45 Prologue: Time

<Time>

Time creates longing, and longing despises time. But even so, time is kind. It erases the pain and it will make sure that will happen.

Once I heard a quotation about time. It said: "Time is the kindest thing of all. Even the sorrow they feel losing their once in a year to come together will eventually heal. Time is the cruelest thing of all.  Even though they vowed to be together forever, it can make even their love fade away." The one who said that was *Tokisaki Kurumi.

At that time, I did not understand any of it. Why would time be the kindest while also being the cruelest. I was taken aback by my naivete. "I don't have a clue what they were talking about." is what I used to say. But now—I don't think I can say the same.

Time indeed is the kindest thing. No matter how painful it is, time will be there to heal that pain. Surely. And time is the cruelest thing. If one chance slips away, time will never come back for you. Time can create a gap. Time lost will never again return.

While lost in thought, I, Yuiga Guren, am in the middle of a predicament. And as I said in the middle, it means I have two major troubles now and it is sandwiching me at the same time.

—One, is that I have already gathered unnecessary attention. Because of that, I am in trouble. My plan to stay quiet while searching for a way to return to my world is now in a disarray. Well, I am the one to blame for that. Less time, less progress. And with much unneeded attention, I won't be able to do my thing quietly.

—And two,  that now... I have a problem that is beyond every problem that I have encountered so far. It is beyond anything, that even I have no idea of what it is at this moment.

At this moment. I am facing my number one problem.

¤

The night after the duel.

"Yo, brat. I have already settled everything that may cause you trouble because of the prince. It was grinding work, but it all worked out."

This person is Ellsworth de Blaze-Wizteria, and despite his crude casual talk he is a duke of this kingdom. Also, he is the father of Ellisbeth. Usually, he talks really formally, but with me, he is like this.

It was great and all. But aren't you the one who made me do this all?! I could only sigh.

"Well, thank you old man."

"Hmph! Shouldn't you be more grateful, lad? I saved your ass. Ignoring how he acted, the one whom you mop the floor of the arena with is a prince, you know!"

"And who do you think is the one most responsible for this?! If you just warned me to be careful of that aspect, then I should have been more prepared! You never told me about this love-life kind of shit, you gramps!"

We were shouting inside my room. But then, he backed off a litte and scratched his cheek a little embarrassed. "Well, I forgot." he mumbled. This old guy...

"E,even so, I never told you to duel him!"

"Tha, thats..!"

It's true... I just accepted that duel because I thought if I win the duty of guarding Ellisbeth will be over. And I was really pissed off by that idiotic prince when he involved Andrea. It's not like Andrea will be subjected to any kind of danger. She's strong. Very strong.

But even so, it ended up with this. I became a center of attention while being called "a prodigy of the blaze." What's with that?

I slumped my shoulders realizing my own upbringing.

"Anyway, lad, I have something for you."

"Hm?"

When I turned my eyes to him. He inserted his hand inside the breast pocket of his coat. And then, there he brought out an envelope. A golden brown envelope with a pattern on its border. The opening of the envelope is sealed with a red seal, and over the seal is an emblem. 

"What's this?"

I asked.

"Well, uhm... you see... J, just look into it."

He said while making an awkward expression.  After that, he smiled unnaturally and fled from the room. 

"Hey!"

I tried to call him, but he was faster than I had expected. What's this all about?

I jumped into my bed and lie down. And as I opened that envelope, it said something like this.

[Greetings to Mr. Yuiren.

    With all due kindness and respect, you are personally requested to head to the Royal Palace. This summon is only known to thee and oblivious from all eyes. I am waiting for thy arrival at the location Sir Ellsworth has spoken to thee. This is not an order but a humble request. However, the presence of thee is a grace to my honour. I shall await your kind response.]

It says request, but denying this will cost me troubles, right? Haaa...

Over the seal, a name was written.

{Alisha Flame-Wizteria}

"That old Elly. He involved me in a troublesome matter yet again. I will tell him off tomorrow!"

As I said that, the letter fell on my face. A sweet scent of an adult seeped into my nose.

I feel asleep.

¤

When the day came and the sun rose, I was ready to chastise and scold that old man!

But then, when I passed by a certain room... I saw Elly and Maam Beth embracing each other.

Their faces are not of a lovey-dovey expression. It was an expression of something really painful.

What happened to them is what I call beyond my expectations.

I, Yuiga Guren, once again entered a world beyond me.

...To be Continued...

Tokisaki Kurumi- From Date a Live.