Oh, God. I’m too nervous. I can’t even enjoy our stroll throughout the city to the castle. Why would the Arch Mage want to see me? Is that rare to have light attuned healing abilities?

“I was wondering, Leo,” I was so lost in myself that Hansel’s voice startled me. “Wow, is everything ok there?”

“I’m so sorry. I’m just too nervous.”

“Nervous about getting in the castle? Meeting Rodrick? Walking with me alone?”

“All of them?” Specially the last one, Hansel just laughed.

“It’s nothing to be scared of. Rodrick is just a curious fellow. He’ll probably ask you to cast the spell to see how it works,” yeah, Leo. Nothing serious about it.

I tried to relax a bit. I can panic once I know what Rodrick really wants. I hope they don’t ask strange questions about my past that could reveal that I’ve been summoned into this world.

“So, I was going to ask you, why the military? You seem like a pretty nice person. Why would you choose a job that is so bloody?”

I sighed… I guess that’s inevitable. Although I can’t relate as a soldier, I can talk as a teacher.

“I just want a brighter future, a peaceful one. But now that it seems I lost everything, I’m questioning it myself.”

I became a teacher mostly because I love to learn, and I love how people get interested in things and grow. I don’t think that was a good call, though, but that’s a problem for the day I get back home.

“That sounds idealistic, if you ask me,” he said.

“I know it’s a difficult road and that in the end I might not achieve it. But it just feels right.”

“Alone, perhaps it’s impossible, but with strong allies I think we could do it.”

Oh, he means himself. Well, he’s a prince after all.

“Was that the reason you saved the people a month ago?” I dare ask.

“I… I’m not sure. I had some ideas in my mind as to how I can utilize them in politics. After my father scolded me, I believed that to be the truth.”

His father did scold him.

“It was reckless.”

“It was necessary,” he answered.

“And I’m thankful for that, but you almost died, Prince. I’ve been thinking about it, but I can’t recall any nobleman in the crowd.”

“Yes, unfortunately, we couldn’t save any of the remaining nobles or the Royal Family. But we are allied countries! Don’t you think we should at least try?”

I understand your intentions, prince, but a good intention is not enough to save or rule a country. I sighed again. He is quite young, so I’m not surprised he wants to be the hero.

“That remains me, Prince. How old are you?”

“I’m 22 years old and counting,” I guess he doesn’t mind changing the subject.

“And you are already a S ranked Hunter…”

“It is quite impressive for my age, indeed, but noble and royal families in this continent usually have strong and battle-oriented talents, so in the end, it’s just natural,” modesty aside, of course. I don’t think he’s aware of his own words. “You said in the paper that you were 17,” he continued. “That is impressive, and having such a unique talent as well. It makes it hard to think you’re not from nobility.”

“I’m just lucky,” I feel the urge to change the subject again!

“Indeed.”

We walked for a few minutes and a silence filled the air between us, making me uncomfortable. God, it’s been so long since I was alone with someone, walking like this. I don’t know what to say!

“So, Prince.”

“Please, Leo. Call me Hansel. It’s ok as long as we are not in some high-class place.”

“Yeah… H-Hansel. I was wondering about this dinner we’ll have.”

“Oh, yes. I was thinking that we can eat at my chambers. It’s the only place in the castle where we can be alone.”

“A-Alone?”

“Yes. Sorry for keeping the mystery. I have a few questions for you, and I need it to be a secret. Will you bear it with me a little more?”

Now that I know that I can surely say that I’m 100% screwed.