But in that case, a beginner's cane would be good. We have some available.
Where is it?　Let's go for a walk and find out.
One moment, please. I'll draw you a map.

　Jill took out a piece of paper and a pen and drew us a map. The store was so huge that even Allen, who had been there several times, couldn't grasp its entirety. Apparently, some customers regularly get lost.

"Here you go, sir. If you don't know where I am, please call me. We'll come to you wherever you are.
Thank you. While you're here, I'd like to ask you a few questions. ......
Yes?

　Jill nodded her head, and Allen asked softly.

How many people are in the store right now?
If you don't count the ...... regular customers, there's about ten of us.
"Hmm. Probably all my customers. You don't have to touch them.
Oh, I see. But are you sure you're okay by yourself?
No problem. I've got help.
I'll take your word for it. I've been wondering how to handle this many people without a manager.

　Jill nodded humbly.
　The store is quiet. In the midst of the tranquil air, a thin, deadly air was piercing from all sides. It was the same quality I had felt in the city.
　Jill didn't ask any more questions, but sent them off with a smile.

"Take care, then.
"Okay. See you later.
Thank you very much.

　Charlotte bowed to him and they walked off again, side by side.
　Unlike in the city, there was no one to be seen in the store. I'm not sure if it's because I've never seen anything like it.

You will find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.　I'm not sure I know what any of these things are.
I don't even know what any of this stuff is." "Well, you'll learn as you go. Even a child can handle the most rudimentary of things.

　Allen laughed to encourage him.

"To tell you the truth, I thought about it once, right after I met you. I was going to teach you magic.

　When I first picked you up, I didn't think we'd be together this long.
　That's why I thought I'd teach it how to live.
　But it took me a long time to put that into practice.

Because I had to teach something else than magic. I had to teach something else than magic, and I was too busy with that.
Is that a ...... bad thing?
Exactly. What you really needed back then was not the art of fighting, but the ...... art of relaxing.

　Allen shrugs his shoulders exaggeratedly.

"But it was hard at first. You're the kind of guy who counts the wood grain on the floor when you tell him he's free to go.
"Ugh. ...... didn't know how else to spend my time.

　Charlotte lowered her eyebrows and stained her cheeks in embarrassment.
　But she quickly clenched her fists.

But that's not the case anymore. If you give me some time, I can do some naughty things by myself.
"Oh, like what?
"Well, for example. For example, I can brush Lu, read a book, practice my cooking, or I can go to .......

　Then Charlotte became a little hushed, and looked at Allen cautiously.

"Do you want to watch Allen's face while he naps ......?
You're doing ............ that?
No, I haven't done it that many times!　I've only done it once or twice!

　Charlotte slurred her defense.
　It was as if she was confessing that she had done it many times.

(Well, well, well. ...... If it means Charlotte has changed, so be it. ......)

　(Well, if Charlotte has changed, so be it. ) I was somewhat embarrassed, but also glad to hear it. She wouldn't be counting the grains on the floor anymore.
　But then something occurred to me.

"Hey, we started dating about a week ago, right?
Huh?　Yes, we have. Yes, but ......?
I've never taken a nap in that time. ......



　Allen nodded his head and asked straight away.

"How long have you been watching me sleep?
"............
"Hey, since when?　Maybe since long before I realized I had feelings for you.
Oh!　Mr. Allen!　You've got a lot of wands over there!

　Charlotte interrupted Allen's words and pointed in the opposite direction.
　There, indeed, was a shelf containing a wide variety of wands.
　Charlotte's face was red as she spoke.

That's where Jill told us to go, right?　Let's go there!　Quickly!　On your feet!
No, no, no. Answer the question first. Hey, Charlotte. How long has this been going on?　You can stare at me when I'm awake, if you want.
No, no, I'm too cool to stare at when I'm awake. ...... It's nothing!　Let's go!

　Finally, Charlotte dashed off.

"Oh yeah. ......

　Allen followed in a leisurely gait. He knew he was looking even looser than usual, but he couldn't help himself.