That Time I Started A Life In Another World

Painful Conference

I jump down right in front of the gates.

The knights that were stationed there got startled for a bit, but quickly got into a fighting position.

Cylob: "Hold on, I mean no harm. I had gotten an abrupt summons to attend the conference held at the castle."

The knights looked at each other for confirmation. After both of them shook their heads, they turned to me with clear intent to attack.

Oh, come on! Did I come too fast or something?

"Hold up, guys! He's telling the truth!"

A manly but also playful voice called out to us.

When I looked there, I saw the glint of a familiar helmet.

Al: "He really is *pant* invited!"

On second thought, his voice sounded completely exhausted.

The guards both looked at Al, and once they recognized him, they stood down.

Al: "Whew. *pant* Managed to come in time."

His voice was creaking from how out of breath he was. He put his hands on his knees and his chest started heaving up and down.

Cylob: "Ah, Al. Did they send you to get me?"

Al: "Yeah, but *pant* could you not have come so early? *pant* I had to run as fast *pant* as I could once I saw you."

Cylob: "Sorry. I just didn't want to waste any time."

Al: "That's fine. *pant* Just be more considerate of weaklings like me."

I don't consider you weak. -I wanted to say that, but I didn't want to draw his suspicion.

Cylob: "You don't have to answer me, you know? Just regain your breath first."

We stood in silence (if you don't count Al's breathing) for a bit.

Al: "Alright, I'm fine now."

He was back to his usual cheerful voice. He gestured for me to follow him, so I did.

Cylob: "That's good. I have to ask though, why did they send you to fetch me?"

Al: "It's because I was the most useless guy there. I wasn't contributing to the conversations at all, and it's not like I can protect Priscilla."

Cylob: "Yeesh. That's one hell of a self-deprecating mindset. Is that not bad for your mental health?"

Al: "Well, it's the truth. Better to swallow it. More importantly... how do you know my name?"

Cylob: "Well, I made sure to do some background checks on everyone who will have attended the conference. It was there where I stumbled upon the name of Priscilla's jester."

Al: "I see..." His helmet was facing forward, but I could feel his scrutinizing gaze on me. "You're really bad at lying, you know?"

Cylob: "Got any tips?"

...

Al: "HAHAHA! What an answer, dude! That was completely outside my expectations." He hit me in my back.

Cylob: "Yeah, sorry. Everyone's got secrets to keep. This particular secret is something I'll tell everyone at some point in time, but it'd take too long to explain it now."

Al: "Alright, I get it. it's just that... heh, normal people would get flustered or deny the accusation. You took the third path, which is extremely funny."

Cylob: "What can I say? I'm definitely not normal."

Al: "That's good."

We continued walking, but this time in silence.