I went into several stores with Akame. She even played along and tried on some of the clothes I suggested. Every outfit suited her — she was a real beauty.

I even caught a look I hadn’t expected… and after that moment, she bought one of the outfits she had just tried on. She must have liked it a lot.

I used the walk to talk to her, even if she couldn’t answer me publicly. But her face was relaxed. I had been a little worried about her reaction because of how some people were acting along the way. Honestly, I wished I could insult them… a bunch of awful people.

But surprisingly, she didn’t pay attention to them.

She suddenly stopped in front of a bookstore.

Oh crap! I thought.

The bookstore. I had told her I wanted a book to read. I needed to find one quickly.

I rushed toward the shelves and began scanning the titles.

She came closer and whispered, « Tell me the title. It’ll be faster… »

Caught off guard, I came up with a lame excuse.

« Hmm… well… it’s more interesting to search for it ourselves, you know… »

« Oh, really? »

She wasn’t convinced at all. She looked at me suspiciously.

I slipped into another aisle.

She didn’t argue — which caught me off guard — , and she started looking at books herself.

Being a spirit complicated everything. I couldn’t grab the books to read the back covers. Unless I came across a suggestive title, I had no idea what the content was.

And even if I found a book that seemed to be shōjo-ai… what could I do? Ask her to buy it?

That would reveal what I was drawn to…
And that thought made me feel embarrassed. Ashamed.

I finally returned to her. She was holding two books.

« So… did you find anything you like? » I asked.

« I think I’m going to buy these two. What about you? »

« Oh… actually… I’ll go with your choice. »

« Is that so? »

She glared at me coldly.

I turned my head away. My excuse had completely fallen apart.

Then I heard her chuckle softly.

Next, we went to a pastry shop. Everything looked so good.

Some of the food looked just like in my first life — butter croissants, apple pie, donuts…

I wondered what they smelled like. I had forgotten all of those sensations so long ago.

Akame picked up some pastries and sat at a table in the back of the room. I followed her.

« Hmm, wow, it’s delicious! I’ve never eaten this kind of thing before. »

« I know, right? I’m so glad you like it! I told you so! »

I winked at her.

Well… I thought I did.

But she stared at me without saying anything.

Maybe… did I make a weird face or something?

I tried so hard to act human… but I wasn’t. I was only a spirit.

Then, suddenly, she said:

« If I materialize you, do you think you could eat some? »

« What? »

I hadn’t expected that.

Actually, it had never even crossed my mind.

I couldn’t forget my role: a spirit, only meant to observe.

I had only come here to lift her spirits, to see her smile. And I had succeeded…

But deep down, something terrified me.

« A spirit doesn’t get hungry, so it’s not necessary. »

I hoped my answer didn’t sound too cold.

« I see, » she said quietly, as she continued eating.

It was already late, and we still had some road ahead to return to the manor.

As we walked toward where the carriage was waiting, I wondered what Satoshi could have done with his day.

« I told him he was free until the end of the afternoon, » Akame said. « But now that you mention it, I’m sure he didn’t move all day. »

« What? For so many hours? Without drinking or eating? »

Akame looked thoughtful.

« Hmm… you’re right. »

She stopped and bought some food for the road.

We finally reached the carriage. Satoshi was there.

« Ma’am, would you like to return home? »

« Eat first. We’ll leave after. »

Satoshi seemed embarrassed, but his face betrayed his gratitude.

As soon as we got in, the carriage started moving.

« He won’t eat, will he? » I asked.

« I don’t think so. Maybe later, » she answered.

« Hisa? »

Akame looked at me. Her eyes were tired but full of joy.

« Yes? »

« Thank you for today. I had a wonderful day. »

I smiled at her. « It was my pleasure. »

She stood up and sat next to me. Then she leaned her head on my shoulder.

« I’m a little tired. I’ll take a quick nap. Hold me if I fall, would you? »

« Hmm… yes, I will, » I answered, embarrassed.

And she fell asleep.