「H-How… No, why did you cover for me!?」 (Meirou)

I try to voice my complaints, but nothing comes up, I tighten my grip on Hika’s fallen state.

“Why do I... f-feel like I can understand... what you're saying…? I can hear this voice... just like yours i-in my head... N-No, I'm sorry... M-My body moved on its own… Hah, hah... I sensed from your movements that you wouldn't attack in time, s-so…” (Hika)

There was a deep gash from Hika’s shoulder down to her stomach.

“I… I want to trust you... I really felt your sincerity... f-from your voice back then.--- Y-You are my second master, but I feel as if I... Hah, hah... c-can give my all this time…” (Hika)

I quickly turn to see Kanko’s unconscious state. Damn, what should I do!? I hear a snicker, and turn to the dogkin.

“Ahaha… I've had enough of this miserable life of a slave… I'm glad... I can finally rest… I hope you all live through hell… my only regret... is that I couldn’t... bring you down... with me...” (Dogkin)

The dogkin breathes her last breath. Hana drops her sword, and looks down to her bloodied hands.

「I killed… a fellow beastkin.」 (Hana)

「Hana!!」 (Meirou)

Hana looks up with an anguished expression. I hesitate to continue from witnessing her state.

「...W-We have to stop the bleeding! Hana! Help me and bring some clean towels!」 (Meirou)

Hana released from her dazed state finally realizing the situation, runs to fulfill my order.

「Don't die on me now! I am not letting you die as well! Not on my watch!」 (Meirou)

“L-Loud… I wasn't imagining things… I can hear your voice in my head, Meirou… Ahaha...” (Hika)

I gently place Hika down, and run over to pick up Kanko. Suddenly, the door opens.

“Is everything okay? I was informed that loud noises were coming from the room.” (???)

A few knights rush into the room. Princess Lakua follows right after and surveys the interior. I touch my throat, I cannot voice anything in this state!

「Hana come back! Request for help from the princess!」 (Meirou)

Hana quickly returns from my call to find the uninvited guests, hands me the towels, and nods to me.

“Princess Lakua, please save her! Her life is in danger!” (Hana)

Princess Lakua scrunches her expression as she sees the dogkin laying on the ground, and me rushing to attempt on further slowing down Hika’s bleeding with the towels.

“Luka.” (Princess Lakua)

“You two, quickly call for a healer.” (Knight)

Hana slightly relaxes from Princess Lakua’s response. The princess approaches from behind, and notices a fairy laying near me on a folded towel

“I don't know what happened here, but I will be sure to save her; as well as everyone else’s injuries." (Princess Lakua)

She pats my shoulder and nods. She must have seen the injuries on my neck.

"Ah, Hana. I told you it's fine to just call me Lakua!” (Princess Lakua)

Lakua pouts.

“A-Ahaha… T-Thank you, Lakua.” (Hana)

”Uhn, uhn. Now that’s what I’d like to hear.” (Princess Lakua)

Two healers arrive, and smoothly work through each of us. Touching my healed neck, I am now relieved.

“Thank you. You saved us once again... Um, Lakua.” (Meirou)

“You get into trouble too easily.” (Princess Lakua)

The princess sighs as she watches me stand up and bow my head.

“I was planning on coming over tomorrow morning if you were still here, to ask you about something; but I change my mind. Now is the best time, so raise your head. I have something to say.” (Princess Lakua)

I raise my head. ‘Ask me about something’?

“I received word from the princess of Centreville, of the neighboring country, that a pair of escapees is on the run; and that there is a possibility that they entered my country. They are wanted for killing a member of royalty.” (Princess Lakua)

The princess gaze into my eyes, watching how I react to the news.

“I see.” (Meirou)

Silence fills the air. I tense up, and held my breath.

“...” (Princess Lakua)

“...” (Meirou)

I notice Hana looking at me with a worried expression. The princess catches Hana’s expression.

“I don't care if you did kill that member of royalty or not. Whatever your reasons were, my eyes don't lie to me. I won't capture and contain you two or anything.” (Princess Lakua)

Princess Lakua properly faces me.

“I can take this as a chance to finally resolve this strained situation. The border is always constantly full of skirmishes. If Centreville finds out about your existence in my castle, and takes the initiative, it will greatly turn to our advantage.” (Princess Lakua)

“Yes… I killed the supposed member of royalty. I wasn't aware he was a member of royalty though.” (Meirou)

“I'm glad you are honest with me.” (Princess Lakua)

Princess Lakua smiles at me. Her face becomes serious again.

“That's why, I wish to make a request. Would you two be willing to fight for me? Of course, the rest of your companions are included too.” (Meirou)

How she worded it surprised me. Usually requesting for help, you would only need to speak to the master, but she explicitly included Hana and the others as if speaking to an equal; despite her wearing a slave collar in plain sight. I treated Hana as a companion, so she must have caught on since who knows when.

“If I accept your request, would you train my companions in return? Including me, please teach and strengthen us. Teach us proper ways to survive on the battlefield.” (Meirou)

Princess Lakua nods, claps once to signal the end of discussion, and begins to leave the room with the knights.

“I will return tomorrow morning. Rest up for today, we can continue our discussion from tomorrow onwards. I look forward to it.” (Princess Lakua)

“I understand.” (Meirou)

I sigh in relief. Hana walks over, and sits by Hika’s side. Silence takes over the room once again.

“...I want to become stronger…” (Hana)

I turn to look at Hana.

“We lost Juyu, and we almost lost Hika… I don't want to lose someone again so soon, just when we were getting to know each other...” (Hana)

「Now that you mention it, I never got to hear that dogkin’s real name...」 (Meirou)

I take a glance at the dogkin’s lifeless body.

“Really, I am glad that you are also okay, Hana.” (Meirou)

I pet her head.

“I will be relying on your support.” (Meirou)

“Yes, Master Meirou.” (Hana)

…

...

“-and that's it for today. Class dismissed.” (Teacher)

I wonder if bro is busy after school today? Maybe I should call him, since I can't carry all the groceries I need to buy today on my own.

“Shuka, are you going anywhere today?” (???)

“Ah, I need to stop by the supermarket today. Sorry Saki, invite me next time!” (Shuka)

“Geez, there’s no helping it then.” (???)

Saki pouts. I open my cellphone to call bro, but the line cuts straight to his voicemail. Eh? It’s not even going through? I know he isn't so careless as to forget to recharge his cellphone…

“That's weird. Did he turn off his cellphone?” (Shuka)

Suddenly, the classroom starts shaking.

“Oi! An earthquake!” (Classmate)

“Everyone, cover your heads! Be careful of the breaking lights!” (Classmate)

A few lights break from the ceiling.

“Kyaaa!!” (Classmate)

“Uwawa!? E-Earthquake!?” (Shuka)

“T-This magnitude… This is dangerous! Shuka, stay here! I am worried about Saeki!

“Eh!?!? S-Saki! It’s dangerous!”

“I know, but I’m worried about Saeki! Just stay where you are! I will come back with her!!” (???)

Saki wobbly hurries over to the next classroom amidst the shaking. As I panic over the increasingly rough shaking of the floor, I was suddenly covered in pure light. My last thought was an image of my brother's worried face.

…

…

“-so if you have any questions, come to the teacher's lounge. Class dismissed.” (Teacher)

“Kiku, here are today's notes!” (???)

“Uhn. Thank you, Mei.” (Kiku)

“I will see you tomorrow then, take care on your way home!” (???)

I carefully stand up. Just as I was about to reach for my walking stick, the floor suddenly starts shaking wildly.

“E-Eh!?” (Kiku)

I start panicking. This is the first time I felt an earthquake this strong. I lose my balance, and fall to the floor. I try to focus on listening to my surroundings.

“Hey! Someone go call for the teacher!!” (Classmate)

“Cover your heads everyone!!” (Classmate)

“Hey, be careful!!” (Classmate)

I start hearing lights shattering from the ceiling.

“Kyaa!!” (Classmate)

“Stay away from the center of the classroom!!” (Classmate)

I try and stand up, but the ground is shaking so strongly, I lose my balance again. I lost my sense of direction. W-Where in the classroom am I right now!?

“Hah hah hah…” (Kiku)

I'm honestly scared out of my wits.

“K-Kiku! Hey! Kiku! Are you okay!? I’m here! Calm down! Just follow my lead! We have to stay away from the center of the classroom where the light above are!” (???)

I suddenly hear someone beside me, as they grab my hand and lead me. I desperately return their grip with my own.

“Don't worry, I'm here for you! Deep breaths!” (???)

“Hah… Hah… T-Thank you, Mei.” (Kiku)

The ground continues to shake with no signs of ending. Suddenly, I feel like I could see a bright light blinding me. I felt like I was flying the next moment, then suddenly I felt like I landed lightly on cold ground. I touch the ground, but it doesn't feel like the classroom floor anymore. Eh?

“M-Mei?” (Kiku)

I reach nearby, but I feel nothing but air around me. I’ve completely lost my walking cane amidst the chaos.

“O-Ouch…” (???)

That was Mei’s voice! I move and reach out managing to find Mei’s hand.

“Welcome, summoned heroes!” (???)

I hear a girl’s voice among the stirring of my classmates.

“I am the princess of Centreville, a country from the east. I request for your aid!” (???)

P-Princess!?

…