As we get closer, Yumi shares with me her hobbies and dreams. She dreams of becoming a doctor, but that dream is hindered by her family's financial constraints.
A few years ago, Yumi's mother left to be with another man. From that point, her father became a completely different person. He lost his job, turned to gambling and alcohol, and squandered the family's savings.
But Yumi was strong and never gave up. She worked two part-time jobs and took care of her father on her own. Her academic standing was good enough to secure a scholarship, which greatly helped with her situation.
As the banquet continues, a few individuals, mostly men, approach Yumi. They present her with small gifts, yet their exchanges rarely delve beyond superficial compliments about her appearance. Most of them didn't even discuss Yumi's talent, but only focused on how cute and pretty the young Japanese girl is. Some were even so bold that they asked Yumi to become their lover or concubine in exchange for various benefits.
However, Yumi handles the situation well, politely declining all the offers without angering anyone. I can't help but be impressed. Even though she is just six-teen years old, her maturity has already far surpassed that of most teenagers.
Meanwhile, even though I am known for having the worst blood talent, I also had a few people initiating conversations with me. The people who talked to me were primarily older, single ladies of high status, inviting me to work in their mansions as their attendants or butlers, promising me a luxury lifestyle without having to do any actual labor work. And of course, I'm well aware of the reason why.
Regardless, I engaged them in conversation, hoping to gather some useful information from them. Unfortunately, they all didn't know much about the things that I'm looking for, so none of the conversations were fruitful.
"Jack, I've decided," Yumi comes to me when the banquet is nearing its end, "I'm going to go back. I will let the King know."
"Oh? Are you really sure about that?"
"Yes," Yumi nods. "Even after coming here, after finally having the chance to remake my life and start everything anew, I just can't abandon my family. My father... he needs me. I have to be there for him. I have to find a way to save him. After all, if I can't save my own father, then how can I possibly save the world?"
"Seems like you've already made your decision. I'm glad to hear that," I say, placing my hands on her shoulder.
And needless to say, I'm moved by her words.
"But life on Earth is going to be hard, you know?"
"Yes, I'm well aware of that. But after the conversation with you, I've already felt a lot better," she replies. "I can do it. I will even aim for med school. I will work my hardest, and I believe that things will work out somehow. So, thank you very much, Jack."
Yumi then gives me a deep bow, to which I return with a smile.
"You are welcome."
There is a warmth to her that I have grown fond of in our short time together. What a good girl. I really like her for how responsible she is to her family and how she was able to stay strong when facing hardships. With the resolve I see in her eyes now, I am confident that she will reach whatever goals she sets for herself back on Earth.
Well, that is, if she makes it back to Earth.
I genuinely hope that I am wrong, that some of the small details I observed from the King and the crowd today were just me over-analyzing things due to being overly cautious.
—--------------------------
As the banquet ends, Yumi approaches Seraphina and King Alaric to talk about her decision. The King agrees to send her back right away, after failing to convince her to stay for the last time. However, when I say that I want to stay, the King refuses.
"I'm sorry, Jack, but you have to go back as well."
"But Your Highness, didn't you say that I can choose whether to stay or not? I'm liking it here; I want to help you fight the Demon God. So why do I have to go back?"
All of the sudden, I hear laughter behind my back, with some people obviously mocking me with some sort of slurs.
"I'm so sorry," the King sighs. "Without a good talent, you are not qualified to become a hero. We cannot provide you anything. To be honest, people without any talent or magic in this world are treated badly, so I highly suggest you go back. It's for your own good."
"But what if I still want to stay?" I insist.
"Then you would be living a life of hardship and potentially danger," he answers. "You would be viewed as an outsider, you wouldn't have the means to protect yourself. This isn't your world, Jack. Here, the world is dictated by power and magic, and those without it are extremely vulnerable! I'm sorry to break this to you, but are you fine being a commoner? Are you fine living in poverty? Are you fine being a member of the lowest class in our society?"
And with that, the laughter I hear behind me starts becoming more and more clear. The King seems to be expressing genuine worries for my well-being, but as I think more about it, something doesn't add up.
If I am already the lowest of the low, then why would he worry about me like this? My choice to stay or not shouldn't even matter that much in the first place. Could it be because the other summoned ones are present, and he doesn't want to risk upsetting them?
That could be it.
Additionally, there is an impatience in his demeanor, a restless energy that makes me feel like he is eager to send me back, regardless of my feelings on the matter. The surrounding laughter and mockery only heighten my suspicions.
But there is no use disobeying the King just then. So, with no other option, I give in to his demand.
"Then, when can we depart?" I inquire.
"These knights will escort you to the reverse summoning chamber, so please go with them,"
The King gives his signal, and two towering knights clad in gleaming armor step forth.
After that, he gives his final speech to all the people in the banquet room, ending the event. We say goodbye to Hiroshi and Takumi before Seraphina takes the two boys away.
And then, Yumi and I go with the knights. The two knights lead us down a deep, spiraling stair.
Something isn't right.
Aren't we supposed to go up? To the same room that we were summoned into?
When I ask the knight, they just remain silent and do not say anything.
Even though they are trying so hard to hide it, I can still clearly see the evil grin stretching across their faces.