Dereliction of duty · 90 years in the new calendar

Xus: (Unnoticed... ok.)

More than two hours earlier than the usual early enough wake up time, Xus slipped out of bed quietly.

It is difficult to break free from the shackles of those around you, and it is even more difficult to guarantee the premise of not waking up.

Although the final result was success, Xus secretly made a decision of "earlier next year".

How on earth did Zor manage to twist his body into an octopus while he was half asleep?

It's awesome, to be honest.

According to the agreement on yesterday's order, he walked out the door lightly.

When he pushed the door, he ran into Norn, the owner of the dessert shop, who was waiting at the door.

Norn: Wow! ... ummm, sorry...

Xus couldn't help becoming vigilant, turned around suspiciously, and focused on listening to whether he was awakened.

Fortunately, he didn't, so he nodded, and by the way, let the people at the door feel relieved.

Xus: It was my fault that I rushed to the door.

Sorry.

……

What's the matter with your clothes?

At first glance, the easiest thing to notice is the flour apron.

The clothes under the apron are not ordinary casual clothes, but...

Norn: Huh?

...Eh, this is...I, I didn't notice.

How... how should I put it.

After all, it was still too early, maybe it was blurry when I was looking for clothes.

is an acceptable explanation.

Xus didn't want to expose him just yet.

The one Norn was wearing inside was familiar to him, and it was a uniform that only people related to the church would have.

More than half a year ago?About half a year later, he swore that he had resigned from there and would no longer take care of the religious affairs.

Although this uniform looks good and elegant, it feels very poor and does not keep warm at all.

Xus: (Should I go back once in a while?)

(...been there a few times a while ago, enough.)

It's a pity that in the current divine religion, most of the people are young people, and there are very few people who know the name "Xus".

The people who were at the same time as him back then should all be at the level of grandpas, and he was the only one who still maintained his youthful appearance.

…The Norn in front of him is also quite young, although he is 11 years older than Xus.

Xus and Norn have different reasons for staying young.

These two are basically the only two methods of longevity that are still circulating on the mainland - but in a strict sense, this is not considered alive, it can only be said that the consciousness of the living is retained after death, allowing them to come alive and perform actions of the living.

Xus: ...

Have you not given up yet?

Will you be 90 next year?Already about the same age.

Upon hearing this, Norn knew that all the little plans in his heart had been exposed in front of Xus.

He was slightly taken aback, then lowered his head and smiled wryly silently.

Norn: Don't you too?

And I said it several years ago, and I feel that it is meaningless to stick to it.

The result is not still standing here?

Xus: Ah yes, there seems to be no way to refute it.

At least I have a reason.

Norn: What?

Xus: It's not the same as you alone.

There are many people who are worth caring about around me.

Poke him where it hurts.

Xus himself knows how lucky he is.

Meeting Zolf was his first luck, which was probably the best in the world. It took him more than 20 years of bad luck to get it.

After that... there are many miscellaneous things, and it is the second time to meet that distant friend.

It is one thing to find a hobby that continues to this day, and it is also one thing to get rid of the shackles of the religion.

In time to save the lives of both Flood and Sui, this is another one.

Xus: ...

I haven't let go of all thoughts yet, me.

Ugh, you look lonely, Mr Norn.

Norn: Stop calling me this weird name.

I've tried to disassociate myself from the Church, from that Cyndeline guy.

... can't do it.

Xus: Yes, you need them to help you survive, old sir.

Xus picked up the cake that had been neglected for a long time, carried it into the room, and put the things on the table first.

To his slight surprise, he had just put it away when he looked up and saw Zor's shining eyes.

Xus: Wow... when did you wake up?

Zolf: Start with something humanoid dawdling around.

--do you know?When I sleep, if I don't have a pillow, I will feel very uncomfortable.

Xus: Call me when you wake up early.

...you heard it all?

Zolf: Seven seven eight eight - yo, Mr. Norn, thank you, it's so early in the morning.

Norn: Good morning... it's all to do.

Then I, I'll go first, see you later.

He turned and left, closing the door quietly.

Xus: Eat it up, and then write the year-end summary.

Zolf: Huh?so much?

The scale of birthday cakes should not be underestimated.

Xus chose the medium size, which is too much for breakfast.

Xus: Don't forget your report anyway.

……

That's all I want to say, I'm going to the study first.

He walked away quickly, then remembered something, and slipped a note nonchalantly into Zor's hand.