Five days have passed, and for the last three nights, a number has appeared in my dreams. It started with "20 days left," and each night, it has counted down. Last night, I saw "17 days left." I can't help but wonder if this is connected to the strange dream I had earlier.
Either way, Julian gave the day off today. After morning practice, I plan to head out and explore more of the Luminara Kingdom up close. I want to learn more about this place—see what's outside the mansion, et the people who live here, and feel the energy of the bustling streets.
Find the differences between the japan I'm familiar with and the nature of this new world.
I also want to venture beyond the city itself. There must be forests, lakes, or quiet hills surrounding Luminara where I can catch my breath and think. Maybe even find a hidden corner of peace away from everything. "I could use that," after all the noise and stress that's been building.
But it looks like I won't be going alone. Yumiko, who also has no lessons today, insists on coming with . It's been obvious she's been restless, eager to escape the mansion for even just a few hours. "I can't bla her, really." If I had been cooped up inside my entire life, I'd be the sa. I see it in her eyes—the way they light up at the re ntion of going outside. She tries to hide it behind her usual stubborn attitude, but I can tell she's excited.
Being a noble, Yumiko is an easy target for kidnappers seeking ransom—a mber of the Valmont family would fetch a high price. Fortunately, Rina, as Yumiko's personal guard, is more than capable of protecting her.
And since Rina never really gets a day off, this is the perfect chance for her to relax a bit while still keeping an eye on Yumiko.
For , though, it's a win-win. As much as I like Yumiko's curiosity, being alone with her feels... dangerous. Not in a physical way, but in that chaotic way where I'm always on edge, never knowing what she'll say or do next. Having Rina there as backup will keep things in check.
Even so, I'm determined to make the most of this day. I'll treat it as a chance to unwind and reset. The world beyond the mansion walls is waiting, and I intend to find sothing new, sothing that sparks my curiosity too.
Part 2
Rina, Yumiko and I had started walking down to town, I could feel the fresh air, peacefulness and the fantasy setting, a feeling that would leave any guy in a sensation of relief.
I feel alive, a feeling that I hadn't felt in a long ti. Ever since I got here, I have been stressed, I an how couldn't I be, I was sent to a new world, introduced to a mansion and been teaching Yumiko a hot headed brat.
Then before I got sent here, I couldn't feel anything but stress.
I think the last ti I felt like this was when I could sit shut in my room and play gas or get imrsed into a fantasy light novel.
This feeling was different in a way, I think it could be the refreshing air and sounds of birds and trees, the nature itself.
At the top of the staircase, connecting the mansion property and the kingdom, a sharp sound cut the air, startling the birds.
"Finally...!!"
Yumiko shouts far over the land of the luminara kingdom, standing on the edge of the staircase.
"Aghu..."
she takes a deep breath, glancing back at us with a sharp, eager smile. The thought of getting away from the mansion clearly excites her, sparking a mix of joy and anticipation in her expression.
I have to admit, I don't mind it. Seeing Yumiko like this—so full of life—is strangely charming.
Yumiko took the lead, energetically bouncing down the stairs, Rina following behind her, and I walked down slowly, admiring the view of Luminara.
As I stood almost at the top of the stone staircase, I looked down at the narrow cobblestone streets lined with houses. Their dark wooden fras were intricately designed, each building feeling like a character in its own right.
The whitewashed walls glead in the sunlight, and small windows, so adorned with colorful flower boxes, offered glimpses of life within.
The atmosphere was alive with activity; rchants shouted their wares, children laughed, and the occasional argunt broke through the chatter, hinting at the town's struggles beneath its lively exterior.
The steeply sloped roofs, covered in shimring thatch, added to the charm. Wisps of smoke curled from crooked chimneys, filling the air with a mix of unfamiliar scents.
As I made my way down the steps, I caught sight of food stalls offering vibrant dishes made from strange fruits and oddly shaped vegetables, their colors almost magical. The pastries and ats looked like they belonged in a dream, each crafted with creativity and care.
Standing there, absorbing the view, I felt as if I had stepped into a living painting. The rich browns of the wooden beams and the bright colors of flowers created a stunning tapestry.
Every house and person seed to hold a story, weaving together the fabric of this new world. I couldn't help but marvel at how different yet alive everything felt.
This is amazing! This is the world I live in now, these houses and streets, even the citizens all feel like they're alive, with their own lives and problems.
I wonder how many more places like this exist in this world, but I want to explore them all, if I could.
It is truly a dream world to live in.
A world I want to discover.
But for now, I'll just enjoy it.
"Hey! look!"
Her sharp tone cuts my ears.
"What!?"
"Look!!"
A sound of wheels running against the stone, leaving behind a dust cloud after the rolling carriage makes its way through the streets.
"Ohh, yeah, I see"
It is an usual scene for to spot a horse on the street, it is nothing I am familiar with.
But then, most of this is new, not only the horse.
"Look, over there!" Yumiko's voice breaks through the crowd again, filled with excitent.
"What now?"
Before I get an answer she runs off to a stand, a stand containing different kinds of stones and accessories. The stones almost shine because of how bright colored they are.
"If you want, I can always buy sothing for you"
Rina walked up to the stand, seeing Yumiko being fascinated by all the shiny and sparkling stones.
"Really!!"
"Of course"
She is really nice towards Yumiko, even if she is all big and tough, she is kind hearted.
I have full respect for her.
"Are you looking for anything to buy?"
A kind man with a bright smile asks nicely, behind the table with goods.
"Uh... yeah!"
Yumiko is completely in her own world, lost in the beauty of the goods.
"What are you looking for, miss?"
"I-I am not sure"
"Mhh, I do have two things that might peak your interest"
"Show "
"Okay, okay, look here"
The man puts down two necklaces on the table, one being light sky blue, the other crimson red.
Both seem to be special in their own ways with their different patterns and shapes.
"Ohh...!"
"Both have their own myths, the crimson one is told to bring you hope, it is supposed to lend the holder hope for their desires, giving you a push in the back towards your goal. Legend says, 'Whoever holds the crimson necklace will be guided toward their dreams, leaving regrets behind.' "
Ohhh that sounds interesting, It sounds like it goes for a high prize though. Though if the legend is real, that is hard to believe, I an a necklace that will free you from your regrets? If that is real, I would love to have it, but I don't have money...
But that this world has their own myths is a nice touch, it opens up more possibilities.
"Ohh..."
"Then we have the light sky blue, this necklace says to bring the holder luck, the story goes that when the holder has strong desires for sothing they want, it will beco reality."
"But, these are just myths, but these necklaces hold so kind of special stones, no one really knows what they are but they are special, so the myth is possible."
"Oh, the blue one's gorgeous! I want it!"
Did she even hear what the two myths were? or does she not care for that?
"I want the blue one! please"
"That is 10 golden coins"
That is a lot, can Rina pay that?
"Oh, okay"
Rina reaches down her pocket and gives the seller his money for the necklace.
Wait, ten gold? That's nearly a year of my teaching salary! But then I suppose Rina is a full ti guard for the nobel family, she definitely gets more then 3-4 golden coins per month.
but still, that's a lot.
"Thank you, have a good day!"
The seller waves us goodbye with a satisfied smile on his face.
"Thank you too!!"
"You too"
"Yeah, have a good day you too sir!"
We walk away, and Yumiko is pleased with her purchase. She quickly wraps it around her neck, adding a new layer to her look—a blue symbol that complents her long red hair cascading over her shoulders. The touch of blue suits her perfectly.
The shape of the symbol is unfamiliar to , but its pattern is intriguing, and it looks fantastic.
Yumiko barely glances at the design before slipping it on and darting off, already onto the next adventure.
The town is filled with things to do so I understand why she is so excited.
But in the middle of all the stalls, I spotted a stand selling food, it slled strange but really good.
It seems to be all kinds of different foods.
"Rina, what are these?"
"I'm not sure. Could be from the southern forests."
"Hi there! These are fruits and at from the southern forests, they're delicious, with a bitter but sweet taste."
"Oh, interesting."
The southern forests? I wonder what's special about them.
"What are you guys doing? Ohhh, it slls so good!"
Oh there is Yumiko.
"Now that I think of it, I've eaten so southern fruits before. Most are tasty, but so are poisonous."
Ohh, Rina has been in those forests?
"You've been to the south?"
"Yeah, ages ago, back when I was still adventuring."
Ohh so she has been adventuring. That is cool.
"What? I want to go there!"
"Sorry, I can't take you."
"Why not?"
"Because I've got duties here, watching over the valmont family"
"Ahhhh!"
"Maybe one day you'll go on an adventure, though I doubt your father would allow it. Maybe once you get stronger."
The seller interrupts with a confused look. "So, are any of you buying anything?"
We exchange glances but soon walk away, leaving the sweet fruits behind.
We weave through the bustling streets, the sounds of rchants shouting, kids laughing, and parents chatting blending with the soft strum of a guitar in the distance. The lody floats through the air, adding a touch of magic to the scene, almost like it's inviting you to lose yourself in the mont.
Just as we're about to continue walking, Yumiko suddenly tugs at my sleeve.
"Look over there!" she exclaims, her eyes wide with excitent. I follow her gaze to a crowd gathered around a small open square.
Curious, we move closer, the murmurs of the crowd growing louder.
At the center of it all is a man juggling flaming torches, each flicker of fire dancing in the air. Yumiko's face lights up, and she pushes forward eagerly.
"Isn't this amazing?" she asks, not even waiting for a reply, her usual sharpness softened by genuine awe.
Rina crosses her arms, glancing around cautiously but with a rare smile tugging at her lips. "It is"
I find myself smiling too. Yumiko's excitent is contagious, and seeing her like this makes her fiery personality a little more bearable. Her energy, combined with Rina's protective but relaxed stance, balances out the mont perfectly.
As the crowd applauds the perforr, the flickering flas start to dim, and the show winds down. Yumiko stretches, looking around eagerly for the next thing to explore.
"I'm starving," she suddenly declares, rubbing her stomach. "Let's find so food!"
I chuckle and nod in agreent.
"There's a tavern just up ahead. We can grab a bite there." Rina tells us both and starts walking up the streets.
The soft strumming of music grows louder as we approach, the warm glow of lanterns spilling out from the tavern's doorway. Inside, the faint hum of conversation mixes with the lively tune of a musician playing a stringed instrunt. The cozy, rustic charm of the place draws us in, and without another word, we step inside.
The mont we enter, the music fills the space—a gentle, lodic tune that feels both comforting and captivating. We find a table near the hearth, settling in as the musician continues to play in the corner of the room, her fingers dancing across the strings with practiced ease.
Yumiko taps her fingers on the table, already looking for sothing to order, while Rina leans back, her watchful eyes scanning the room. It's a mont of peace, and for once, Yumiko seems more relaxed than usual.
Wide legged she tilts back in her chair, waiting for the food to co.
The warmth of the tavern wraps around like a comforting blanket as I lean back in my chair, letting the gentle hum of the place settle into my bones. The fire crackles softly in the hearth nearby, casting flickering shadows across the worn wooden beams above us. The sll of roasted at and spiced ale fills the air, mingling with the sound of quiet laughter and clinking mugs.
Rina sits across from , her posture more relaxed than I've seen all day. She leans back in her chair, arms crossed casually, her sharp eyes surveying the room with a kind of soft attentiveness. Her usual guard-like stiffness is gone, replaced by a rare sense of ease. Yet, even now, there's an alertness to her, as if she's always prepared to jump into action if sothing were to happen. Still, there's a calm to her—like this place allows her to let her guard down just a little, at least for now.
Next to her, Yumiko is stuffing her face with a hearty plate of food, barely pausing between bites. She shovels another mouthful of stew and bread into her mouth, her eyes flicking over to the stage, where the musician plays with a calm grace. It's almost amusing how she can be so absorbed in her al but still watch the musician with a mix of curiosity and awe. Her fingers tap rhythmically on the table, following the lody unconsciously.
The musician—a woman with long, flowing hair and a soft, steady voice—sits near the far corner of the room, playing a guitar-like instrunt with delicate, skilled fingers. The strings hum beneath her touch, creating a lody that's soothing but carries a subtle energy. Her voice weaves in with the notes, barely above a whisper, but it fills the room with an ethereal warmth. Her words aren't clear—more like a gentle breeze carrying emotions than any story we need to understand.
The tavern patrons around us seem captivated by her performance, too. A couple of travelers at the bar lean in close, their conversation fading as they listen, while a group at a nearby table clinks their mugs quietly, their laughter muted as they, too, fall under the spell of the music. Even the tavern keeper seems to pause from wiping down mugs to watch her for a mont, his hands slowing as he listens.
Yumiko, of course, breaks the mont when she clears her throat loudly, swallowing a huge bite of food before leaning over to Rina. "She's pretty good, huh?"
Rina glances at her, the corner of her mouth lifting in a small smirk. "Better than you, I'm sure."
Yumiko rolls her eyes but doesn't argue, her gaze drifting back to the musician, who strums a series of soft, lilting notes that seem to wrap around the entire tavern, making the atmosphere even more relaxed.
I close my eyes for a mont, letting the music wash over , the subtle conversation, the soft crackling of the fire, and the distant clinking of mugs blending into the lody. It's peaceful—an oasis from the bustling streets outside, from the chaos that usually surrounds Yumiko, from the weight of everything else.
My hands reach their way behind my neck, listening, feeling the monts ease. I glance over and spot Rina drinking, enjoying herself, I think she should and that's good. Then we have Yumiko, out of nerves she stands up, pressing her hands against the table, surveying the atmosphere out of eagerness and curiosity.
The hall begins to turn slightly darker as the sun outside dips lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the worn wooden floor. The warm orange glow of the fading light filters through the windows, softening the atmosphere. Slowly, the vibrant energy of the tavern seems to shift, as if the dimming light has cald everything in its path.
The once-bright chatter of the crowd lowers into a gentle hum, and the candles flicker to life, casting their soft light over the tables. Yumiko, who had been sitting upright and alert, leans back, her hands now resting loosely in her lap. Her gaze drifts toward the musicians in the corner, her expression softened by the evening's calm. She watches the woman playing her guitar, her fingers moving gracefully over the strings while her soft voice weaves through the air.
Rina, more relaxed than before, leans back in her chair, her drink in hand, eyes half-closed as she listens to the lody. Her usual cautious deanor fades in the comforting glow, replaced with an air of ease. Even the tavern patrons seem to have settled into the mood, their voices blending with the music, filling the space with warmth.
As the last traces of sunlight disappear, the hall takes on a whole new life—cozier, quieter, and intimate.
Then I hear soone raising their tone, Yumiko glances back quickly to spot what was happening. Two guys around the 20s had gotten into an argunt, almost everyone had started watching the two as they knew what was going on.
"Why are you tryna fight man!"
"Co on, you were the one who started!"
"Shut up!"
Then the two started fighting, with the tavern folk crowding around them.
Yumiko quickly rushed toward the crowd, eager for sothing to happen. anwhile, Rina doesn't even glance over, content to take this free mont to simply relax and enjoy.
I, on the other hand, wouldn't mind a bit of excitent, so I walk up to Yumiko, who is already standing amongst the crowd.
"Hey, Kaito, look! A fight!"
"Yeah, I see, do you know why they're fighting?"
"Nope."
"Well, both look pretty drunk. That might be why."
"Yeah, maybe."
I suppose fights like this are common here, at least judging by all the fantasy ani I've watched.
In those shows, the main character usually gets involved sohow...
Co to think of it, I did get isekai'd. It's kinda like I'm the MC of so light novel.
For an otaku like , this would be a dream co true—sothing a normal otaku could only wish for.
But then, when am I supposed to get my overpowered powers, and—a harem... Don't tell Yumiko is going to be part of my future harem...
The tavern keeper doesn't even seem bothered, filling up glasses with beer for the folk, not even giving the fight a glance. From his deanor, it doesn't seem to be new for people to fight here.
"Co on! hit him!" "Hit back!" "You got this!" !!!
"Kaito I also feel like fighting!"
"That is not a good idea Yumiko."
"Why—not!"
"Because you shouldn't get involved, plus Rina wouldn't want you getting hurt."
"Ahh, okej..."
Well, that was fairly easy.
Despite all the shouting from the fight, the musician remains unbothered, playing on as if the mont existed in its own world. Then, with Yumiko joining that mont, it makes it even more priceless.
As ti passes, the fight cos to an end. One by one, people start leaving, the musician packs up for the night, and the once-bustling tavern is left with just a few drunk patrons, a couple of guys chatting, and us.
The tavern keeper stands behind the bar, whistling softly as he tidies up the last things for the night.
It's ti for us to leave. On our way out, I notice that Yumiko seems really tired—quiet, using her last bit of energy just to make it back to the mansion. Rina's not too different; though she drank a lot, she's holding it together better than I thought, just a little worn out.
But so goes for too, my eyes almost falling asleep while walking, it was a good but long day that's for sure.
When I make it up the last stairs and into my bedroom, I collapse onto the bed, as quickly as a romance ani would end—leaving a feeling of peace, if only for the night.
"16 days left"
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