The next week was kind of a blur. Kia and Astress kept coming up with new exercises, and each one felt harder than the last. I wasn’t sure I could keep up, but I tried anyway. It didn’t seem right to just stand around while everyone else worked. If I was going to be a servant, I wanted to at least make their effort teaching me count for something.

…

One morning, I sat down next to Kia at breakfast and sighed.

“What is troubling you?” Kia asked.

“I’m so tired! And my body hurts like hell.”

I didn’t mean to sound like I was complaining or anything. I just needed to say something, blow off some steam, I guess. Still, Kia looked at me like she felt sorry for me.

“I hope Astress and I have not been asking too much of you.”

I shook my head.

“No. I should’ve expected this when I asked your dad if I could work here. I’m just… not used to it, is all.”

“I suppose you must have had quite a lot on your mind.”

“True.”

We both went quiet for a bit. I wasn’t sure what else to say.

“Still, I would rather you tell us if it ever becomes too much. There is no shame in needing a moment to rest.”

“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

I tried to play it cool, but honestly, I was already wondering if I’d need that break sooner than I thought.

“But setting that aside for a moment—how have you found things here? You have been with us for more than a week now.”

“Uh, it’s still kind of weird living in a castle. I guess I’m getting used to it, though. Other than that, things have been… pretty good, I think.”

I shifted a little and gave her a quick bow.

“Thank you, Kia, for all you’ve done.”

She looked kind of confused for a second, then laughed quietly.

“There is no need to thank me, Shako. As I said before, I could not simply leave you behind.”

“Even so, I still want to thank you. I mean, I don’t think I could ever really make it up to you, but… I’ll keep trying anyway.”

We kept eating in silence for a while. I was still trying to figure out what else to say when Kia put her knife and fork down.

“In that case,” she rested her cheek against one hand, “would you care to join me for a walk through town? I promise not to get us too terribly lost.”

“A walk through town?”

“Yes. You have been here for over a week, yet you have hardly seen anything beyond these castle walls. There is so much of Gehenna I would like you to see—if you are willing to trust me as your guide.”

Honestly, even if Kia got us lost again, a walk through town didn’t sound so bad. It might be better than just going straight back to training, anyway. Not that I had anything against Astress, but I’d rather not get whacked with her stick again if I could help it.

“But what about my training? Do you think Astress will consent?”

“I shall ask her if she might spare you for the day,” she answered teasingly.

“Please do.”

…

Later that day, I went back to my room. I checked my hair in the mirror, tried to smooth out my shirt, and stood up a little straighter, just in case. I was still fussing with my collar when someone knocked on the door.

“I’m almost done, Kia.”

“Did I not teach you to refer to her as Lady Kia, Mister Ikitayashi?”

I spun around, and there was Astress, already standing in my room.

“Ast— Mistress Belluvi, um, what are you doing here?”

“Is it now considered improper for a teacher to ensure her pupil does not squander his day of rest?”

Her voice had some venom. I guess she wasn’t exactly thrilled about Kia wanting to go sightseeing with me.

“Listen…”

Astress came closer, and for a second, I honestly thought she might hit me. I braced myself, but instead, she just fixed my collar.

“There. It appears I must also provide instruction regarding the appropriate manner of dress.”

“Will that be on next training’s agenda?”

“Do not play with fire, Mister Ikitayashi. Otherwise, you might get burned.”

I swallowed without really meaning to. Astress stepped back and folded her hands in front of her.

“To answer your first question, I simply wanted to wish you good luck.”

“Wait, really?”

“You will find that Gehenna possesses many admirable qualities, though it is not without its shortcomings.” She briefly paused before continuing. “Nevertheless, I trust that, in time, you will come to appreciate the true worth of this city. It is, after all, the place where Lady Kia and I spent our formative years.”

She really cared about this place. Kia did too. I wondered if anyone back on Earth would ever talk about my hometown like that. I missed it. Probably more than I should. The streets I used to walk, the shops I always passed on my way to school, even the stuff I complained about all the time. I never thought I’d actually miss any of it. I guess I just assumed everything would always be there. Now, I wasn’t sure I’d ever see it again.

“…Mister Ikitayashi?”

Astress’s voice snapped me out of it.

“Huh? Oh, sorry. I was just thinking about home.”

“I see.” Her expression softened ever so slightly. “If I may be so bold, I would advise you to make the most of your time here.”

I glanced over at her, not really sure what she wanted me to say.

“Gehenna may differ from what you are accustomed to, but it offers much to those who are willing to seek it. There are places worthy of your attention, individuals of merit, and experiences that may prove valuable. It would be regrettable if you were to overlook them due to preoccupation with matters elsewhere.”

I didn’t really know what to say. Part of me wanted to tell her it wasn’t that simple. Just because there were new things to see here didn’t mean I could stop missing home. Earth was still my home. Even if Kia was nice to me, and everyone here tried to make me feel welcome, it didn’t change that. But I knew Astress wasn’t trying to make me feel bad. She just wanted me to try, I guess.

“Yeah… I guess you’re right. I’ll try.”

“See that you do, Mister Ikitayashi.”

Just like that, she went back to looking serious.

“Now, if I am not mistaken, Lady Kia is awaiting your arrival. I would advise you not to delay her further.”

“Right! Thanks, Mistress Belluvi.”

I hurried toward the door, but stopped right before I left.

“Hey, Mistress Belluvi?”

She raised an eyebrow.

“What is it?”

“Thanks. For wishing me luck, I mean.”

She didn’t say anything for a second. Then she gave this tiny nod, like she almost didn’t want me to notice.

“You are most welcome. That said…”

She walked over to me quickly. I tried not to flinch.

“Should anything happen to Lady Kia, you will be held responsible.”

She didn’t really need to say the rest. I got the message. Not that knowing made me any less anxious. If anyone up there is listening, a little help would be nice right about now.

“I-I’ll do my best to make sure nothing happens to her. I promise.”

“Good. Now, go on.”

I stepped out into the hallway. I caught myself smiling a little. I probably had a long way to go before this place felt like home. But I could at least try, right? Anyway, Kia was waiting for me. Knowing her, she’d already planned what we were doing today.