◇ ◇ ◇
As the world’s time spiraled backward, I—Shion Nasturtium, possessor of the Time Rewind ability—spent what felt like an eternity and an instant together with Orun in the Hidden World. This was a space-time distinct from both the World of Principles of Magic and the outside world, where Orun was able to exercise Time Rewind through the power of All Creation.
Well, most of that time was spent training with August-san, though...
Happily, at the very end, Orun regained his memories.
It was a truly blissful time.
I was finally able to reclaim the bond with him that I had feared was lost forever.
The familiar ceiling came into focus as I returned from the Hidden World.
"……My room at the Downing Trading Company, huh? Wait, I can't… I can't move my body……"
I tried to sit up, but it felt as if I were pinned to the bed. I couldn't even lift my head.
Ever since I crossed the threshold of the Principles of Magic during the battle against Due—the Majin created by the Cyclamen Cult—at the beginning of this year, I had been in a deep sleep.
Perhaps because I had been unconscious for months, my muscles had atrophied.
As I lay there wondering what to do with a body that refused to listen, the door to the room slowly creaked open.
Teruche entered, dressed in her usual maid uniform.
"――Lady… Shion……?"
Her eyes widened as they met mine, and she whispered my name in disbelief.
"Good morning, Teruche. Sorry, I think I slept a bit too long."
"……It only means your dreams must have been very pleasant. ……Good morning, Lady Shion."
With tears welling in her eyes, Teruche smiled and squeezed my hand tightly.
From that gesture alone, I knew exactly how much worry I had caused her. I really had been a terrible master to her.
"Yeah. It was a very happy dream."
It felt like more than just a dream, being able to spend that time with Orun in the Hidden World. For me, it had been a gift.
"I am glad to hear it. However, since you have been asleep for several months, your strength must be considerably diminished. You should rest quietly for the time being. Please, continue to leave your personal care to me."
"I realized that the moment I tried to sit up. But I’m sorry, Teruche. I can't afford to stay in bed."
"……I understand. But please, do not overexert yourself."
"Thank you, Teruche. For now, if I activate my Ki, I should at least be able to manage daily life, right?"
Though she clearly wanted to object, Teruche suppressed her worries and respected my will.
Offering her a word of gratitude, I began to circulate Ki throughout my body.
……Alright, this should work. I could move without any problems now.
Maintaining this state constantly would be exhausting, so I needed to start physical therapy as soon as possible, but first—I had to go welcome Orun!
Once I was steady on my feet, I changed my clothes and ate a light meal. Then, accompanied by Teruche, I headed to the room where the teleportation circle was drawn.
Orun and I hadn't just spent our time in the Hidden World in idle peace. We had discussed our plans for after the return in great detail.
We hadn't been able to settle on the minute specifics since we didn't know exactly when we would return, but Orun had mastered All Creation and received the full extent of the Principles of Magic from August-san. He was now capable of improvising a long-distance teleportation magic circle on the fly.
Because of that, we had designated this room—the one containing the teleportation circle for the Downing Trading Company Main Store—as our rendezvous point.
While waiting for Orun to arrive, I listened to Teruche describe the events that had transpired while I was asleep, and in turn, I shared my experiences from the Hidden World. The time passed in a flash.
"……In other words, you intend to head out to recapture Kyokutou?" Teruche asked after listening to my explanation.
"Yeah. Orun said there’s something he needs to do before that, so it’ll be once he's finished."
"Understood. I shall contact the Amunzaas Action Unit myself."
"That would be a huge help. But first, we need to hear the grand plan Orun’s cooked up. He told me the ultimate goal back in the Hidden World, but not the specific steps to get there. —Oh, that’s right. Chris is at the Main Store all day today, isn't he?"
"Yes. While you were eating, Lady Shion, I informed the Company President that you had awakened and confirmed his schedule. He plans to immerse himself in paperwork all day, so I told him to clear a block of time for you later."
"As expected of Teruche. You’re always one step ahead."
"Your praise is more than I deserve."
As we spoke, the magic circle inscribed on the floor began to glow.
Five silhouettes shimmered into existence atop the circle.
Then, Orun and the others appeared.
When our eyes met, Orun smiled at me.
Unable to contain my joy, I broke into a run.
"Orun!! Welco—me back!?"
In my excitement, my Ki control slipped. I tripped over my own feet and nearly took a spectacular tumble.
◇ ◇ ◇
Shion ran toward me with a radiant smile.
"Orun!! Welco—me back!?"
I felt my own expression softening as I watched her, but she suddenly lost her balance as if her legs had given out.
"Shion! ……Are you okay?"
I moved instinctively, pulling her close to catch her.
"Ah… ahaha…… That wasn't very cool of me, was it? Thanks for catching me……"
Shion averted her eyes, her cheeks flushing a deep red.
After confirming she wasn't hurt, I let her go and stepped back.
"So you really were awake. But Shion, did you sleep so much you turned back into a little kid? Tripping because you got too excited?"
Fuuka, who had watched the whole display, muttered from behind.
I had told everyone before we arrived that there was a high probability Shion would be awake, but it seemed Fuuka had remained skeptical until she saw it with her own eyes.
Behind her, Haruto-san was shaking his shoulders, desperately trying to stifle his laughter.
"Guh…… I can't believe Fuuka is the one saying that to me……"
Shion looked genuinely wounded by the remark, her expression souring.
"Lady Shion, please grant me permission to strike the insolent man laughing in the back."
Teruche-san, clearly unimpressed by Haruto-san’s reaction, was already seeking permission for a physical intervention.
"Wait, why me?! Fuuka’s the one being rude here!"
"Lady Fuuka is a friend of Lady Shion, so there is no issue. But for the likes of you to laugh at Lady Shion? I will not permit it."
"That is completely unfair!"
Haruto-san tried to argue, but Teruche-san wasn't listening.
Honestly, I’d thought this during the last timeline too, but these two actually get along quite well in their own strange way. It seemed Haruto-san was the only one Teruche-san showed her unfiltered self to.
"……Are you sure these people are actually the core of Amunzaas? Is it secretly a comedy troupe……?"
"The White Demon and the Sword Princess were supposed to be the biggest threats in the Cult~. My mental image is crumbling~."
Watching the exchange, Lueria and Frederick looked on with twitching expressions.
"Orun, who are these children……?"
I nodded at Shion’s question.
"They were the Doctor’s subordinates until yesterday. That said, the Doctor was killed by Rasetsu—another Cult Executive—and they have no intention of going back. Since they aren't hostile, I've taken them into my custody."
"Hmm. Well, if you say it’s fine, Orun, I won't complain."
Shion seemed to have her reservations, but she chose to trust my judgment.
"More importantly, I'm just glad you woke up safely."
"Yeah! I’m totally fine! My head is clear. My body needs a little work to get back in shape, but I'll be back to my best in no time!"
"I'm relieved to hear it. ……Where is Christopher-san? I’d like to speak with him right away and get everyone on the same page."
"Master Orun, I’ve already requested the Company President to clear his schedule. He should be in his office."
Teruche-san answered for him.
Being called "Master" still felt incredibly awkward, but I supposed I just had to get used to it.
"Thank you. —Well then, shall we head over?"
Thank you for reading until the end.
I apologize for the back-to-back updates, but please allow me a quick promotion!
The 11th volume of the comic adaptation was released today!
The battle between the Tenth Squad and Givea, as well as Sophia’s ability manifestation, are beautifully depicted and very tense. Please do pick up a copy if you can!
I’d be delighted if you continue to the next chapter.
Also, if you're so inclined, I’d love to hear your thoughts!