Ikigai denigrated by The Absurd [Part 1]

The sun peered through the window of Írui’s room. Causing me to slowly sit up in bed to then yawn and stretch from a good night’s rest. Nel was beside me still completely asleep; her mouth was wide open with a little drool. I rubbed my eye, to then look for Quen and Írui. There they were on the floor, Quen and Írui curled up next to each other in a large blanket. I giggled to myself and thought how cute they looked. I wasn’t sure if I should wake the others or wait for Vahaemarr to come wake everyone.

I quietly got out of the bed and looked around for a moment. I then had the idea to just start packing up everything. I went to my room to change and got my things, I then did the same with Quen and Nel. I got their things, packing everything neatly. I was a little apprehensive to do so because I was basically invading their privacy. Fortunately, they just had their things pretty much packed already so I just brought them back to Írui’s room.

For each trip to their rooms, I kept stopping myself to gaze at my new appendage. This ring. Such a surreal feeling I had yesterday. It reminded me of when I first came to this world; when I heard that ominous voice that may have been from that book Quen had. I didn’t hear a voice this time around, instead it was almost euphoric. The strangest part though, is everyone had an odd sensation too, but the feeling they had was more cathartic or nostalgic. I wonder why mine was so different? No matter, I’ll just ask Vapula later.

I saw Nel slowly sit up in the bed, yawning. Our eyes met, so I waved at her with a smile. She puffed her cheeks in a scowl directed only at me. Seeing that made me happy, for some reason. She’s really starting to grow on me. I then figured that I should wake the floor maidens.

“Hey. Quen, Írui? Time to get up.” I knelt down to them.

They both groaned at the same time. Nel then walked up to me, still in her nightgown also maintaining that childish scowl. I think she just has that facial expression because it’s the morning.

“Hey, Nel. Do you want to try and wake them?”

She looked at me for a moment before she nodded in agreement. She then looked at the two.

“VAHAEMARR NEEDS HELP WITH SOMETHING!!!” Nel shouted!

Quen and Írui scrambled on the floor in a hurry. Trying to hide, like rats suddenly shined on with a spotlight.

“Tell us when he’s gone.” Írui yelled from under the bed.

“Hey! Why would he even need help right now?” Quen asked in annoyance.

“He doesn't. It's time to get ready to leave.” I responded.

The two growled at me. I then went to Vahaemarr’s room. Hmm, Vahaemarr must ask for help often or something, considering how those two reacted. It was kinda funny how quickly they scattered.

“Good morning, Lady Ryosuke. Perfect timing, I was just preparing myself to wake you and the others.” Vahaemarr explained, already suited up.

“Yeah, I woke up a little early so I started to pack and stuff—Is that Elros and Aeryvon?” I started to explain but then got distracted.

“Yes, they found an alcoholic beverage and wanted to have a quote ‘Boys Night’ because they assumed that you and the others were having again quote ‘Girls Night’ so they just spent the night here. I didn't partake in their activities because I had to navigate this morning.” Vahaemarr explained.

“Oh, kay. Anyway, we're pretty much packed on our end.” I continued.

“Wonderful. Would you mind assisting me then?” He asked. I then nodded in agreement.

⧫⧫⧫

I helped Vahaemarr gather our things in the carriage as well as readying the devil stallions. Then everyone came out of the building. Everyone but Nel, looked a little hungover. I grinned at the sight and chuckled in my head.

But then. My vision faded. I thought my eyes were going to fall out, like I was going blind for a second. Everything around me was a shadowy silhouette of black water. My skin felt like there were ants underneath it. I leaned on the back of the carriage to balance myself while I covered my face with both hands to try and make it stop. But it just continued! I had no idea what was happening to me—

“Hey!” Nel got my attention.

Everything went back to normal instantly. I took a couple of breaths and looked around for a moment. I then looked at Nel, who was glaring at me.

“Hi…” I simply responded. Nel just continued to glare at me. It may not look like it, but I think she was concerned.

“Hey, do you want to sit in the carriage with me on the way back?” I asked Nel, I caught her off guard. She took a moment to answer.

“... Why?” She asked in a puff.

I have no idea why, Nel. When I felt normal again. My first thought was about Nel, and it wasn’t because she was standing in front of me either. I just know if someone else was standing in front of me instead of Nel; I still would have been thinking of Nel.

“Because I want to talk to you some more.” I casually responded.

“Wh-why would I talk to you! I-Idiot!” She hollered, also blushing as she stormed off somewhere.

I don’t know why, Nel. I thought to myself again. I had no clue why, but I didn’t want Nel to sit in the front with Vahaemarr. To make sure of this, I went to Aeryvon.

“Hey, Aeryvon. I have a request for you.”

He didn’t say anything so he just looked at me, waiting for me to talk.

“Um, would you mind sitting in the front with Vahaemarr?”

He stared off for a moment. Thinking about something, I guess.

“Hmm, yes, that would make sense…” He placed his hand on his chin, thinking. “I should have done that yesterday too.” He added, as if he knew what I meant before I did.

Whatever. I said to myself. As long as Nel is in the carriage. I then got in the carriage; Elros was already waiting inside, so I sat next to him. I noticed that he looked at me funny, probably because he wasn’t expecting me to sit right next to him. No matter, I didn’t put much thought into where I sat. Quen and Írui then got in and sat across from Elros and I, talking about how hungover they feel. I then heard Nel yelling at Aeryvon. That must mean he didn't give up his seat. Nel then whipped the door open and looked right at me with a big scowl. I just waved and smiled.

Nel angrily sat right across from me and next to Írui. She’s so small. She put her feet on the seat and still occupied little space next to Quen and Írui. Vahaemarr then asked if everyone was ready. We all replied with a hardy ‘yes’ and then left the emporium.