I'm in Otome World, Really?

Chapter 17 - A Secluded Village (part 1)

"Luna. I won't be home for three days. I've told this to the other two. So, take care of yourself and the house."

The moment I heard the sudden news, I turned around to face Nicho who had prepared with a big bag in his hand. He was rarely at home so I actually felt a bit sad when I heard that, but really, I couldn't say that directly to the person. Well, I felt like this perhaps because he was my first friend. In this world, I mean. And he had become one of my important people. He had helped me a lot before. 

He probably noticed I felt a bit lonely because he stared at my face with worried look. He is often worried about me and I knew why he always like that--Yes, it is because I usually do reckless things--so I quickly shook my head and showed a smile on my face to assure him.

"Don't worry. I'll be fine. There are Kayla and Kei here. They'd look after me."

He furrowed his brows as soon as he heard my reply and muttered something like, "You don't realize you always make new problems for me." He didn't know I actually heard that, huh? I wanted to retort but he quickly interrupted, "Well, about them, I don't really like the guy. And, I don't really have a problem with the woman though sometimes she pisses me off with her childish attitude. Really, I wonder how you could meet them."

I let out a small sigh and remembered how often Nicho was annoyed at them.

Fortunately, even though they didn't get along, they never really quarrel.

"They are good though, so don't hate them," I replied while remembering that they always treated me as though I was their own family.

As I said that, I unconsciously showed a small smile again.

Nicho stared at my face silently for a few minutes with more gentle and kind eyes, being a bit out of character. The corner of his mouth twitched up as he let out a small and almost inaudibe sigh. "Yeah, fine. I'll trust them." He then patted my head. "I'm going to go to a place which is rather far from here, but this is not the task from Mr. O.W.H." He paused a while before smirking at me. "See you again three days later."

I smiled. "Yeah, see you."

After that, Nicho went inside his carriage which had already been in front of the house since ten minutes ago. The coach gave me a soft smile and bowed to me, then he brought the carriage with Nicho in it and went toward who knows where.

When I didn't see the carriage anymore in my sight, I went back to the house and just did my usual daily activites---chatting with Kayla and watching Kei make magic staffs which somehow entertained me. Kei did ask me if Nicho was really gone and when I said yes, he let out a relief sigh and replied, 'Finally'.

I thought that today would be my usual boring days, not until I heard a familiar whisper in my ears.

"Luna. I want you to do me a favor."

I frowned when I heard the urgency in his voice. "What is it?"

The voice sounded a bit panic and he talked really fast that I almost thought he was rapping.

"Actuallynormalpeoplewon'tbeinvitedtogotherebutthisisurgentandmyfatherwantsmeto-"

"Wait!", I cut him off because I didn't understand one single word he said. "I don't understand what you are saying. Speak slower."

He took a breath and exhaled it, trying to be calm. "Sorry..." I said it is alright, then he repeated what he said, "Actually normal people won't be invited to go there but this is urgent and my father wants me to make you go with me." I heard he let out a frustrated sigh and continued, "I don't want you to be there though... I'm worried something bad will happen to you if you go there. My father would reject the request as well if Gonsale didn't beg him to invite you there. But, since the discussion will be related to this world and the theory... we think that it is really better if you go with us. Father and I will provide you a bodyguard who will protect you anytime, but it still worried me."