“Y-YOU’RE A P-PRINCESS?!”

Kia crossed her arms, looking proud of herself.

“I am not simply any princess. I am THE princess of Elysium, and I would ask that you remember that, if only for my sake.”

She lifted her head and puffed out her nose, like she was showing off. So, all this time, I’d been walking next to someone royal. And even worse, I’d let her take care of me, like I was some helpless kid. Honestly, I just wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear.

“I-If I had known, I… ”

I wanted to say I would’ve helped more, but that would’ve been a lie. She’d already shown me a bunch of times that she could handle things on her own. After she beat that Heldebeast, it was pretty obvious. Besides, I didn’t know anything about this world. Someone like me? I’d probably just get in the way.

“Is everything alright, Shako? You look a bit sad.”

I didn’t know what to say, so I just shrugged.

“I just… can’t help feeling useless. Not only did I die once, but twice. Both times, I couldn’t do anything to stop it. I mean, I’m really grateful you found me and helped me, but when we ran into that Heldebeast, I couldn’t even move. I—I…”

I didn’t know what else to say. Maybe because there wasn’t anything. Kia let out a small sigh.

“Shako, please look at me.”

I kept my head down. I was too scared to look her in the eyes. I didn’t want to see disappointment, or maybe anger. I felt bad that she had to waste her time on someone like me. Honestly, I kind of wished none of this had happened. Then two gentle hands touched my face.

“Shako, I cannot pretend to understand everything you have endured before we met, nor would I ask you to share more than you wish. What I do know is that you are far from useless. In truth, I have rather enjoyed the time we have spent together.”

“You mean that?”

She placed her hand on her heart.

“You have my word, as Princess of Elysium. You need only find a little more confidence in yourself, and I would be glad to help you with that.”

After that, Kia said we should go inside. I followed her through the gate and into the gardens. Flowers and plants were everywhere, and a bunch of butterflies and bugs flying around. Up ahead, a fountain sprayed that weird orange stuff—Ignis, I think Kia called it. We walked to the main entrance, where two guards were standing. When they saw Kia, they turned and opened the door for us.

“Welcome back, Lady Kia!” they shouted in unison.

We went inside and walked down this really long hallway. A red carpet ran down the floor, and the walls were covered with fancy paintings. Small chandeliers hung from the ceiling, lighting up the whole space. Marble statues lined both sides of the hallway.

“Your family’s got… um, interesting taste. Sorry, I didn’t mean that in a bad way!”

Kia let out a faint chuckle.

“Do not worry. Most people tend to say something similar the first time they arrive here.”

A minute later, we reached the main hall. Maids and butlers in Victorian-style clothes were busy dusting paintings, sweeping floors, and watering plants. One maid in the center was giving orders to the others. When Kia approached, the maid noticed her and bowed gracefully.

“Welcome home, Lady Kia. I am pleased to see that you have returned safely.”

The maid looked about my age. She was a bit taller than me, slim, with short black hair. Her bright violet eyes really stood out, especially with the purple eye shadow. She had a light blush on her cheeks, which made her pale skin look a little less… ghostly.

“Thank you, Astress. It seems you and the others have been hard at work during my absence.”

She nodded, then looked at me.

“If I may inquire, have you brought a guest with you, my lady?”

The maid turned to me and said:

“My name is Astress Belluvi. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. May I ask your name as well?”

Before I could answer myself, Kia answered for me.

“His name is Shako, and he is a guest of mine. I found him lying unconscious inside Sharp Peak.”

The maid squinted her eyes, looking kind of confused.

“I understand. That is most regrettable. May I ask what prompted you to bring him here, my lady?”

“Well, I may have promised that he could stay here for the night. It seems he has nowhere else to go, and I could hardly turn him away.”

If Kia was trying to make me look like a total weirdo, she was definitely succeeding. The way she explained things made it sound about as believable as saying the Earth is flat. I wanted to say something to defend myself, but Kia shot me a look that basically said, ‘Don’t.’ Meanwhile, Astress was staring me up and down, her sharp eyes scanning every inch of me.

“Sigh. You really take after your mother sometimes. Very well. I shall not question the boy’s presence further. However, I must ask that you ensure he does not cause any disturbance within the household.”

A disturbance? Me? I mean, I’m literally standing right here, you know? If you’ve got a problem with me, just say it. Not that I’d actually argue back.

My annoyance only lasted a few seconds anyway, because a messenger suddenly interrupted us:

“Lady Kia, I am here to convey His Majesty’s request to speak with you. He will be expecting you in the throne room.”

The joy on Kia’s face quickly disappeared as she let out a heavy sigh.

“Kia?”

I wanted to ask what was going on, but I hesitated.

“Shako, would you mind coming along with me?”

“No, it’s fine, really. But… where are we going, exactly?”

“To see my father, the king of Elysium.”

She led me to the other side of the room, where another long hallway began. As we walked, I kept thinking about what Kia and Astress talked about. Something about it bugged me.

“Why didn’t you tell her I’m not from here? Wouldn’t that have made things, I don’t know, less confusing?”

She was quiet for a moment.

“That is a rather difficult subject within these walls. There are things that have happened here which many would prefer to leave in the past. I must ask that you do not speak of it to anyone else.”

“Wait, so… does that mean I’m not the first person from another world to end up here?”

“Indeed, you are not the first Wanderer who has come to Fira.”

“Wanderer? That’s what you call people like me?”

Kia nodded firmly. I took a few seconds to let it sink in.

“So, is that why you believed me so fast back at Sharp Peak? When I said I wasn’t from here, I mean.”

“For the most part, yes. Although, I must say, most people who attempt such a lie manage to make it sound at least a little convincing. I assure you, I am not quite so easily deceived.”

“Then… what else made you believe me?”

She looked my way teasingly.

“That you have to find out for yourself.”

We reached a pair of huge doors. They were gold and decorated with gemstones and silver-leaf designs.

“For the time being, it may be best if you pretend that you have lost your memories. I believe that would spare you a great many questions.”

Even though the doors were massive, Kia walked up and pushed them open like they were nothing. A loud screech echoed down the hallway. My heart was pounding as we went inside.