Chapter 59

It was during a holiday, while playing with Parom, the Wise Parrot, that Luisha first noticed it.

“...Hm?”

Feeling as if she was being watched, Luisha turned around, but there was no one there; only the trees rustling in the wind.

“Just my imagination, I guess. Parom, did you feel anything?”

“Quo?”

In response to Luisha’s question, Parom tilted his head. It seemed he hadn’t felt anything.

“Hmm, well, there’s no point in worrying about it. Let’s continue, shall we?”

With that, Luisha threw several frisbees in front of Parom. Parom took off, chasing after them.

“Parom! Whirlwind!”

“Quo!”

Following Luisha’s command, Parom flapped his wings, and several small tornadoes appeared, accurately knocking down the frisbees.

“All hits! Amazing, Parom!”

“Quo♪”

When Luisha praised him, Parom made a happy chirping sound and pressed his head against Luisha’s hand.

“Ha, I get it. Here, I’ll pet you properly.”

Luisha stroked Parom’s head firmly. In response, Parom made a contented “Kyuu~” sound. Despite his large size, Parom was only about four years old and still very affectionate.

While soothing Parom, Luisha thought about the gaze she had felt earlier. It wasn’t just a gaze; it was a strong sense of hatred, even a killing intent. Who could it be...?

That day, she didn’t feel that gaze again, but Luisha knew she would be troubled by it in the future.

◇

A few days later, in the morning classroom, Luisha was slumped over her desk, looking tired.

Sharo, who sat next to her, asked with concern, “What’s wrong, Luisha? Did you not sleep well last night?”

“No, it’s just that a lot has been happening...”

The “a lot” referred to the mysterious gaze from a few days ago. Since then, Luisha had felt that gaze in various situations—while walking outside, in her room, and at school. However, whenever she turned to look, the gaze would disappear. Although nothing else had happened, Luisha’s mental state was wearing thin.

“If something’s wrong, I can help you.”

“No, it’s okay. I plan to resolve it soon.”

“Alright. If you say so, I’m not worried.”

Sharo, who trusted Luisha completely, stopped worrying and started preparing for class. Luisha actually liked Sharo’s straightforward and carefree nature.

“I’ll get ready for class too.”

As she reached into her desk, Luisha felt that “gaze” again.

“!!”

She quickly turned around, but only saw familiar classmates. The mystery of the gaze deepened. However, Luisha was smiling calmly.

“Enjoy watching while you can. I’ll settle this today...!”

Luisha declared this challenge to the unseen source of the gaze.