The bed felt soft, the blankets wrapped around Tatsuya's body like a gentle embrace, warm and protective. The faint scent of fresh linen lingered in the air, a comforting aroma that seeped into his senses like a lullaby. His head, almost entirely sunken into the pillow, felt as though it were cradled by a cloud. It was the kind of softness that beckoned one to drift back into slumber, to sink further into the hazy world between waking and dreaming.
But Tatsuya's eyes, weighed down by lingering drowsiness, fluttered open. Heavy eyelids lifted with sluggish effort, revealing bleary pupils that struggled to adjust to the dim light. The world around him was still hazy, as though shrouded in a thin veil of mist. His muscles, stiff and aching, stirred beneath the blankets, the subtle ache a reminder that he had survived yet another night.
The curtains remained drawn, thick fabric shielding the room from the outside world. Yet, a single beam of sunlight had snuck through a tiny gap, piercing the darkness like a silver blade. That solitary ray fell across Tatsuya's face, warm and insistent, coaxing him into the waking world.
He squinted, his eyes tracking the faint line of light that illuminated the room in a muted, ethereal glow. Everything seemed the same, yet somehow different. This was still his room, the same four walls, the same ceiling he had stared at countless times. Yet today, the air felt lighter, the colors more vivid, as though the room had been washed in a fresh coat of life.
Slowly, Tatsuya drew in a deep breath, filling his lungs with the cool morning air. His chest rose and fell, and with each exhale, he felt a weight dissipating. It was a sensation he couldn't quite place — as if a heavy stone that had been resting on his heart had finally been lifted.
His gaze fell to his forearms, where scars crisscrossed his skin like the remnants of a battlefield. Normally, the sight of them would have sent a shiver of disgust crawling down his spine, the memories flooding back with the force of a tidal wave.
But now, as he looked at them, he felt something else. Acceptance and relief.
Relief cause he knew that he didn't gave in and took the easy way out and acceptance because someone accepted who he really was.
He ran his fingertips over the scars, tracing each line as if reading a map of his own survival. These scars were not just wounds — they were reminders of battles fought and battles won. They were proof that he had survived.
"I'm still here," he murmured, his voice a soft whisper, more for himself than for anyone else.
And he was still here because of her.
Ruza.
A warmth spread through his chest, like a small flame flickering to life in the darkness. Memories of her kind eyes and reassuring voice replayed in his mind, each one a lifeline that had pulled him back from the abyss. She had been the light that had pierced through the fog of his despair, the hand that had reached out when he was drowning.
Ruza… thank you. Thank you so much.
His eyes stung, and he blinked rapidly, biting back the tears that threatened to spill over. Gratitude welled up inside him, so potent it was almost suffocating. He swallowed, feeling the lump in his throat tighten.
How could he repay her? What could he possibly do to show her how much she had saved him?
The simplest thing would be to say "thank you." But that felt too small, too insignificant. Tatsuya judged Ruza to be the kind of person who would accept even a simple thanks with a smile but Tatsuya didn't want to be so lazy.
No, he couldn't just say it. He had to do something. Something more.
"What can I do to repay her?" Tatsuya whispered, the words trembling as they escaped his lips.
In truth, she had saved him. In that moment when he was ready to end it all, when the darkness had wrapped its tendrils around his heart and suffocated every ounce of hope, she had been the one to pull him back. She had shown him that there was still light in this world, that there were still people he could trust.
She had given him a reason to keep going.
A shiver ran through him, and his hands clenched into fists beneath the blankets. A new resolve hardened in his chest, like steel forged in fire.
Ruza… I will save you. Until the end of time. Just as you saved me.
He would stand by her, protect her, just as she had protected him. No matter what it took, no matter how long it took, he would repay this debt.
In that moment, Tatsuya had found a new reason to live. It was no longer just about finding peace for himself. It was about finding it for those he cared for, those he could trust.
Paul's words echoed in his mind, a lesson that now rang clearer than ever.
"What unseen truth binds every warrior, no matter how strong?"
Dependence on others.
That was the answer. That was the truth.
Paul had seen it all along. And now, Tatsuya could finally see it too.
"Thank you, Paul," Tatsuya said softly, closing his eyes and letting the warmth of the sun wash over his face.
Thank you for teaching me how to be strong.
Thank you for showing me that it's okay to depend on others.
And above all, thank you, Ruza… for being the light in my darkest night.
Part 2
The hot water cascaded down Tatsuya's back like a waterfall, washing away the remnants of sleep and lingering exhaustion. The steam filled the small bathroom, fogging up the mirror and wrapping him in a warm, misty cocoon. He leaned forward, pressing his palms against the cool tiles, letting the water drum against his skin.
It felt refreshing. Invigorating. But as the water poured over his head and trickled down his face, a single, nagging thought crept into his mind.
"How the hell does this shower work?"
Tatsuya blinked, staring up at the ceiling with furrowed brows. This world didn't exactly have modern plumbing. There were no pipes, no faucets, no heaters. The toilets didn't even flush. So how was this water still warm? And where was it coming from? Was someone just dumping buckets of water over the ceiling?
"What kind of magic is this?" Tatsuya muttered, scrubbing at his hair.
He shuddered at the thought.
After finishing his shower, he stepped out, a cloud of steam following him as he dried himself off. As he wrapped the towel around his waist, he noticed the clothes he'd taken off before showering.
Wait a minute…
The clothes lying on the floor were different from what he remembered wearing last night.
Wait… don't tell me…
Knock, knock, knock.
The sudden sound made Tatsuya jump, nearly slipping on the wet floor.
The door creaked open, and Itsuki stepped inside with her usual calm smile. In her arms, she held a fresh set of clothes folded so perfectly that it looked like it had been arranged by a department store clerk.
"Master Tatsuya, your clothes are fresh and clean," she said, her tone as polite as ever, as if she hadn't just shattered his sanity.
Tatsuya's stepped out of the bathroom.
Last night, he had been soaked to the bone from the rain, his clothes clinging to him like a second skin. And yet, somehow, he had gone to bed dry and comfortable.
I hope Ruza didn't get too wet…
Itsuki approached, placing the folded clothes on the dresser. It was his light blue kimono, the one he had worn yesterday. The fabric looked freshly laundered, not a single wrinkle in sight.
"Thank you very much," Tatsuya said, forcing a smile.
Itsuki clasped her hands behind her back, tilting her head with a playful glint in her eyes. "Did you like your new clothes?"
New clothes. New. Clothes.
It was as if a switch had been flipped in Tatsuya's brain.
New clothes?! THEY CHANGED MY CLOTHES?! WHILE I WAS ASLEEP?!
His face flushed a deep, mortified red as he yanked the towel tighter around his waist. "Y-Yes, they're very comfortable," he said through gritted teeth. And then, without thinking, he blurted, "Why did you have to change them while I was asleep?!"
Itsuki's expression became the picture of feigned innocence, her eyes wide and sparkling like a puppy who had just been caught chewing on a shoe.
"Huhhh? What do you mean, Master Tatsuya?" she said, drawing out the syllables with exaggerated confusion. She even placed a finger against her cheek and tilted her head in mock bewilderment.
"Don't play dumb!" Tatsuya shouted, his cheeks burning. "You know exactly what I mean!"
Itsuki looked away, whistling a tune that was far too innocent to be natural. Her entire demeanor screamed, Oh, I am so definitely guilty, but I'm going to pretend I have no idea what you're talking about.
Before Tatsuya could press further, another voice cut through the tension like a knife.
"We changed your clothes while you were asleep," the voice said, deadpan and unapologetic.
Tatsuya's entire body stiffened. That voice…
Ruza.
Standing behind Itsuki, Ruza leaned against the doorframe with her arms crossed, her expression as calm as the still surface of a lake.
She wore a long, hooded, fluffy bathrobe that looked like it had been crafted from the softest clouds in heaven. The robe draped over her figure loosely, the thick, sherpa fabric adding a sense of cozy warmth that made her appear more approachable than usual. The robe's light lavender color had a slightly mottled texture, and the hood hung low over her eyes, making her look both endearing and oddly intimidating.
Two large pockets sat at the front of the robe, and Ruza's hands rested casually inside them, her thumbs sticking out as she eyed Tatsuya with a look that was equal parts amusement and mild exasperation.
Tatsuya swallowed. The sight of her standing there, looking so casual and composed, somehow made the situation infinitely worse.
"D-Don't say that so casually!" he snapped, pointing a shaky finger at her.
Ruza raised a single eyebrow, her expression as blank as a porcelain mask. "What? You were soaked. You would've caught a cold."
"That's not the point!" Tatsuya barked, his face turning a deeper shade of red. "Why did you—? How did you—?!"
Ruza blinked, her head tilting slightly as if he were the one being unreasonable. "Would you rather have slept in wet clothes?"
"Well… no, but—!"
"Then you're welcome," she said flatly, turning away as if the conversation was already over.
Itsuki, meanwhile, was failing miserably to stifle her giggles behind her hand.
Tatsuya glared at her. "And you! You were part of this too, weren't you?"
Itsuki brought her hands together, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Master Tatsuya, you have nothing to worry about. We handled you with the utmost care and respect."
"That doesn't make it better!!"
Ruza paused at the door, glancing back at Tatsuya. "Next time, if you prefer, we can just leave you in the wet clothes."
"No, that's not—!"
"Great. Breakfast is ready."
And with that, she vanished, leaving Tatsuya standing there, towel-clad, blushing furiously as Itsuki continued to giggle like a mischievous imp.
Why do I get the feeling they enjoyed this way too much? Tatsuya thought, burying his face in his hands.
Part 3
The aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering stew drifted through the hallway as Tatsuya followed Itsuki and Ruza toward the dining room. The warm scent wrapped around him like a welcoming embrace, momentarily easing the tension he hadn't realized he was carrying.
Stepping into the dining room, Tatsuya's eyes immediately landed on the familiar faces seated at the long wooden table. Misuki and Nisuki were already in their usual spots, the twin maids chatting animatedly as they set the last of the dishes down.
But one sight made Tatsuya's brows shoot up.
Luna was also in the room.
Luna, who usually slept in until the sun was halfway across the sky. Luna, who would only get out of bed if there was a direct threat to her life or a promise of sweets.
But there she was, wide awake, bright-eyed, and sitting in the lord's seat — Yatsu David's seat.
Tatsuya swallowed, his gaze flicking to Ruza. Surprisingly, Ruza didn't look fazed in the slightest. If anything, she almost looked… resigned. Like a mother watching her child attempt to run a lemonade stand using orange juice and salt instead of lemons and sugar.
Luna noticed them entering and waved enthusiastically, a triumphant grin plastered across her face.
"Good morning!" she chirped, swinging her legs beneath the table like an overexcited child.
Tatsuya took his seat beside Ruza, his eyes still fixed on Luna, who was lounging in the lord's chair like a queen awaiting her coronation.
Sora was also in the room, sitting at the very edge of the table, her posture stiff and her gaze downcast. It was as if she were trying to make herself invisible — a difficult task, considering she was nearly the tallest person in the room.
Everyone settled in, the atmosphere feeling oddly charged.
Clap!
The sudden, loud clap echoed through the room, making Sora flinch and Tatsuya jump in his seat.
Luna stood up in the chair, one foot planted on the seat and the other on the armrest as she clapped her hands together like she was about to deliver a royal decree.
"Listen up, everyone!" she declared, her voice ringing out with the confidence of a dictator about to take over a small nation.
A pause.
Luna's eyes went blank. She blinked. Once. Twice. Then she snapped her fingers as if suddenly remembering what she was supposed to say. She spun around, grabbed a piece of paper that was previously crumpled on the table, and held it up like a royal proclamation.
"Ahem!" Luna cleared her throat with all the grace of a cat coughing up a hairball. "Since the lord of this mansion — my beloved, amazing, incredibly wise father — is away on an important mission, it is only natural that the role of the lord must be filled by someone equally wise, equally competent, and equally—"
Ruza's eyebrow twitched.
"—beautiful," Luna concluded, smirking as she tossed her hair over her shoulder with a flourish. "Thus, by the power vested in me, I hereby declare myself the new Lord of this mansion!"
The room fell into a silence so heavy it might as well have been made of lead.
Tatsuya swallowed, eyes darting nervously to the others. Misuki and Nisuki exchanged confused glances. Sora looked like she was contemplating becoming one with the floor. And Ruza… Ruza just closed her eyes and took a deep, patient breath.
"So, without further ado," Luna continued, climbing higher onto the seat so she was now fully standing on it, "as the new lord, I have issued my first decree!"
Luna raised the piece of paper dramatically, as if it were a sacred text handed down by the gods themselves.
"Because the pantry is nearly empty," she began, her voice booming like a general addressing her troops, "I have decided that Sora, Tatsuya, and Misuki shall go to the village to buy food!"
"What?" Misuki said, eyes wide. "But we went yesterday!"
"Yeah!" Tatsuya said, frowning. "And why just us?"
"Because," Luna said, folding her arms across her chest with a smug grin, "as the new lord, it is my duty to stay behind and oversee the mansion. And besides, it is clearly written here in my official decree."
She held up the paper. Tatsuya squinted at it. It was a childishly drawn map with stick figures labeled "Sora," "Tatsuya," and "Misuki" walking toward the village, while a stick-figure version of Luna lounged on a throne, eating grapes.
"This is not a decree!" Tatsuya shouted. "This is a crayon drawing!"
"Ahem!" Luna coughed, eyes darting away. "Anyway, as lord, I have spoken. Off to the village with you!"
"Wait, wait, wait," Nisuki said, holding up a hand. "Didn't Lord Yatsu say that whoever issues a decree has to participate in it as well?"
Luna's face paled. "He said that?"
"Yes," Misuki nodded, her expression deadpan. "So, if you're the new lord, then you should lead us to the village."
Luna's eyes darted left and right, sweat beading on her forehead. "But… but… as lord, I have to protect the mansion!"
"No, you don't," Ruza said flatly. "It's not like this will ever be attacked anyway."
"B-But!" Luna's eyes widened, her knuckles turning white as she gripped the back of the chair. "I mean, it would be irresponsible to leave the mansion unattended—"
"It's not unattended," Sora said, her voice small and timid. "I-I can stay behind and keep watch."
"Oh, no, no, no!" Misuki said, clapping her hands together. "Luna, as our new lord, it's your duty to lead the shopping trip!"
"Yeah!" Tatsuya said, smirking. "After all, we can't leave the new lord here without gaining the trust of her people!"
"Traitors!" Luna whispered, her legs trembling as she climbed down from the chair. Her face was as white as a sheet, her fingers shaking as she crumpled the "decree" in her hands.
But Tatsuya caught the look in her eyes. Beneath her forced smile and trembling fists, Luna's lips quivered slightly. Her shoulders tensed as though she were bracing herself for a storm.
Was she… scared?
The room buzzed with chatter as everyone rose from the table, Sora giving Luna a worried glance before following Misuki and Nisuki out the door.
Luna remained rooted in place, staring at the floor as if it might open up and swallow her whole.
"Luna?" Tatsuya said, leaning in. "Are you okay?"
Luna forced a grin, her eyes dull and unfocused. "Of course! I'm the lord, right? The lord never gets scared!"
But as she laughed, the sound was hollow. And Tatsuya couldn't help but notice how tightly she clutched the crumpled paper, her knuckles pale and her breathing uneven.
Luna… what are you so afraid of?
So in the end everyone decided that to take Luna with them.