Up close, her beauty was even more overwhelming—every detail of her face and attire was perfect, almost too perfect to seem real. For a few moments, I sat there awkwardly, staring at her like an idiot, before finally forcing myself to snap out of it.

“My name’s Souta Tanaka,” I blurted, breaking the silence. My voice cracked slightly, and I cleared my throat, trying to steady myself. “Uh… thanks for letting me ride with you.”

She tilted her head slightly, her golden curls brushing her shoulder as she smiled again. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Souta. My name is Princess Zia Zorianz.”

I blinked. “Princess?” I repeated, my voice a mix of disbelief and surprise. “You’re a princess?”

Her lips curled upward, a faint trace of amusement in her expression. “I’m not trying to toot my own horn,” she said lightly, “but yes, I am. I must say, I’m a little surprised. It’s not often I meet someone who doesn’t know me.”

I scratched the back of my head, trying to play it cool even though I felt like my brain was short-circuiting. “Uh, yeah… sorry about that,” I said awkwardly. “I guess I’m just… not from around here.”

Her eyes narrowed slightly, a curious look crossing her face. “Not from around here? Then… are you from The Zaurelias Empire, perhaps? Your name doesn’t sound like one from the Kingdom of Zorion.”

The Kingdom of Zorion. The name rang in my ears, and I realized that must be where I was now—this strange, fantasy-like kingdom. I hesitated for a moment, scrambling for an explanation.

“I don’t… really know where I am,” I admitted finally.

“I just… woke up near the road where you found me. I don’t remember anything about where I came from, just my name.”

It wasn’t exactly a lie, but it was close enough to the truth. No way I was going to drop the “I’m from another world” bomb on her right now.

That would probably freak her out—or worse, make her think I was crazy.

Her expression shifted from curiosity to concern, her sapphire eyes softening. “You don’t know where you are?” she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

“That’s… troubling. You must have gone through something terrible.”

I shrugged, trying to downplay it. “Honestly, I’m just trying to figure it all out.”

She leaned forward slightly, her tone gentle. “Well, whatever it is, I’ll help you. You’re clearly in need of assistance, and I’m not one to turn away someone in need.”

For a moment, I just stared at her, taken aback by how kind she was. Here she was—a literal princess—offering to help a complete stranger she’d found on the side of the road.

It wasn’t just her beauty that was stunning; it was her warmth, her compassion.

The driver’s voice cut through the moment, calm and steady. “We’re approaching the woods of Luminaria Glade, M’lady.”

I glanced out the window, noticing the terrain beginning to change.

The meadow was giving way to towering trees, their branches arching high above to form a canopy that filtered the golden light into soft, dappled shadows.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I turned back to Zia. “Where are we headed, anyway?”

I asked. “I… guess I never really asked.”

Her eyes widened slightly, and she laughed softly. “Ah, forgive me. I should have told you sooner.

We’re traveling to the quaint village of Ham-Seyal. There’s someone there I need to meet.”

I nodded slowly, taking it in. Ham-Seyal.

The name sounded like it belonged in a fantasy RPG, but it wasn’t hard to picture it—a rustic village with cobblestone streets, wooden cottages, and maybe a marketplace bustling with merchants.

Something about it felt… important, though I couldn’t explain why.

As the trees of Luminaria Glade began to surround the carriage, I leaned back in my seat, watching the shadows flicker across the carriage walls.

In my mind, I couldn’t help but think about what that spirit thing had said—that this world needed me. Maybe this was part of the journey I was meant to take.

Maybe this meeting in Ham-Seyal was the first step in whatever grand plan I was supposed to fulfill.

For now, though, I tried to focus on the moment.

The soft hum of the carriage wheels against the dirt road, the occasional snort of the raptor-like creatures pulling us, and the serene presence of the princess across from me were enough to keep my thoughts grounded.

The princess leaned forward slightly, a glimmer of excitement in her sapphire eyes.

“Look out the window,” she said softly, her voice carrying a sense of awe.

“This is Luminaria Glade, the most beautiful woodland in the Kingdom of Zorion.”

I turned my head to the window and felt my breath catch in my chest.

What I saw wasn’t just beautiful—it was otherworldly.

Towering trees stretched endlessly into the sky, their trunks glowing faintly with golden veins of light that pulsed softly, as if alive.

Between the trees, the air was alive with luminous fairies, their delicate wings leaving sparkling trails of light as they flitted through the glade.

The ground was a carpet of glowing mushrooms, their soft blue and white hues creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere.

Flowers, some as bright as stars and others shimmering with an ethereal glow, clustered in patches, adding bursts of vibrant color to the forest floor.

Above, the full moon shone through the canopy, its silvery light mingling with the warm glow of the fairies’ trails. The air seemed to hum with energy, a faint, soothing vibration that made the entire forest feel alive.

Every part of the glade seemed to flow with a rhythm, as if the trees, flowers, and fairies were part of some grand, unseen orchestra.

I leaned closer to the window, mesmerized. While the velociraptors pulling the carriage had been incredible in their own way, this was something else entirely. It was magic—real, undeniable magic.

My heart raced as I took it all in, the awe almost overwhelming.

Zia smiled at my expression. “During the night, the fairies light up the glade using light mana,” she explained, her voice filled with reverence.

“It’s said to be one of the oldest forests in the kingdom, and the mana keeps the evil at bay.”

“Mana,” I repeated under my breath, the word clicking in my head. It had to be the energy or power system of this world. If I was going to survive here, I’d have to figure out how to use it—and master it.

But before I could ask about mana, something else she said stuck out. “Wait… evil? What kind of evil?”

Her smile faded, and her gaze dropped to her lap. For the first time since I’d met her, the warmth in her expression was replaced by something darker.

She hesitated before whispering,

“Demons.”

A chill ran through me at the word. I opened my mouth to press further, but the look on her face stopped me.

Whatever these demons were, it was clear she didn’t want to talk about them.

I sank back into my seat, suddenly hyper aware of the soft hum of the forest around us.

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The beauty of the glade was still stunning, but the thought of demons lurking somewhere in this world made it hard to relax.

The carriage continued its steady pace, the rhythmic sound of wheels crunching against the dirt road grounding me as we passed through the glade.

The glowing mushrooms and shimmering fairies began to thin, the light fading into the distance as the trees gave way to open fields once more.

As we emerged on the other side of the forest, I couldn’t help but glance back, the memory of the glade burned into my mind.

I'm so excited for this magical world!

The carriage rolled to a steady halt, the raptors snorting softly as the driver adjusted his reins.

“We’ve arrived, M’lady,” he announced, his voice cutting through the still night.

I glanced out the window and saw the faint glow of lanterns illuminating the cobblestone streets. The village was nestled between rolling hills, its half-timbered houses clustered closely together.

Though the architecture felt distinctly European—at least the way I’d seen it depicted in fantasy novels and anime—there was an air of tranquility that made it feel… otherworldly.

Water from a small stream wound its way through the village, its soft trickle adding to the serene atmosphere.

Flowerbeds and vegetable gardens dotted the area, their colors muted in the pale moonlight, and stone bridges arched gracefully over the flowing water.

But something felt off. Despite the picturesque setting, the village was eerily silent.

There were no bustling sounds of late-night activity, no distant chatter, not even the occasional bark of a dog.

Just the faint hum of the lanterns and the rhythmic creak of the carriage wheels as we began to move through the village once more.

“This is Ham-Seyal?” I asked, breaking the silence as I turned to Zia.

She nodded, her golden hair catching the moonlight.

“Yes. It’s usually much livelier during the day, but at night… people prefer to stay indoors. It’s safer that way.”

I frowned but chose not to press further. Instead, I decided to steer the conversation somewhere lighter.

“You said your name was Princess Zia Zorianz, right? So, where are you from?”

“My city is called Zion,” she said, her voice carrying a note of pride. “It’s the heart of the Kingdom of Zorion—beautiful, bustling, and full of history.”

“Zion,” I repeated, the name striking a chord in my mind. Back home, the word was loaded with meaning—a symbol of hope for some, controversy for others.

It was strange to hear it used so casually here, almost like a regular city name. “That’s… interesting.”

She tilted her head, curious. “What’s so interesting about it?”

I hesitated, realizing I couldn’t explain without revealing too much about my world.

“Oh, nothing,” I said quickly, scratching the back of my head. “It just sounds… important.”

“It is,” she said with a soft smile.

“To me, it’s the most important place in the world. It’s where my people live, where my family’s legacy lies.”

I nodded, looking out the window again. The carriage descended a gentle slope, the village expanding below us.

The lower part of Ham-Seyal was flatter, its buildings slightly more spread out, with small farms and workshops lining the edges.

A waterwheel turned lazily in the stream, its creaking blades blending with the occasional hoot of an owl.

The glow of the lanterns seemed softer here, almost as if the lower part of the village was tucked away in its own quiet pocket of the world.

For someone like me—someone who’d spent his whole life in Japan’s crowded cities—this was like stepping into the pages of a fairy tale.

Sure, I’d seen pictures of European towns online, but this was exactly what I’d imagined an isekai village to look like. Quaint, peaceful, and just a little mysterious.

“So,” I asked, turning back to Zia, “who are we here to meet?”

Her lips curved into a playful smirk. “He’s a very famous man. The lord of this area.”

“The lord?” I echoed, raising an eyebrow. “That sounds… important. Who is he?”

She leaned back in her seat, clearly enjoying herself. “Oh, I think I’ll keep that a surprise. You’ll meet him soon enough.”

I frowned, not entirely satisfied with her teasing, but before I could press further, something strange happened.

It was subtle at first, a faint hum in the back of my mind. Then it grew stronger, clearer, until I felt it—him. It was the spirit from before that had guided me so far.

It whispered to me, not in words but in a feeling, a truth that settled into my soul.

The one you’re about to meet is vital. He is a key to what lies ahead.

My breath hitched, and my chest tightened as the message sank in. This wasn’t just a casual meeting. Whoever this lord was, he wasn’t just some local noble.

He was important—crucial, even.

The spirit’s presence faded as quickly as it had come, leaving me with the weight of its message.

I glanced back out the window as the carriage rolled deeper into the village.

The cobblestone streets glistened faintly under the lantern light, and the stillness of the night felt heavier now, almost expectant.

Whatever lay ahead, I knew this wasn’t just a stop on the road.

This was the next chapter of the story I’d somehow found myself in.

The carriage descended the final slope, and there it was—an estate unlike anything I’d ever seen before.

The manor loomed over the village, its grandeur almost surreal. Tall spires pierced the night sky, their pointed roofs glinting faintly under the moonlight.

A massive central dome dominated the structure, surrounded by intricate Gothic-style architecture that radiated elegance and power.

The walls were lined with stained-glass windows, their intricate designs catching the faint glow of lanterns from within.

Beautifully manicured gardens stretched out in front, featuring perfectly symmetrical flowerbeds and hedges.

A large fountain stood at the center of the driveway, water cascading gracefully into its basin, reflecting the silvery light of the moon. It was a sight straight out of a fantasy tale.

The carriage came to a halt in front of the grand double doors, which were adorned with elaborate carvings of vines and mythical creatures.

Before I could fully process the sight, the doors swung open, and someone stepped out onto the wide stone steps.

She was tall—easily a few inches taller than Zia; who was my height so she was unfortunately taller than me as well—and carried herself with a confident, almost predatory grace.

Her long golden brunette hair flowed like silk, her feline ears twitching slightly as they caught the cool breeze.

Her fiery amber eyes glowed faintly in the dark, and her sharp gaze made me feel like she was assessing every inch of me.

She was dressed in an outfit that struck a perfect balance between ornate and functional. Golden accents glinted against white and earthy tones, and a thick fur collar added a regal touch.

A long tail swayed lazily behind her, the same color as her hair. She looked wild and composed all at once—a mix that was hard to ignore.

The driver hopped down from the carriage and opened the door for Zia. He bowed slightly as he helped her step out with his usual practiced grace.

I followed, clumsily stumbling onto the cobblestone, still awestruck by the sheer scale of the manor and the striking figure now standing before us.

The woman’s sharp gaze shifted to me, narrowing slightly as she spoke.

Her voice was calm but carried a clear edge of authority.

“Princess Zia, Lord Yohei Kingston is waiting for you in the dining hall.”

Zia gave her a warm smile. “Thank you, Leo.”

The woman—Leo—nodded but didn’t take her eyes off me. “And who’s this?”

Zia stepped slightly in front of me, her presence softening the tension in the air. “This is Souta,” she said lightly. “He’s a friend of mine in need of Lord Kingston’s assistance.”

Leo’s amber eyes flicked over me again, as though she were analyzing every detail.

Her tail swished once, sharply. “Is that so?” she muttered.

“Yep. That’s me,” I said quickly, offering an awkward wave. “Souta Tanaka.”

Leo raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment on my nervous introduction. Instead, she let out a small huff and crossed her arms.

“Fine. If the princess vouches for you, I’ll allow it. But don’t expect any special treatment. You’re here as a guest, and that’s all.”

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Definitely a tsundere, I thought to myself, barely hiding my smirk.

It was almost funny how perfectly she fit the archetype.

The driver cleared his throat, breaking the moment. “I’ll handle unloading the princess’s luggage and return as planned in a few days.”

“Thank you,” Zia said warmly, nodding in gratitude.

The driver gave a respectful bow before turning back to the carriage.

Meanwhile, Leo motioned for us to follow her. “This way,” she said simply, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Zia walked beside me as we approached the massive double doors.

The intricate carvings seemed to shimmer faintly in the moonlight, and the air grew heavier as we neared the entrance.

I couldn’t help but glance at Zia, my curiosity getting the better of me.

“Who is Leo?” I whispered.

Zia smiled, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. “She’s Lord Kingston’s apprentice. Brilliant, loyal, and… well, not the easiest to get along with.”

I glanced ahead at Leo, who was striding confidently toward the doors, her tail swaying behind her. That last part was painfully obvious, but I decided not to comment.

As we reached the grand entrance, Leo pushed the doors open with ease, revealing the warm glow spilling from within.

I hesitated for just a moment, the sheer size and grandeur of the building overwhelming me.

My breath caught, and my chest tightened. I didn’t fully understand it, but I knew this wasn’t just some random encounter.

Meeting Lord Yohei Kingston wasn’t a coincidence. This was another step in the journey I’d been brought here to take.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, following Zia and Leo into the largest house I’d ever seen.