Soft murmurs of the townsfolk echo around Lilia and Rosa as they take a stroll on the cobblestone street. The warmth of the morning sun bathes them, accompanied by a gentle coldness. Lilia, as usual, prances beside Rosa with a cheerful smile on her face. The sound of her steps stands out among the other passersby. But something catches her eyes—she's more excited than usual.
"Did something good happen today? You look awfully cheery," Rosa asks, trying to match Lilia's pace.
Hearing Rosa's question, Lilia stops and ponders to the sky, pressing her finger to her chin before meeting Rosa's gaze with a smile.
"Did I? Well, maybe because Mr. Helgen praised my work today," she says, then tries to mimic an expression that isn't hers and deepens her voice, "'This cleaver looks half-decent,' he said!"
"That's a compliment?"
"Yes, it is!" Lilia doubles down, her voice firmer. "You know, for someone like him, you're lucky if your work isn't compared to scrap. Even luckier if he says something like that!"
"You talk like he's a... well, he is intimidating, I suppose," Rosa recalls how disgusted Helgen looked when she showed him her handmade dagger.
"Right!? I remember when you asked him about the dagger! Hahaha, I'd pay to see that expression of yours again!"
A red hue creeps up Rosa's cheeks. She looks down. "Please don't say it out loud…"
Still chuckling, Lilia slows down to match Rosa's pace. "Anyway, where are we going?"
Rosa sighs—this is her day now. "At least you could've asked first before tagging along."
"It's fine, isn't it? What happened already happened anyway," Lilia says playfully, swiping her hand up and down. "Anyway, tell me, tell me—where are we going?"
Rosa pouts slightly and casts a cold look at Lilia. "Ms. Lorelei's place. There's something I'd like to purchase." She glances down to make sure she hasn't lost the vial she's holding. "Also, there's something I want to deliver." She looks up again. "Are you okay tagging along? Won't Mr. Helgen eat you alive for slacking off?"
"It's alright, it's alright! We finished earlier, so he said okay when I took my leave!"
"Must be nice, having a day off like that," Rosa mutters, puffing her cheek.
"Then why don't you also take a day off—besides, it's not like anyone wou—oogh!" Lilia winces from a sudden pain in her stomach.
Rosa rubs her elbow before looking away. "Hmmph." She knows Lilia didn't mean it, but it still stings to hear.
"Aaaahahahaha… Did I go too far? Apologies, apologies…" Lilia smiles softly, rubbing her stomach.
Rosa opens one eye and sees Lilia's reaction. Her expression softens. "Fine, I'll entertain that idea—but you have to buy me parfait for that."
"Deal then!" Lilia smirks and puffs her chest. "I'll treat you to a good place! Let's see… There's one near the church I've always wanted to try! Wanna go there?"
Yep, she's the usual Lilia. Rosa smiles and nods. "Umh! Let's go there later. After we deliver this to Ms. Lorelei, of course!"
As they arrive at the outskirts, after walking alongside the river, they finally reach the herbalist's house. Lorelei stands in front of the door, locking it, then adjusts her hat.
"Ms. Lorelei, are you going somewhere?" Rosa calls out as she skips ahead, Lilia following behind.
"Oh my, Rosa, Lilia. It's rare to see you two out here on the outskirts," Lorelei smiles warmly, gesturing to the basket she's carrying. "Actually, yes. I was about to deliver lunch to Clive and Diana. Clive is off duty today, and Diana insisted he train her. I suppose that's what it means to be young—always eager to learn something new. Oh my, I'm rambling again. Anyway, can I help you?"
Rosa steps forward and hands her a small vial with a smile. "Here's your order. That'll be 280 gold. Oh! Be sure to wear gloves when applying it. Also, wash your hands and feet after using it—just in case. Especially if you're going to handle food, I'd recommend applying it afterward. Also, also—"
"If the instructions are going to be that long, why not just prepare a manual for her instead?" Lilia sighs, jabbing her own head with a finger. "There's no way she'll remember all that, you know?"
"It's fine, Lilia. It's not my first time using weed-killer," Lorelei chuckles as she carefully inspects the vial for leaks. "Mmm, perfect as always!" She tucks it into her satchel, then retrieves some coins from her pouch. "Here—300 gold. Consider the extra twenty a thank-you for the delivery."
"E-Eh!? Ms. Lorelei, I couldn't possibly—" Rosa stammers, waving her hands. She had only planned to buy something and drop off the potion as a courtesy. Getting paid for it felt... strange.
"Then think of it as payment for your diligence—and your detailed explanation." Lorelei gently presses the gold into Rosa's hand.
Rosa tries to push her away, flustered. "Th-that should be the standard! I still—"
Lorelei's smile softens as she calmly opens Rosa's palm and pours the coins in, then reaches up to gently pat her hair, her fingers tracing the curve of her scalp.
"Then consider it a thank-you—for doing your best and not giving up."
Rosa falls silent, the warmth of the touch catching her off-guard. A blush rises on her cheeks. Her eyes shimmer, glassy.
"Ms. Lorelei…" Rosa's voice wavers as she holds back the lump in her throat. Then, a familiar hand rubs her back gently—too gently. She knows exactly what's coming next.
"It's okay, Rosy~ Cry as much as you want, your best friend is here for you~"
Of course, it's Lilia—smiling ever so smugly.
It ruins the moment instantly.
Rosa fights back the tears—and a sudden urge to pinch the smugness out of Lilia's cheeks.
Lorelei chuckles at the scene unfolding before her. "Then I'll take my leave. You two take care now."
"Ah, wait! Ms. Lorelei!" Rosa calls out, releasing Lilia's now-pleading face. "Actually, I came here to buy your herbs… if you don't mind, that is…"
Lorelei pauses, hand on her basket. "I don't mind at all—but I do need to deliver lunch first…" She thinks for a moment, then her expression brightens. "Right! How about you two join us for lunch? After that, I'll tend to your purchase. Deal?"
Rosa smiles, knowing there's no winning against Lorelei's kindness. "Then I'll take you up on that."
"Is it really okay for us to intrude?" Lilia asks, rubbing her now-swollen cheeks.
Lorelei nods with a gentle smile. "I don't mind at all. I probably made too much anyway."
Rosa glances at Lilia's face, the pink puff of her cheek catching her eye.
"Pffft… Hamster Lilia."
"Shut it!"