Five days have passed since I heard about these bandits lurking around town, but they seem not to be worried about. Life has settled back into peace, and it doesn't seem like they are going to pose any harm to the Luminara kingdom.

"You may be right," I replied, meeting Yumiko's suggestion of sneaking out with a measured tone. "But I recommend that you not leave the mansion just yet. Let's wait until we're certain it's safe." Even as I spoke, I couldn't deny the allure of her idea—stepping into the lively town, having a sniff of the fresh air and escaping the confines of the mansion. The thought was tempting, even to me.

"I know! But come on, we'll be quick. I know you want to!" Yumiko practically stamps in place, swinging her arms, as impatient as she is to go.

"No… You know you aren't even supposed to go out, so why are you arguing? Let's just stay, damn..." How eager can one be to go out so badly. Why is she so damn stubborn?

"Hmph!" she pouts, crossing her arms tightly over her chest. "Fine, I'll just go by myself then." Her voice drips with attitude, clearly frustrated.

Why!? Why can't she just listen! I can't let her go by herself. If I tell Rina, Yumiko would make me regret it… If any kind of trouble happens, I'll report it. It's not like someone would be after me, so if she gets kidnapped, I'll report it. Anyway, she can most probably take care of herself. She is strong and is not afraid of throwing punches; she should be fine.

"Sure… I'll follow. It's not like I have any choice… You better be careful, alright." That is the least she could do for me, so please tell me she can be…

"Yes!" She changes her tone, a more victorious one. "I'll be careful."

"Good."

Part 2

As always, it feels fantastic. The fresh air outside the doors is amazing, the breeze in the winds of the late months, and the people around the kingdom being lively just sets the setting well. With Yumiko by my side as we walk through the streets, I feel relieved, relaxed…

It's not something I feel a lot, due to my work here, having to spend most of my time training, studying, learning, or helping any of the maids. I just don't get much time to relax, the only times are times like these or when taking a warm bath.

Yumiko brings life into focus—her energy, her reactions, her expressions. I love it… She's simply gorgeous. Her vibrant red eyes sparkle with joy, her smooth, flowing hair frames her soft shoulders, and her flawless skin seems to radiate perfection.

I could just lose myself in her, feeling her warmth—but there's a strange undercurrent of danger. A danger like that of a monster, sending a shiver down my spine at the mere thought.

"Kaito! We should sneak out like this more! Right?" Turning to me, her expression lightening as always—moving her whole body as she speaks.

What?

"No—why would you even think I would agree? You got away with it this time, but it will not happen again." Don't tell me I have encouraged her to sneak out…

"Ahh… You're no fun!" She crosses her arms with a dramatic "Hmph!" before throwing me a glance full of disappointment.

I take a deep breath to get her stubbornness out of my head. "Wanna go over there? I don't remember having been there before."

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Okay, want me to show you around some places then?" Her tone changes, a lighter tone, though still tinged with her stubbornness.

"Oh… Yes, please, I would love to."

She picks up her pace, walking in front of me, her hands tangling around her like she is a child lost in another world.

Trying to break the silence, I speak, "Yumiko."

She stops and turns back, the delighted look on her face leaving me just admiring for a second, forgetting everything around her. All I can sense is her expression, her face—her filled eyes.

"Yeah?" She responds, looking at me.

"So, I wondered, how do you feel about your studies? Do you like how it's going?" I haven't really asked her in class, and a time like this would be perfect for just some chatting, to get to know her better.

"Oh… Yeah, I believe so, but it's—annoying. I hate studies! Why did you even bring it up?" She answers a bit frustrated.

"I see. I brought it up just to ask. I haven't asked you before."

"Okay," She turns as if she wants to end the conversation.

"So, what type of classes or studies do you like the most?" We only have language classes, but we learn about different things as well, such as history and geography.

She looks back with annoyance on her face. "Well, I guess I like reading about history and fairy tales." She takes a little moment before continuing. "I mean, how could I not?! It's amazing, like all these lore's and places are so cool! I think I would like to learn more about those vices next. Seven beings, containing their own emotions and sins, created by god? I am eager to learn more! What about you!?"

Her expression is clear, just by how she is standing. I sense her excitement. I got her wanting to talk; that was easier than I thought.

"Yes! I got really interested in those vices as well! But I am curious what those curses meant. Do you have a clue about that?" My excitement almost matches Yumiko's at this point. I mean, this is all so new to me; I'm eager for more.

"I know, right! I don't know anything about curses. In fact, I never heard about them before. Maybe it is some kind of sickness?" She responds somewhat confidently in her answer.

No, definitely not a sickness, or, eh… What do I know? I only heard about curses from games I have played and historical beings from my old world.

"Maybe. I don't think it's a sickness, though. Maybe it's more of a myth, and they're only strong demons or something." That would be cool!

"Oh!... Yeah, if they are, I would become strong and beat their asses. I wonder where they could be. I never heard anything about them before." Confident, she raises her fist, ready to fight. With her whole body, she swings a punch in the air, powering it from the bottom of her foot through her waist and to her fist.

I smile as I say sarcastically, "Yeah, I'm sure you would."

"Yeah, you bet I will!" Her confidence isn't bad, though… "Anyways, do you think they exist?"

"Not sure, but I'd like them to. It would be hella cool!"

"YES!" She bursts out.

"Once you and I set out to discover the world, we'll learn more about them, maybe even encounter them!" The mere thought of it made my heart rise in excitement.

"Yes! I'd love to! I want to see the world! Travel and discover new things!" Her voice is filled with joy and curiosity.

And I am the same. I'd love to see new things, and with her, it would be like a dream come true. Traveling the world with a cute girl by my side, that would be the life of a protagonist. Wait, wait, wait. Would that mean I will have a harem?! Hell yeah! My isekai life is starting to look promising! I also need to wait for my power-up—maybe I'll get it when I fight the antagonist.

It will be like, "When all hope was lost, Kaito Nakamura rose, destined to save the world. His power scaled far above anything else—a power of forbidden magic." Or something like that, I murmured under my breath.

Until then I'll build up my harem. The process may be slow, but I'll get there.

"What are you whispering to yourself? Saving the world? You dumb, hahaha!" Yumiko breaks my thoughts.

"No, I was just talking to myself…" She heard me?!

I can't say she's wrong. From her perspective, I probably do look like just some weirdo right now. She doesn't know I'm the one who got isekai'd, destined to save this world—or that she's bound to become part of my harem. So, it's fine.

"Weirdo… What's with that face?" she asks, staring at me. Her lips twitch as if she's holding back another laugh, while I stand there frozen, my expression as awkward as my spiraling thoughts.

"Sorry, I was just—never mind. It's nothing." I scratch the back of my head, trying to play it cool, but I can feel the heat rushing to my cheeks, leaving me red-faced and embarrassed.

Scene Transition:

"Rina, you should set out to look for the two. It's getting late," Julian says firmly.

"Yes, Julian. I'll return soon," Rina replies, her tone calm but determined.

"Thank you, Rina. Good luck." Julian gives her a nod of approval.

"Of course, Sir," Rina answers with a slight bow before heading off into the dimming light.