A month. A month had passed ever since our disappearance and appearance. Right now, we are still stuck in this world doing role-play as people living in a kingdom.

As much as I hate the current system of the word and the reality, I still want to go back to the real world. I’m not so bad to resent the world much, but our family is there. My loved ones lived there and I do not know what could be happening there.

I may look fine, but I am very worried. I do not hate this alternate world too. But it is just different to the life and place I was born.

We may be having fun here, but that does not mean that we are entirely safe. I swore not to kill, but I can’t just shrug the fact that I might hurt people. And because of that, I’m scared.

▪ ▪ ▪

“Maaaan~ I haven’t gone to the mountains in ages…!”

“It’s nice to take a breather sometimes.”

“I finished all my work today this early… I guess we should go later after lunch. The weather is nice, anyways.”

It’s just the usual scene of the three of us talking casually in Nero’s office where he sits in front of his desk doing his duties and work, there’s me who comfortably sits on a couch because I was distracted by a book when I was sorting his bookcase, and then there’s Rin who is trying out different leaves of teas that made the room pleasantly fragrant.

“You sure are motivated today. To finish all your work this early, you’re quite the grinder.”

“It’s nothing, really. I just felt like this after I woke up. The weather is probably why I’m uplifted.”

“Good for you for being energetic.

Raiha, come here. This looks like a symbolism. What do you think is the message?”

“Let me read it.”

I said that I was sorting out the books in the shelves and got distracted because of a book which turned out to be a novel. For the two hours I’ve been sat in here, I have already read half of the book.

I was really amazed that there are great writers in this world. But the book I’m reading is kind of off. It looks to me that it was aimed for young readers that is probably at teenage years.

What’s more is that the protagonists had a situation where they met up with each other six times in one day. I am pretty sure however that the word “coincidence” does not exist here.

“Hmm… I think the falling of the leaves means of coming of fall or it was just added for dramatic scenes.

And I think I ship them.”

“That makes sense…”

“Gram, what are you reading anyways? You’ve been sat there for quite some time and you haven’t taken a break from that.”

“Well, I’m enjoying reading this. I didn’t know you had books like this. Do you like romantic books?”

“Uhh… You know… Well, I read them at my free times and I indeed like them. It’s a great way to release stress. I mostly read books written by Haben. I think you’re reading one of his books.”

“I didn’t know you’re into this sort of things.

Oh, it’s from Haben indeed. He’s good at writing things like this, huh. I wonder if this will end with a confession or maybe there will be some sort of a new character that will become the rival of the male character.”

“Oh? You seem quite knowledgeable about stories like this.”

“I haven’t read stuff like this in a while. I usually read them with pictures along with the text.”

“Really?! I didn’t know such a style existed. That is probably a good concept.” Nero was genuinely amazed.

“There are authors that can draw and write, and there are also writers that hire artists to illustrate their story.

If it is about romance types, Gram and I used to fight every time because we can’t agree of the pairings we prefer.”

“You two are pretty close, huh. I wonder how it is to have a friend that you know since childhood. Well, I won’t bother you with that. I’m somehow eager to see changes in your relationship as childhood friends.

How nostalgic.” he whispered.

“Hah. Childhood friends, he says… He seriously bought it until now. Pfft…”

“Ah, Nero. I’ll be heading out now to prepare lunch. Don’t be late at the table, you two.”

“We’ll follow after we clean up.”

“After lunch, let’s all have a walk in the mountains.”

“We’ll accompany you. Come to the kitchen fast.”

~ ~ ~

With Rin’s earlier exit, comes a messenger with an envelope with a red candle seal on his hand.

“Prince Nero. This is a letter from the country of Varia.”

“Ah, okay. Can you put it on my desk for the time being?”

“Yes.”

He walked straight to his desk and place the letter to the envelope holder near where the ink bottles were placed.

“I made sure that I placed it to somewhere you can easily see, my prince.

Well then, please excuse me.”

The messenger closed the door and left.

Nero stood up from picking up the papers on the floor and stretched his arms upward. He placed the papers on the drawer and his eyes rolled onto the envelope, but it seems that he ignored it or he just did not pay attention to it.

“Are you done, Gram?”

“Yes. To the kitchen?”

“Let’s go eat, then. I’m getting hungry.”

“Raiha’s probably finishing already.”

~ ~ ~

After a lovely lunch prepared by the lovely cook, the three of us set off by foot and went out from the eastern gate going out to a pathway leading to the foot of the mountains and hills.

It was our first time coming out of that gate and I definitely have not wandered off outside the castle frequently, aside from when I run errands.

“Amazing… So this is how the mountains look in this country… It’s so different.”

“Really? Aside from the pathways we currently walk on, the mountain was barely touched.”

“How I am so glad that the mountains here are true on the outside and on the inside. Now I can see how great the nature is without the touch of humans.

By the way, are there animals here?”

“Since this is not a hunting ground, there indeed are. Don’t worry, though. There are no snakes in here.”

“Setting that aside, you seem to know this place a lot, Nero.”

“Didn’t I tell you? There is a small patch in the mountain that is leveled. In there is some sort of a resting area that I frequently gone to as a child. In a way, it became my playground because I usually played there.”

The pathways are either made from bricks or cobble stone. But aside from that man-made path, everything is green. The moist smell of the grass and plants are authentic. The flowers stood out as the faint sunlight passes through the small gaps from the leaves of the trees.

I have never once praised the nature this much before coming to this world.

Keeping that in mind, I have been keeping watch of Rin who is just behind me. She is quiet and is probably somewhat tired.

“Sorry. Do you want to?”

I slightly crouched and extended my arms behind, asking if I should carry her on my back.

“I’m fine, but I will take up on your offer. Thank you, Gram.”

I unfolded my legs with Rin holding on my shoulders. As I raised my head, I noticed that Nero is looking from above with a seemingly smug face as he chuckled. I did not understand the intent of that expression, but I shrugged it off and continued walking.

Heck, I can't shrug.

“So you’re that close, huh? While we’re at it, why don’t you two tell me a story about the two of you from the past? It’s boring with just walking to there. We still have a lot of time.”

As her hair flutters onto my cheek because of the wind, Rin started speaking with a monotonously sounding voice.

“I guess I can tell how we met as kids. It’s rather boring though. It was at a small restaurant, I think.” as if it was as easy as breathing, Rin immediately came up with a story.

“It’s amazing how you can still remember that, Raiha. I can only remember that you were looking at me with a confused face.”

“Were you alone at that time?”

“I think I was.”

What I’m more amazed is how coordinated our fake story is. It is like it actually happened.

“It’s quite vague, but I really thought that you two already knew each other since birth.”

“That’s not the case at all, Nero. I think I was alone because my parents asked me to pick a table for us.”

“And then I forgot where our table was and then I saw him sitting there alone with his hand on his chin.” Rin added.

“Wow, you certainly have the image of that until now…

But it turns out that our parents were actually good friends that haven’t seen each other in a while. We ended up sharing one table.”

“And that is how Gram and I got to know each other.”

“It’s rather normal, huh.

I can almost see it. We’re almost there.”

We spotted an opening from the woods which revealed a bright and open field with very minimal structures present. There are three marble benches with a shade made from planks of mahogany and two posts with an oil lamp on it.

The sunlight generously lit the small field that saturated the lime green grass as they dance along the rhythmic blow of the wind.

“Amazing…”

I put down Rin and walked towards the scenic place whilst the wind continuously kisses my cheeks with its caressing touch.

“It’s so nice to be back in here after such time… I missed this place…”

“Undeniably… This place is lovely. I think I know why you chose this as your playground.”

“How nice that I finished my work for this day. Now I feel like not doing anything for the rest of the day.

Ahhh…”

“Rin, he looks so satisfied. He’s lost it.”

“I agree.”

“This place didn’t really change… that… much…”

Because of fatigue he went unconscious while sat on the bench.

“Oh?”

“Gin, did he fall asleep…?”

“I think so.”

Instead of idly watching Nero sleep, I lied down in the bed of grass and watched the clouds slowly move on where the wind may lead them to.

“That’s not fair, Gin…”

Rin followed and lied down beside me and joined in watching the clouds.

“He’s an idiot to fall asleep on the bench.”

“The grass has a nice feel…”

“Yeah…”

…

“Rin. When do you think was the last time we talked alone?”

“I just hope Nero isn’t awake… But it really has been ages.”

“I wonder if we can still come back to our world. As much as I like this world, I still feel out of place. I still don’t know why we are randomly pulled here, and I doubt that I will ever get an answer.”

“I also wonder how our families are right now. I just can’t remove the thought that we vanished for already a month now. I can’t help but get worried over it.”

“That’s true. I’d be honest I’m really scared. I missed all of them.”

“It’s as you have said. The prince really looked like Nagi, and just like you, my loneliness somehow fades away when I look at him.

But then I wonder: ‘What do our friends do right now, while we are nowhere to be found?”

“…

If we can really go back to our world, it will still feel like I lost. I’ll end up worrying about this world too.”

“And then we will ask ourselves if is this world is even real, or is this a dream… It’s really sad just thinking about it.”

“We may not be in our original world, but we’re still together up until here. Just like a pair of chopsticks, we really can’t be separated or else we will not function as intended.”

“Hahaha… how nostalgic to remember that time… It was really hard, wasn’t it?”

“I get you, Rin. But then again… as if our situation switched, you had it rougher than me.

…

Aaand my great fever finally destroyed me.”

“There I was watching you on my window when you slowly collapsed and I went into panic and immediately ran to your house.”

“Don’t drool on my pillow again.”

“I’ll try not to.”

“You’re so heroic that time, you know. Coming into rescue when I can’t move an inch of my body… It’s probably the reason why I fell for you. You take care of people that are important to you.”

“Just how many times have you already said that… You really can just tell me you love me when you want to. How stubborn.”

“That just how I am.

But I do love you of course.”

“Waahh… Where did all the tension go…?”

“Hahaha… It vanished just before we knew it, huh…”

“Seriously, though… I really want to go to Japan… Ugh…”

“Now that you mention… That’s depressing…”

“Hahh… If this is going to happen why should it be this time? It could just be something like June when we already have school again…”

“Let me just check something, Rin.

…

Hey, Nero. Are you awake?”

There is no response coming from him whatsoever. It really seem like he’s really asleep. But I am not convinced.

“Well, if you’re feigning your slumber, and had listened what we just said, it’s okay and I’m sorry.

But I know that one day we will come to that time when we have to tell you all the truth.”

That feeling… It has been a long time since I held Rin’s hand. We were both very busy and didn’t have the time to be alone together.

“I… I…”

“Hmm? Want to say something, Rin?”

“It has been a month, but it’s never too late to say that I love you too, right?”

“Aww… how cute…”

And so, I didn’t realize that we both fell asleep.

~ ~ ~

The lights of the sun are about to go out and the young prince’s eyes finally opened as he went back to his senses. He rose up from the cold marble and squinted several times.

“Ugh… That was a nice sleep… What time… uhh…

Gram… Raiha… What’s the time…”

It took Nero quite a bit of time to realize that the sun is about to set. Thus, he vigorously stood up even with his wobbly legs and found his two companions sleeping soundly in the bed of grass.

“What in the world… Gram! Raiha! You two idiots! Wake up quickly!”

“Ugh… Nagi… Why wake me up? I was having a good dream…”

“This is not the time to be dreaming! It’s already sundown so get up quickly…!

Who’s Nagi anyways?!”

“W-Woah… Already sunset…? We’re going to be late.”

“That’s why I told you to move quickly!”

“Sorry, sorry. I’ll just wake up Raiha here.

Raiha. Raiha! Wake up or we’re going to be late in castle.”

“…”

And just like old times, she is not waking up.

“For crying out loud, Raiha… This will bring back old memories, but sleep well until we get to the castle.

Off… we… go…!”

This certainly brings back old memories. Here I am, once again carrying Rin on my arms as she still can’t be woken up.

Help me, Uncle Shuu.

Together with our arrival in the eastern gate, Rin woke up.

▪ ▪ ▪

Exactly two days went by and nothing has really happened ever since we went to the mountains.

We started to be wary of Nero now that we assume that he potentially knows our secrets, but he does not seem to ask us about that.

“I haven’t sparred with anyone in a while… Want to have a few rounds, Gram?”

“Sure.”

“I say that… But hold back at least.”

“Hold back? Did Gram do something?”

“Well, Gram was actually tested before he became my aide, and had a duel with a knight. That time was when you weren’t in the castle yet, Raiha.

He broke the sword of the knight with his elbow and was declared the winner.”

“I see… Geez, Gram…

At least try to hold back more, okay?”

“Yes, I’m sorry.”

“We’ll just use a wooden sword. I don’t want you to break a rib or two in me.”

Nero changed in a lighter outfit probably for mobility. He swung his practice sword a few times and it was evident that he really has a decent experience in swordplay.

“Just to tell you, I may be your aide and I wield a sword, but that doesn’t mean that I am good at handling them. To be honest, you might be at an advantage here since I have no experience in swordsmanship and this wooden sword is so light.”

“I get it that you have no intention of provocation, but I still doubt that I will win a round against you.”

“We could at least try. This is the first time I’m sparring with you, so I’m not aware of your movements.”

“Ugh… Let’s just take our positions…”

“You decide when to start, Nero.”

“Alright.”

~ ~ ~

It has been three rounds, but Nero has not landed a blow on me yet. Granted that he almost got me since his swordsmanship is very different to what I expected.

Actually, I had landed so few swings since I kept evading his attacks. Clearly, his style is out of my knowledge.

“Let’s at least have one last round…”

“Alright.

(!)

Hmm?”

“I’m ready.”

“So am I.”

“Here I go…!”

He has once again charged towards me in a different way that complemented well with his mobility, making him faster.

“So you’re saving your stamina all this time, huh?”

His movements have indeed become sharper and his swing became heavier. He almost got me in my jaw with a frontal upward swing when he crouched but I thankfully dodged it.

“Tch… You’re so fast, Gram…”

His swings are definitely indiscriminate and strong. I can feel from my blocks that every attack packs a force. If I am not holding my sword properly, it may have flown away.

After several more swings, I found an opportunity to strike even when I still can’t see openings in his movements.

“That’ll be your final strike, Nero…”

I quickly rotated my sword on my palm and grabbed it on its guard as it spun. Using the other side of the guard, I blocked it and moved my right arm as if I was going to punch. The wooden blade of the sword is parallel to my forearm that is why I threw I bizarre blow that took him down without hitting him.

I once again spun my sword and pinned it down just before Nero’s head that is down on the floor.

“…

Hahh… You win…”

“If I don’t have knowledge with my opponent’s moves, then I’ll also use something you haven’t seen before.

I didn’t know that holding a sword like a tonfa can be convenient too.”

“You really do some weird things that I have no knowledge about. I at least hope that I can defeat you one… day…

W-Wha…”

“Is something wrong?”

Just as he was trying to get up, his expression is that of one that had seen a ghost. But more importantly, his face is incredibly red.

I turned my gaze to where he’s looking at, and realized that there was someone watching us. It wasn’t just my imagination that I sensed someone before we even started sparring.

The person that was watching is a young lady with a simplistic but elegant outfit. Her rich black hair is tied just like a ponytail, and it immediately reminded me of someone.

“S-Sh-“

I immediately stopped myself from ever saying what I was about to say since I am also making the similar face Nero is making.

“Shiro?!”

~ ~ ~

At the king’s room.

“I am sorry we are late…!” the prince shouted upon opening the huge door of the room.

All of the people’s gazes were turned to the just arrived party of the prince of Avarco, Nero Cajima.

“It’s okay, my son. Come inside with your two companions.”

“I have not been aware of the recent events that are happening. It is my wrong for forgetting to read the letter that the messenger gave me recently.

Therefore, I shall apologize to the king, and the visiting first princess of Varia, Sera Quira.”

“There’s nothing for you to apologize, Prince Nero. I am simply visiting because of my own selfishness to go to a neighboring country which I have taken a liking.

It’s good to see you again, Nero.”

“Likewise, Sera. I then welcome you once again to this country.”

They spoke without the usual royal courtesy.

“Woah, Rin… She looks just like Shiro,” I started our conversation while whispering.

“I agree… She’s like a carbon copy of her.”

“Seems like she’s a princess of… was it Varia?"

…

“I’m glad that you two have reunited once again. It has been two years since you last met. Seeing you two together, you have certainly grown in that duration.”

“My thanks, King Nevan.”

“Oh, while we’re at it. Let us introduce my son’s new companions.”

The king is talking about the two of us, asking to introduce ourselves.

“I believe that this is our first meeting, Princess Sera Quira of the neighboring country of Varia. My name is Gram Sancht, and I serve as Prince Nero’s closest aide.”

“I am Raiha Azelt, and I am working as the prince’s personal chef and also his aide. It is my pleasure to meet you, Princess Sera.”

“Well, you see… they were actually from the fallen country of Orio and they drifted their way here by different journeys.”

“Orio… then that makes them survivors of war…”

“What is more important is that the two of us found our new lives thanks to this country. That is why we are sincerely indebted to the king.”

“Don’t say that, Sir Gram. I welcomed you in this country as my citizen. There is not a reason for you to be indebted.

Well then, all of you are dismissed. Princess Sera, I hope you have a wonderful stay.”

“Thank you very much.”

~ ~ ~

“Seriously… the king really likes to make those assemblies, but dismiss it right away.”

“I’m glad that everything turned out well even though we were late.”

“…

Dammit…!” he shouted as he intentionally hit his head on the wall.

“Woah…! Easy there, Nero. We can’t afford to show a huge bump on your head now that we have a visitor, you know.”

“AAAAAGGGGGHHHH!!!!” Nero screamed to the bottom of throat.

“Raiha, he’s lost it again.”

“Yeah…”

“Anyways, you two seem to know each other quite well. And she addressed you with just and only your name.”

“We have been friends for a while since she’s from the neighboring twin countries of Varia and Vuo.

She’s also the reason why I am so fixated as to not being called by my title by those who are close to me.”

“Ohh… I see. That really made you worked up earlier, but you seemed quite composed in the assembly.”

“What do you mean, Gram?! Do you not realize that I was putting up a front?! I’m so embarrassed, you know!”

“That’s some sweat that's pouring down on you.”

“A friendly reminder kids: Always drink water so you won’t be dehydrated.”

“It seems that there’s a reason for you to be so worked up. Could it be…”

“Yes, Raiha. You’re correct, dammit!”

“Wait, Nero. I haven’t said anything yet!”

“Alright, I’ll tell you…

I am in love with Sera…! Satisfied now?!”

“…”

“…”

Nagi plus Shiro is equal to a relationship.

Nero plus Sera equals to… be continued.