Just what did Talisa create now?

  At first glance, well, I'm actually not sure what I'm seeing there.

  The thing is, it seems like a mix of outdoor clothing and stuff a noble lady would wear at home.

  There are some kind of thin grey pants below a green skirt that seems to be intentionally short, so as to not restrict my movement.

  Given Talisa's usual works, this one looks almost plain.

  The shirt, on the other hand, is of a brownish grey color.

  Only when I look closer, do I realize the finely woven patterns.

  In total, it looks like a masterpiece, as it always does.

  "Thank you, Talisa. But didn't you already gift me that dress you were so proud about shortly ago?" (N)

  I certainly don't mean to be ungrateful, but how am I supposed to truly appreciate her gifts if she keeps on presenting more of them to me?

  I can only wear so much in a day.

  "No, no. That one was a private dress. This one is to go out into the world. It even has some very nifty features I'm sure you'll appreciate." (T)

  "Features?" (N)

  "Yes, let me show you." (T)

  After that, Talisa begins to list an incredible number of things this outfit can do.

  Dispensing some kind of interwoven backpack being one of those.

  In addition, a number of holding strings for a lot of possible adjustments, which allow changing the dress in almost extreme ways while still wearing it, and for some reason, a web dispenser that throws them in a specific pattern.

  Yet as the latter is supposed to be an emergency measure, I didn't get to see it in practice.

  Apparently, Liana's clothes are quite nifty as well.

  I'm at least glad that I can finally have her wear something other than that maid outfit.

  As it was said before, her skirt and blouse are mostly green, yet have an orange colored pattern interwoven on them.

  Also, a dark grey, almost black vest, as well as a pair of pants, goes with it.

  I think she looks nice in it, but I’ve yet to ask her.

  "So, uh, how is it, Liana?" (N)

  "How can it be anything else but perfection?" (T)

  I get where she's coming from, but I'd still like to know from the one who has to wear it.

  "I, I need to say, they feel... nice." (L)

  "See? There's no point in doubting me." (T)

  "I didn't." (N)

  "As you say. Well, everything should be settled with this. You better rest now. After all, your trip will surely end up being quite exciting." (T)

  Sometimes, Talisa puts on this smile.

  Not this fierce one that she usually shows, but a kind one.

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  One that makes me feel reassured.

  A bit like when I think about my mother.

  It's not quite the same, but it... measures up.

  "N-Neri! Why are you crying?! Oh my. I didn't mean to berate you, you have to believe me!" (T)

  "Pffft." (Neri)

  She can also be funny if she gets flustered.

  "As you say." (N)

  And then I give her a hug.

  Fortunately, her legs are already inside again.

  Of course, Talisa takes it in as much as she can.

  With this, everything seems to have been taken care of, yet before I call it a day, I invite Liana to eat with me.

  Unfortunately, today is not a cooking day, so all we got is organ goop.

  Though it still tastes distressingly good.

  "So, uh, do you think this will work?" (N)

  "I, I'm not sure. Actually, I'm getting a little afraid. The idea that we are going there with the other Arachnae in tow. It's quite the frightening prospect, regarding what can go wrong." (L)

  Oh right.

  I guess there could be a risk.

  "Th-they surely will behave. Akasia appeared like she was really looking forward to this." (N)

  At least, I hope that she won't waste this chance to visit a human town again.

  My mother called it "probation" if I was allowed to do something after I did wrong.

  "But you can’t be absolutely certain that things will go well. And the mere threat of what happens if it does not is rather overwhelming." (L)

  Urgh, in hindsight, the way they were talking about Akasia's past trips, I'd like this not to become another of those stories.

  "Still, I want to do this, for you." (N)

  For a moment, Liana stares at me with wide eyes.

  I can't help but feel that she's touched.

  Then she answers.

  "Sigh, if you say it like that, I guess I can't be the one to hold this off... Thank you." (L)

  "Y-yes. And if there's ever even the slightest bit I can do for you, please just ask me." (N)

  I want Liana to trust me.

  Aside from my peculiar relationship with my sisters, she's the one I feel closest with.

  "Okay... I'll try to." (L)

  I feel like she's still doubtful, but I think we might work towards something together.

  And this trip to help her get something important to her is the first step.

  After this, we end the day.

  It riles me up a bit that, for some reason, I feel Liana stronger than ever before.

  No, not just her, but all of my spiderlings.

  Of course, this means for me that I'm having trouble sleeping.

  As tomorrow is a big day, I’m also pretty excited.

  With these together, I’m never going to be able to nod off.

  At least, this means I won’t have to worry about having my spider legs out when the next day comes.

  So the next day arrives.

  I actually managed to doze off a bit, yet this only allows me to be startled.

  "Neri, good morning. Please, wake up." (T)

  Talisa!?

  "Ngh. What are you doing here?" (N)

  "I came to fetch you. After all, there's a lot planned for today." (T)

  "Fetch me? Couldn't you've let me wake up as usual?" (N)

  I try to sound genuine and not criticizing, despite still being tired from the sudden wake-up call.

  "As you'll depart at midday, I planned something special for you. Well, for all of us." (T)

  "Special?" (N)

  I shudder a little at what the sisters consider a special event.

  "Yes! One of our first family dinners since... I actually don't know if we ever had one. Akasia brought up this idea, and as we are going to separate soon for far too long, I think it's a very good idea to have this 'breakfast' together." (T)

  Now I feel kinda sad that they all apparently never bothered eating together.

  Could this be part of the reason why they don't seem so close to each other, at least, not the same way they focus all on me?

  But I think, overall, they still like each other.

  Yet a joint breakfast certainly won't harm anything.

  "Okay. Just let me get dressed." (N)

  "Of course, I hope you'll like the walking dress I made you." (T)

  Right, I didn't get to wear it all that much yesterday.

  It certainly keeps everything it promised.

  Being perfectly comfortable, not even the slightest bit restricting, and extremely light to wear.

  Talisa is truly a genius in this regard.

  "Thanks, Talisa." (N)

  "Anything for you, little Neri. But now we should quickly head to the meeting hall." (T)

  Meeting hall?

  While we're on the way to the chamber in question, I realize that it's a room Masiabi showed me when I was still new here.

  She also said back then that it's not really in use.

  So that's how it was.

  I first hear a bit of a commotion.

  Once I draw closer, I can pick out the separate voices, which ultimately lead to me discovering that all the others are already in there.

  Then I arrive at the door.

  "Ehm, hello, Neri." (L)

  Why is Liana here?!

  by Yves Münch

  I need a holiday break.