Lazing About in a Dating Sim

About 40 minutes later, Lucia and I got through most of the novel since it was originally published as a part of a set of short stories and had a relatively easy-to-follow plot compared to most of the other stories this school has in its possession.

And even though I already knew most of the plot points and was a bit distracted due to Lucia’s arms being wrapped around me, I still found the experience of reading the novel with Lucia to be quite enjoyable.

As while I couldn’t really focus on what was transpiring in the story, seeing the gleam in Lucia’s eyes as she read through the novel for the first time more than made up for it.

“Finally, a story where the protagonist doesn’t want to fuckin rule the world or destroy some kind of demon.”

Lucia said before gesturing for me to turn to the next page in the novel.

“Yeah, Forne isn’t really the ambitious type.”

I remarked before turning to the next page in the novel.

“Honestly, from what you told me. I kinda thought that he was gonna end up being a major player in world affairs, but based on how this story has gone so far, I’m pretty sure that’s not gonna happen.”

“Want me to let you know whether or not your prediction is correct?” 

“No need, I can already tell that it is based on that dumb look you’ve got on your face right now. Plus, there’s only a few pages left before the novel ends.”

Lucia said confidently before gently brushing through my hair.

“Are my tells that obvious?”

“Well, you weren’t always so easy to figure out but the more time I spend with you, the more I’m able to see minute changes in your behavior.”

“Fair enough, I mean I kinda feel the same, before I couldn’t really figure out what ticks you off, but now I think I’ve got it down.”

“Oh really, what do you think ticks me off then?”

Lucia asked curiously.

“People who snoop around, people who talk too much and tomatoes.”

“Yeah, that sounds about right-“

“Oh and you have a big fear of spiders.”

“For the last time, I do not!”

Lucia protested.

“Uh huh, sure.”

“It’s just that the ones that live here in Loxrew have barbed fangs and-“

“They have pincers on the ends of their legs, yeah you’ve told me multiple times.” 

I interjected before patting Lucia softly on the head.

“Look, I’ll get over it once you get over your fear of dogs, alright?”

“Yeah yeah.”

I said dismissively.

“Anyway, does this book by any chance have a sequel or a prequel, Otto?”

“According to the foreword, it apparently was going to get a sequel at some point but it was scrapped due to the author not being able to get a publisher on board with it.”

“That sucks, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a book quite like this one.”

“If you like what you’ve seen so far, you could maybe check out their other series ‘Percussive Maintenance’. It’s the same sorta stuff except this time the focus is on the ruler of the wasteland instead of Forne.”

“But Forne is literally the best part of the novel though.”

Lucia said with a smidge of disappointment in her voice.

“Can’t really argue with that. ‘Percussive Maintenance’ does get a bit dry when you reach the midway point because Forne isn’t the focus anymore.”

“In the end, there’s nothing quite like the original, huh?”

“Yeah, you’ve got a point.”

I said before turning to another page in the book.

Which, unfortunately also ended up being the last one.

“Aw man, now we have to find something else to do.”

Lucia said with a bit of disappointment in her voice before getting up and stretching her arms a little.

“Got any ideas?”

“Hmm… maybe we could “ 

Before Lucia could finish her thought, the school’s bells rang out and signaled that dinner was being served. 

Not that I really cared, since I haven’t gone to one of those ever since the first week of school.

As between this school’s lunches and the snacks it has strewn about everywhere, I usually had more than enough to subsist on for an entire day, even if I never had dinner.

“Hey uh, Otto, you heard that right? It’s dinner time.”

Lucia said, before snapping me back to reality by tapping me on the forehead.

“Huh? Yeah, I know. It’s just that I usually don’t get dinner.”

“Uh why?”

Lucia asked, slightly dumbfounded.

“Well, because I never really felt that I needed to.” 

“Otto… from now on, I’m going to take you to dinner every night and no that’s not up for discussion. Since I’d prefer it if my boyfriend stayed in the mortal realm.”

Lucia said solemnly, before grabbing ahold of my right hand with her own.

“I feel like I should’ve seen this coming.”

“I’m surprised that you didn’t, considering what happened the first time we met.”

Lucia remarked before pulling me out of my dorm room and in the direction of the abjuration classroom for whatever reason.

“Hey… Lucia, why are we going to the Abjuration classroom, if we’re supposed to be getting dinner right now?”

“Because Loren cooks dinner for the class every night and the stuff she whips up tastes way better than what the school serves.”

“Seriously? Also wait, who’s Loren?”

“Loren's the one who’s in charge of the Abjuration class. You know, the same person who also gives me tons of fuckin homework each day.”

“Ah gotcha.”

“Now come on, let’s get going before everything there gets snatched up.”

“No objections here.”

I said simply.

In turn, Lucia tightened her grip on my hand and picked up the pace. 

And about 15 minutes later, we made it to the Abjuration classroom without too much trouble.

Which from the outside, appeared to be completely full of people chatting about subjects ranging from the rise and fall of dynasties to the festivals that were going to happen in a couple of months.

“Alright, we’re here, let me know if anyone pisses you off, Otto.”

“Based on how things have gone so far, I feel like I should be the one telling you that.”

I remarked, with a bit of a smug expression on my face.

“Whatever.”

Lucia said with a hint of annoyance in her voice before swinging open the door of the Abjuration classroom.