Kirche's sudden concern for Saito caught me by surprise, especially considering the rivalry between her and Louise. I replied that yes, he would soon be back to one hundred percent. The germanian was overjoyed and thanked me for helping him in the duel, and then sensually said goodbye. I find myself sitting in the library, looking through a book on familiars and runes. "I will never understand women." After a good while searching incessantly, I found no set of symbols like the one Anäis has on her belly.
–It can't be so difficult...
I scratched my forehead. After fifteen minutes, I placed the book on its corresponding shelf and took out an even older copy on the same subject. "Maybe it's not as accurate as the other one, but who knows. Runes have been engraved on familiars for six thousand years after all." I sat down again in the same place. The library was practically empty. I sighed after thinking about something and closed my eyes to evade the world. "I should be spending the day with my familiar like the rest of the sophomores, and not in here. Besides, Anäis speaks very well and our 'equality contract' despite being his master seems excellent to me." Thirty minutes later, when lunchtime was about to arrive, I left the library disappointed. "Nothing. Maybe asking things about her directly would be best. We'll save the runes for later."
The meal proceeded without altercation. Louise and I sat together and, trying not to focus on the Saito topic, especially because of the number of restless ears around us, we talked about teachers, Tristain and Guiche. Apparently, the boy is the youngest son of a not very important noble family nowadays, but that doesn't stop him from being proud of his roots. He is not a bad person. However, his casanova attitude, coupled with a huge charisma and a certain attractiveness, causes many young girls to fall at his feet. He uses this to his advantage just like Kirche, but in a more restrained way than the germanian, or so says Louise. After saying goodbye, I spotted Siesta picking up the cutlery and plates and asked her if there was any chicken left over. She was surprised but, after recognizing me, she nodded politely. I asked her to prepare a plate for Anäis. She asked, incredulously, if she didn't eat with the rest of the familiars in the courtyard first. I replied that my familiar is too 'human', something that made her chuckled. On the way to the kitchens, she asked me again about Saito. I explained his situation and that in two days he should be back in the ring. Right now, I'm calmly going through everything I brought from Romalia while Anäis eats quietly on the table in my room.
–Mmm... I should definitely go to the capital as soon as possible.
–"I have to congratulate the cooks on this delicacy."
Anäis said happily into the air. "I wonder if she'll be able to do that." I smiled after thinking it through. "Just a moment." I sat up after closing a trunk and looked at her.
–Anäis.
–"Yes?"
–Can you communicate telepathically with other people?
The cat wagged her tail without stopping eating.
–"I can."
Her terse reply elicited an awkward silence. I raised an eyebrow. As if reading my thoughts, she continued.
–"But I'd rather not. Fortunately, being a cat has its advantages. For example, not greeting undesirable people even if you know them. Based on my experience, and despite the fact that humans rule the world, very few of them are worth the trouble."
I sat down next to her.
–Then I am fortunate to be able to hear your voice, right?
She paused, looked at me and chuckled.
–"You are, dear. At least for now."
I laughed.
–Well, I don't agree with your statement. I think there are many, many people out there with great ideas and opinions that deserve to be heard.
–"Power corrupts. And humans are easy to corrupt, Alessandro. Including you."
She finished dryly. I opened my eyes like saucers.
–M-Me?
–"Yes. Imagine if a creature appeared and offered you the ability to cure any disease or provoke it. Initially you would see it as a good thing, since you could help anyone in need. Now, once your abilities become known, many people will ask you to help them. Meanwhile, others will seek to provoke you, trick you or even threaten to kill you to cause illness. You will refuse and fight them peacefully, but to what extent? There will come a time when, seeing yourself overcome, you will curse your enemies using your powers. Little by little, they will corrupt you and, if no one stops you, people will fear you. No one will be able to challenge you. Then, when you are left alone, you will think that you should never have accepted that power."
Anäis spoke with such firmness and assurance that every sentence she said, every word, pierced me like an arrow. "She had to mention precisely the subject of disease." After the initial shock, I noticed a change of tone in some parts of his speech. "It's as if..." After a few seconds, I slowly pulled myself together.
–I think we've strayed from the main topic.
She regained her usual pose. Her eyes, much more affable, returned to the leftover chicken.
–"Oh, don't mind me, dear. I'm just a chatty cat who loves human food."
For my sake, I returned to the task at hand. I opened another trunk and, disappointed, sighed after contemplating its contents. "Most of the materials didn't survive the trip." I pulled out several jars and boxes that were practically airtight but gave off a not very pleasant odor.
–"Did you know that some animals have a superior sense of smell to humans?"
I blinked several times and it quickly dawned on me that she was still eating.
–Sorry.
–"I'm done."
As soon as I glanced at the table, it had only the plate and the remains of the chicken on it. Anäis had moved to the bed and was wiping and licking herself clean on it. I continued with my business. After a few minutes of sorting the useful from the waste, I sat down next to my familiar.
–Ready. On the Day of Nothing, I will request a horse to go to the city. Do you want to come with me?
She, without looking at me, began to scratch her head.
–"I prefer to stay in the comfort of our home. Horses move too much."
–No problem.
I stood watching her. "Because of the duel between Guiche and Saito, I've barely been able to spend time with her so far."
–Anäis, what do you like to do? Other than sleep, eat and relax.
She moved into a more comfortable position, hiding her paws under her furry body, and looked me in the eyes.
–"Are there any other pleasures?"
She inquired haughtily. I laughed lightly.
–I guess not for a talkative cat.
Anäis responded by lying on her side and stretching. The instant her belly was exposed, I took the opportunity to look closely at the runes. "I should ask Professor Colbert about this matter."
–"If I relax enough, maybe I'll let you in on some secret."
Her voice brought me out of my thoughts. Half-understanding what she meant, I stroked her side gently. After a few seconds, she began to purr. She slowly closed her eyes.
–"I reiterate. You have a very soft touch, dear."
–Thanks, I guess.
–"For a cat to have her mate possess such an ability is a blessing. More than one female student at this academy would agree."
She finished jokingly. I was stunned. The image of a certain person popped into my mind. "Not now!" After a short silence, I cleared my throat and decided to speak.
–Don't you enjoy the company of other familiars?
I changed the subject. She wagged her tail.
–"Some. They are much nicer than their masters. For example, have you seen the dragoness of the tiny girl in your class?"
I guessed who she was referring to and rolled my eyes. "That just you talking about size..."
–Yes. Her name is Sylphid, I seem to recall.
–"Her race is... Fascinating. Such extraordinary creatures tend to stay away from humans for safety. I understand her very well."
Her response brought a grimace of disbelief from me.
–Dragons are extraordinary creatures, indeed. However, I don't understand what you mean by "they tend to stay away from humans." Many are trained to serve in armies or as mounts for important people.
At that moment, images of Julio and I riding Azzurro came to mind. I smiled happily remembering how good it felt to fly for the first and only time in my life. "Vittorio always says we look so much alike. Physically we are like the sun and the moon. Personality-wise, I eventually understood his words. We have both suffered in our own way, but we always move forward no matter how many difficulties we encounter along the way. We have continually helped each other." I took a quick glance at Storm Ruler. "At the end of the day. I wouldn't have learned how to handle a sword if it weren't for him and the occasional soldier."
–"You love to get lost in your thoughts, don't you?"
–Hmm?
When I woke up, I was stroking the nothingness. She had settled onto her hind legs and was staring at me. I scratched the back of my neck and smiled sheepishly.
–Sorry. Talking about dragons brings back good memories.
–"I understand."
Wrapping up the conversation, she curled up carefully on herself.
–"If you go out, leave the door tucked in. I don't like to jump out the window when I have to relieve myself."
I looked up at the ceiling and sighed.
–Yes, your majesty.
Today I woke up earlier than usual. While grooming myself, the image of a certain familiar pops into my mind. "Saito will wake up soon. A priori, the ointment should not leave any after-effects if applied correctly. At most, muscle discomfort in the affected area for a while." Nothing interesting happened yesterday. I attended class and finally enjoyed the subject of alchemy. Professor Colbert is an excellent teacher, although we only went over things from last year. Anäis showed up after lunch to ask... Demand her share. I came out of the bath and, after drying myself, got dressed while looking in the mirror. "Nothing remarkable, as usual." I sighed.
–"You have a fighter's body, dear."
Her sleepy voice surprised me.
–Good morning, Anäis.
She stretched out on top of the bed.
–"Did you sleep well?"
–Relatively. Getting back to the school schedule is more costly than I thought.
–"Nobles and their problems."
She replied after sitting up on her hind legs. I looked at her and smiled wistfully.
–I wish those were my only problems. I'll see you later, okay?
I headed for the door. She jumped off the bed onto the floor and lifted her tail.
–"You wake me up early in the morning, feed me scraps and barely spend any time with me. What kind of master are you?"
She grumbled with some cynicism. I laughed.
–Today I'll order the best they have on the menu as soon as I sit down, is that all right with you, 'dear'?
I opened the door and Anäis stepped out in front of me with some agitation.
–"If in doubt between meat and fish, always choose fish. You know, cat stuff."
After saying that, she crossed the corner.
I arrived at the dining room among the first ones. I greeted Siesta with some discretion and she returned the gesture with a slight smile. Once the rest of the students entered, I noticed the only germanian girl present at the Academy. She sat down next to Tabitha and started talking cheerfully to her while she read a book. "If Kirche were not so haughty and Tabitha so introverted I would like to ask them how they became friends. It seems like something worth studying." As I waited for everyone to be seated to accompany the psalms, a couple of rather remarkable figures crossed the space between the door and the tables. I smiled in relief. "Thank the Founder." Louise mimicked my gesture once they approached. Saito, visibly hungry, didn't notice yet. Once the pink-haired girl sat down next to me, he noticed.
–Good morning, Alessandro.
–Good morning, Louise.
I turned my gaze to the boy. He watched me as if I were a spirit. Out of nowhere, he approached me and held out a hand. I opened my eyes in surprise and they met his.
–I want to thank you for everything you have done for me so far.
Saito smiled sincerely. After coming out of my astonishment, I was about to squeeze it when another hand landed on the familiar's head and forced him to bow. "What strength you have…"
–Did you learn nothing from the duel! Show more respect, you idiot!
Their little scuffle, rather than causing me discomfort, brought a chuckle out of me. They looked at me dumbfounded. Most of the nearby students watched the scene expectantly. A blush appeared on Louise's face and she quickly sat down again. Saito, who had a free chair next to her, stood up.
–Are you going to sit down at once or do you prefer to eat on the floor?
Said the young tristanian girl using a terrified tone. "Someone got up on the wrong foot." The familiar swallowed saliva and obeyed. I, still watching them, sighed.
–Welcome back, Saito.
On the way to the classroom, Saito's presence caught my attention. Louise explained to me that the principal allowed him to have breakfast, lunch and dinner with the rest of the students because of his human status. In turn, the boy would attend class with us to understand the workings of our world, except if her master ordered him another task. Evidently, she used a tone full of pride and disdain to refer to him as her subordinate. He sighed after her explanation. I merely nodded. "If for Louise to care about him and treat him well Saito needs to take a beating, I fear the worst. I have to find a way to be alone with him for interrogation… I mean, for ask him about his home." That thought made me roll my eyes. "I just sounded like an inquisitor." Once in the classroom, I sat down next to my usual deskmate: Tabitha. She greeted me by raising her head and putting on her glasses.
–Good morning.
–Hello.
And with those words we went about our business. "I don't know if she acts this way out of introversion or is a naturally quiet person." I shrugged. "It's none of my business either." Louise positioned herself in a much more centered area than usual next to Saito. Chevreuse took her place at the lectern as soon as she arrived. She caught the attention of those present with a couple of clapping hands.
–Good morning, students. The Summoning Ceremony is an important event in the life of any magician. I am pleased to hear that everyone has successfully summoned a familiar.
Once she finished speaking, she noticed Saito and opened her mouth a little surprised. "I wonder how many times I'll see that gesture throughout my time studying here." In a matter of seconds, she regained her smile and wrote the words Fire, Water, Earth and Air on the blackboard.
–Fire, Water, Earth and Air. In the first class of the course, we went over some of the most basic properties of Earth through simple incantations. Today you will learn that if we combine or improve in the use of an element, the effect will be more powerful and will have different properties. The levels of magic are divided into four according to the amount of elements to combine. Good. Who can tell me what these levels are called?
–Myself.
A blonde girl sitting right behind Louise and Saito raised her hand. "I think I've heard her name before."
–Go ahead.
The student obeyed and, after standing up, ran a hand through her hair in a haughty manner while smiling. I narrowed my eyes. "Why does she remind me of Guiche?" The aforementioned sat somewhat away from his usual place in the center of the classroom. From time to time, already since breakfast, he would throw hateful glances at Saito.
–If the mage controls only one element, he is at the Basic level. With two elements he would be Linear. If he combines three, Triangular. And, finally, the few who achieve some mastery with four are called Square.
–Correct.
The student sat down with pleasure. I leaned back in my seat. "I must get to practice as soon as possible, otherwise..." I closed my eyes trying not to think about my illness. "Now that I've mastered several Linear spells combining Water and Air, maybe it's time to get better at handling Earth. As for Fire... Ludwig was right. It's certainly not my element. That's not to mention that I'm having a hard time getting better at it." I shook my head slightly.
–We don't have class tomorrow...
I whispered. Chevreuse had been talking while I rambled on.
–Most of you should still be at the Basic level, with some exceptions...
–Professor Chevreuse.
The unexpected voice of a certain germanian woman made me turn my head.
–Yes?
–In this class, there is a student who still can't manage to handle any of them, having a success rate of zero.
As she spoke, her gaze was cruelly directed towards Louise. Finishing the sentence with a superior grimace, the rest of the youngsters, including Tabitha, who looked up from her book, watched the tristanian. "Technically she is indeed capable of handling an element." I laughed to myself at my own thought. The young woman didn't even flinch. The teacher smiled as if it was nothing, but surely she remembered what happened on the first day of class.
–There is plenty of time for them to improve their skills. But to do so, you must work as hard as you can. I'm confident that some of you will reach the Square level by the time you reach my age.
That comment hit me like an arrow in the knee. "I don't have that kind of time, mistress." I gulped.
Once class was over, we took advantage of the break to take a walk around the courtyard. From the very beginning, Saito, standing next to me, kept watching Louise and holding back his laughter. As we strolled down a corridor, I decided to speak.
–Saito, are you okay?
The boy looked at me and smiled from ear to ear. He put his hands in the pockets of his upper garment.
–Better than ever. Listen to this. Louise!
The tristanian, who was walking in front of us, turned around with a look of seriousness on her face.
–Yes?
–I think I finally understand where your nickname comes from: Louise 'The Zero'.
He paused. I opened my eyes like saucers at the tone used on such a delicate subject for the girl. "What do you intend, Saito?" He raised his right hand.
–I've been here for a few days and didn't know the reason. In fact, it seemed like everyone was making fun of you by calling you by that nickname.
–Saito.
–Zero attributes. Zero well-crafted spells. And yet you are a noble.
–Saito...
A strange nervousness came over me. Louise, who lowered her head after Saito mentioned her nickname, had her fists clenched. I was trying in vain to stop the familiar, especially since I already got a kick, a scream and some expletive from the little girl without provoking her. Out of nowhere, Saito quickly knelt down, keeping a smile on his face and clasping his hands together. Louise raised her eyebrows and looked him in the eyes.
–Mistress, this humble familiar has composed a song for you!
–A-A song?
I looked at the young woman.
–Go ahead. Sing.
She answered rather more calmly than I expected.
–It will be a pleasure!
Saito stood up and waved his arms.
–Lou, Lou, Louise 'The Zero'! The only magician who can't do magic! How useless! But that doesn't matter, because she's just a daddy's girl.
I opened my mouth in terror as I shot glances at Louise from time to time. "Oh, Founder..." I backed away from this one trembling in fear. The human familiar burst out laughing after finishing his recital. The tristanian closed her eyes.
–H-H-How is it possible that this fa-familiar would say such a thing about his mistress?!
–Saito...
The boy smiled at me. Once he understood the situation, he looked at Louise.
–Did it really bother you? I didn't...
–For every zero that comes out of your mouth you will go without food for a whole day!
She said violently. Even with the steps I took, my companion's aura overwhelmed me. Saito, whose mood suddenly changed, moved his hands and clasped them together in prayer.
–I'm so sorry, really! It got out of hand! Please don't leave me without food!
–Louise...
The little girl looked me straight in the eyes and I felt like I was having a chronic stroke.
–If you even think of defending him this time, Alessandro, you are going to be in big trouble!
–N-No, please!
I begged her as I remembered the kick he gave me before the duel between his familiar and Guiche. "This woman is scarier than anyone I have ever met in my life. Even more than Francesca's father." Saito tried to throw himself at Louise's feet, but she pushed him away with her hands.
–E-Everything but that, mistress!
–I said no! There will be no exceptions!
She finally pushed him away, leaving him in the middle of the hallway. Suddenly, she turned and went in the direction of the main tower.
–Let's go back to class, Alessandro!
–Yes, ma'am!
I replied and stood my ground as if I had been given an order. I sighed once she walked away. I walked quickly to stand next to her, but then I felt a hand grab my ankle. I tried to pull away.
–Alessandro, you can't leave me here.
–I'm sorry, Saito, but you asked for it.
–But you're my protector...
Feeling like a knight who abandons his most faithful man-at-arms, I separated from him.
–I would never provoke a woman like Louise like that. I want to live a little longer before I...
I stopped in time. "Just as well." I walked in the direction of the tristanian without looking back.
When night fell, Anäis and I were leaving my room in silence after a little talk we had during dinner. She asked me to leave the door opened for her while she went to relieve herself. I decided to join her for some fresh air. "Tristain is much colder than Romalia, but it's not winter anymore and I've been reading about Linear magic all afternoon. I feel like moving my legs." Once I lost sight of my familiar, which suddenly accelerated once it crossed the corner of our floor, I heard someone sneezing by the bedroom door.
–How cold it is...
–That voice...
I whispered. I went down the first step and found Saito standing with his back to me next to a basket of laundry. He was washing a piece in the fountain next to the tower.
–Since when did women's underwear have so many bangs?
As soon as I heard that comment, my eyes widened like saucers. "Don't tell me those are..." I averted my gaze in embarrassment and tried to pretend the basket wasn't there. I pulled myself together. "It's my time to talk to him alone. Focus, Alessandro." I cleared my throat.
–Good evening, Saito.
The boy turned his body suddenly. He was surprised.
–Alessandro? What are you doing here?
–Anäis needed to go out and I decided to accompany her, but I lost sight of her.
–I understood.
I walked to his side and sat down on the edge of the fountain. Suddenly, the familiar's stomach rumbled. He left Louise's underwear at the other end of the fountain.
–Damn it...
–Don't tell me Louise left you without dinner.
Saito nodded. "During the meal, it didn't cross my mind to bring up the subject to Louise for my own safety, so I feared the worst. I didn't come to believe that she would be so cruel." I sighed.
–If there was anything left over from what I got from Anäis I'd give it to you, but...
He lowered his head in defeat.
–It doesn't matter. I appreciate the gesture, I really do.
He picked up another piece of clothing, a pair of pajamas, and was annoyed as soon as he saw its design.
–But how many extravagant clothes does this girl have?
I couldn't help but laugh lightly.
–She treats me like a slave...
–It's logical.
Saito looked up and gave me an inquisitive look.
–You see, for a certain number of magicians, both young and old, their familiar is nothing more than a servant. A small animal that keeps you company with some special ability. Except in cases like Tabitha, the blue-haired girl from our class, or even my father, whose familiar was a horse, they are not held in such high esteem.
I smiled after remembering Bucephalus, my late father's horse. "The first time I rode... I'll never forget that moment." The boy closed his eyes.
–So, I'm just a little animal that will serve Louise for the rest of her life.
–I-I didn't mean it to sound like that, but... Yeah. In short, that's how she sees you.
–Great…
I shrugged and made an apologetic gesture with my mouth. "At least when you talk. Passed out she cares more." I took advantage of a moment of silence to think how to approach him and ask him things about his life and his... World. "Alessandro, don't talk too much and everything will be fine." I smiled pleasantly.
–At least, your case is special.
Saito finished washing the pajamas and looked at me.
–Special?
–Of course. Not every day a human familiar is summoned.
He placed a finger on his chin.
–Mmm... That's true. The rest of the familiars I've seen so far are animals or strange creatures.
–And that's why everyone looks at you with curiosity. What's more, I was surprised that you could speak our language. I remember, during the Summoning Ceremony, words came out of your mouth in a language I had never heard before.
Saito went through how many dirty clothes were left and pulled out another one... "Damn it." I looked up at the night sky slyly waiting for his response.
–Ah, that... Louise cast a spell while we were arguing when I woke up in her room. It caused an explosion and we both ended up covered in ash on our faces and clothes. Out of nowhere, I could understand her as if she spoke japanese. In fact, you all speak japanese to me.
–Ja-Japanese?
–Yes. It's the language of my country: Japan.
–Japan?
The boy nodded with total normality. I opened my eyes wide and held on to the fountain so I wouldn't fall into it. I tried to stay calm. "Breathe, Alessandro. It's going well." I became engrossed in my thoughts. "No! Nothing is going well! Not even in the Papal Library was there information about people coming from another world!" I closed my eyes. "I also couldn't go through as many manuscripts as I would have liked. Vittorio prevented me from doing so for obvious reasons. A pity... Besides, did Louise cast a spell that went well? Does Void magic only work on human familiars? No, that doesn't make sense. Louise summoned Saito correctly... If we don't count the explosion, of course. She can do magic. I know because Void magic exists..." I shuddered.
–Alessandro?
"If I say that out loud, everyone would laugh at me." I took a deep breath. "Saito comes from another world and now, thanks to a Void spell, he understands our language and we understand his. Fascinating." I shot the boy a piercing look full of curiosity. "Gandálfr, get ready because I'm going to know everything about you."
–Alessandro, are you all right?
–Yes, yes! I'm perfectly fine.
I tensed up. He went on with his work as if nothing had happened. We spent some time in silence while I was slowly getting myself together from this moment.
–Saito, what can you tell me about your world? As you can understand, I have never met anyone from... Japan?
The boy nodded and stopped washing Louise's clothes temporarily. He sat down next to the pieces that were drying. He smiled wistfully.
–Japan is my home. Specifically Tokyo, the capital. It's a huge city, full of people of all kinds. It's impossible to get bored there.
–How many inhabitants does it have?
–Mmm... About ten million.
–Ten... What!?
His answer caused me to lose my balance and almost fell, luckily to the opposite side than the last time. Saito was startled.
–A-Are you sure you're okay?
–Y-Yes, it's just that... That many... I doubt Tristain will ever have that many inhabitants in the whole country.
I swallowed. I started counting on my fingers.
–The most populated city in Halkeginia is the capital of Gallia: Lutèce. However, I don't think It reached a tenth of the population you just mentioned.
–My world was not so different from yours centuries ago. Japan, being a collection of islands, has a culture and history all its own.
I nodded like a child having something interesting explained to him. "Similar to Albion."
–I understand... Centuries, you say?
–Yes. In fact, in my world there are about five continents. Each with its own races, religions, cultures and countries.
–Five? Only two are known here at the moment: Halkeginia and the Holy Land. The former is divided into five major kingdoms or empires: Gallia, Germania, Romalia, Tristain and Albion; and some minor countries in the east, such as, for example, Laveria. Of the Holy Land, on the other hand, very little is known. Romalia, my home country, has territories there, and voyages are continually made across the Inland Sea. However, it is hardly discussed, as only a few families have access to the traded goods or spoils of war.
I finished gesturing. "Among them mine... If only I were still a Fontana de Cittadella." Saito nodded and gestured as if he had realized something.
–In my world there is a continent that, from what I have been able to see so far, resembles yours. It's called Europe.
–Euro-pe?
The boy continued as he stared at the fountain.
–According to what I have studied, Europe has been spreading its culture around the world for millennia. Civilizations followed one another. The westerners, as my high school history teacher called them, considered themselves socially, economically and militarily superior to the rest. Therefore, through religion, force or trade, they occupied territories all over the world, even reaching our country.
–Religion you said?
Saito nodded slightly. I sighed because of my opinions regarding that matter.
–Something similar happens here. Countries war from time to time according to the interests of the rulers. Without going any further, about twenty years ago, a series of rebellions occurred in some islands near the Ausona Peninsula, the mainland Romalia. However, as almost all of Halkeginia shares the same pantheon, the clashes are usually due to economic issues or family quarrels.
–In my country the same thing happened centuries ago. In the end, we are not so different.
His blue eyes met mine and we both smiled. "You are right, Gandálfr. It is curious that one of the first people I am glad to have met here is a legendary familiar from another world. Similar to ours, yes, but different in turn. People are not wrong. I'm a strange guy." Saito continued his work while I watched the night sky. "All the information I can get from that world, given that the papal archives are hundreds of miles to the south, comes from him. I need to know more." A new doubt popped into my head.
–You mentioned that you were a student. In Halkeginia, the common people do not usually have enough capital to afford higher education. Most citizens learn to count, write a letter and read the news or royal decrees. Let alone peasants. Very few reach the level of culture of the nobles or sons of rich merchants. And yet we seem to be of the same age, are you a noble? Your lack of etiquette makes me think not, but...
His stomach growled again. He sighed once he had left a pink nightgown to dry.
–I'm not, don't worry. In my world, at least in Japan, basic education is compulsory and public. That is, everyone can and must study up to a certain age. After that, everyone chooses their own path. Most continue studying in colleges and universities to find a better future.
I opened my eyes like saucers. Every word that came out of his mouth left me more astonished. "An equal education all the way through college. Fascinating."
–A better future...
I whispered. Saito uttered a sound of approval with his mouth, ignoring the reason for my comment.
–Yes. My case is particular. I finished compulsory education a couple of years ago. I managed to get into a high school in my area by the skin of my teeth, but I soon realized that I didn't want to follow that path...
He paused. He sighed.
–While I was looking for a job, a portal opened in front of me and trapped me. And here I am, washing a spoiled brat's underwear in a fantasy world.
His comment about Louise brought a chuckle out of me. "Fantastic world? Wait a minute… Did he just say that the portal got him!?" I gulped and gestated change. I approached him without remorse.
–The portal... Did it get you?
The boy was surprised by my movement, but he didn't think anything of it. He just nodded.
–Well, technically I touched it first. Then it caught me, I passed out and ended up waking up in the courtyard in front of all of you.
–Fascinating...
"So that's how it works. The familiar touches the portal and goes through... Does that happen all the time? Or only with the legendary familiars? Questions and more questions." Saito looked away into infinity.
–Something that surprised me was that no one, besides me, noticed the presence of the portal. It's as if, for them, it wasn't there.
I narrowed my eyes.
–A portal is unusual, of course.
–And in my world, magic doesn't even exist.
That statement caused me to slip, falling backwards onto the grass in the courtyard and letting out a groan. Saito was startled.
–Are you all...?
I sat up on my knees and held him by the shoulders. He was startled.
–Wh-What do you mean by 'doesn't even exist'?
I raised my voice.
–I-It doesn't exist. At least that I know of. I've never seen anyone handle the elements like you do here. Cheap tricks, yes, but creating a bronze soldier from a flower? Never.
I slowly separated from the boy and turned away. I stood up and opened my arms.
–Oh, Founder... This is wonderful!
Saito's stomach roared again, much louder than before. "That he comes from another world is acceptable without other evidence. That his world is similar yet different is logical. But that there is no magic!? I need..." Evidently, I soon realized the situation: it's nighttime, it's just the two of us in the courtyard, and I just shouted excitedly. I blushed hugely and sat down next to the fountain. I couldn't look him in the face.
–Sorry... Sometimes I get excited talking.
–I-I see…
–W-What are you doing out here at this hour?
Asked a soft voice from our right.