Fresh air filling my lungs really makes me feel like I am living, like for real.

It feels weird though, like not long ago I awoke in this world. Now I am walking here beside a cute chick, maybe tempered but cute. I have started talking to her, and it seems like I am getting more used to her… Though she might seem annoyed by me.

Although, in such a short time I really feel like I have changed, just a day ago I was a shut-in, now I am here in a fantasy world with this girl… Though I guess I will not see her much after this walk.

Though we've been talking, I'm the one starting every conversation, and she keeps her answers short. Still, I have to admit—talking to a girl, or really, talking to anyone at all, feels like an improvement.

But maybe I can get to know her, maybe we can become friends, at least. I think she is easier to talk to, not something I felt about many girls in my past life.

It's hard to not get frightened by her aggressive aura though…

"Yumiko, I wondered, what are those men in white carrying a sword? Guards?" I question, they might be some royal guards or something, that would be awesome.

"They're guards, yes—protectors of the Luminara Kingdom, under the noble household," she answers quickly, not even glancing at me.

I Understand, okay so there is a noble household, a mansion maybe? Or a castle!?

"I see, so where is this noble household?" I look around me as I ask, not a sign in my sight.

"You haven't seen it yet? It's up there." She points towards a massive mansion, high above all the other houses in the kingdom.

Oh… Yeah, how did I not see that?

"Damn, that's huge. Imagine living there—it would be amazing." My eyes zoomed out into the distant building, fascinated about its size and design.

"Yeah, you're right." She answers like she lives there or some.

Breaking my stare at the mansion, I hear a voice calling out "Yumiko! Over here."

A man's voice, his tone kind and young, maybe around the twenties.

"Mhm, yes…" Yumiko throws an eye over at him, clearly annoyed.

"Sneaking out again, huh? Well, I hope you're having a great day, Miss Yumiko," he said, his tone respectful as he organized bottles of wine on his stand. He looked every bit the merchant—a seasoned wine dealer.

He wears the smile of a man who seems content with life—successful earnings, likely a good family waiting for him. His brown hair peeks out from beneath his hat, and his clothes, while not expensive, still stands out from others in the kingdom.

"I'm doing fine, thanks… So, what do you want?" Her tone carries frustration, clearly eager to end the conversation quickly.

Rolling his eyes like it's not the first time Yumiko acts this way he cuts it short, "Anyways, tell your father, Sir-Julian that the vine will arrive later this evening, if you'd be so kind as to do that."

"Yeah, yeah, what do I care about wine? I don't drink. I'll tell him, though…" she replies, already turning away, ready to leave.

As I follow Yumiko away from the kind man, I notice him waving goodbye. Not wanting to seem rude, I return the gesture with a casual wave of my own.

"Who was he? And why were you so rude?" I ask, keeping pace beside her.

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"Eh, no one important. I'm just not in the mood," she replies with a shrug, glancing away. Then, after a moment, her tone softens slightly. "Anyway, where are you planning to sleep? Do you even have a place?"

Her sudden shift catches me off guard. "Uh… I haven't really thought about that," I admit, scratching the back of my head. "I don't have any money, either, so… yeah, no idea."

"I see, I guessed. You can come to the mansion and sleep, I am sure my father would let you. If you're not scared to follow a girl home…" She teases, but looks at me with an ever so caring expression.

Is she actually being nice now? Wasn't she ignoring me for half the walk? Are girls really this weird? I heard they are difficult but this?

"Well… sure. I'd be glad to. Not like I have much of a choice," I reply, accepting her invitation with a small shrug.

"Hmph!" She pouts, tossing her head to the side as if annoyed—almost like she was expecting me to blush or stumble over my words.

Wait… did she just say mansion? Don't tell me she lives in that massive building.

No, I must've misheard her. That can't be right.

"Alright… this way. I need to get home now," she says, her tone clipped but firm. The sun dips lower behind the towering kingdom walls, casting the streets in a warm, fading glow.

I don't respond, simply falling into step behind her. The bustling marketplace quiets as the evening deepens, and the scattered chatter of townsfolk gives way to the soft hum of crickets. As we weave through the narrow streets, lanterns flicker to life one by one, their golden light pushing back the growing shadows.

Soon, we reach a long staircase carved into the stone, its edges worn smooth by time. The steps seem endless, winding upward toward the heart of the kingdom. The remains of daylight linger faintly at the top, the soft hues of dusk blending into the glow of the lanterns below. Shadows stretch and shift with each step we take, the atmosphere strangely tranquil despite the long ascent.

As we climb, the chill of evening air brushes against my skin, the faint scent of flowers and woodsmoke carried on the breeze. Each step feels deliberate, as if the path itself is guiding us somewhere important. By the time we near the top, the last sliver of sunlight has all but vanished, leaving only the soft glow of lanterns to illuminate the path ahead.

And there it stood—the mansion. A grand, intricately designed structure radiating opulence. Its sprawling front yard was bordered by freshly trimmed hedges and trees, their neatness hinting at meticulous care. The soft glow from within the mansion's large windows spilled onto the well-manicured grounds, carrying an inviting warmth that seemed to promise something extraordinary waiting behind its massive doors.

She lives here…?

As we reached the front of the estate, I struggled to imagine what lay beyond those imposing doors. My thoughts, however, were interrupted by a sharp knock that echoed through the still evening air. The grand door creaked open, revealing a tall, poised maid with striking white hair.

"Welcome home, Miss Yumiko," the maid greeted with a small bow, her voice calm and composed as we stepped into the mansion's entrance hall.

"Thank you, Seraphina." Yumiko replies as Seraphina closes the door behind us.

"So, who is this boy you brought along?" Seraphina asks, her voice soft and soothing, though a sly grin lingers on her lips.

"He's broke and doesn't have anywhere to stay. Think he could use one of the guest rooms?" Yumiko replies, her tone carrying a hint of weariness, as if my presence is more of an afterthought than anything meaningful. Couldn't she at least say I'm a friend? If I even am one to her.

Trying to make a good impression, I bow slightly, though my posture probably looks awkward. "Hi, I'm Kaito Nakamura," I say, doing my best to keep my voice steady.

"Welcome, Kaito. I hope Yumiko hasn't been too much of a burden," Seraphina says with a teasing smile. Her words seem playful, but Yumiko remains silent, her expression tight, as if pretending not to hear.

"Thank you. And no, don't worry—Yumiko hasn't been a burden at all." I reply quickly, though I can't exactly say what I really think, can I?

"Good to hear," Seraphina says with a warm chuckle. "Anyway, you can take room 13. I'd suggest heading to Julian's office to let him know you'll be staying. He should be there now." Her tone is light and caring, exuding a gentle authority.

With that, she gestures toward the staircase along the wall. As Yumiko and I start to ascend, the soft glow of the mansion's chandeliers bathes the space in a golden hue, their light reflecting off the polished banisters and adding a touch of elegance to the moment.

Seraphina departs at the top of the staircase, disappearing down the corridor and leaving me alone with Yumiko once again. The air feels heavier without her calming presence, and I can't help but feel a twinge of nervousness.

We walk toward a door, its surface bearing an inscription I can't quite make out. The symbols are foreign, twisting and curling in patterns that feel both intricate and alien. Still, I have a strong sense that this must be Julian's room. Is Julian the young master of this household? The thought sends a ripple of unease through me, my chest tightening as my mind spins with uncertainty. What kind of person will I encounter behind this door? Swallowing hard, I brace myself, not knowing what to expect.