Soft morning light bathed the room.
"..."
It was quiet.
The chaos of the past few days felt like a distant fever dream as time flowed by in a quiet, gentle stream.
"So peaceful..." I muttered vacantly from the bed.
My body still felt a bit heavy, but I was in much better shape than I had been yesterday.
"Good morning."
A voice spoke from right beside me.
"Whoa!"
The shout escaped me as a pure reflex.
Yuka was there. She was sitting in her usual spot as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"...Were you waiting there today, too?"
"Yes."
Well, I figured as much.
"Since your condition has stabilized..."
Her hand reached out and touched my forehead.
"...There seem to be no problems."
Has this become her default setting lately? I'm pretty sure my period of prescribed bed rest is already over.
"Lord Luka."
"Yeah?"
"You are forbidden from going outside today."
"Huh?! Confined to my room? Why?! For what possible reason?!"
"You have not yet fully recovered."
"No, but look—"
Just as I started to protest, there was a knock at the door.
"May I come in?"
A familiar voice.
"Please, enter," Yuka answered immediately.
With a click, the door swung open.
"Hey, Luka."
It was Leonis. Lately, my room had become quite the popular destination for visitors. He wore his usual gentle smile, but the atmosphere around him felt slightly different than before.
"Another social call?"
"Something like that."
He gave a light shrug and walked toward the bed to peer at my face.
"You look healthier than I expected."
"Well, I mean, I’ve been feeling fine for a while now."
"That’s good to hear," Leonis chuckled softly. "How like you."
I wasn't sure what about this was 'like me,' but I took the compliment.
"Eh?" I sat up slightly. "Is that all you came for?"
Leonis narrowed his eyes for a fleeting moment. "...As expected."
Hm?
"It helps that you're quick on the uptake."
Huh?
The air in the room suddenly grew tense. I could see Yuka’s gaze sharpen.
"I’ll get straight to the point," Leonis said in a calm, measured voice. "There is a place I want you to go."
"...A place?"
"Yes."
I wondered where he meant. Hopefully somewhere fun.
"The Holy Theocracy."
"...What?"
A stupid sound escaped my mouth.
"Wait, wait, wait. Isn't that a bit of an escalation? We went from zero to sixty pretty fast there."
It was like an "all of a sudden" steakhouse order.
Leonis gave a wry smile. "Not really. You remember the recent incident, don't you?"
"You mean the Ash Necros?"
"Correct." He nodded. "The Original Tome Replica they possessed."
At those words, the mood shifted.
"..."
Yuka’s fingers twitched ever so slightly.
"The Theocracy is moving in regards to that as well," Leonis continued. "Or rather... it was originally something that fell under our jurisdiction."
"...I see?"
I smelled nothing but trouble.
"Is there any reason I actually have to go?"
Leonis smiled thinly. "There are two. First, your 'merit.' You protected the Royal Capital from those fanatics. Since the Academy is currently undergoing repairs, you’ll be sent to the Theocracy to study abroad as a representative of the Royal Academy."
"...Right."
"That’s how the paperwork will look. And the second reason..." His voice dropped a fraction. "Is for 'confirmation'."
"Of what?"
Leonis looked me straight in the eye. "I can’t really be blunt about it, but it seems the Theocracy has taken a keen interest in you."
"..."
For a moment, I was speechless. You have to be kidding me. Why do I have to get involved with an entire foreign nation? I’m going back to my room! (Flag triggered).
"Don't worry," Leonis said, waving a hand dismissively. "It’s not like anything is going to happen immediately. However..." He narrowed his eyes again. "Your attendance will likely be mandatory."
He made it sound like I was being handed a prison sentence.
"...In other words, it’ll be a huge pain if I refuse."
"Yes. An enormous pain."
Sigh... seriously?
"Lord Luka," Yuka spoke up, her voice flat. "There is no need to go. Let us rest quietly at home until the Academy reopens."
"Thank you for such an incredibly tempting proposal, Yuka."
That really would be the ideal outcome.
"But," Leonis shrugged, "I wouldn't advise refusing. You’d be facing pressure from both the Kingdom and the Theocracy."
"...I hate this."
"Don't we all?" he said with a bright smile.
This guy was definitely enjoying this.
"..."
I thought about it for a moment. Honestly, I didn't want to go. But...
"...Well," I let out a small breath. "It does sound like it could be interesting."
"Lord Luka," Yuka said, her voice dropping an octave.
"I know, I know."
"No... if it is Lord Luka's choice, I will not interfere."
What a good girl.
"I’m bored anyway, and I want to learn more about the world. Going abroad sounds like a good chance for that."
That was the honest truth.
"..." Yuka remained silent.
"Then it’s settled," Leonis smiled. "There will be a short preparation period. Use it to get your health back in order."
"Yeah, I got it."
I gave him a dismissive wave, and Leonis nodded with satisfaction before leaving the room. The door clicked shut.
"..."
Silence returned.
"...The Holy Theocracy, huh?" I muttered.
I was a little anxious, but...
"Well, I'm sure it'll work out somehow."
It was always better to stay optimistic.
In that instant, the hand holding mine squeezed tight.
"...Yuka?"
"I will accompany you and protect you," she said in a quiet, firm voice. "No matter where you go."
The words were the same as they always were.
"Yeah, thanks."
...Ah, it was just about time for Elysia to arrive and for Fia to tackle me. I could hear footsteps approaching in the hallway.
"Ah, Fi—"
Oof!
Before I could even finish the thought, the door burst open. An instant later, a heavy impact slammed into my chest.
"Good morning, Luka-kun."
"Morning, Master!"
"...Morning..."
Someone, please stop this adorable tank.