"Well... This is the place. Welcome to your new home, Isaac."

This was it. This was the house that Isaac would live in for the foreseeable future. It was a lot bigger up close, probably big enough to comfortably house six or even seven people. It stuck out from the rest of the houses on the lot, since it was the only building not made of cobblestones and straw. In fact, the other houses looked like they were made by laborers, while this house looked like it was made by craftsmen. It didn't exactly look luxurious, but it did look more visually pleasing than it had any right to be, given the social status of those who owned it.

It had a stone brick base, and two floors with a half-timbered architecture. The roof was tiled and even had dormers poking out, providing light to an attic. Perhaps the word "mansion" was a bit of a stretch, but it wouldn't surprise Isaac if he found out it was once owned by a wealthy merchant or someone with a similar social standing. On the other hand, there was a chance that this was just the standard of living for farmers in this world. Isaac didn't know.

He looked around. On his left side stood Kit, and on his right was Emryn, now holding Elyse's hand. So, these were the people who would house him for the time being. He couldn't say he knew them yet, but they did strike him as good people. On their way to the house they had made some small talk, and Isaac had begun to feel comfortable talking to them. So that begged the question: What was with the awkward aura that now hung in the air?

Kit and Elyse still wore their smiles, but they didn't feel as genuine as they did back in the forest entrance. Even Emryn had gone from shy and happy, to just plain shy. As they had come closer and closer to the housing area, the cheerful mood had started to dim, and silence had soon filled the air. In fact, Kit's announcement just now had been the first words spoken in the last five minutes or so.

Isaac looked around at their faces, concerned if he was expected to do something. Instinctively, he opened his mouth, trying to progress the situation.

"W-well... It's a nice house! Surprised that only the three of you live here."

As soon as that last sentence had left his lips, he regretted having said it, because when he looked, Elyse's smile was gone. Something must have happened, and Isaac's words must've reminded her of it, whatever it might've been. But before Isaac could apologize, Kit forced another smile and spoke up, determined.

"Yeah, it's great! Come on, let me show you where you'll be sleeping."

Without waiting for an answer, the large man walked towards the front door and produced an old, but visibly ornate iron key from his pocket. It showed the age of the house much clearer than the house itself. Nevertheless, the worn key slid smoothly into its lock.

*Click*

The door unlocked and opened with a muffled creaking sound. Through the doorway, Isaac could see an entrance hall of sorts. A staircase was going up at the end of the hall, and a few doors were placed on each side: Two on the left, and three on the right. There were what looked like empty oil lamps on the walls, and they didn't look like they had been in use for a very long time. Instead, the hall seemed to be lit mostly by the sunlight coming through the doorway and windows.

Kit beckoned Isaac and walked into the house. Isaac followed, but noticed that Emryn and Elyse didn't follow right away.

Are they still thinking about what I said? I'm not sure if I should ask them about it or not, it might be a sensitive subject.

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Kit had given a tour of the house, that started with the kitchen and ended with Isaac's new bedroom. Some rooms were not shown to him, probably the other bedrooms, and rooms that were not in use. Considering the family's size and occupation, they probably didn't need much space. After all, cleaning rooms that weren't ever in use was time that could be spent better. Weirdly, though, Isaac's bedroom was just as clean as the other rooms Kit had toured. Maybe surprise visitors were something Kit's family was used to.

Isaac had also gotten an answer as to why this house was different from the other houses on the farm. Kit had told him that up until the last era, there had been a small town here. However, during a civil war, a lot of towns were put to the torch. This war happened in the last era, and it shaped what was now the Rikarian Empire, the nation they lived in. The only house remaining when the war was over was the house of the burgomaster, though it had been abandoned. Many years later, Kit's ancestor had escaped the city life to start a farm. He had traveled for a few days when he stumbled upon this house, and decided to claim it for himself. His family had lived there ever since.

Isaac now sat in the dining room, waiting for dinner to be served. On the opposite side was Emryn. She was happily playing with two wooden toy figures Kit had made her: A horse and a princess. Occasionally she would stop, look shyly over at Isaac, and then quickly change her mind before she could ask if he wanted to join in. At least, that's what he suspected she would ask if she ever made up her mind. Isaac found it cute, and couldn't bring himself to intrude on all of her fun by asking to join himself.

As for the adults, they were in the kitchen. Kit was stirring a pot, and Elyse was cutting some vegetables. Her voice could be heard through the open doorway. Kit seemed to make a witty retort, followed by his own, almost obnoxious laughter. In response, Elyse complained, though her voice didn't sound angry. Isaac didn't hear exactly what they were talking about, as he was too busy focusing between his thoughts, and the occasional glances he got from Emryn.

It seems the mood has improved at least. That's good, I was starting to worry.

With a mental sigh, Isaac's nerves relaxed, and went back into thinking mode.

So, this is my first day in this new world. I should probably try to get some information on the basic stuff that Spectre didn't bother to tell me. The term it used: 'Fantasy world'. It doesn't say much, but it gives me at least some ideas on what I can expect. 'Many intelligent species' was also a distinction it made. Kit's family all seem human, but does that mean there could be something akin to elves or dwarves in this world? I need to be careful not to ask stupid questions, though. Who knows what they might think of me if I suddenly blurted out a question that's considered common knowledge in this world? Hmmm, what to do...

As if a lightbulb had lit up above his head, Isaac snapped into reality once again and looked at Emryn, who was still playing with her toys.

"Hey, Emryn?"

The girl looked up at Isaac, slightly startled. Nervously, she answered his call.

"Y-yes?"

Oh, I must've startled her. Gotta play it cool.

"Have you ever seen an elf before?"

Emryn went deep in thought and pondered Isaac's question, focused. It was as if it was the most important thing in the world for her to answer correctly.

"Um... No, I don't think I have seen a elf..."

Hmm, at least the term 'elf' is familiar to her. That's something at least.

Emryn must've thought Isaac wasn't satisfied with her answer, because she quickly added:

"B-But I think Papa has seen them! He leaves the farm sometimes to visit a village."

"Oh. Then I'll ask him. Thank you Emryn."

The girl got a huge grin on her face and giggled, seemingly overjoyed that she could help. Now that he had broken through to her, Isaac didn't want to miss the chance to get to know her a little better.

"You said there's a village nearby. Have you ever visited it?"

This time, her answer came almost instantly. Apparently, she was very eager about the nearby village.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

"No, but I really want to go one day!"

She stretched her arms out high, and then wide, gesturing with her arms while explaining.

"I want to see huuuuge houses and walls! I want to see shops full of pretty things, and I want to see a real princess in pretty clothes!"

Emryn paused. Then she shrunk back as if remembering herself.

"But I think I'm too shy to go, hehe."

Isaac could understand her wanderlust. He also had a great desire to go and see new things, and although he had different reasons, he had also accomplished very little in that regard.

Suddenly, a loud, cheerful voice coming from the kitchen spoke up.

"Give it a few years, Emryn! I'll go with you just in case!"

She seemed to grow sheepish from Kit's remark, but Isaac could see a small smile forming on her face.

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After dinner was finished, Emryn excitedly volunteered to clean the table, while Elyse took care of the cookware. Thus, the only ones left at the table were Kit and Isaac.

Kit was the one who started the conversation. His expression was still cheery, but his tone had become serious.

"I noticed your look while we were eating. I'm guessing you must have some questions. But before that, I have some of my own. Is that alright with you?"

Isaac nodded. He had some notions about what sort of questions Kit would ask, so he prepared some of the answers beforehand. Kit continued.

"First, the most obvious one. You woke up close to our farm, but your look of bewilderment makes me think this was not a planned trip you had. Do you remember what happened before you woke up?"

"Oh, sure! I was talking to the deity of death, and it sent me over from another world into this world." I can't answer that, he'll think I'm crazy! I don't want to lie to him, but I doubt telling the truth would be any more suitable in this case. Better play it safe for now.

"I'm sorry, I don't remember anything. I just woke up, and there you two were."

Kit's expression darkened, and he pondered Isaac's answer. It reminded him of the way Emryn had also gotten deep into thought before dinner.

They really are related, huh.

After a few seconds, Kit made up his mind and pressed on with another question.

"Alright, then I'll ask you this. I extended my hospitality in exchange for work, but do you have somewhere else you'd want to go? A family somewhere, someone waiting for you?"

This time Isaac's expression was the one who darkened. It gave all the answers Kit needed.

"I see... Well, my offer is still here, you can consider this place your home for as long as you want."

"Thank you, Kit. I'll take you up on that."

"No problem."

A pause lingered, and silence fell around the table. The hearth was crackling, warming the house and filling the room with a flickering light. Outside, Elyse and Emryn were gathering water from a small stream. The faint giggles from Emryn could be heard.

"Well, those were my questions for now, do you have any you want to ask me?"

"Actually, Emryn told me there was a village nearby, and you've visited it on occasion. Do you know if there are any elves or dwarves there?"

Isaac's question seemed to catch Kit off guard, but it didn't take long for him to answer.

"Indeed there is a town nearby where I sell our crops and buy supplies from... I've seen an elf or two, but those aren't a common sight in the Rikarian Empire, at least not in the smaller towns."

The front door opened, and Emryn stumbled in with a bucket of water, the handle clutched with both her hands. Behind came Elyse, carrying some firewood. They went past the two and disappeared into the kitchen. Kit continued.

"As for dwarves... Hmm... Never seen one! They tend to isolate themselves from other races, so the only way you'd see one in the empire would be if they were a wealthy merchant. And as I guess you can figure, wealthy merchants don't do trade with the lower class, so to speak."

That settles it, then. Elves and dwarves really do exist in this world. It doesn't feel real, but Kit does seem genuine about his response. Hopefully, I'll get to meet some one day.

"Why, do you know of any?"

"Oh, uh, no. I don't. But I'd love to meet some one day. I've only met humans before in my life, so meeting another race sounds truly exciting."

"Really? Hah, you sound like my daughter! She has her dreams of venturing out and seeing the world, but I think I'll be the greedy parent and keep her here for a few more years!"

With a hearty chuckle coming from the large man, Isaac couldn't help himself and joined in. Soon, A woman entered from the kitchen, her daughter close behind.

"Look at you two, laughing and having a good time while we do all the work!"

Elyse's expression looked more pouty than angry, though Kit didn't let it phase him.

"Don't worry, my love. Tomorrow, it will be you spending your time laughing with Emryn while the boy and I are the ones doing the work. Right, Isaac?"

"Oh, uh... Yes, of course!"

Elyse's pout disappeared and turned into a smile. Her words, however, didn't match her appearance.

"You know that's not fair, dear. I would also like to get to know Isaac. How about you do the cleaning up tomorrow, and then the three of us will be here, having a good time?"

Scary, that sounded more like a threat than a suggestion. Looking at Kit, he certainly seems to agree.

"Yes, of course, my love! Anything for you."

With a nervous laugh from Kit, Elyse turned to Isaac, her smile beaming again as if nothing had happened and it was all Isaac's imagination.

"Well then, I'll be looking forward to getting to know you, Isaac."

"Likewise..."

Man, her outward appearance looks so innocent, but I guess she has a hidden strength to her.

"It's getting late. We're waking up early tomorrow, so you better get some good sleep."

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So, the day is over, but tomorrow is when my new life in this world will truly begin.

Staring up at the ceiling, Isaac waited for sleep to claim him. As Elyse had said, he was waking up early, so he needed all the sleep he could get in preparation for tomorrow's work. He had never been a morning person, so the challenge was already set to be a difficult one. On top of that, he had another problem...

Gah! How am I supposed to sleep with all these unanswered questions in my head? I got some answers from Kit after dinner, but those only led to even more questions!

Almost like a kid having a tantrum, Isaac felt an urge to wriggle about, frustrated. He slammed his face into the pillow, and his body went limp.

"I wish Spectre had put a spell on me to make this whole transition easier for my brain to process," he groaned to himself, muffled into the pillow. "I'm blaming him if this causes long-term psychological damage."

Shifting his position to lay on his side, Isaac looked forward. Above his head, cold blue moonlight shone through a diamond-paned window, lighting up the room. There was a nightstand with an empty candle holder on it, as well as a flagon of water and an empty tankard. on the other side of the bedroom was a dresser. Isaac had looked inside it before, and it had a few pieces of clothing in it, all of them around his size. On top of the dresser was a wooden short sword. It looked handmade, and seemed like it had been whacked around on hard surfaces a good number of times. Isaac had two theories on this room's previous occupation.

Theory number one: This used to be Kit's room, many many years ago when he was a child. There are no other items of interest other than that sword, so Kit either outgrew it or made a new one at a later date. Theory number two...

He paused his thoughts for a moment and looked around. More and more moments throughout the day had started to click together, making his second theory more and more likely. He felt his thoughts trail off, and his eyes lost their focus and stared out into nothing in particular. Then, with a blink:

No, I'm probably overthinking this. If they want to tell me, they'll tell me. For now, I should get back to counting sheep.

It took a while, but Isaac eventually felt his body weaken. He let his thoughts go, and succumbed to the sleep that was taking him away.