Before going to my lounging room, I decided to take a shower as I was still covered with sweat from my earlier training today. As I was walking down the corridor of the castle, I pass a few maids and butlers on the way who were cleaning the castle walls and carrying out their respective duties. Everyone was in a scurry to finish their preparations before the arrival of the two princesses. Honestly, even though I've been here for a few weeks now it's still going to take a while before I can get use to this new lifestyle.
I made my way towards the bathroom within 5 minutes. The door was a bright blue colour with a golden doorknob. When I open the door the first thing that came into view was the large bath area. The bathroom interior was extremely spacious so much that a large number of people could fit in it, and you would still have a large quantity of room. When I went over to the bathtub my brow twitches from the size of the bath.
It was so large that it could fit up to 10 adults at most. The bath area had two yellow curtains with a beautiful design. The toilet was mix with a beautiful shade of white and golden colour it shined with the room lights, and it was much bigger than any toilet I've ever seen before. The bathroom had well-made stone tiles that went up to the ceiling and they all had a beautiful designed enplaned on them.
Seeing all of this I couldn't help but hold back the urge to sigh. Of course, the bathroom in my previous house was nowhere near this fancy, so I couldn't help but feel a bit uncomfortable. It was like putting an indigent in a fancy hotel for the first time. I went towards a large mirror that showed my entire image, I saw that my hair was out of place and parts of my body was covered with mud there was even torn up parts of my shirt. It must have happened while I was walking in the forest, I did get my shirt stuck on a branch a few times.
I felt bad to be walking around the castle while I looked like this, I'm sure it was an unsightly appearance to look at. I sighed once before slowly removing my shirt and my pants. And head into the hot bath.
On like my previous world where everyone relied solely on technology the people of this world relied solely on magic to carry out their everyday life task. The bath had artifact that allow you to heat the water with fire magic.
"It's so warm."
I said in a relax tone.
The moment I step into the bath the artifact began to glow and heat the water. If I were to guess those who have the attribute of fire can use it.
The hot water felt good on my skin, when I was summoned here, I thought I would never get to enjoy this feeling ever again. I thought in a relax manner. While hot baths aren't really that common in this world it is available in some countries, of course it's only accessible to those of royalty and nobility class. So, commoners don't get to relish such luxury.
I looked at the soaps that have been placed at the side of the bathtub, there were a large variety of solid soap each with their own unique scent and effect on the body. Of course, they work better depending on the type of skin the user has. I then took up the orange soap that was placed in a silver container. I figured it was best suited for my skin type.
It had a sweet aroma that tickles my nose, and it was slippery. I then began to wash my hair that was slightly stain with mud. then parts of my hair were slowly regaining their natural colour thanks to the soap.
There was an open window next to the bathtub, so the cold night air was drifting in making the upper parts of my body a bit cold.
Before long, my black hair was now completely clean. I then started to wash the other parts of my body as I was still covered with sweat. Before long, my body was now covered with a pleasant smell. I then took up a towel that was placed on a rack and dried my hair before putting on some new clothes.
The clothes I have chosen was just a plain white shirt and a blue short, there's no need for me to wear anything too heavy.
On my way back to my lounging room I saw Scarlett standing by the door. With a nervous expression on her face as if she was debating whether to knock on my door.
"Um Princess.... is there something you need?"
I ask her from behind while cocking my head curiously.
"Woah! H-Haruto please don't scare me like that."
She said while waving her hand embarrassedly with quick motion.
"Hahaha... my apologies for startling you."
"No, you don't have to apologizes to be honest I should have been paying more attention to my surroundings."
She said with a red face.
(I think it's best to change the subject a little bit lets save her from the embarrassment)
I thought.
"So, is there something you need Princess Scarlett?"
I said changing the topic. Deciding it would be better to moving the conversation in a better direction.
"W-Well I was hoping maybe we could talk for a bit."
She said while awkwardly glancing down.
"Sure, thing I don't have anything else to do until dinner, so I should be free."
I said with a small smile.
"I'm glad then."
"So where should we go?"
I said while glancing at her.
"You know we could always go to my room."
"Huh! Wait I don't think that's a good idea, would it be fine for someone like me to enter a princess's room without any attendant?"
I ask a little worried.
It would be a bad idea for an unmarried man and an unmarried princess to stay in an empty room alone together. While it was fine if there was an attendant there with us, it wouldn't be a good idea to stay in a princess's room without. Of course, when you look at the possible risk, if a princess was assaulted there will definitely be an execution. Because of this normally royalty and nobility would be under heavy security at all times. Especially when in the royal castle.
(Honestly, I'm surprise she would trust me so much it hasn't even been that long since we first met. although I have no intention or interest in sexually assaulting princess Scarlett. I do worry of her naivety, had it been someone other than me I'm not sure what would have happened)
I secretly thought.
"I know you won't do anything Haruto. If I didn't trust you, I wouldn't have asked."
She said seeing through my worries.
Scarlett is a princess, so I guess she is cautious about her own personal safety after all; she has experience when it comes to dealing with various individuals. I guess she also find it awkward to stay in a room with a stranger, so she probably won't invite just anyone. I could rest easy knowing that.
"Haha... I see well I think we should go somewhere where there is at least one guard."
I said with a small laugh while keeping a strained smile on my face.
"Hmm.... In that case how about we go up to the terrace?"
I've never been to the terrace before of course there are some places in the royal castle only accessible to the royal family. But with Scarlett there it should be fine.
"The terrace sounds fine."
I said as I sighed in relief.
Going into a woman room alone is a little too much for me. So, I'm glad we could go somewhere where there are at least a few guards.
"Okay let's go."
Thus, we both made our way towards the terrace entrance.
There were two guards guarding each side of the door. Wearing a bright red and white uniform that looked stylish. they both carried swords of high quality sheathed on their waist. When they saw princess Scarlett; they both did a light bow before stepping to the side.
When we got to the terrace, I could feel the cold night breezes on my skin. It felt good to breathe in the fresh air the sky was cloudless many stars could be seen. There were two guard's inside guarding the door behind us. Knowing this I had a little peace of mind.
There were luxurious chairs and tables already set up in the far corner of the terrace.
"Well let's go, shall we?"
"Yes, after you princess."
I said with a smile.
With that we both took a seat opposite from each other. I was now facing Scarlett who had a pleasant smile on her face. Seeing her up close like this I was once again reminded how beautiful she was.
(Wait why did I suddenly started thinking about that?)
I wondered a little embarrassed.
Tonight, Scarlett was wearing a thin grey dress that easily danced with the night breeze, her red hair was smooth and glossy and came all the way down to her waist which only added to her already alluring appearance. Her sweet scent was drifting even more intensely due to the night air.
"Umm Haruto... are you okay? Your face is really red."
She said while inclining her head. With a worried face.
"I'm perfectly fine. It's been a while since I got the opportunity of conversing with lady Scarlett alone."
I said with a faint smile.
"Oh, I see but isn't that strange? I mean we both went to the capital together, didn't we?"
"Well, you've got a point, but I never got the chance to enjoy that moment since we were interrupted mid-way through you know?"
I said while recalling that moment it definitely wasn't a pleasant memory, but I guess it's one to remember.
"Yeah, it was really scary thinking back on it."
Scarlett quietly murmured under her breath.
"Huh? Did you say something?"
I ask a bit confused.
"No don't worry about it."
She said with a shake of her head. While smiling.
"So... Haruto how did your training went? Rin said you were gone for hours. Can I assume you got good results?"
"Well.... I guess you could say that."
I said while clearly remembering the devastation I had cause.
"Anyway, the stars are beautiful, aren't they?"
I said while turning my gaze to the starry sky. Hundreds no thousands of stars were clearly visible. Looking down at the entire kingdom of Watanabe I could see small ball of light that illuminated the dark and dull streets.
(I see instead of using streetlights there using this ball of light instead, magic really is amazing)
I thought.
Scarlett also turns her eyes towards the stars shining in the vast open skies above. Many different stars could be seen reflecting in her crimson eyes.
"It's beautiful."
She muttered quietly.
Hearing her say that I smiled in returned.
"You Know I would usually watch the stars when I was at home."
I said while remembering the time I spent alone at my house.
"Is that so? Come to think of It I've never heard you mention anything about how you have lived your life before we met."
Scarlett said clearly taking an interest in the topic.
"Really, I've never said anything about it before?"
I said a bit surprised. Well, I was cautious when I first came to this world, I was deeply worried that the residents of this world will see me as a mad man if I say I was from another world.
Though I guess there is a chance they would have believed me I mean they can summon heroes from another world, so they must know of the existences of other worlds.
"Nope, I hardly know anything about you since before we first met."
"Well, if you don't mind. Would you like me to tell you a bit about how I spent my life up until then?"
"Of course I'm really curious."
She said enthusiastically.
Honestly my life back then wasn't all that interesting, in fact it was a bit boring if I'm to be blunt.
"Well, you see I was born in a rather hard-working family, my parents were always busy with work, so I don't get to spend much time with them."
I said a bit gloomily. Scarlett quietly watches my expression from where she was seated.
"Because of that I don't have that many memories with them as a family."
"Everything I can remember Is just when I was a small child."
I said with a faint smile.
"... I see if it's too hard for you, you don't have to talk about it you know?"
Scarlett said while reading the heavy atmosphere.
"No, It's fine, you don't need to worry about it."
I said to reassure her.
I then gave her a small summary of my life in America. Most of what I told her was only my everyday life, there was really nothing that interesting about me back then. Hearing this tale would make any normal person fall asleep. However, unexpectedly, she seems to be very interested in everything I told her. It seems she is a little confused as she would sometimes make a puzzled face as I spoke, but she never interrupted me once. Maybe she is leaving her questions until I'm done.
"And that's all from me."
I said wrapping up the stories of my life in my previous world. It took me only a few minutes as I only told her about my hobbies and everyday life at school.
"I see. Would It be okay to ask which country that is? Based on what you just said it didn't sound like a country I've ever heard of."
She said a little confused.
"W-Well it's a foreign country. It's far away you know."
I said while glancing away awkwardly.
"Oh, is that so...."
(Maybe he's from one of the neighbouring kingdoms. If I were to guess it's probably the kingdom of Bonsai located in the southern parts of the world. Their customs match the one he just describes)
She thought peering at my face intensely unconvinced.
"Yeah."
I said while glancing down.
Scarlett looked at me for a few moments before changing the topic.
"Well anyway I'm really sorry you couldn't spend more time with your parents."
She said with an unhappy face.
"To be honest I was also a bit hard working myself, so it was fine, my parents were only working because they wanted to give me a better life so I'm fine really."
I said with a smile.
"Wow Haruto you're really mature, aren't you?"
Scarlett said a bit impress.
"You really think so?"
"Of course, not many people your age would just accept that their parents are always at work. also, you too work hard to get good results yourself honestly, I wish I was a hard worker like you."
Scarlett said with a gentle tone. Hearing her say that I was a bit embarrass.
I had a bitter face by her words. I wanted to work hard for the sake of helping others just like my parents. However, I no longer have such dreams, of course that was nothing more than a dream of a naïve boy who knew nothing about the real world. reality was nothing like the fictitious world I believed back then.
"But still I'm sure you must have had at least one friend, right?"
She said while tilting her head.
"W, Well Haha to be honest I was never really that good at making friends."
I said awkwardly.
"Is that so?"
She said dubiously.
Scarlett glanced at me with a look of contemplation, however she didn't pry for anymore answer as she change the topic. I felt relief it would have been embarrassing to explained why I couldn't make any friends. The reason for that is well I guess I'm kind of antisocial, but I don't want to admit that openly.
"Anyway, do you know where your parents are right now?"
(Hmm there probably in my previous world right now I still don't know how to go back home I've been here for weeks now, and I've made no progress; at this rate I'll end up spending my entire life here)
I thought sighing internally.
"Unfortunately, I don't I'm thinking of finding them once I leave this kingdom eventually, I'm sure there in the neighbouring Kingdoms."
I said with a strained smile. I can't tell her that I was summon at least not yet. While I want to trust Scarlett, I can't blindly tell her everything. Though it did pain me to have to lie to her.
"I see..."
She said while staring at me. It seems she really wants to know where I was going but I haven't decided yet I need more information.
"In any case lady Scarlett seem to have quite a lot of friends huh."
I said a little impress.
"Well, I guess I have a few."
She said while glancing down.
"Oh, as a Princess I'm sure most of your friend are high in status."
"It's only natural for us royalties the nobles are our allies."
She said with a faint smile. However, that smile suddenly turned clouded as she held down her head gloomily against the table.
(She seems to still be feeling a bit down by her friend Subrina condition, I wish there was something I could do but.... that seems impossible. I don't know much about the unknown curse, and I really don't want to get involved it sounds troublesome)
I thought.
This talk seems to be going in a bad direction.
"Princess Scarlett I-."
"Umm.... Haruto are you cold?"
I was going to change the topic to something a bit more pleasant when Scarlett suddenly cut me off with a worried face.
It seems while we were talking, she notices my hand has been trembling for a while now. Of course, the night air was refreshing the downside is that it was cold tonight.
"It seems so.... while I would hate to trouble you, it seems it's a bit cold."
I said with a faint smile.
"Don't worry about it."
Scarlett stretched out her right hand.
"Mother of fire bring heat to my surrounding flair ball."
A small magic circle was then formed before Scarletts outstretched arm. As a small ball of fire was then created in Scarletts palm.
The cold air gradually became Slightly warmer. the ball of flames was just a low-level spell, yet it gave off such heat. It definitely shows that Scarlett has perfect control of her magic power.
"That's one impressive flame you've got."
I said with a smile.
"You really think so.... it doesn't compare with my sister Hinata's."
Scarlett said with a conflicted smile. It seems there are some sisters complexed between them. I guess every family have their ups and downs.
(I would like to ask more about her older sister Hinata but... it seems touching that topic was a taboo)
I thought reading the room.
"Out of everyone in the royal family, she has the most magic power. The people of this kingdom constantly treat her as a prodigy since she was young, no matter what I do I was never able to compete with her."
Scarlett suddenly said. I see so basically you were never a match for her no matter what you compete against her with.
(I'm an only child so I don't really know much about fights between sibling)
"Oh, come on surly there is at least one thing that Princess Scarlett excels at then Princess Hinata, right?"
I said trying to damper the gloomily atmosphere.
"I don't really know to be honest she beats me at everything."
Scarlett said with a wry smile. Clearly seeing through my intention.
"It was said that the blood of the fire goddess is much stronger in her body."
She said with a gloomily face.
"Fire Goddess?"
"Yeah, the goddess of fire is said to be the one who gave us humans the power to manipulate fire. Of course, the other element also has their own respective God. We human worship the elemental deities."
(I see make sense of course this world would have its own religion too)
I thought.
"The God of fire was the one who founded the Kingdom of Watanabe."
Scarlett said with a bit of pride in her voice.
"I see, so is that why the royal family specialized in fire magic?"
I inquired curiously.
"Yup, we are his descendants."
Scarlett said while puffing up her ample chest.
"Hahaha, I see."
(She has such a strong level of control yet; she's not being considered a prodigy It would be frightening to see Princess Hinata's level)
The two of us continued our conversation for a while longer. before long the guard slowly opened the terrace door. as the figure of a beautiful maid with short blond hair then appeared at the entrance with her usual calm demeanour.
"Good night, Princess Scarlett and you too Sir Sato, the preparations for tonight's dinner have been prepared. your majesty the king and Queen are both awaiting your appearance."
She said with an elegant bow of her head.
"Oh my, we have been having so much fun engaging in our conversation that we seem to have lost track of time, haven't we?"
"Yes, I really enjoyed myself conversing with you Princess."
We both smiled as we prepared to leave the terrace together.
***
On the western parts of the Enosh continent located near the kingdom of Alberta border. there was a vast forest of greenery spreading across the land. a wide mountain range was located at the end of the forest, it was about 300 meters in height.
Located on the right side of the mountain there was a beautiful man-made cave with old stone carving the cave was built a few meters above the ground. There was an old ladder right before the cave entrance. it showed the view of the forest below. The ladder was well hidden behind the huge trees that block the view of the entrance.
A lone man could be seeing walking towards the ladder. He was extremely cautious of anyone who could be spying on him from behind. He slowly turns his head to perceive his surrounding to find anyone who could be tailing him; however, the forest was dark, and the trees was blocking the path before him even when he has enhanced his vision through magic all he could see were huge trees and pure darkness.
While it was possible to use magic to brighten up the dusky forest, there maybe someone close by alerted by his magic. With no other choice, He then tried enhancing his hearing but what could be heard were only the cries of monsters lurking nearby. He then made his way soundlessly up the ladder.
Inside the cave the ground was dry and sturdy droplets of sand could be heard falling from the soft ceiling soils. The cave roof was filled with hard tarnished stone that seem to have been there for ages. The cave was filled with what seem like endless holes. To the point that it would be difficult for any first comers to travers through.
Stomp, Stomp, Stomp.
The sound of light footsteps could be heard, the cave was so quiet that the man could easily hear his own breathing. A lone man was walking down a narrowed space inside of the cave he was a young handsome man in his mid-thirties.
The man had smooth dark green hair and jade-coloured eyes his skin was a slightly dark shade he wore a nice white suit giving off the air of a noble man. The man strained his neatly refined eyes as he made his way through the dark and soundless cave, the only light that illuminated was the natural light of the moon that was shining through the ceiling holes.
Once he had made his way further inside the cave he finally came to a stop.
"Alister you bastard, get out here!"
The man suddenly exclaimed. He was standing before a shadow that was camouflage with the wall before him. Because it was so dark it was hard to see the shadow however his eyes could easily tell that there was an out of place shadow there.
The shadow that was glued to the wall suddenly started moving on its own forming into the shape of a human. He had a huge built and were clothe that completely conceal his face.
"Hahaha, as expected of the hunter of shadows. It seems your skills still haven't dulled even in these peaceful times. my skills still can't even compare to yours."
The Alister said with a smile on his face. However, the man wasn't smiling instead he had a frown on his face he was extremely annoyed by Alister's carefree attitude.
"I don't see what is there to laugh at, you do know that most of the nations are on high alert that demons began making their appearance in the world once again, right?"
The man said while keeping his frown on his face.
"Oh, don't make such a sour face of course I know that brat must have alerted the kingdom when I confronted him in Watanabe."
Alister said with a shrug of his shoulder. He had expected this outcome the moment he revealed he was a demon to the wind user. So, he wasn't all that surprise.
"Oh, so you're aware. You mind telling we what the hell you were doing? Your mission was to kidnap the second Princess yet not only did you failed that... but you also made the Kingdoms became more cautious of us."
The man said while a surge of magic power gathers around him as if to express his anger.
"Calm down, if we don't make any sudden move, they won't be able to prove that we are free. While it's going to be a huge pain to walk around freely from here on wards... it doesn't mean our objective have been crush now, hasn't it?"
Alister said while removing the cloth that have been covering his face. His long white hair that was hidden behind the cloth came down his back. With the cloth now removed from his face, the man could now easily see the full face of Alister. He had deep crimson eyes that match the colour of blood his skin was a dark colour, and a sinister smile could be seen on his face.
"While our objective hasn't been crushed, it's only a matter of time. If the Kingdoms decided to summon those troublesome hero's things are going to get really complicated, I'm sure your aware."
The man said folding his arms while glaring at Alister.
"Why of course, it's because we underestimated the power of those heroes the reason why we lost the war three hundred years ago."
Alister said while keeping his carefree attitude.
"So, you know that, and yet you still have the composure to be messing around."
The man frown deepens.
"Hehe.... things are going to be rather tricky from here, but at least it will be entertaining don't you think?"
"Entertaining such stupidity!"
The man said as he stomps his right foot heavily on the ground. The ground then began to shake as dust began to fall from the dirty ceiling soiled. The dirt Scatter all over Alister's clean clothes.
"Is that anyway an administer of one of the largest kingdoms should act?"
Alister said with a sneer on his face. Ignoring the dirt on his clothes.
"Hmph. Do you know how much effort I had to put into my job to get my current position?"
He said with an irritated look.
"Heh.... like I would know. Either way you hardly ever let me know anything going on within the Kingdom of Alberta."
Alister said with a look of contemplation.
"And why should I tell you about the affair within the Kingdom? It's not like the likes of you even care about that right?"
He asks with a tilt of his head.
"Your right I couldn't care less about stuff like that."
He said as he shrugged his shoulders in exaggeration.
"Well, the Alberta Kingdom has now officially cut its ties with the surrounded Kingdoms... things are going to be interesting moving forward."
He said with slight enjoyment. There was a small smile on his face that showed interest.
"Is that so? Wouldn't that effect all the Kingdoms as a whole? If I remember correctly the Alberta Kingdom is the biggest and most influence Kingdom of all, so wouldn't that eliminate the other Kingdom too?"
Alister said while crocking his head.
"The Surrounding Kingdoms seems to be at peace now, isn't it the best time to cause a stir within the Kingdoms?"
"Hmm... is that so? How long are you going to keep your identity a secret?"
Alister inquired curiously?
"Well, there is no need for me to reveal myself as of yet. It's for too early. So, I'll be working in the shadows for the time being. You on the other hand continue to work on the surrounding Kingdoms it would be best if you could cause some kind of damage to at least one of the neighbouring nations."
The man said while a sinister smile appeared on his face.
"Hmph, so things are going to get busy from here huh?"
Alister said while gazing to the cloudless sky. Looking at the moon hovering soundlessly in the night sky.
With that the two ended their discussion and went their own separate ways.