By the time I came to, I heard a continuous knocking from the outside of the van.

"Uhhh…"

"Finally awake, Ms. Vanta? We have arrived, although you overslept for half an hour," Mr. Vecker's voice resonated from outside.

"I-I'm sorry… Please let me freshen up first…"

"Take your time, then~

By the way, we're here in our exact destination so this is where I will drop and see you off."

"Understood…"

My eyes were still very dry and so was my throat. My limbs have not yet shifted from its listlessness as they still want to go back to that soft bed. But nevertheless, I went to a sink to wash my face…

And I even thought that I saw a ghost in front of the mirror.

I was so startled that I fell on my backside upon seeing a woman with the same face as mine but with the combination of blue hair and dark gray eyes.

I do not remember removing the black dye from my hair as I was sure that all I did for the remainder of the travel was sleep. But here it was, my appearance returned back to normal, and so I opened the door of the cargo van and saw a morning scene.

I stepped outside to a place where the sun has only rose for three hours. The road was adequately wide compared to the ones in Nacht; and it was also very quiet. There were no towering buildings, only residential houses and buildings only going up to five floors. I figured, the building in front of me looked similar in a sense to where I was living at. The concept of apartment buildings also exists here, and very similarly at that.

"Uh, well… with all the commotion that happened, you really don't have any belongings with you so you can take the clothes you saw inside the van.

Aside from that, may I know the name of your old world and your former location?"

"It's Hogenhaft… and I live in Nacht City. Our country is called Inchiostro."

"I see…

If you wish, we could still recover your belongings from your old world, that is if it's not yet found by uh… royal guards? You have 3 days to decide, but if you really want, I could send out a request right here, right now."

"So you can communicate even though you're on a different world…?"

"What's it going to be, then? You probably have some important things you would have wanted to bring with you… but the situation didn't really call for it.

It wasn't supposed to be in immediate process, but you were quite in a pinch so I had to decide spontaneously."

"Then, if it is possible, I would like to have them."

With just a single tap on his phone, the request has been made.

"Then Ms. Vanta… I welcome you to my world where I reside in.

Welcome to this world called 'Earth.'"

"Earth… you mean like the Evian word?"

"Yeah, I guess, if that's how you want to roll.

This country is called Orio, and this is considered as an Eastern country in the continet called Asia. Currently, we are in a province called Hitoretsu which is the very North of the country. A few kilometers from here, and you will see the beach which is literally the very end of Orio's shore.

We are currently speaking English, and please refrain from calling it Evian from now on. But rest assured, our mother tongue is very easy to understand. In a few months, you will be able to master it. Anyway, there is actually a person waiting for you in your new living space.

And speaking of your house, this may look like an apartment building but the rooms are actually for sale. We took the liberty and purchased the room for you so you wouldn't worry about rent. The company, Other, would really go as far to help their clients this much.

I'll help you bring out the clothes so please let me accompany you. Your place is in Room 405."

"Please lead the way."

I feel extremely conflicted. From the outside, this world looks almost like Hogenhaft. The way the houses are designed—their architecture and the engineering are very much same. It feels strange that it appears like this is still my world, but I don't recall any place like this. And the ambiance, the surroundings, and the mood are different. Even the temperature and the humidity puts me slightly off.

But putting that aside, we reached the fourth floor of the building and the door with "405" on it. Mr. Vecker rang the doorbell and a man immediately opened the door.

"Mr. Vecker! Congratulations on a safe trip!"

"Yeah, thanks for the great work too. Anyway, this here is our client, Althea Vanta."

"Ah, then I'm Kyo Uchizawa. I know you came from a tiring trip so please come in immediately. It is quite hot outside."

…

Once again, I am stunned. The entire room was exactly how I would describe interiors in my former world. But granted, this place is entirely bigger than the apartment room I was living at. This is a house already. It is completely furnished in the living room, complete with appliances in the kitchen, and there are separate rooms. Truly, this is basically a house on its own.

Only a literal minute of being sat on one of the couches in the living room and Mr. Uchizawa immediately served a hot drink from a fancy-looking cup that equals those found in the royal capital. But soon enough, I realized that he has a very dark brown hair and dark, lime-like eyes.

"Alright, that's all of your things. My work's done now that you two have met. Kyo will tell you the things you don't know so don't hesitate to ask away.

Well then, cheers."

"Good work today, Mr. Vecker."

"I'll leave the rest to you!"

…

"Is it fine to just let him leave like that…?"

"It is. He does his own things at his pace after all. But he's probably tired too."

"I guess…"

"Well… is there tea in your world?"

"That's the first time I'm hearing that."

"I hope that you would try it. I'm quite confident with how I make them."

Upon raising the cup to my face, a very fragrant and soothing smell immediately wafted on my nose. Then I took upon his offer and took a sip.

It was beyond great, and my astonishment showed on my face.

"I'm glad that you liked it."

Right after that, he explained some things to me regarding this world and the transition I had to go through without going away from his polite tone. He revealed that he is the housekeeper that is now tending to the recently purchased room and spruced up the place. But then as he hesitated to mention something, he suddenly felt down or somewhat anxious.

"I-I'm sorry about announcing this so suddenly and it seems that Mr. Vecker didn't tell you…

But as part of taking care of this house, I am also living here…"

My eyes widened in great surprise, needless to say. I don't know about this world’s concept of etiquette and morals, but it seems that my answer was already showing on his face. I questioned it strongly in my mind; to be honest, I can't imagine myself living with a man that is probably the same age as me under a roof, especially since I was raised in ways that people would probably consider out of touch, frankly.

But upon further reflection, I do not have all the rights to complain while I still have some. I am not familiar in this world, Other granted my wish and even accommodated me. And there is also this man who set up the whole place on his own to look very homely.

And thus I started.

"I… I am honestly concerned about this… but I'm not really in a position to oppose vigorously. All of you made the trouble to consider my selfish request, so if anything… I am the one who really should be thankful that I am here with a place to settle in…"

"I understand…

Then I would like you to wait while I make you something to eat."

"N-N-N-No! You don't have to! I can cook my own meals so you really don't have to mind me."

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

"Umm…" he looked genuinely confused, "but isn't it the housekeeper's duty to do this…?"

Somehow, he sounded like an idiot there.

"But even so, I would feel really bad if you are the only one doing the work."

"I understand that, b-but…"

"You may have been told but I was a sheltered princess until I escaped several months ago. Because I had no choice to live by myself, I finally learned the essentials without the help of a servant or a maid. So in reality, I actually find doing chores fun."

After listening, his shoulders suddenly drooped down and he took a deep breath.

"Are you going to be fine without an apron?"

"And now he just gave up and accepted it?!"

…

There was suddenly a boiling feeling in my chest and my face warmed up so much after hearing the words "it's great" in complete exclamation and delight.

All those months of hiding, it felt like I was a lost animal in an unknown place. I was all alone, eating the food I make without anyone in front or beside me on a table. I would be lying if I said that I did not want my father and mother to taste my own cooking, but now it felt so much more different… as I have resolved to never return there.

But in the midst of that, this man showed me the expression that I would want my parents to have. Without almost realizing it, it felt like I suddenly saw them.

"Ms. Vanta? You suddenly stopped eating."

"Ah! S-Sorry…!"

Afterwards, Mr. Uchizawa prompted to discuss some more important matters.

"Firstly it is about your name. Do you wish to continue using your current name here?"

"…To be honest… I really like this name but I think I should use it less in this country."

"But frankly, it's a very fitting name in this country, and it's beautiful."

It made me happy so suddenly that the name I thought up for myself was praised.

"That being said, it is my name that sounds quite foreign here. That may be contradicted by the fact that 60% of the population has a name that came entirely from a neighboring country, but it is not of this country's origin."

"Still, I would want to have a new name here And while we're at it, can we please drop the formal speech and call each other on our given names? If we are going to be residing here and all, it would feel weird for me."

"Is that so… I'll keep that in mind."

"Thank you.

But even if you said all that… I don't really know what name could work. Can you think of something for me?"

"That will be difficult…"

For a moment, he sat silently with a serious look on his face, and then suddenly looked at me briefly.

"Blue…

Sora… Sora Ao… Ao… Aoba…? Ao… Aobana…?

Sora… Aobana…?"

I was confused, the name did not make sense at all… but somehow, I did not hate it.

"Then I guess that will be my name from now on…

Kyo?"

"Mhm, yes. It is nice to meet you, Sora.

…"

It was going well and all but suddenly his troubled expression returned.

"Actually… should I call you Althea instead of Sora? You said you liked it so I suppose it wouldn't hurt to at least remember it."

"Really…?! Thank you, thank you!! I'm so proud and I really loved that name so please do so…!"

Before even knowing it, I found myself acting very strung up and embarrassed myself.

"I'm sorry…"

"Not at all. You seem to be nervous for the most part so it's nice that you are getting used here.

Also, since we're on the topic, the agency actually got your bank account from your world converted to the banks here. They indeed had access to your account as stated in thr contract you signed with your Force, as you called it, but now it doesn't exist in your former world," then he pulled out his phone, "Currently, it is in the process of being processed for transfer. All that is needed is your information and how you will personalize… your…"

All of a sudden, he stopped and put his phone right on his face.

"I'm sorry again for looking at your account, but what was your job before coming here…?"

"That? I don't know if it is known here, but I work as some kind of a programmer."

"You mean… coding, languages, algorithms, and such…?"

"Yes."

"Can you actually earn 11 million Laxes in just a few months…?"

~ ~ ~

It seems that sorting out a bank account was harder here than in my home world, or it is probably because I apparently had "a lot" of money that needs to be processed on their system all in one go. I however know that my wage is above average… but I didn't know that it would be such a large cost here.

After a withdrawal of a sum, Kyo suggested to accompany me on getting some essential things as I literally came to this world emptyhanded. So we went to a mall to get me some clothes and the like.

And apparently, Kyo has a friend that works on a clothing store and recognized him.

"It's been a month!" the man exclaimed on a language I do not understand.

"Yeah, it is."

"Are you still doing part time work-

Found yourself a girlfriend, I guess?"

"Ah, no, no. She's an old friend that came from US."

"'Murica, huuuhhh. Can she speak our language?"

"She can only speak English, but she plans to learn the language."

"I see, then if she's buying clothes, want me to recommend something for her?"

"Sure. Your suggestions are always on point anyways."

"Glad to hear that!"

Clothes acquired. And to no surprise, they are once again similar to the ones in my old world. Truly, these two worlds are very same, yet still very different.

"Say… in this world, are there people with hair in various colors?" I asked promptly as my curiosity only kicked in after getting home.

"Yes, it's common to have hair that has a striking color, but they still come from genes. What's very rare to find people that have white or gray hair upon birth.

If you still have questions, I will gladly answer them."

It felt like I was troubling him a lot at this point, but I still have more questions than answers, and there was one thing that I missed to ask.

"Actually, what is the calendar system here?"

"Umm… I don't really know the specifics… but a year here encompasses 12 months from January to December."

"So it's also the same… May I know what the date is today?"

"It is March 29 today. Ah, we are in year 2019."

"2019?! We were like in year 1026 in my old world…!"

"O-Oh…? That even sounds more surprising since you already have a modern technology in a thousand years…"

He once again stared at the calendar and suddenly flinched.

"I haven't shown you your room, haven't I?!"

"A-Ah, that's right."

It may have been because there is a calendar hanged on the wall in between two doors that made him realize that, and therefore I assumed that those two rooms are our rooms.

My former apartment was basically one room only where the kitchen and bedroom are in one place. It was really a small place, but it was reasonable if I am one that actually did not know anyone outside of the royal capital. Even though this room—although only the bedroom—is a little smaller than that place, it still somehow reminds me of it.

There is only one window and the bed itself is right next to it and a closet beside, while there is an empty desk and a swivel chair for me to use.

"Kyo? How much does it actually cost to buy a computer here?"

"I don't really know an exact price, but the computer itself, not yet including the peripherals, will cost around 50 to 100 thousand Laxes considering your work. Or it could also get higher."

"Understood."

"Also, we still don't know if your current phone will be supported here so I would suggest you to also buy a new one. If you want, I will accompany you again to familiarize yourself in the town."

"Is it okay if we go out again?"

"No, no, I should be asking you that, Ms.- I mean, Althea. It will be summer in the next month but it is already quite hot today. Are you going to be okay?"

"Well, the mall you went with me is quite close to here, so if we're going back there, I wouldn't mind. I don't easily give in to the heat."

"If that is the case… then we should be off."

~ ~ ~

After a late lunch, a new phone that blew my mind, a new SIM card, and computer parts that I personally chose to build later, we finally concluded the shopping. I don't really know the currency conversion, but in my mind, it sounded like the computer I got which is considerably more powerful on paper than the one I left is actually extremely cheap. But if I was to say that, then I would definitely have embarrassed myself.

"I guess it's a Friday today, huh… So today's the last day for school."

What caught Kyo's attention was young people that seems to look like students seeing that they are wearing what I think is a school uniform."

"Are they… high school students?"

"They are from a nearby school that is around the town."

"High school, huh…"

Now that I saw and realized it, it seems that in this world, my appearance is rather young for my age. It looks like I am only a year or two older than them assuming that they are 16 to 18. In the end, I am still technically older than four years…

But if possible…

…

"Do you want to explore the beach, Althea?"

"R-Really?! We can?!"

"Yes, yes. The afternoon isn't as young anymore but the breeze on the beach isn't as warm."

"Uwaaahhhh…!! This is actually going to be my first time on a beach and the sea! I hated only seeing them in books so this feels like a dream come true!"

"It seems you had it rough."

It was truly my first time seeing the sea. Standing barefoot with rolled up jeans, I stared on a horizon that I have never seen before. Right now, it suddenly feels like the world is vast unlike seeing the world inside a cage. It felt so amazing that beyond the vanishing point I could not see any land and only the peaceful waves of the ocean. I was already overjoyed to be able to see one of the places I wished I could have come to, but there was also the fact that right now, I am standing at the very end of this country.

As I walked forwards to the water, it immediately felt like I am really just a speck on this big world.

"This world is amazing…"

"KYAAAHHH…!!"

A shout instinctively made me turn my head around once the sound entered my ears, and what came about was the falling of scaffoldings from a building. However, there were two girls that has the same school uniform as the one we saw before.

So much has happened on a great deal of hours that I almost forgot what I have become from the final months in my old world.

I immediately reacted to it and ran at full speed but I was taken aback to see Kyo on equal pace while he might not realize.

Thankfully, we were able to get the girls away from the danger. For some moments, they lost the strength on their body after being put to so much stress, but then they left with immense gratitude to Kyo.

But while they were expressing their thanks, he stared at me confusedly while I only stood literally beside him, still catching my breath.

The one last thing I would what in a new world is for me to stand out. Hence, I activated my Stealth Ability, which obscures me from the sight of other people by using Force.

I have already accepted that my Force may soon disappear permanently in a new environment, but it seems that it is still being replenished naturally, just like back in Hogenhaft.

Be that as it may, I still decided to keep my abilities to myself, even though I have indirectly revealed myself to have immense mobility to Kyo.

~ ~ ~

Once again, we were back home.

Kyo immediately contacted the technical store to have my parts delivered at our doorstep, as even the two of us would not be able to bring them all at once. Thus, we had them delivered from one box which immediately came seeing as we are very close to the mall.

Full of excitement, I immediately got them unboxed, wore an insulated footwear, held a metal doorknob for some moments, and asked Kyo for a screwdriver.

"Ahahaha…" out of the blue, he chuckled.

"Hmm?"

"I'm sorry, I just thought that you're amazing to know these kinds of things even when you haven't been here for a day. It seems that you are knowledgeable about tools."

"I only put up with the princess thing for so long, but in reality, I don't really act very feminine. I like moving around rather than just sitting on a desk idly with work I really don't like to do.

How about you?"

"It depends. On cold days, I just want to laze around and have something warm, but naturally, I have been a very agile person."

Once more, our conversation abruptly ended with only the sound of the hardware snapping into places. But instead of having another awkward time, it prompted me to start a new topic.

"Are you… Are you actually working for Other, Kyo?"

"That… It's not that I am officially employed, but I do work with them, just like right now. My duty is to accompany you while you still are not familiar with this world. I basically act as an intermediary between you and the agency with processes that needs to be done."

"Then if possible…"

"…?"

"If it is possible…

I want to go to a high school… as I have never experienced it even once."

I had to repeat to myself again that I have ultimately left my origin world. I arrived in this new world in search of a new life where I am not a princess or a person of authority, but only as an ordinary person.

There were so many things that I did not experience. The royal lineage is only a minority of the population. I wanted to experience what a normal child had, but it is too late for that. At least, however, the thought of me coming to school even for a single year seems feasible on my mind.

I have relinquished the name Aiumina Azure. I still clung desperately to the name Althea Vanta. But now my name is Sora Aobana.

Dear Earth… please replace these regrets of mine with happiness and memories.