A Story from Long Ago
On the day of our date, I walked the streets alongside Lacy.
Today's goal is to help her experience as many new things as possible.
I've never written before, but I remember hearing that even small, everyday experiences can help writers overcome slumps.
So, what thou art saying is... this outing is meant to help me overcome my slump?
That's right.
...I see.
I see, I see... 'Twas to be expected of a child like thee.
Maybe she didn't like being dragged out during her writing hours? Lacy's expression looks a bit poutier than usual.
Is there anywhere you'd like to go?
Somewhere I'd like to go?
Hmm... There is one place. Just one.
When we arrived at the place she wanted to visit, I let out a sigh.
This is the library.
Well, thou never declared this place was off limits, didst thou not?
And since thou wish to help me overcome my slump, you shalt assist me in analyzing the latest trends among readers.
It would be best to focus on works I haven't read yet.
So these are the popular books among readers these days, huh...
Recalling Lacy's words, I walked over to a shelf of new releases and picked up a recent bestseller.
Wait, no need to bother with that one.
Its themes are shallow and the author's writing scattered, the result of chasing trends instead of meaning.
I slid the book back into place and reached for another beside it...
That one's no good either. The research is terrible, and worse, 'tis practically a cheap copy of one of mine earlier works.
That one, the next, and the next after that. All mediocre. No need to waste your time.
Then why don't you recommend something?
If I did, it would only be something I already know. Hardly meaningful, wouldst thou not say?
Besides, child, we didn't come here merely to read books!
I sighed as I scanned the shelves again, when one particular book caught my eye.
Hmm? Why is that book even here...?
It was a thin storybook—clearly old, likely misplaced and forgotten for years.
Hold it right there, child! That book is—
Just let me read it.
I... well... Rrgh...
Fine... Do as thou wilt...
The book turned out to be a simple fairy tale.
It began with a dragon, bored of her lonely life in the mountains, rescuing a lost girl.
In gratitude, the girl told the dragon stories of the world—all the things she'd seen and heard on her travels.
Her stories continued for a hundred days, during which the dragon experienced joy for the first time in their life.
When the girl finally left, promising to return someday, the dragon decided they wanted to bring that same joy to others through stories of their own.
After much deliberation, the dragon left their mountain home and set off for the girl's homeland, the Western Continent.
Wait... could this be—
When I finished the book and looked over, Lacy's face was bright red.
...Lacy?
Did I not order thou to refer to me as Ms. Lacy? Honestly, such a disobedient child.
The dragon in that story. That was you, wasn't it?
Ask me not what thou already know...!
Ugh... 'Twas my very first publication... Before I even used the name Lacy, decades ago.
How that book ended up here, of all places, is beyond me...!
Did you ever meet the girl again?
...Nay, I did not.
Or, to be more precise, I chose not to.
That meant she knew where the girl was... but hadn't gone to see her.
I only discovered her whereabouts fairly recently.
And yet, I haven't gone to see her because of... Well, my current state.
My reputation, my popularity... Let's just say they've both seen better days.
I'd rather meet her proudly, when my name shines again.
Watching Lacy smile bitterly, I shook my head.
Then let's go meet her.
If Lacy could face the reason she started writing once more, then...
It might just spark something new within her.
Hmm...
Lacy stayed silent for a long while, deep in thought, before finally nodding.
...Very well. I shall heed thine advice and go see her.
But thou must come with me.
I don't mind, but why?
Because even I feel a bit shy, from time to time...
Her cheeks flushed ever so slightly with a gentle hue that left me speechless.