“I’m not wearing this outside.”
I didn't even want to imagine the looks I would receive if, for some reason, Evelyn asked me to go somewhere with her tomorrow.
“No one asked you to.”
“Good. I’m just making a point.”
Evelyn picked up the navy shorts from the bed and held them out toward me.
“These should be less troublesome.”
I took them from her and immediately recognized them as one of the pairs I normally wore around the house.
At least putting on shorts couldn't possibly become another complicated experience.
I stepped into them and pulled them upward, only to slow when the waistband reached my hips. Unlike the tank top, the shorts had plenty of room around my legs, but Evelyn's wider hips and fuller backside made the fit noticeably different from what I was accustomed to.
Once I finally pulled them into place, I turned slightly toward the mirror.
The result was strange.
I was wearing my own clothes and standing in my own bedroom, yet absolutely nothing about the reflection looked like me.
Evelyn stepped up beside me and examined our reflections together.
“Not bad.”
I glanced toward her.
“You sound strangely satisfied.”
“I picked the clothes. Though I suppose that your beauty is doing most of the work. You seem to have a talent for making even ordinary clothes shine.”
Her smile returned.
“You should take your earrings and necklace off before bed. We shouldn’t delay any longer. Tomorrow is going to be busy enough, so you should rest while you can. As for me, I feel as though I could go on for days without sleeping. You really lucked out with your Awakening—or perhaps I did.”
I was at a loss for words as she acted as though this swap was somehow beneficial to her, perhaps more than I could guess. I decided that asking outright was better than keeping the question to myself, since she wasn't the only one whose life had been turned upside down.
“You... what did you mean about lucking out? How can any of this be beneficial to you in any way?”
Evelyn's face took on a serious expression, as though she were contemplating whether she should share this information with me.
“Nathan, not just anyone can afford to target the heiress of the Vale Group. The number of people who are aware of my security arrangements and those that would benefit from my death are even smaller.”
She fell silent for a moment before looking into my eyes with a gaze filled with determination.
“You may be unaware of it, but while spatial manipulation ability users are rare, those who are truly capable and remain unaffiliated with any major group can be counted on one hand. In fact, since the only one affiliated with the Vale Group passed away, my father hasn’t been able to find a suitable replacement.”
Her explanation was enough for me to guess what came next.
“So, you are saying you are in need of my ability?”
Evelyn seemed glad that I was catching on quickly, and didn’t seem so averse to helping her out.
“Precisely. The only ones who could have planned today’s assassination attempt are my uncle and cousin. If I were eliminated, the positions of future chairman and family head would become open for competition.”
She paused to gather her breath before continuing.
“I am well aware that there are records of their corruption hidden somewhere in their residence. If I could use your ability to get my hands on them, I could deal them a fatal blow.”
I understood her meaning, and although I was aware of the possible risks, I also knew that it would be better to accept her offer now and make her owe me, since there was a very realistic chance that she would coerce me into helping if I refused.
“I will be expecting a hefty compensation from you. Are you sure you can satisfy me, Evelyn?”
I maintained eye contact and kept my expression firm, as though I could ruin her plans if I made up my mind.
Evelyn showed a refreshing smile, which I thought didn't particularly suit my face.
“I promise to make sure you won’t have anything to be dissatisfied about.”
Author’s Note:
I know this chapter is a little shorter than usual. My first Glitched Awakening side story is currently under review for publication, and once it goes live, I’ll release another chapter along with the announcement.