Chereads / RE: starting my life in the another world is the only way? / Chapter 23 - A promise sealed in light

Chapter 23 - A promise sealed in light

Elaina is a princess from a kingdom who is currently trapped in a cruel destiny. Now, she is facing a boy from another world whom she has summoned to her world.

The boy is very strange, his sudden changes in behavior make him appear very peculiar. From previously wrinkling his face while muttering incomprehensible things, now the boy stands upright and his eyes look directly at Elaina. However, since Elaina first met this boy, he always hunched his shoulders and often looked down without any clear reason. Avoiding eye contact with others and refusing to meet anyone's gaze while speaking, it annoys Elaina to see him like that. This is the real reason Elaina forced the boy to look into her eyes with both hands before. Because if not forced, it would be impossible for the boy to look into her eyes like he is now.

Elaina knows the boy's name, her personal guard Alex called the boy 'Ray'.

Now Elaina is feeling puzzled, her forehead furrowed as she tries to understand the situation that is happening. The sudden change in the boy's attitude confuses her.

She herself is not aware that her words and actions have changed the boy's attitude and perspective towards the world. Because she feels that she hasn't done anything special all this time. But on the contrary, the boy feels that he has been saved by the words and actions that Elaina has done to him.

 *****

Currently, Ray is explaining what he and his friends Jimmy, Harry, Tony, and Alex were talking and debating about earlier. However, he still hasn't told about his strange ability. That's because he still doubts anything related to his ability.

Unfortunately, the person he is trying to deceive now is someone who is impossible to deceive.

After listening to Ray's story, Elaina thinks and becomes more confused about Ray's identity. Elaina didn't expect Ray to be someone full of mystery.

While Ray is explaining his situation, Elaina is overwhelmed because it is difficult to decide whether Ray is lying or not. Although she knows that his ability is absolute. But still, everything Ray said sounds unbelievable. Moreover, Elaina knows that Ray is lying about his power.

Elaina finally gives up and decides to ask directly.

"Mr. Ray... Why did you lie about your ability?"

With a gentle smile that fades away, Ray answers, "I didn't actually mean to lie. It's just that my ability is very strange and difficult to understand."

"It's obvious... You lied again just now."

"Oh well, I knew tricks like this wouldn't work in front of you.

Alright... Alright... I'll be honest.

But... can you promise me one thing?"

"I don't mind, what promise?"

With a pleading face, Ray answers, "can you promise me not to tell, inform, or say anything related to my ability in front of anyone other than me?"

After seeing Ray's cautious attitude, Elaina becomes even more curious about Ray's ability. She sighs because there is no other way than to agree to that agreement.

"Alright, I accept that agreement. I won't talk about your ability to anyone, Mr. Ray."

"Thank you...," words full of doubt come out of Ray's mouth. While showing a worried face.

Even though I know that I trust the princess in front of me. But there is still a part of me that doubts her.

It's really difficult to change completely. Am I the only one having difficulty changing for the better?

I don't even know if I should be angry at myself. Because I know that doubting this is the right thing to do.

I trust her, but because I trust her, I don't want to be betrayed by her. I always want to trust and respect her. I'm afraid that I will lose this respect in the future just because I feel betrayed by her.

I'm really weird...

Elaina realizes the anxiety that Ray is experiencing. Seeing Ray suddenly looking in random directions constantly makes her realize that.

Elaina suddenly says, "Sigh, you did the right thing, Mr. Ray. It's just a bit troublesome. We've been talking about unimportant things and going around in circles all this time. Don't we have no more time?"

Ray shows a sad face, "I'm sorry."

Elaina offers both of her hands without any explanation.

Meanwhile, Ray is confused about the meaning and purpose behind Elaina's actions.

"What are you doing?"

"Just be a little considerate as a guy, sigh."

Hey, why am I the one at fault here?

Elaina reaches out to hold Ray's hands with her own hands. Trying to connect their palms with each other, making their palms hold each other tightly with their fingers tightly intertwined.

Ray feels the warm touch of Elaina's hand, making him feel a little embarrassed. Finally, Ray realizes the reason behind Elaina's previous shyness.

Ray looks at Elaina and instead sees a sweet girl who looks shy while looking at their hands touching.

The first time I saw that sweet expression on her face. I never thought she would be this sweet and cute. No wonder the boys in my class seem interested in her even at first sight.

It seems like I was the weird one back then for not noticing this beauty and cuteness.

But still, I prefer it when she looks firm. Because that's the side of her that I respect.

And if I may be honest, this makes me a little embarrassed too...

"Um... Princess... Why have you been holding my hand like this continuously?"

Elaina nods in agreement to Ray's question.

When will we finish like this, don't you know we don't have time?

Well... i can't even remind her about that. Because right now, I also hope for something from her.

Love? Am I hoping for love from her? Her actions towards me right now make me think that she has feelings for me. But on the other hand, I know that it's just a normal reaction from a girl.

At least let me hope for that. Even though I know it's unlikely to happen.

Elaina slowly tries to overcome her embarrassment. She starts to look back at Ray, forcing herself to suppress that embarrassment.

Her hands start to sweat due to unbearable nervousness. Making their hands, which are touching, become wet and slippery.

Slowly but surely, Elaina begins to speak after a few seconds of sorting out her chaotic thoughts, "I'm sorry... Mr. Ray... I will explain it briefly."

"It's okay, I'll wait for you."

I lied, please hurry... This is not good for my heart.

With her breath sounding heavy, Elaina continues her words, "it's because you don't believe me. That's why I have to do this."

"For what?"

"We will make a contract."

"Oh... Alright, so what should I do now?"

"It's very simple, we just have to recite a word."

"What word?"

"Listen to me carefully, you just have to follow what I say after this. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

Elaina prepares herself by regulating her breath to stay calm. With her face back to normal, she says, "foedus Fatum."

Ray, who is listening, also answers, "foedus fatum."

Suddenly, their hands start to glow brightly. Multicolored lights illuminate their surroundings. The light emanates directly from their sweaty palms.

Ray, with both eyes wide open, is amazed by the magical sight.

On the other hand, after Elaina realizes that their palms are glowing, she immediately closes her eyes.

In a loud voice, Elaina says, "My name is Elaina, Elaina Rainkhard. I am from the Rainkhard family and also one of the heirs to the Rainkhard Kingdom.

I promise to the world that this destiny will be in the hands of this promise.

With this, I promise that I will not speak, disclose, or talk about anything related to Ray's abilities..."

Elaina looks confused.

Ray whispers, "What's wrong?"

Elaina turns around and whispers, "What is your full name?"

"Ray Lewinston!"

Elaina continues her words loudly, "I promise not to talk about anything related to Mr. Ray Lewinston's abilities."

After Elaina finishes her words, the light from their palms gradually disappears. Leaving Ray and Elaina in the midst of an awkward moment they have created themselves.

Without any warning, Ray is startled by a strange screen with a notification sound echoing in his ears.

[Elaina Rainkhard has revealed her promise to the world. This promise is directly related to you. Will you agree to this agreement?

Yes/no]

Ray is now faced with a strange situation that he still doesn't fully understand.

What is this? I seem to have seen this before?

Ray remembered the strange screens that appeared in front of him right after he experienced death for the first time.

"What is this?"

Releasing his hand from Ray's grip, Elaina answered, "What's wrong, Mr. Ray? Are there strange screens appearing in front of you?"

"Yes, what is this?"

"That is the World System."

"World System?"

"Yes, it is one of the strange phenomena that have become normal in this world. I'm sure you are being asked to choose between 'yes' or 'no'."

"Yes, you're right."

"Choose 'yes'."

"What should I do?"

"Just press the word."

As Ray was about to press the word 'yes', he suddenly hesitated and started asking, "What happens if you go against this contract?"