Chapter 7 Part 2: Renatus and inviting Bradley to his room.

Translator: Michiko

Editor: Lastinline

Then today’s study session began.

Bradley appeared to be in a better mood now that the notebook was restored to its previous state. He looked as lively again as he did at yesterday’s study session.

Renatus was relieved to see it.

(The efficiency of studying varies depending on one’s mood as well…)

Today’s study session was also fun. It felt very luxurious to spend time together like this every day, even if it was only for a limited time.

My body moved spontaneously, wanting to relax my muscles after sitting for so long. I folded my hands together and extended my arms upward to stretch them.

I felt eyes on me and looked over to see Bradley looking at me.

“Renatus…don’t you take off your mask in your room?”

Bradley asked curiously.

I had considered that I might be asked about the mask when I had invited him to my room.

Because I would also be curious if I were in his position. You would want to know what your friend looked like.

‘I’m relaxing in my room and yet I don’t take my mask off’ may give off a similar impression to that of ‘Not taking a hat off all the time indoors’ from his point of view.

“I’m sorry. It’s a kind of face that cannot be shown.”

“What do you mean…”

I decided to somewhat tell the truth.

“My face is very unsightly.”

“Unsightly?”

“…Yes. You can think of it as…I was born with an unnatural defect.”

It was more than just unnatural, to have scales that grew out of one’s face, it was not human.

Even Clarence, who adored me so much, had fainted with fear. I was sure Bradley would find it creepy too.

“I…”

Bradley paused in his speech and made eye contact with me.

I pulled back slightly.

It was because I was horrified by Bradley’s gaze. Eyes filled with a gloomy light. And yet, it hid a will so strong that it could even be described as stern.

His ferocity was reminiscent of a wild beast.

I could not avert my eyes away from his gaze like I was some captured prey.

“No matter what Renatus looks like…my current feelings won’t change.”

His eyes may be like that, but his tone was the same as always.

Bradley conveyed his feelings like he was piecing together something important.

I wondered if Bradley’s eyes were filled with anger or something similar, thinking, ‘Does he think I judge my friends based on something as superficial as their face?’

Did he feel as though I didn’t trust him?

I did trust Bradley.

After all, he was the novel’s protagonist. And he’s a kind child in real life, too. I had only known him for a short time, but I had become very fond of him in no time at all.

He would naturally value essence over appearance.

“Bradley… I know you don’t judge people by their faces. It’s just that I’m weak. I don’t want anyone to know how unsightly I am—”

I was weak.

If I sensed even the slightest bit of disgust from someone I loved dearly, I was sure it would be very painful.

The incident with Clarence still had a strong influence on me, even though it had been over a decade ago.

“…I’m sorry.”

“Bradley…”

“Everyone has a part of themselves they want to hide. I have one too.”

Bradley hung his head. I couldn’t see his face very well so I wondered if he was feeling down again.

He had done nothing wrong.

I was very happy that he was frank with me.

(I want to express my gratitude for our friendship…Is it okay to hug him like I did before?)

Renatus reached out to Bradley and hugged him tightly, just as he had done in the library.

“It’s natural that you want to know more about the person you want to get along with. So I’m rather happy about you having that feeling.”

“Renatus…”

“Thank you, Bradley. I knew you were a wonderful person.”

Bradley’s face twitched slightly in response, but Renatus didn’t see, as Bradley was taller than him.

Bradley’s arms wrapped around Renatus’ back.

Bradley hugged Renatus back, unlike at the library. It was warm and comfortable in his arms.

(He is a wonderful…friend.)

I was sure he wanted to comfort me since I was worried about my bare face.

Feeling the gentle warmth, I nestled my cheek against his chest.

TN: I am sorry for not updating for a long time. I took a break due to my health issues but when I recovered, there was a power outage issue. My place used to get electricity 16 hours a day but it has changed to 12 hours and 12 hours includes night time so I was busy doing housework when there was electricity that I couldn’t spare time to translate. The power outage issue might get worse so I couldn’t promise anything. I will be focusing on finishing IRCM first as it only has a few chapters left. Then, I will focus on BLP and VSHW and won’t pick up any more novels until they finish. But, if you have any short stories that you want to have translated, you can commission me. I am saving up to buy a power generator. Sorry for the long wait and enjoy reading.