Chapter 18:

[18 — Dear Diary]

Reincarnated into My Favorite Game, But I Forgot Everything I Knew About It

Dear diary, my name is Aria De— no, no. I can't leave proof that you belong to me. (The chances are tiny, but if Destroyer-sama ever finds this, he'll never let me hear the end of it.)

Okay, let me start over…

Dear diary, today marks exactly two weeks since we arrived in the city of Blessom. A small city on the far southern edge of the Kingdom of Lisarya.

At first, I thought it was strange when Destroyer-sama suddenly decided to come here. I mean, what could this city possibly have that the capital didn't?

But once we arrived, I was honestly surprised. Not only was there beauty everywhere, but also none of the suffocating pressure of the capital.

The people were kind and cheerful, the buildings solid and sturdy, and the vegetables they grew were delicious. From practically anywhere you looked, the clear blue sky stretched above, coloring everything. (Honestly, I wish I could paint just to capture the nature of this city.)

Recently, during my morning routine, I caught Destroyer-sama training by himself in one of the city's training grounds. He had sneaked out without even telling me.

I'll admit, I was a little annoyed when he said he wanted to learn how to handle a sword, but… after thinking it through, I realized it might be an opportunity for us to train together.

Seeing him up early every morning was something I wasn't used to, but I preferred that over him spending the entire day locked in his room like he usually did. (It's honestly impressive how long he can stay lying down.)

Our training started around 6 and ended at 8. He always claimed he could go on longer, but there was no way I'd let him push too hard and end up hurting himself. (It's nice seeing him excited, but respecting limits is important.)

We began with his stance. It was completely wrong, and he didn't even know how to hold the sword properly. It had been a while since he exercised, sure, but I didn't think that was enough to forget the basics entirely.

Still, I made a point of correcting his bad habits and unnecessary movements. It was funny how much he complained about everything, but in the end, he always took the training seriously. (His perseverance has always been something I admired.) And I could see in his eyes that he was trying to prove something to himself. (Though I couldn't say what.)

We kept up this rhythm for several days before moving on to breathing and balance exercises. (That's actually the stage we're stuck on right now.) Maybe it's partly my fault we haven't moved past it yet… but I just can't resist tickling him every time he closes his eyes to breathe. (Destroyer-sama's reactions are priceless.)

After that, we'd head back to the inn the same way: him sulking, yet somehow still tagging along while I bought lunch ingredients. I'd ask what he wanted to eat, and he'd always say: "doesn't matter," but I knew he loved curry. So whenever I could, that's what I cooked.

In the afternoon, Destroyer-sama would lock himself in his room and play chess alone, while I gave Sera a few lessons in etiquette. Despite her fiery spirit and short temper, she was a very cute and well-mannered girl. (I was genuinely impressed by how beautiful she looked once dressed up. I'm certain she'll grow even prettier with time.)

Sera paid close attention to everything I did, picking things up quickly; whether it was basic behavior, ingredients, objects, or even words. (She's honestly very clever.)

I taught her how to undo and redo the ribbons on her hair and dress. I told her it was just to test her learning and try on the clothes I bought, but truthfully: I got a little carried away when I saw her in those dresses. (She was so adorable she looked like a doll.)

Sometimes she'd get stubborn or pout, but overall, she always wore the new clothes and hid a smile whenever I praised her. She was a bit hesitant about her hair, but I'm sure she liked seeing it cut.

Every day, she'd ask questions about what I was doing and why. Whenever she could, she tried to guess what my relationship with Destroyer-sama was, or how we met. But in the end, the question she repeated most often was about a beautiful, open place where she could get a good view of the city.

I told her I wasn't too familiar with Blessom, but if it was a beautiful spot she wanted, then the 'island tree' Destroyer-sama had shown us should do. (Apparently, she also likes pretty things. Well, she is still a girl, after all.)

In the afternoon, I'd have Sera help me organize things at the inn. Afterwards, we'd walk around town to get to know the area. When I found a newspaper or noticeboard that wasn't from the church, I asked her to read it. She still struggled a lot, so I helped her with the letters and pronunciation when needed. Watching her try was always fun. (Did I mention she's cute?)

By late afternoon, we'd return to the inn. I'd cut some fruit and… sometimes send Sera to bring it to Destroyer-sama (those were the moments I always froze before going myself).

I know he wouldn't want me feeling this way, but I couldn't control it. Whenever I saw him silent, staring out the window, my body just locked up.

I didn't know what to say.

Didn't know how to act.

Didn't know how… to help him.

I was afraid he'd notice my hesitation and tell me not to worry. Say it was nothing. That he was just thinking about his next step.

But… in those moments, it was hard not to remember that day.

Hard not to blame myself.

Because… the reason we ended up like this was no one's fault but mine…

"Ah…"

I took a deep breath.

"Alright, Ruru."

He wouldn't like to see me this way.