◇◆◇
In front of the main gate of the Gradiol mansion.
It had been about a week since Leonis’s visit, and today was finally the day of our departure.
I’d heard from the man himself that I wasn't the only exchange student; Elysia and Cedric were coming along as well.
That was exactly why I found myself at the Gradiol estate.
Apparently, it was better to keep the number of carriages to a minimum to make them easier to protect.
The morning air was crisp and clear.
By the time I arrived, everyone was already gathered in front of the carriage.
"That’s... quite a crowd for a send-off," I muttered to myself.
Standing before me were my father, my mother, Noin Noctear, and Fazil.
The family was out in full force.
"Of course it is," my father said, crossing his arms.
"A member of this family is heading to a foreign land; the least we can do is see you off."
Well, I suppose that’s true.
"Especially since you’re heading to the Holy Theocracy," my mother added with a gentle smile.
"It’s a strict nation in many ways, so naturally, I’m worried."
...Come to think of it, that’s the country that absolutely refuses to tolerate slavery, isn't it?
"Well, even so," Noin Noctear said with a shrug.
"You’ll be fine."
That’s a bit blunt, but I appreciate the sentiment!
"...Thank you."
"Yeah. Do your best."
Beside him, Fazil spoke up.
"That’s right! And don't you go committing any infidelities over there!"
He was the same as always. It was actually reassuring.
"The Holy Theocracy is a far cry from the Kingdom, after all."
For a moment, Leonis’s face flashed through my mind.
"Ah... well, yeah."
I gave a noncommittal nod.
"I’ll be careful."
To be honest, I already felt like I was being dragged into something.
"Luka."
My father took a step forward.
"Regarding the recent incident—you did well."
His voice was unusually solemn.
"I am proud that you protected the Royal Capital."
...Oh.
He actually praised me normally.
"...Yes."
I felt a little embarrassed. But a moment later:
"However."
"I will say it again: value your own life."
Ah, yes, sir.
"You’ll be surrounded by things you don’t know over there. Think carefully before you act."
"Yes, I’m well aware."
I didn't quite get what he meant, but I understood.
"...I don't believe you."
He was quick to doubt me.
"I really will be careful."
"If you say so."
I gave an incredibly vague response.
Watching the exchange, my mother let out a little giggle.
"It looks like that might be asking too much of him."
My family had remarkably little faith in me.
"But," my mother said, stepping closer.
She gently placed a hand on my cheek.
"Make sure you come back to us."
Those words carried a weight that was entirely different from the lightheartedness of a moment ago.
"Yeah, of course."
I nodded naturally.
"I promise."
The air grew quiet for a moment.
――Just then.
"Lord Luka."
Yuka stepped forward.
"It seems preparations are complete."
She was the perfect maid, as always.
"Right."
Behind her stood Elysia, Lene, and Cedric.
These were the members of the exchange program—the ones people were calling the "Small Heroes" who had saved the Kingdom.
Elysia was watching me quietly.
"..."
Our eyes met for a fleeting second, and she gave a soft smile and a small nod.
――As if to say, Leave it to me.
Lene had her usual airy smile.
"I’m so happy we can go together!"
...This girl is also quite a piece of work.
Cedric did nothing but look away.
Hey, I could tell everyone about how you got thrashed, you know? (I'm a bit of a jerk).
Well, being able to stand alongside this group was something to be a little proud of.
"Then," my father said, lowering his hand.
"Go."
It was a short command, but it was enough.
"I’m off."
I gave a light wave.
With that, I climbed into the carriage.
Yuka sat down beside me as if it were the most natural thing in the world, followed by Elysia and Lene.
The door closed.
――Clunk.
The carriage began to move.
Outside the window, the figures of my family gradually grew smaller.
My mother waved until the very end, Noin Noctear raised a hand casually, and Fazil stood there in silence.
My father――
He stared intently in our direction until we were out of sight.
The nephew being held by Elysia's older sister, Siria, was also watching us go.
I realized I’d forgotten to pinch his cheeks while saying my goodbyes.
"..."
Watching the scene fade, I let out a small sigh.
"...Now then."
When I looked forward, I saw Elysia and Lene sitting quietly.
The Holy Theocracy, huh?
At that moment.
Squeeze.
My hand was grasped from the side.
"I will protect you, without fail," Yuka whispered.
From the other side:
"I am here as well," Elysia added.
And then:
"Please, rest easy," Lene said with a smile.
...Yeah.
"I feel safe because you're all here..."
The male-to-female ratio in this carriage alone was one to three. Seriously, what kind of light novel is this?
"It is only natural," Yuka replied instantly.
"Since you are the one who must be protected, Lord Luka."
...Is that right?
I’m not that weak, you know. When it comes to games of luck, I’m the strongest there is.
The carriage continued its journey, leaving the Royal Capital behind and heading toward unknown lands.
I’m looking forward to this! Let’s go!!!
◇ ◇ ◇
"...Please wake up, Lord Luka."
I felt someone gently shaking me.
"...Nn... Five more minutes..."
"We have arrived."
"...That was fast."
I opened my eyes reflexively.
"Wait, seriously?"
What entered my vision was――
An unfamiliar ceiling.
No, wait.
It was just the inside of the carriage.
As I sat up, I found Yuka beside me.
Opposite us sat Elysia and Lene.
"Did you sleep well?" Elysia asked with a gentle smile.
"Well, the swaying was just right..."
Also, the pillow was surprisingly soft... wait, pillow?
"...Yuka, were you giving me a lap pillow?"
"Yes. I could not allow you to hurt your neck, Lord Luka."
"...Sorry, was I out for a long time?"
"Yes, but it does not matter."
...I felt seventy percent guilty and thirty percent happy.
"You looked like you were sleeping so comfortably, after all."
Please stop. Having my sleeping face publicized in such a cramped space is the absolute worst.
"You were in a state where prioritizing sleep was necessary, Lord Luka, so there is no problem."
Yuka said so as well, so it must be true.
"Look, we're here!"
Lene pointed happily toward the window.
When I followed her gaze――
"...Oh."
It was white.
Everything was just incredibly white.
The buildings were uniformly made of white stone, with tall towers and elegant spires standing in rows.
In the center stood an especially massive structure.
"That’s..."
"The Grand Cathedral," Elysia answered quietly.
The heart of the Holy Theocracy and the symbol of their faith.
...Whoa, it really looks the part.
But my excitement was actually starting to rise.
"Let’s head out."
Yuka placed her hand on the door.
When I stepped outside――
My legs were a bit shaky, and the sun was blinding.
"...There are a lot of people."
Devout believers, knights, and priests filled the streets.
I could feel their gazes on us.
"We are being treated as exchange students from the Kingdom, after all," Elysia said in a low voice.
"We’re bound to stand out a bit."
Certainly, the fashion here is a little different, too.
...Well, whatever.
I took a long stretch.
"So, what was the plan again?"
"We’re scheduled to meet our guide first, but――"
Just then.
"...Huh?"
Lene tilted her head.
"Where is Cedric?"
"...Eh?"
I looked around.
He was gone.
"Wait, he was here just a second ago, wasn't he?"
"He was," Yuka replied immediately.
"...Did he get separated?"
"It would seem so."
Good grief, that guy is way too restless!
It’s been ten seconds since we got off the carriage. Was he always this kind of character?
"Uh, what should we do?"
"..."
Elysia thought for a moment before speaking.
"There are too many people. If we try to force a search now, we might end up getting separated as well."
"It’s safer to head to the meeting place first."
That made sense. Pure logic.
In that case, I’ll take advantage of this.
"I’ll go look for him. I’m in the mood for a walk anyway."
"Then I shall go as well."
I knew you’d say that, my dear maid!
But this time, I’m going to insist on going alone!
"Yuka, everyone. I’ll be fine. I won't make the same mistake as Cedric."
"""..."""
They really don't trust me, do they?
I guess I should make a proper declaration here.
"I promise I’ll come back to the three of you. You have my word."
"...! R-Really?"
"But you might get involved in danger again..."
"Yuka, I know. I heard that not a single crime has occurred in the Holy Theocracy for years. I understand you're worried, and it makes me happy. But even I want to be alone sometimes!"
I rattled it off at high speed, regardless of how beautiful they were!
Nobody is going to stop my sightseeing!
"You will really come back, right?"
"I really will. I’m off!"
Heh heh, I’ll get a head start on the local sightseeing by myself!
As if I’d let you have all the fun, Cedric.
◇◇◇
"Ah, freedom. Now then, what should I dig into first—"
Growl...
I was starving.
"Well, this is actually convenient."
After all, sightseeing is all about the food!
"...So, what should I eat?"
There were food stalls, but they all looked... "frugal."
My excitement was honestly starting to wane.
"It’s mostly bread and soup."
...It's the same everywhere. I'll just pick something at random.
Just as I was about to choose a shop:
Thump.
"Whoops."
I bumped lightly into someone.
"...Ah."
A small voice escaped them.
When I lowered my gaze, I saw who it was.
Standing there was a young girl.
She wore a white outfit that resembled a nun's habit.
She had long, silver hair.
And――
Eyes that were strangely transparent and clear.
"...I-I'm sorry."
The girl hurriedly bowed her head.
"No, I should be the one apologizing."
I waved my hand dismissively.
I’d clearly been too distracted by the thought of bread and soup.
"...You," the girl said, tilting her head slightly.
"Are you... from the Kingdom?"
"You figured it out easily. Yeah, that's right."
The girl's eyes widened ever so slightly.
"...I thought so," she whispered softly.
"...?"
What was that about?
"...Um," the girl said, taking a single step closer.
Then――
"Could I... have a moment of your time?"
The request was quiet.
But somehow――
I had a feeling that this was anything but a mere coincidence.