That person was Olivia Gray.
Even now, as the two expressed joyful laughter at the one liners of a TV show, Olivia’s company was what broke her solitude since Nathan's unfortunate incident. Unbeknownst to them, their situation was being considered by the developer.
“Wow, I never expected Olivia and Lilith to be developing a close friendship,” Inside a cottage with his NPCs, the developer resided. “I guess it makes sense in a way.”
“I’m glad Lilith has someone to talk to,” The doctor remarked. “She hasn’t been doing too well recently, after all.”
“She’s also been improving quite quickly,” The NPC chimed in. “Your hopes for her are being fulfilled, developer.”
“My hope is for her to attain enlightenment, NPC. Although she’s becoming more powerful, there’s still that wall,” The developer replied. “I hope she doesn’t let this newfound relationship return Lilith to that complacent state she had with Nathan.”
“...Will Nathan ever wake up?” The blacksmith questioned.
“Well, it’s all up to him,” The developer answered. “I have super high hopes for him, but no one can liberate his mind but himself.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of chances to make items for the other characters,” The developer assured. “Despite my worries, I don’t think Lilith will let Olivia get in her way. Ada won’t allow something like that.”
- * * *
Lilith occupied the center of her yard beneath the hot sun, hacking the air repeatedly utilizing her katana, and with measured breaths. Her sword swing motions were clean and fluid, and the ambient air responded ferociously with every arc Lilith completed.
Her solo training was of course spectated by Olivia, who watched with eyes of awe. She never made a sound, not a peak out of Olivia as she tried her best to watch her movements, but her silent observation was far louder than any noise she could make – Lilith couldn’t help but shift her attention to her friend.
“Oh, it must be boring for you just sitting over there and watching me,” Lilith assumed. “I’ve been practicing my swings for over an hour…my bad.”
“N-No…it’s fine…d-don’t worry about…me,” Olivia shyly assured. Her attempts of assurance were simply met with the silent gaze of Lilith; from the minimalist fashion of her black, zipped up hoodie, well worn navy blue jeans to the scuffed sneakers she wore, Lilith scanned Olivia - as if something was not in place.
“Hmm, I have an idea, but I don’t know if you’ll want to do it,” Lilith remarked. “And…it’s kind of risky.”
“W-What’s…the idea?”
“I think you deserve to wear better clothes than that, so I was wondering if you wanted to go to a clothes store!” Lilith suggested. “We could also stop by at a supermarket…since we’re kind of running out of food.”
“U-Um…y-you want us…to go out…in public? I-I’m not…good with the public…” Olivia stuttered. “Besides…w-won’t that…be really…risky?”
“Don’t worry, I’ll be here with you all the time, and as long as we wear the appropriate disguise, it should be fine!” Lilith replied. I must really be desperate for a change of routine. “Like a scarf to cover our face…and sunglasses, or something.”
“...B-But these clothes…are fine,” Shifting her gaze to the ground in depression, Olivia remarked. “I’m…not pretty–”
“Nope, don’t finish that sentence! I won’t tolerate a friend of mine saying that,” Crossing the distance within an instant, Lilith remarked with a stern expression as she placed her hand on Olivia’s shoulder. “As I said before, you deserve to wear something better! You’re definitely pretty.”
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“...A-Alright…if you…say so,” With a slight smile, Olivia replied. “L-Let’s go out…then!”
“Great! Let’s get ready then!”
It wasn’t long before they were ready to go. Scarves around their necks, sunglasses over their eyes, they equipped themselves with a disguise. Excited for this ‘side mission,’ the two hopped in, buckled up and locked the doors of Lilith’s car.
“The nearest city is a few miles away, so you could call this a road trip,” Lilith remarked as she started the car. “You can listen to music or something while I drive.”
“O-Okay…”
With no further words, Lilith started the car. As the engines hummed and the tires crunched across the pavement, Lilith drove off.
- * * *
It only took half an hour, but the two women had arrived at their destination. As they hopped out of the safety of their car and into the unknown and risky environment of the public, the two donned caps over their heads for added insurance.
“Phew, it’s been a while since I’ve stepped into the public! The last time I’ve really been around was before I lost my job!” Lilith remarked. “I feel kinda nervous!”
“...Are y-you…going to bring…your k-katana?” Olivia questioned.
“As much as I’d want to, I can’t bring a weapon inside the clothing store…it’d raise suspicions,” Lilith replied. “Don’t worry…it’ll be fine!”
“...Okay.”
The two trekked up to the entrance, and Lilith pushed open the doors with anxious anticipation. The interior was brightly lit, the ceiling lights reflecting on the polished, marble flooring. Racks of clothing were assembled by types – shirts, pants and dresses. Showcasing a taste of what the store had were mannequins aligned near the entrance, donning their own sets of clothing.
Rows of shoes were adorned on shelves at the corner of the store; sneakers, boots, heels, slippers, there were shoes of every type for both men and women.
Soft cushions sat by the fitting rooms and music resonated in the background of the store.
“There’s not many people shopping now…that’s great!” Lilith said. “Let’s go get you some clothes.”
“...Alright.”
The two strolled across the store, surveying the displayed garments as they passed. Lilith was far more surveying of the clothing than the timid Olivia.
“I always see you wear hoodies, but this top looks like it’d fit you!” As her eyes caught a piece of clothing, Lilith suggested. “What do you think?”
“Um, I-If you think it’s good…I’ll…wear it,” Olivia said in a soft tone.
“What about those sneakers over there?” Lilith questioned as she gestured to displayed shoes.”
“Hehe, those look…cute…I guess,” Olivia replied. “M-Maybe…they w-won’t…look good…on me?”
“C’mon, I think it’s perfect for you!”
“Y-You think…I can pull it off?” Olivia questioned. “T-These clothes…may be…wasted on me.”
“I’m choosing these because I think these clothes would fit you perfectly,” Lilith assured. "You can easily pull off these."
Hearing that, a sincere smile drew on Olivia’s face.
“Hehe…alright, I’ll…stop being…such a downer,” Olivia replied. “L-Let’s pick a lot then!”
Her smile was infectious as Lilith gazed at her – she too found herself smiling.
“Alright!”
- * * *
The shopping proved to yield bountiful results, as Lilith and Olivia stood by the cashier with several bags of clothing.
As the scanner in the cashier’s hands hovered over the bags of clothing – a slight beep with a piece hovered – her gaze was fixed suspiciously on the two women. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but there was something strange about these two. Maybe the excessive pieces of clothing they wore over their face, or the fidgeting and finger twiddling gesture Olivia did.
What’s worse, Olivia never met the cashier’s gaze – she simply stared at the ground.
“Is something the matter,” In a low tone – a clear attempt of masking her real voice – Lilith questioned. “You seem rather curious about us.”
“Hmm, I can’t put my foot on it,” The cashier said. “But I feel like…you guys are familiar. Have I seen you two somewhere?”
“Hmm, no. I don’t think so.”
“Oh, what am I even talking about!” The cashier replied. “Sorry about that…the amount is one hundred and thirty.”
“A-Alright,” With a slight stutter, Lilith remarked. O-Over a hundred dollars…jeez, I’m glad I have money saved up… Lilith pondered as she glanced at Olivia. But I’m doing something good.
Lilith paid the bill and the two quickly picked up the bags. The less time these criminals had to spend in the shop is better, after all. Too bad, that small amount of time they spent had garnered attention towards them.
As they departed the shop, they were observed by a ‘customer.’ A woman who wore casual clothing and a black overcoat watched them.
“Oh my…did my eyes fool me or do those two look familiar,” With a smile, the woman said. “The Chief is a genius…it never took long for these guys to show themselves in public. I wonder if I’d get a raise if it really is them!”