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

“…”

It is that time that my mind suddenly lost thought. It has been painfully obvious to my perception that there is a possibility of this happening even in an alternate reality.

Nero Cajima, Nagi Kajima’s alternate character has fallen in love with Sera Quira, Shiro Kirishima’s alter person.

The only thing I could do is cover the whole of my face as I face the unexpected surprise that should not have even been present.

“Ohhh… What are the odds…”

“So this would eventually come to this… as we have expected, Gram.”

Nero drew a face of confusion as he listened to Rin and my idle mumbling as we continue to absorb that fact.

I put down my hands and let out a colossal sigh. I then pat his shoulder while looking at him eye to eye.

“So… since when?”

“…

We met around two years ago when she was visiting this country together with the second princess of Varia. The second princess was escorted by a trusted aide of my father, and I escorted Sera for the whole of a week.”

“Oh… So that means you and the princess were together for that week?”

“Well, yes. That’s pretty much the initial explanation, Raiha.”

“Then you developed your feelings for her in that duration?”

“Yes, Gram.

I didn’t realize it but I was actually having fun with that time with her. At first, it was awkward, but she started to talk to me as I tour her around and outside the castle.

She’s somewhat playful, but she enjoyed every place we went to. It was like I was a metal being pulled by a magnet. The more she enjoys herself, the more I had fun too.

And later when she departed, I realized that I want to be with her if we will both be happy together. That is my dream, as someone who is not the prince, but a man who is sincere in his acts."

I can’t deny that every word he said definitely came from the whole of his heart.

“Well, you haven’t seen her for two years… You’re probably lonely and missed her, right?”

“You bet.”

“If that’s the case, tell us a very exact quote that she once said from those moments, if you remember, that is.”

“…

‘I have taken a liking to this country, I will surely remember this time and I promise to come back here.’

It was her parting words.”

Surely, I am underestimating his will too much. So he really is head over the heels to the princess.

“Are you sure that that wasn’t one of your delusions?” I teased.

“As if! That’s harsh, you know?!”

“Sorry, sorry. I was just amazed of how you have deeply fallen for her.

Well, well… A sudden romance, indeed.”

…

Nero stood up straight after a brief inhale and exhale. He shifted his gaze to mine and Rin’s.

“…

Shameless as it is, I need the help of you two.”

“Huh?”

“N-Nero?”

“I need your advice. This time I seriously don’t know what to do. This is an opportunity that I hope will not be ruined. So I really, really need the help of you two.”

It is rare for him to do something like this. It would definitely appear that he is serious at this time.

Just out of curiosity, I suddenly blurted out a vague phrase.

“Asleep or awake.”

“…” Nero stayed silent.

(!)

I just said it, and that alone. I did not ask for a response but…

“Left, close, down, left again, and directly.”

He lowered and tilted his head slightly. His eyes moved left, he winked, he looked down, looked at his left again, and directed his gaze to me.

He did not say anything…

Or rather, he does not want to say anything.

I have spent a month being by his side as his aide, and I noticed that he has a habit of acting with a specific pattern of movements when there is something he can’t say.

It’s not like he lies, but he just can’t say some things. And in this case, there is something that is connected to the word ”asleep or awake” that he can’t simply just say.

He was aware of what Rin and I talked about back in the mountain.

Without hinting anything, I sighed.

“So that’s how it is…

Anything you want to say, Raiha?”

“I have, Gram.

…

Nero, you said you wanted to be together with the princess… or rather, Sera because it is possible that you could bring happiness to each other.”

“…Mhm.”

“Learn to think that there is a possibility of being hurt, or sad. If you truly love her, you should not place your boat on a lake. Set sail on an ocean. The water there is not still, and when there is a storm, the huge waves will surely shake off your boat.

Nero, I will be frank and be harsh on my words… but if you wish to only row your boat on a lake, then you better stop now. Give up with your love if you think that everything is easy.”

He flinched. It seems that he was hit hard by Rin’s words. He clenched his two fists and bit his lip, but he stayed silent as he looked down with a disturbed expression.

“Is the phrase ‘lived happily ever after’ really true? To be honest, I don’t think so. This world is not perfect. We are always challenged by trials which will test our will. There is always an equivalent of sadness from happiness.

‘Equivalent’ as in equal. With equal amounts, it will be balance when we put those two things in the balancing scale. We have to be ready to swallow what stained future is ahead of us. However, others will definitely strive to clean that stain off.

…

Gram, should we…” she hesitated to ask, but I caught her intentions.

“Nero, I guess you picked the right people with this problem.

The truth is, the two of us are actually lovers. And everything that Raiha said were our experiences as we stepped forward while facing the storm. We once separated for both of our good. It was extremely painful as we have already strengthened our bonds together, and we just cut it off.

It probably was not the greatest idea for other partners, but it was the only way that we decided to do if we don’t want our relationship to end up in the dumps. Even if it was just for a short time, I was so pained. I got extremely ill and got depressed of only seeing each other as both people and not lovers.

What I am saying is, you need to find the way that is best for you. Judging by your expression, you probably have not thought of the trials that lie ahead on the horizon. Try to visualize, take your time until you have your solutions.

Right now, you’re in the first hurdle. You’re probably thinking: ‘What will happen if Sera and I can’t be together? I don’t want that.’ That is the first problem that you are currently encountering.

Remember, a duel does not only involve sword clashes. Sometimes, you have to have a fist fight with yourself, so to speak.”

“…

Come.”

He slowly step and step as we walk the quiet hallway and followed him.

“We’re going back to my room. I can’t afford to talk here outside.”

~ ~ ~

The light of the sun passes through the room’s windows once again. His back had become a silhouette as he looks on the view coming from the same big window.

“I was honestly hurt by the words you two gave me. But strangely, I was enlightened.

However, I still don’t know what to do. I still need your help because I can’t do this alone right now. Just imagining Sera with a pained expression makes me the same. I am still not brave enough to conquer the reality that I have never thought of.

I seriously might break down if I do this impulsively. However good I’m thinking, it may just rebound on me. But what I really want to say is that we are just and only humans, and not a monarch in blood and name.

I am just as powerless as anyone. That is why I am asking you to lend me your strength. I can’t conquer this alone, Raiha, Gram. I will need your arms for me to stand up and walk on my own two feet.”

…

“It seems that you have steeled up more…

But you could at least say the things that can’t be said. Remove your burdens, because those burdens may partly be our fault. We’ll listen, and we will answer, if you have anything to ask. I still can't say for sure if you’re really aware of our circumstances, but if you are, please talk to us. We are ready to say what we need to say.”

“…Right.”

There was not a sign of denial with just that one word. It is the unseen proof that he is aware. That makes him the only one who knows that the two of us are aliens, so to speak.

“By the way, Nero. How long is the princess going to stay here in the palace?”

“How long… I actually don’t know.”

He took the envelope containing the message coming from the country of Varia that is related to the first princess’s visit in the country. By the looks of it, it was somewhat of a long letter seeing that Nero took a handful of time to finish reading it.

He never once changed his expression while he was reading the message.

“Nothing.”

“Nothing?” Rin tilted her head in confusion.

“There’s nothing written in that regard.”

“Maybe that was just an error of the writer?

Wait, I take that back. It’s plainly dumb for a statement like that to be forgotten in that letter. If I were to eliminate the possibilities, it’s probable that there wasn’t a duration intended.”

“Could that mean that the princess has the power to stay here for an indefinite time?” Rin questioned as her addition to my explanation.

I constantly scratched my head since we can’t get in to an apparent and solid answer. But instead of bothering the conflict even further, I curiously asked Nero:

“It’s dumb of me not to know the geography and the cultures of different countries, but I’ll ask anyways. Varia and Vuo are sibling countries—that’s all I know. Since you’re knowledgeable of other nations, would you mind telling us a thing or two about those countries?”

“Varia and Vuo are… neutral countries, I guess? They don’t seem to get involved at other parties in terms of the monarchical system and deals aside from commercial exchange.

Those two countries are unique from the others because of that neutrality. It was written down in history that for the two hundred years of existence of the twin nations, a war has not yet initiated against the others.

I have not been in there, but from what I have heard, they are carefree but systematic at the same time. Their tactical maneuvers prevented several terrorist attacks since they are cautious around outsiders.

That’s as far as I can summarize it.”

I sat on top of his table while looking at the bright view outside as Nero was stating some information regarding the said countries. Rin on the other hand is brewing tea once again as she listens.

“Carefree but systematic…

Supposedly, if the princess really has the power to stay here in an indefinite time, just like what Raiha said, that may fall into the ‘carefree’ characteristic.”

“Gram! I have an idea. Come here.” she called.

I lowered my head a bit so that I can listen to Rin as she whisper something on my ear.

“Mhm.

Uh-huh.

Ohh… that’s good.

OH! Yeah, you got that, Rin! High five!”

“Haha!”

…

“I seriously don’t know if I should be relieved that they told me they are lovers. I am envious, but I just can’t imagine Sera and I being that cheerful and close.

But… did Gram just slip or something?”

We weren’t listening, so we did not hear what Nero was mumbling about.

“Can I get your attention, Nero?”

“’Kay… What is it.”

Nero lost his enthusiasm.

“Raiha came up with a plan which will probably erase your self being spineless-“

“Can you at least not be that harsh?!”

“Well that involves you being Princess Sera’s escort, just like awhile back.”

“What?”

“You need our help, right? That’s it.”

“…

Y-Y-You want me to be her escort this time again?! My word, I can’t even face her with a straight face, how can I even accomplish that?!”

How hopeless. I crossed my arms out of disappointment and started to slowly tap my shoe continuously on the floor.

“Hahh… That’s why I told you you’re spineless…”

"Ah?! W-Wha?!"

I grabbed him at the back of his collar and dragged him out of his room with a clichéd kick in the door. He is trying to resist, but my arms has the strength and grip of a beast so he can’t run away.

“Ahh, it’s decided. Let’s go find the little princess to tell her personally. Raiha, go say something like: ‘His highness Nero volunteered to be your escort just like two years ago because he doesn’t want you to get back to your country for you to be together forever.’”

“Got it, Gram. Noted.”

“H-Hey?! I’m begging you not to say that! I may just kill myself from embarrassment if you ever tell her that. And why am I being dragged?! I didn’t even agree to this in the first place!”

“That’s seriously the plan I came up with and besides, Gram’s obviously joking, Nero. It didn’t even take me a second to know that it was a joke.”

“Stop teasing me…!”

Just as I am dragging him in the hallway I saw someone taking a walk in the courtyard.

“Oh, sweet! What great timing! Greetings, Princess Sera! Are you taking a short walk?” I asked with a seemingly cheerful, but grievous smile.

“Ahh…! Stop!”

“Oh? Are you Sir Gram and Miss Raiha? It’s nice seeing you two again after the assembly earlier.”

“We’re as always on duty right now, but this is some kind of a special day since you, the First Princess of Varia arrived this morning so there are a lot more guards today.

But I guess the three of us are having a bit of an excursion to breathe some fresh air.”

At that time, I shamelessly released my hand from Nero’s collar and dropped him off to the ground like nothing even happened.

“Just now, we just saw you walking here and we figured that we should bring in our young master since I have heard that you were friends from awhile back.

Coincidentally, Prince Nero here also has something to say. Anyways, I need to go back to the kitchen to sort out inventory.”

“Oh, I also need to check up on the papers and organize them… so the two of us will be taking our leave for the moment. Bye~”

And so, we drifted away from the scene with a clichéd manner.

“…”

“I guess it has been a few years since our last meeting.” Sera initiated the conversation.

“…!

Ah, yes. Two years has gone by, huh…”

“That took me by surprise…”

“Should we have a walk for a bit, Nero?”

“Hmm…? O-Okay.”

The sun is still up and shining as the thirteenth hour just passed by. Nero is feeling like he is bound with a rope as he can’t talk, more so, initiate a conversation with Sera. Truly, he has proven that just walking with someone can be such an awkward situation.

“Hey, Nero. You seem to be too quiet. Is something wrong?”

“Uh-ahh… I-It’s just that… I was taken by surprise because of your visit in this country.”

“Did you not hear that I will be coming over?”

“It was my bad. I completely forgot to read the letter that was sent to me by a messenger. Actually, I just read it earlier.

Now that we’re in the topic, the letter did not say the duration of your stay here.”

He was unaware that he is already conversing normally with the princess.

“Ah, that… Father gave me a time for a vacation and the freewill to stay here as much as I want. That is, if I am not a bother.”

“N-No, no… You’re not a bother at all! What makes you think that, Sera?”

“…

I haven’t thought of it, but seeing you earlier with that face and your silence, it feels like I was being bothersome.”

“Please don’t say that hastily. There’s no way I would feel bothered with you. To tell the truth…

I’m actually glad that you visited here again.”

He was also unaware that he is already smooth talking.

The princess’s black hair fluttered as the wind strongly blows towards them. Nero’s eyes closed for a second but just as he opened them anew, the princess’s mouth slightly opened and her shining brown eyes focused at the prince she’s standing beside with.

Was the princess surprised? Not even Nero can interpret that look and instead, he slowly averted his gaze from the girl.

“T… Th…”

“…?”

“Thank you.” somewhat difficult, she expressed her gratitude.

*throb*

“S-Sera…”

“Yes?”

“How much time do you plan on staying here?”

“I don’t know until when. I just had an opportunity to take a break, and I want to have fun again because I really like this country. I immediately wanted to go here to not waste that opportunity. Just remembering my times when I was here long ago makes me happy.”

“Then why don’t just reminisce on that time?”

“…What do you mean…?”

“What I’m saying is…

I’ll gladly offer myself to be your escort once again. Just like awhile back. If it is okay for you, that is.”

“I finally said it…”

“…

I appreciate it. Then, please accompany my selfishness for a bit.”

“Hahh… I’m so glad…”

“Hmm?”

“Ah…! It’s nothing.

So, I assume you have a lot of things that you want to do, huh?”

“I guess…”

“Well, first things first…

GRAM…! ARE YOU NEAR?!”

A few seconds after that loud shout, the two heard a voice that is gradually getting clearer coming from a floor above somewhere.

“Oooonnnn… myyyyy… waaaaayyyy…”

Afterwards, a person jumped from the balcony of the third floor near the courtyard. That person is hard to be identified because of how it’s just a silhouette that they can see.

However, as that silhouette is hanging in the air, they clearly saw that there is a pen and paper being held, and it looks like the person is writing in midair. But he slowly gravitates, and landed gracefully to the patch of grass.

“Gram Sancht, present!”

“Woah…! So fast!”

“That’s because you called.”

“Wait… to tell me you’re…”

“Ohh… My prince, I think you are misunderstanding. Can you not tell that I came from your office? Look, I am still finishing up some documents as I make my way here.”

"Rin's just blatantly eating sweets right now."

“Oh, I see. That’s good to know that you’re doing you work.

…

Wait just a second…! My room is in the building beside here! I just can’t believe that you came from there! There’s no way anyone can be that fast!”

“Huh? But… I did? I just ran from there as I’m writing things on the papers at the same time. Also, I’m quite proud of my entrance.

And besides, you won't believe it when you just saw someone easily landing a jump that high?”

“Oh, I guess so-

Wait, that’s absolutely amazing, but that's not the point!”

…

“We meet again, Sir Gram.” Sera chuckled.

“Oh, please… forget about the formalities. Just call me Gram.

So, what is the call for?”

“I was thinking of properly introducing you, but I guess it’s not of need anymore.”

“Ah, yes. Since you’re Nero’s aide, I should tell you that he will be my escort for the entirety of my stay.”

“Oh, is that right, princess… That’s so like the prince! He’s so dependable and chivalrous!”

“Gram, quit playing ignorance!”

“Hmm… I heard from Nero himself that you were her escort back when you first visited the country, and some other things.

So, I assume you already have a plan to use the remainder of the day for the princess? If so, I’ll take care of the office for you and tend to things that are involved with your work.”

“No, come with us.”

“Huh?”

“Also, is Raiha still working?”

“Not anymore. I told her to come if she’s not doing anything when I heard your call. She’s probably on her way here.”

“Argh, you…

Anyways, we shall leave when Raiha arrives.”

“What a cowa- I mean, yes, let’s wait for her.”

“Actually, is it okay for you to left Raiha behind? You know…”

“It’s okay. She’ll be here anyways. Please focus on escorting…

Princess, is it okay if I call you by your name?”

“Please do.”

“Then, please focus on escorting Miss Sera from the time being. We’ll be there to keep watch.”

“Gram…!” she walked with a cake on a fork hidden on her back.

“Great timing, Raiha!

Well then, shall we go?”

“Sera, where do you want to go?”

“Hmm… how about a sweets shop?”

“Sweets shop, it is.”

Yep, that’s Shiro (Sera) for you.

~ ~ ~

“Mmmm…! This is good!”

We indeed arrived at one of the sweets shop at the town after leaving the castle. One thing that made it different is that the confections are definitely new to my palate. It’s something that probably does not exist in our original world or those desserts have not yet reached our culinary experience.

“I wonder what’s the recipe for this…

“I could probably try making them for practice.”

I think I haven’t mentioned this yet but… It seems that this world has already tapped into the concept of electricity. It has a minimal usage, but it’s useful. Not to mention, light bulbs are the sources of light here and there is probably some sort of a refrigerator in this shop since they serve cold sweets.

“Well, well… Are you having fun, Miss Sera?”

“Yes. It’s been a while since I had this kind of desserts. I totally love this!”

She certainly is just like Shiro. What a sweet tooth.

~ ~ ~

“That was so good…!”

“Yes, I can see that, Sera.”

“I heard that there are shops that sell accessories here. Do you know some stores, Nero?”

“I know quite a bit.”

“Then let’s check them out!”

Well, she’s livelier that Shiro. Actually, I don’t know. She’s probably like this too whenever she’s alone with Nagi.

“Was she like this long ago?”

“Somewhat like this, Gram. But it seems that she missed this place a lot. She looks happier that the last time.”

“Hmm… That’s good to know.”

“Gram, Nero. We can’t have the princess waiting for us.” Rin called out.

“Let’s follow her.

…

Hey, Gram. Have you ever gone on a date with Raiha?”

"If you just left the two of us, you could have taken the opportunity to have a date with Miss Sera right now.”

“Urgh, don’t avoid the question! You’re making me think a lot, you know?!”

“I have taken her for a date at least for a couple of times. If I exclude the time when we lost contact because of the recently ended war, we’ve been in a relationship for eight months now.”

He was unconvinced by Gin's excuse, but he shrugged it off.

“So… who confessed first?”

“Hmm… That’s kind of difficult to answer. I don’t really know, honestly.”

“You are not making a sense.”

“Yeah, I sure don’t.

I guess I’ll tell anyways. When we weren’t dating yet, I told her some of my dark secrets that are not something I can easily talk about. Emotions took the best of us. In a way, it felt like I was telling her my feelings indirectly.

And when we both calmed down, she straightforwardly told me that she loved me after asking a ‘What if’ question.

She also punched me in the face.”

“That’s surprising…

Well, dark secrets, huh…”

“Simply put, you could call them tragedies.”

“…

How in the world can you say it with such a calm expression…? You’re scary.”

“Are you, by any chance looking for insights? What? Planning to tell her your feelings?”

“Of course we’ll come to that some time. I just can’t say that this time. I’m disappointed though. I didn’t even get any guide since I don’t have dark secrets unlike you.”

“Well, sorry that I can’t help. Haha…

Oh? It seems that the young princess found something she likes.”

“Look, Raiha! I found this ribbon! What do you think?”

“I think it will look great on you, princess. I also think white suits you well.”

“Should we take it, Sera?”

“If that’s okay with you!”

…

Rin tied the ribbon on the princess’s hair where her hair tail is originally tied.

“You probably know this so I’ll ask, Nero. Her outfit is kind of similar to Rin. Is that how the casual dress up in Varia looks like?”

“No. That’s her uniform.”

“Wow, so simplistic.

Anyways, you could at least give her a comment, you know.”

“Hey, Nero~ Do I look cute?” she dazzled in Nero's eyes.

Shot. Right. Through. The. Heart!

Oi, don’t you dare collapse.

“Y-Y-Yes! It really looks good on you!”

At least don’t avert you gaze, you tomato. If I were to answer, she really is cute, but Rin is of course…

…

I shouldn’t have thought of Nero as a tomato. I was suddenly visited by the thought of how would Rin will look like with her hair tied. I’m going to take that back since my face is red.

I am such a trash.

“You okay there, Gram?”

“I’m such a trash.”

~ ~ ~

“It’s getting a bit late. Do you think we should go back?”

The sun is about to set after an hour and we have already spent four hours of non-stop excursion.

“What do you say, Sera?”

“I agree. I also feel like I need to rest.”

“Then before you retire for the night, let’s have dinner together. I will be cooking, anyways.”

“I think I should help her with dinner once we go back, Nero. I’m not that tired.”

“You should, Gram.”

▪ ▪ ▪

The table was set, and the stoves are lit. Today’s menu is going to be a royalty style ramen. We have never made such a luxurious ramen, but it was worth a try.

Also, this is the first time that those two will try a bowl of ramen.

We have chosen a type of flour that is light in the stomach. But it is very aesthetically pleasing because of how white it is after being boiled.

As for the soup, we used lobster stock that was a leftover from one of Rin’s dishes. And additionally, a topping of three pieces of tempura and a sprinkle of onion leaves and some slightly stir fried corn in butter.

It is indeed a weird combination. Now it looks like a tempura udon.

“Thanks for waiting.”

“Ohh… It smells good.”

This dish is quite the risk, but I hope that they will like it.

“This is the first time you two are serving this. I have never thought of bathing noodles in soup. What’s this called?”

“It’s called ramen—a seafood variant. Anyways, let us all eat while it’s hot. We can’t have soggy noodles, right?”

“Thank you for the food.”

…

“Mmmm…! This is so good!”

“It’s light, but has a lot of flavor!”

Thank goodness… they liked it.

~ ~ ~

“Ahh… thanks for the dinner, Gram and Raiha. If possible, could I join you three with the meals from now on?”

“Of course, Miss Sera. You are always welcome.”

“Alright, excuse me for taking your bowls.”

Rin and I both went to the kitchen after we took their empty dishes and then we washed the dishes together.

It’s not romantic at all.

“It certainly brought some good memories, huh?”

“Yeah…”

Thankfully, they can’t hear us talking in the kitchen. It’s so nice to talk without putting up an act.

“I missed Nagi and Shiro.”

“I know right, Rin. It feels like they are here, but they’re not the same.”

“Maybe someday, Akira and Jean will be here too or something… and then we can eat meals just like before.”

“Oh, right. I wonder if Akira is on the base now.”

“Yeah, I forgot. He will be staying with them now.”

Meanwhile, the other two are still sat on the dining table as they wait for the two that is behind in the kitchen.

“It was lovely dinner, don’t you think so too, Nero?”

“Yes. They have always been serving great food ever since they came here. To tell you the truth, Gram is actually Raiha’s teacher in cooking but she’s my personal chef. If Gram is not my closest aide, he can also be a cook here.”

“It’s so nice that you’ve found great friends. Because of that, I feel like I love this country more.”

“’I feel like I love this country more.’”

…

“She loves it, huh…

I wonder… I wonder when I can tell her how I truly feel. It feels like I still can’t, as of right now. I also wonder how she truly feels about me…

How…”

“Are you always in your office, Nero? If so, can I visit some time when you have no work?”

“Just how…”

“Nero? You’ve been quiet for a bit.

…

Earth to Nero~ Hello?”

“…

Just how and when should I tell Sera that I love her…?” he said out loud.

We just finished washing the dishes, but we haven’t left the kitchen yet. I was about to open the door, but we heard their voices.

However, he mumbled of some words that Nero should not mention openly. Judging from how the situation is, I think Sera is still with him.

…

It was silent. Sera’s face molded to someone that was took off guard. She was shivering but tried to move slowly.

Until she had the strength to ran out from the room.

“Gin…”

“This is bad, Rin. That really is a sudden turn of events.”

Surely, this night will be a sleepless one.