The sun blazed brightly in the sky, casting a warm glow on the bustling streets below. Children’s laughter echoed as they played, while merchants hawked their wares to the busy townsfolk. Life was in full swing.
Within the grandeur of the Archduke’s mansion, the maids bustled about, attending to their duties. Elysia was engrossed in her lessons with Ray, while Hiro, Sakura, and Ainz were deep in discussion over some paperwork.
However, in a quiet room away from the daily hustle, a sigh echoed. Kai, laying on his bed, clad in his sleepwear, his eyes fixed on a large screen mounted on the wall, {LIVE} written in English, by the corner top right. It displayed a video of four people, locked in a heated argument over a quest.
“They’re at it again,” Kai thought, a hint of amusement creeping into his otherwise blank expression, as he lets out another sigh. “How utterly boring. I also lost my wig, huh…”
Three days had passed since Kai’s kidnapping. Those days had been filled with visits from Ray and Elysia, investigations into the apprehended kidnappers, and statements from Lala and Ana. Kai longed for the freedom of the outdoors, but Sakura, ever the worrier, had forbidden it. Instead, he was given a bell to ring if he needed assistance or food.
As Kai continued to watch the video, Eva broke the silence. “Why don’t you try to go back to our world, sir?” she asked. At her question, a small smile played on Kai’s lips. “My life there has ended,” he replies, his gaze never leaving the screen. “There’s nothing left for me there.”
His attention remained on the live, until a knock sounded at the door. With the arrival on the door, Eva turned off the screen, the display fading away into thin air.
“Kai,” Sakura’s voice came from the other side of the door. “Are you awake?” In response, Kai rang the bell. Understanding his signal, Sakura entered the room. Peeking out her head first, as usual, she looked over Kai. As she saw him sitting up, a smile formed in her face as she walked towards him.
“How are you feeling today?” she asked. Kai just smiled at her, showing her a thumps-up. She smiled at him, then proceeded to sit beside him. “Are you hungry? Want something to eat?” she asked, as Kai shake his head. He reached out to his notebook.
“I am not hungry yet, but maybe some fruits will do?” he scribbled on his note, as Sakura read it and called out to Mary.
At her command, Mary came inside Kai’s room, with a tray of fruits in it. Kai was surprised, as he looked at Sakura. She smiled at him, as she told, “I actually prepared all kinds of food before coming here.” She chuckles as she reported so, while Mary came over to them, “I hope you get well soon, young master,” she says so, as Kai nods to her with a smile.
“By the way,” Sakura speaks up, getting Kai and Mary to look at her. “You have some guest who came to meet you,” she says so, as she looks over the door. Kai quickly goes to reach his hair, wanting to mess it up and pull down his bangs.
Then, a voice sounded, “Umm…” Kai turned towards the voice. By the door, stood Lala and Ana, who stepped into the room. They were impeccably dressed, their outfits a perfect blend of elegance and simplicity. Their dark purple hair was neatly combed, cascading down their shoulders like a waterfall under the moonlight. But what caught Kai’s attention were their eyes - they were a vibrant blue, brighter and more intense than he remembered.
“Woah…” Kai stared at Lala, captivated by her beauty. Lala, feeling his gaze, started to become flustered. She looked around the room, trying to hide the blush creeping onto her cheeks. Seeing this, Kai couldn’t help but smile. He quickly scribbled a note and showed it to them. “Both of you are looking wonderful today.”
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
As Lala read the note, her cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red. Ana, noticing her reaction, tugged at her clothes, her curiosity piqued. “What did he write?” she asked. Lala, still flustered, relayed Kai’s words, causing Ana’s face to break into a wide smile. “Thank you, Kai,” she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
Suddenly, Lala had a thought. She turned to Ana, her voice serious. “We should address him as ‘Young Master’,” she suggested. But before Ana could respond, Kai had already scribbled another note. “Just call me Kai,” it read. Lala tried to argue, but Sakura interjected that it was fine to do so, encouraging them to address him by his first name. With Sakura’s endorsement, Lala acquiesced, nodding her head in unison with Ana.
Kai smiled at their reactions, finding their shyness endearing. He gestured towards the tray of fruits on the table. “Would you like to join me for some fruits?” he wrote in his notebook, showing them the message.
Lala and Ana looked at each other again, a silent conversation passing between them. Slowly, they both nodded, accepting Kai’s invitation. As they settled down on the chairs next to Kai’s bed, the room filled with a comfortable silence.
Later, Lala confessed that she had wanted to thank Kai earlier but was unable due to the interrogation they were under. Kai simply smiled at her, writing on his note, “I’m just happy that both of you are safe.” At his words, Lala’s eyes welled up with tears. She quickly blinked them away, but not before Kai noticed. He gave her a reassuring smile, silently communicating his understanding and support.
Lala opened her mouth to say something else, but before she could get the words out, the door to the room swung open. They all looked over, revealing Ray and Elysia. “Yo!” Ray greeted Kai casually, as he stepped into the room. His gaze fell on Lala and Ana, and he quickly apologized, “Sorry, I didn’t know you had guests here.” Kai simply smiled in response, waving his hand in a gesture that said it was alright.
Elysia took a seat next to Sakura, her eyes filled with concern as she asked Kai, “Are you alright, brother?” Kai reassured her with a nod and a smile. Sakura then took the opportunity to introduce Lala and Ana to Ray and Elysia. Upon learning that Ray was the Crown Prince, Lala nearly fainted from shock.
They continued to chat for a while, the room filled with light-hearted conversation and laughter. However, their conversation was interrupted when the door opened again, this time revealing Hiro. “Am I bothering?” he asked, looking around the room. Sakura invited him in, to which he responded, “I’m not alone.” At this, Kai couldn’t help but think to himself, “Will my room get crowded or something?”
Hiro glanced to the side, and in walked Maximus and Celestina, followed by Niatina and Montina. The room fell into a stunned silence, while Kai, in a state of panic, quickly tried to mess his hair.
Maximus and Celestina greeted Sakura, who returned their greeting with a warm smile. Ray and Elysia also extended their greetings. Sakura then turned to Lala and explained that Maximus and Celestina were the Emperor and Empress of the Empire, and Niatina and Montina were the princesses. The revelation was too much for Lala, and she fainted from the shock.
Ana, although nervous, slowly introduced herself to them. Celestina bent down to her level, greeting her with a kind smile. Maximus then inquired about Kai, to which Sakura gestured behind her, revealing Kai who had somehow managed to pull down his bangs, trying to look as normal as possible.
Maximus and Celestina both approached Kai, their faces etched with concern. They inquired about his current state, to which he responded with a reassuring smile. Niatina also came forward, her eyes brimming with worry as she echoed their sentiments. Montina, however, remained a silent figure in the background, her head bowed and her expression inscrutable.
After a few more exchanges, Ray suggested that they should allow Kai some rest. Everyone nodded in agreement, understanding the importance of rest for his recovery. But then, Montina’s voice cut through the silence. “I wish to speak with Kai alone,” she stated. Her request hung in the air, causing a ripple of surprise among the room’s occupants. Maximus and Celestina looked at each other, then to Hiro and Sakura. Ray as well was worried, while Lala was confused about the whole situation. After a moment of hesitation, they slowly acquiesced to her request.
One by one, they exited the room, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern. Soon, it was just Kai and Montina left in the room, the silence between them heavy with anticipation.