if to round it all up, Ive acquired stacks of gold coins through the auction, and possess booze that cannot be bought with money.

It really wouldnt be odd for me to draw envy.

I put on the clothes Indra had made for me and went out.

Once I bought cloth woven out of bug threads, that bug-lovin girl leaped in joy, immediately sewin all kinds of stuff. One of her creations was a shirt for me.

Sure, it does feel nice on the skin.

In addition, she also made a jacket and pants, both tight and stylish, for me. The pants were affixed to the waist with a button instead of a string. The entire outfit is similar to a nobles attire, but its much easier to move in.

Because she also added pockets at various places, its possible to walk round empty-handed.

Seriously, if not for her bug obsession, all the stuff shes sewn is really awesome. But, why is she so particular bout bugs?

Man, Im reeeally glad she didnt turn Bronko into a locust.

As I thought bout all that while walkin, I arrived at our meetin place. It looked like Karen just got here, too.

She sure has grown old. Well, Im no exception to that, though.

If you get used to Indras youthful, smooth and springy skinah, yep, lets not go there. Once I get back, Ill carefully apply Indras direct application pack or whatever its called.

Shes grown old, but shes also become taller. Indra probably wants to grow as tall as her. Her chest also became somewhat bigger, it seems.

Whats going on? Am I bein influenced by Indra?

Given that thoughts teemin with the stench of an old lecher started to pop up in my mind, I stopped thinkin altogether.

Right on time, huh?

Yes. As always, youre a punctual man.

Hmm? Was I always like that? I didnt carry a clock for most of my life, so I couldnt have determined whether I was on time or not, kinda?

We went to the pub Karen had recommended. It was certainly a dim and cozy place, apparently frequented by many couples, so I was grateful to her as I wouldnt draw any attention to myself.

I ordered ale.

Ah, I had an urge to pay for the ale, sayin that itd be my treat. But, the last time I did that, I was told that Im treatin people with the money I got for turnin folks into debt slaves. Thats why Im not doin it nymore.

Still, if its round this much, it should be no problem.

When the waitress brought the ale over, Karen tried to pick up the glass, but I stopped her and chanted in a whisper.

Eh?

The glass froze over, coolin the ale down.

It tastes better when cool. Recently Ive gotten really hooked on that, ysee.

After being confused for a moment, Karen laughed and said, Using offensive magic in such a way is so like you.

But, it aint my idea. After all, I aint lackin common sense.