Hours pass by without me realizing it. I look around, to notice that Meirou isn't in the room anymore. He must’ve left at some point to get some fresh air, or maybe to further discuss with the princess.

“...Mmm...” (???)

I turn to see Hika regaining consciousness.

“Hika, are you alright?” (Hana)

“W-What happened…?” (Hika)

Hika slowly lifts her body, surprised and confused to see that her injury is gone as if it was never there.

“Is M-Meirou safe?” (Hika)

The first thing she wants to ask about, is Master Meirou’s wellbeing.

“Ah.” (Hika)

My expression loosen to a smile. She must have realized it herself. The both of us are hearing each other's thoughts after all.

“Yes. Because of you, Master Meirou came out unharmed.” (Hana)

「I'm glad… but I thought I died back there...」 (Hika)

“Yes, you could’ve died; but Master Meirou desperately tried to save you, and even requested aid from the princess.” (Hana)

“I-It feels kind of weird when you reply to my thoughts so naturally.” (Hika)

“Yet you're accepting this pretty easily... You're not going to ask how I'm able to hear your thoughts?” (Hika)

“I have heard Meirou’s yelling in my head before I fell unconscious. Now I can hear your voice in my head as well… I can only think it is because of magic unique to Meirou.” (Hika)

“Y-You are amazing, Hika. Both of us were really distressed when we first experienced this.” (Hana)

“Both you and the fairy, Hana?” (Hika)

“Ah…” (Hana)

A pause follows. I open my mouth, but no words come out, and close it. I hesitate on what to say. Hika sensing my hesitancy, redirects the topic.

“So it really is because of Meirou’s magic?” (Hika)

I was relieved; at the same time coming to a realization that it has become hard for me to talk about Juyu.

“I-I am sure it is because of Master Meirou’s magic that we can communicate like this.” (Hana)

“I am glad. I have never communicated with someone like this before. I felt many of Meirou’s emotions as if it were my own. I saw images of scenes in my head, which I never thought I'd ever be able to see again. I saw it. I saw what everyone's appearances were like. What Meirou looks like. What you look like, Hana.” (Hika)

Hana notices Hika’s eyes becoming moist. Far from anxiety, she even wants to embrace it. My cheeks loosen to a warm smile.

“Thank you for covering for him.” (Hana)

“No… I said this to Meirou already, but my body just moved on its own.” (Hika)

“Then even more so, I want to show you my gratitude. Slaves have no obligation to protect their master willingly, unless ordered to. It's clear that one would want to live rather than sacrifice their life for someone they barely know.” (Hana)

“I… want to believe in my judgment.” (Hika)

Hika takes a deep breathe

“I have lived my life surrounded by many people with many facades. Despite that, I want to trust Meirou. I want to believe that trusting someone can still lead me somewhere, maybe to something precious; which is more valuable than to suffer from constantly closing off your heart, keeping a distance from everything.” (Hika)

You are such a strong-willed and forward girl, that I can't help comparing myself to you. Much like Juyu… Someone who shines brightly, who is the one that holds their hand out to lead the way for others... I hope I can become strong-hearted like the both of you someday...

“...” (Hika)

Ahaha… it is embarrassing to be aware that my thoughts are being heard, even though I can't control it.

“Hana… so Meirou had to make a deal with the princess?...” (Hika)

“Ah, yes…” (Hana)

“What kind of deal was it?” (Hika)

“To fight for the princess.” (Hana)

“Fight...” (Hika)

“Master Meirou made his decision, so you don’t have to feel any responsibility.” (Hana)

As Hika was pondering over something, possibly not having heard my last comment, three knights enter the room.

“We will be cleaning out this room soon, so we will be leading you to your new room.” (Knight1)

The knights notices Hika still sitting on the floor.

“Do you need support?” (Knight2)

“I-It’s okay. Thank you, but I will support her.” (Hana)

Hika slowly stands up with Hana's support.

“I haven't voiced it yet, but Hika, your feathers really are beautiful.” (Hana)

“T-Thank you.” (Hika)

The harpy smiles awkwardly from my straightforward compliment, with a hint of comfort. Hm? Comfort? Was she self-conscious of how she looked in front of others? She has nothing to worry about though. Really, the bright blue hue fits her personality too well, it's charming. Master Meirou must've felt the same way.

…

…

I had a long discussion with everyone in the group. Kanko really felt sorry for not being able to heal Hika. She thinks that if not for her, I wouldn't have needed Lakua’s aid. Because of that, it seems Kanko and the Princess make a secret agreement behind my back. The princess felt obligated to inform me of it, but never shared the details of the agreement, other than that it's training and she herself is overlooking the guidance. I was told she is proficient in magic control after all. I was worried at first but seeing as Kanko remained her cheerful self as usual, I let my worries die down. It seems the princess has been getting along with Kanko really well.

“Please take care of her.” (Meirou)

“I'll protect her when she's with me. I'll be sure she's guarded when you're not around. Don't worry, I understand the circumstances of the fairy race.” (Princess Lakua)

Should I say as expected of the princess, to comprehend what I'm worried about? I feel that Lakua can always see through me.

Hika has fit into our group so well, it felt as if it was natural for her to be involved with us. Having finished a prior discussion with Lakua, it was decided that both of them will be assigned to others appropriate to teach them; living in other parts of Everard. We discussed about shopping for proper preparations, as well as a summary of my synchronized telepathy to Hika. Hika doesn't seem as surprised as I thought she would be. Her face was calm as usual. It seems that the two slaves, Hika especially, wished to become strong enough to stand on their own feet, to not become dead weight. They regret the lack of strength to be able to change the previous predicament. It was truly a close call. I understood. I have always understood Hana’s aspiration seeing as how much we went through together, but I was surprised Hika strived for the same goal as us; strength. Hika clearly voiced her intent and decision to me, wanting to convey that she wishes to protect what I want to protect.

“Meirou, I don't have a family anymore. They are all dead, because of me. That's why, I wish to become stronger, and have the strength to support you from now on. That is what I have decided on.” (Hika)

“...” (Hana)

“...” (Kanko)

She spoke those words to me when we were all eating dinner together, with an expression that was hard to read, but I was receiving raw emotions of helplessness from her, which left me speechless. Noticing no reply from me, she continues-

“...I can trust you right, Meirou?” (Hika)

“I am just puzzled… Why did you decide to go so far for me?” (Meirou)

“The girl named Juyu. I'm sorry, but I ended up seeing various memories regarding her from Meirou and Hana. It was really warm. My first master wasn't abusive or anything, but I was treated as something worse than a pet. I… want to have that kind of relationship with Meirou and Hana, one that would be worth protecting… This is the first time I ever felt like I wanted to do something, so I can be able to protect it with my own hands. I already lost that warmth once, and I never thought of doing anything to change it, until it became irreversible. I don't want to lose it once more, just when I am able to grasp it again.” (Hika)

In my heart, I am silently happy about this. Hana and Hika are able to make their own decisions up to the point where it will affect their surroundings, and they are willing to go further. Hika specifically, I am glad. She has more self-esteem compared to when I bought Juyu and Hana. She can make her own choices and doesn't act like a robot awaiting orders. It's probably… because of the environment she was raised in with her family. Someday, I'd love to visit Hika’s hometown.

Our discussion moved onto happier topics, like the food we've tried, Hana’s past blunders on cooking, and so on. All of us quickly became intimate, enough that we could speak our minds without reserve. Being as how we can hear our real thoughts from time to time from each other, even if we don't voice it; it’s no surprise we came so close-knit in such a short period of time. This is the sort of situation that I can truly be glad to hold this ability. Although, the real reason might be due to the girls’ personalities, since their chemistry was great from the get-go. Probably even without this ability, I am sure they would still end up getting along just the same.

...

Hana was the first to leave.

“Hana, take care. Do as much as you can out there.” (Meirou)

I place my hand on her head.

“Master Meirou as well. Please take care of yourself. I will be back in three months.” (Hana)

Hana smiled sadly at me.

“I will do my best. I'll become strong. So please don't worry about me. I want you to focus on yourself. When I return, let's continue the search for your friends.” (Hana)

“Hana…” (Meirou)

“I'm sorry for not being strong enough, forcing you to put off the search for your friends. Please, just wait for a bit longer.” (Hana)

“Thank you, Hana.” (Meirou)

I was moved. Thoughts I've never heard her voice out loud before were endlessly flowing into me. Hana must be going through a myriad of emotions. I slowly remove my hand from her head, as she turns around to head off. She suddenly turns back to this direction once more.

“Hika! Take care of yourself! I won't forget our promise, let's do our best together!” (Hana)

Hana pumps her fist into the air. Hika smiling brightly and twitches her ears, but doesn't reply. Confirming that Hika heard her message, she turns her back to us and disappears into the distance. I watch the direction Hana and the convoy of knights that accompanied her disappear to from the capital’s gate for a long while, before turning my back to return to the castle.

Next was Hika, a day after. As a present, and as a charm, I handed Hika a bracelet that proves our familial bond. With the same exact designs engraved, the same bracelet that Hana and Juyu held, I locked it in place around her arm. I already planned on giving one to her, it's just this time it was a bit earlier than planned.

“... Thank you, Meirou…” (Hika)

Her eyes become moist, but she smiles as she happily accepts the bracelet.

“Meirou, I will return strong enough to fight aside you. I will help you keep your worries for us at bay, so please believe in both me and Hana.” (Hika)

I nod and smile softly.

“Be careful out there. This country doesn't really hold much discrimination of other races because of Lakua’s rule, but that doesn’t mean it is completely free of discrimination.” (Meirou)

When the knight that always stood beside the princess was making small talk with me, I was surprised that the princess managed to thoroughly clean most of the discrimination against other races from this country. It must take talent, as only someone very capable would be able to do such a feat, when other countries continue to remain in the discrimination bubble. Even back in my world, there remains discrimination in many countries, so I can understand the absurd amount of difficulty to change someone’s perception and cognitive biases.

Walking along with the convoy of Princess Lakua’s personal knights, she disappears into the distance beyond the capital gate. Do your best you two. Follow through with what you decide on and return to my side. What’s most important is to place importance on your life. Don't lose it.

...

…

「-important is to place importance on your life. Don't lose it.」 (???)

“Eh?” (Hana)

“Ms. Hana, is something wrong?” (Knight)

“...No.”

Hana turns around and continues down the road. She smiles softly to herself, warmth filling her heart.

…

...

「-important is to place importance on your life. Don't lose it.」 (???)

“...” (Hika)

Hika stops for a moment.

“Ms. Hika?” (Knight)

“Ah, sorry. I just thought that the wind feels really good today. Please continue to lead the way.” (Hika)

Hika’s expression unintentionally leaks a smile, as her heart warms up pleasantly.

…

…

“Princess!?” (Male Classmate)

“Don't panic, everyone! Calm down!” (Female Classmate)

I hear our class representative’s voice cut through everyone’s confusion.

“S-So pretty…” (Mei)

“M-Mei, where are we?” (Kiku)

“It looks like the main hall of a... b-big church.” (Mei)

I can feel the anxiousness in her voice.

“Who was it that welcomed us?” (Kiku)

“U-Um, a girl who looks a bit older than us.” (Mei)

“Does… she look like a real princess?” (Kiku)

“She is wearing a beautiful dress; and is surrounded by people holding weirdly-shaped sticks.” (Mei)

”W-Weirdly-shaped sticks…?” (Kiku)

“They look like... staffs. You know, the ones magicians use to use magic.” (Mei)

“Wha-…” Kiku)

”There are also people wearing metallic armor... with I think are swords hoisted at their waists around the room…” (Mei)

I hold my head. This is too much for me to handle at the moment. I try and organize my thoughts and focus on the surrounding conversations.

“Teacher Ku, w-what should be do?” (Female Classmate)

“A-At the very least, all of us need to calm down. We won’t understand the situation if we continue panicking. Help your classmates calm down.” (Teacher Ku)

"O-Okay!" (Female Classmate)

Most of us heard our teacher’s comments and slowly calmed down one after another like a wave, finally beginning to analyze the situation themselves. The ones still unsettled were supported by their nearby friends. Teacher Ku turns to look at the one who called herself ‘princess’.

“...May I ask you where we are right now?” (Teacher Ku)

“Hah… At the very least, this doesn't look like the school building.” (Male Classmate)

“I can only think that we were all brought to another place altogether. We were all still on the 2nd floor, you know?...” (Female Classmate)

“Yes, we used a large amount of magic to activate the magic circle you are standing on to summon you all.” (Princess?)

“M-Magic?” (Male Classmate)

“Oi, oi. This doesn’t seem like a joke... Are you serious?...” (Male Classmate)

The female teacher takes a step forward.

“Um, I don't know what kind of expectations you have, but these kids are just normal students. I don't think we would be able to do anything.” (Teacher Ku)

“You all being summoned here would mean you had inherent abilities that was previous dormant, now can be freely used because of the abundance of mana that exists here. Your old world must have lost its existence of mana, because of that… the unused mana in your bodies grew to great lengths. Every one of you have magic unique to beings born in this world. Everyone standing here is proof of this. I assure you that every one of you are special in this world.” (Princess?)

A silence follows.

“…Is there a way to return?” (Male Classmate)

“I'm sorry. Me and my aides were in a rush, so we only managed to recreate and complete this summoning only recently. We never considered it. It should be possible if we reconfigure the magic circle for reversal, but we will need time for further research.” (Princess?)

“I-I see…” (Male Classmate)

“Eh? Doesn't that mean we will be stuck here for a while!?” (Male Classmate)

“I know this is selfish of me, but please… help me protect this country. I will be sure to continue to find a way for you to return, but I need everyone’s power to help me.” (Princess?)

“P-Princess!?” (Aide)

“Princess…” (Knight)

“Mei, what is the princess doing?” (Kiku)

“She is bowing her head down to us.” (Mei)

Mei whispers to me. So that's why the atmosphere has become oddly silent.

“Um... Well for now, will you be able to accommodate all of us?” (Teacher Ku)

“Yes, every one of you are summoned heroes, and will be treated as such.” (Princess)

“There is no helping it then. We haven't introduced ourselves yet, so I'll start; My name is Tairo, nice to meet you.” (Male Classmate)

“Is it really fine like this!?” (Male Classmate)

“I guess there's no helping it if our way home is currently cut at the moment...” (Male Classmate)

“And this obnoxious guy here is Reinp.” (Taiko)

Taiko seems to have turned around to face the rest of us, judging from the direction of his voice.

“Let us choose five representatives among us. Us five will be the ones to decide on our next course of action for the rest of us. We'll also make the final call for decisions. Is that alright? Who wants to be the other three? Nominations are also recommended, so speak up.” (Taiko)

Everyone gazes at each other, but no one speaks up.

“Oi, don't just arbitrarily include my name.” (Reinp)

“It’s fine, isn't it? Well, who else spoke up during the confusion?” (Taiko)

“Wasn't Sanna the first to speak up?” (Male Classmate)

“Yeah, she did.” (Female Classmate)

“Umm… I vote for Sanna. I was able to calm down because of her help.” (Female Classmate)

“Then Class President, you’re the third representative.” (Taiko)

Sanna fixes her hair as she watches the discussion about her unfold.

"I guess I am... I got it. By the way, I would appreciate it if you stopped calling me class president from now on though. We aren't in class anymore." (Female Student)

Sanna walks up to the front of her classmates. Contrary to her voice, she doesn’t seem that displeased. Just an expression that she's mostly given up on trying to persuade any further.

“U-Um, I vote for Jane. She is smart, and she always takes a neutral stance.” (Kiku)

I slowly raise my hand. I feel like all my classmates’ pair of eyes move to focus on me.

“Um...-” (Kiku)

“I'll be a representative for the class.” (Jane)

Jane sounded like she didn't dislike the idea. I feel relieved.

…

…

Jane scratches the back of her head, but she willingly accepts the role. I tighten my grip on Kiku’s hand.

“Is Jane going to be okay?” (Mei)

“Uhn. ...Jane is smart. Let's believe in her.” (Kiku)

Jane is one of our few friends among our classmates that we can trust. If she were a representative, we would feel more willing to leave things to the representatives’ call.

“Shouldn't Teacher Ku also be included as one of the representatives?” (Female Classmate)

“It’s all right. I was planning on taking the lead but having you kids work together is a much wiser decision, and it would benefit your maturity while we are here. I will do my best to support you kids as the remaining adult, but I can feel more at ease to leave things up to you kids if I’m not around; knowing that everyone is working hard together.” (Teacher Ku)

“We will come to Teacher Ku for advice if we run into any problems.” (Taiko)

The teacher nods with a smile.

"Don't try and do everything by yourselves. Know that I am always around to help if you run into a wall, alright everyone?" (Teacher Ku)

The students nod one after another.

“How about Torio?” (Male Classmate)

“Hah!? Why me!?” (Male Classmate)

“Ah, you were the guy who kept asking about a way home, right? Get over here, you're the fifth representative.” (Taiko)

He opens his mouth about to refute, but then drops the idea. Torio reluctantly steps into the front.

“Once again, I welcome the heroes to this country. I know there is much to discuss about, but for today I will lead you to the quarters reserved for everyone here. Please, follow me.” (Princess)

…

The princess orders the knights to lead us to a hall with two rows of doors. Seems everyone will be staying in the same vicinity.

“Everyone can choose whichever room you like. There are two beds prepared in each, so two of you can sleep in each room. We'll continue our discussion together tomorrow morning.” (Princess)

As the princess and the aides bow to us, they excuse themselves for the day. The end of the hall leads to an open garden, beyond that was a view of the city below. They must be on the third floor, I assume. I still held Kiku’s hand, as I lead her along with the rest of our classmates. Most of our classmates remain worried and anxious about what will happen from now on.

“What are you guys worried about? Didn't the princess say we have magic stronger than the normal person?” (Taiko)

“Yeah, but… is it really that easy to control to begin with?” (Sanna)

“Don't you feel any excitement? We are actually in a fantasy world! A world where magic exists! I never dreamt I would be summoned to a world which could’ve only existed in novels!” (Taiko)

“I honestly just want to quickly get things over with and return home. I don't want to risk my life for this...” (Torio)

“Mei, what do you think about the princess’ words she used to reply to our questions when we were in the hall?...” (Kiku)

Kiku moves to whisper in my ear. I mull it over for a moment.

“She was very considerate of us. How should I explain it… She didn't enter our discussions when we were talking to each other, and she tried to understand our predicament... I think...” (Mei)

Kiku looks down with a worried expression.

“Yeah... I think I might be over-thinking…” (Kiku)

Kiku shakes her head and kept silent for the rest of the day. I stay silent to give her time to think by herself. Kiku has always been sensitive to everyone's words and tone of voice, ever since I've become friends with her. If something about the princess is bothering her, I will be careful around her and keep my guard up. I squeeze Kiku's hand with my grip. Kiku smiles and grips back during her thoughts.

It’s been… six years since that day, huh?... I wonder how he's doing in high school now? We've lost contact, but I am sure it would be easy to find him again. He sent me an e-mail of the address to his new home right before he moved out, after all. I am sure Kiku wants to meet him again too. The people that Kiku truly trusts are only me and him, Kiku used to voice it very frequently, as if she was trying to convince herself as well; that means we haven't managed to take a single step forward, unable to move on from the incident. He ended up with bitter regrets, I was mentally traumatized, and Kiku was physically traumatized... The worse of it was that she ended up closing her heart from everything except us since that day. I suddenly realize that I'm reminiscing about our dark childhood days with moist eyes… I still have things I want to do, and things I need to do back home, so I must return safely; I guess I'm feeling just as anxious as everyone else. I laugh awkwardly at myself in my heart.

…