123 Back to Palisia

When we finally returned to Palisia, the sun was already down. However, Nocsinis Station was still as lively as ever as large amounts of people walked about, minding their own business and headed for their destinations. It's pretty astonishing, really, to think that these people, from that young woman walking by with her friends to those office workers returning home, have their own personal lives and issues. Most of the time, people are just to caught up with their own lives that they often neglect to think that other people have a family and are dealing with hardships of their own. However, through this trip to Saroff, I felt as if I was able to mature and recognize this fact even better now.

It all started when Luna exposed her illness to me, which led to me starting to become more considerate. Then, it was that night I spent in Muria's and Irina's room, where I learned of the Muria's background. After that, the night and day I spent with Luna really allowed me an opportunity to open up more, to further think about others. Then, that night with Mura, where I learned of her views on society and humanity. Although there was an accident involved, all in all, I felt as if I matured greatly through this trip.

Our entire school passed through the ticket gates, leaving behind the platforms for the high-speed rails and entered the general lobby area for the train station. I was tired from the ride back, and it would appear that the other students were too for they were less energetic in appearance and less chatty. However, lucky for us, school will be off tomorrow even though it's a Monday since it's a holiday, the holiday being Restoration Day, which is the day where the Vilheim Empire was restored after being annexed by imperial forces during the last Great War.

"I'm so tired!" Noah yawned as he stretched his back.

"Who isn't?" Loyd sighed.

"So are we allowed to head home yet?" Noah then asked.

"Nope," Loyd shook his head. "The teachers still have to release us."

"What? We're not even in school!"

"That's just the rules," Loyd sighed.

Like what Loyd said, we were later told to line up once again so that the teachers could take attendance for the last time. It was quite the tedious process since everyone was tired, including the teachers, which meant that the task wasn't conducted with great efficiency. Many people, including myself, decided to just sit down using our luggage as a seat in order to rest our legs.

"Seems pretty comfortable," Muria commented when she looked down at me as I sat on my duffel bag.

"Yeah," I sighed, looking away and avoiding her gaze. I was still somewhat ashamed for what I done to her older sister, but I think that shame will gradually fade away. Time itself is the best medicine...

"Muria!" Irina called to her. I looked over as well and saw Irina patting the open spot on her suitcase. "Come sit with me."

"B-but..." Muria appeared quite hesitant as she blushed from embarrassment.

"Just go," I said, encouraging her to take a seat. "She offered, didn't she?"

Muria gazed into my eyes for a bit before sighing and complying. Slowly, she walked over to Irina, looking around with a slight blush on her face from embarrassment. Her body posture was also one of embarrassment as she rubbed her arms with her hands. However, she ultimately did take a seat beside Irina and appeared quite content that she has a place to sit down and rest. Seeing that Muria had sat down next to her, Irina then rested her head on Muria's shoulders, sticking close to her. This gesture of her's seemed to trouble Muria somewhat, but that expression soon disappeared as she sighed and allowed Irina to continue using her body as a support.

"Alright," I heard Mura say in a voice that was audible to every student in my class. "We're now done with attendance. Everyone can leave now."

Her dismissal drew out numerous sighs of relief as well as shouts of excitement as the other students could finally start making their way home. The crowd moved slowly though as they were sluggish from the long journey home as well as staying up too late from last night. In fact, many students have heavy bags underneath their bloodshot eyes from probably staying up the whole night. With how tired they were, it was obvious why they were quite slow when leaving since they still had to carry their luggage home with them.

"See you guys Tuesday," Loyd said to the rest of us.

"Yeah, see you," Irina said with a smile on her face. It was surprising to me how she could still be so energetic. But... I think enjoying oneself really helps in eradicating fatigue.

"Are you heading home with Ms. Zartlich?" Loyd asked Noah, mentioning Emilia's title.

"Yeah," Noah sighed. "She is my cousin after all and I do live with her."

That's right. I almost forgot that Noah's identity in this world is given as Emilia's cousin. But... he lives with her? Then that means Noah lives in the same building as I do...

"So I'm guessing Muria you're waiting for your sister as well?" Loyd said as he glanced over at the girl who was sitting beside Irina on her suitcase.

"Right," Muria nodded.

"I'm going to spend the night over at Muria's house," Irina said with a large smile on her face.

"That sounds fun," Loyd chuckled. "I'm guessing Zaksus and Luna are probably heading home then."

"Where else would they go then?" Noah said in a somewhat sarcastic tone that made Loyd laugh.

"Right," Loyd said as he finally stopped laughing.

"Yo!" I looked over to my left and saw Zaksus jogging over to us while carrying his duffel bag. He probably came by to say goodbye before he too left for home.

"Ah, there's Luna!" Irina then stood up as she waved over at the girl who slowly approached us from our right. "Are you headed home as well?"

"Yeah," Luna smiled. "Just wanted to say bye before I leave."

Upon seeing Luna, I felt plenty of strange gazes thrown my way. In addition, among the crowd around us, I heard some murmurings, which was probably the result of me hugging Luna at the station platforms in Saroff. Even though I had anticipated this reaction, it was still pretty weird when it all played out before me.

With a somewhat troubled expression on my face, I sighed. Then, I noticed Luna looking over at me, so I met her gaze. She smiled and waved at me before she joined in on the conversation the others were having. During their conversation, I continued to sit on my duffel bag and didn't choose to leave immediately. I don't know the exact reason as to why I chose to stay behind for a bit, but I think it might be because I wanted to rest my legs a bit more. However, just listening to them talk isn't all that bad to be honest. It's actually rather pleasant.

"Woah..."

I then heard gasps from other students who stood still as they stared at someone. The male students were blushing and the female students were commenting among themselves. I looked about in search of what caused that reaction, and to my surprise, it was Loriana. The crowd of students seemed to part for her as she slowly made her way into the crowd, looking about in search of me. When she finally saw me, a soft smile appeared on her face as she walked over.

"Did you have fun?" she asked in a gentle voice as she gazed down at me.

"It was alright," I answered, forcing myself to get up. I sensed that she must be here to take me home, so I reasoned that I shouldn't make her wait.

"Are these your friends?" she then asked, looking over at every single member present.

"I wouldn't say friends..." I muttered in response.

"H-hello." Irina stuttered somewhat as she introduced herself, which is quite rare to see since being the celebrity that she was, she must be able to speak clearly. However, I believe she must be extremely nervous at the moment since her face appeared somewhat red. "I'm Irina, and you are..."

"I'm his aunt." Loriana smiled as she patted me on the back.

"Is this the person that took you in?" Loyd whispered into my ear and I nodded in response.

"Thank you for taking care of him for me," Loriana smiled. Then, her eyes wandered over to Muria and her facial expression softened as she realized that she was our neighbor. "You're the girl that lives next door."

"Right," Muria bowed her head politely. "My name is Muria Edel," she said in a respectful voice. "I live next door with my older sister, Mura Edel. Thank you for the cake the other day."

"It's fine," Loriana gently laughed, which drew blushes from the male students that were still lingering about. "I need to thank you for willing to talk to him. Not only you, but everybody here as well."

I felt a small tap on my shoulder, and looking over, I saw that it was Zaksus. He gestured with his hands, signalling for me to follow him. On his blushing face, I could sense a serious resolve, so I decided to comply. However, I had a bad feeling since he constantly glanced over at Loriana.

"What is it?" I whispered to him as he had his left arm around my shoulder.

"I-is she single?" he stuttered as his eyes seemed to shine from a rather strange determination.

"Who?" I asked.

"Your aunt!"

"I guess," I answered. "You're not thinking of..."

I stared into his eyes, trying to determine his intent for asking that question. I hoped that I was wrong, but by looking at how determined his eyes were and how red his face got, I know that my prediction was right. I sighed and shook my head from this devastating fact.

"Just give up," I sighed.

"W-why?" Zaksus asked.

"Because..." I sighed.

"Please!" Zaksus then bowed his head and clapped both hands together in front of him. "Let me come over to your house tomorrow."

"Uh..."

"Please, please, please!" he begged.

"Well..."

"If you don't, I'll tell her that you went to a brothel," he threatened.

"What the..." I stared at him in surprise as I didn't expect him to go to such extremities and lie in order to achieve his goal. I let out a sigh as I thought over my options. I guess having him over won't hurt. It's not like Loriana will actually fall for him. "Fine..."

"Thank you bro!" he smiled and patted me on my back."Next time we go out for food, I got you."

Then, we returned back to the group. It would appear that they were having a casual conversation as Loriana waited for me. I just hope that in their conversations my name didn't show up...

"Ready to leave?" Loriana asked.

"Yeah," I nodded. "And by the way, this guy wants to come over tomorrow. You won't mind, right?"

"That's fine," Loriana smiled.

"Can we come over as well?" Irina then asked. "We're just next door."

"Sure," Loriana answered before I was able to say anything. "All of you can."

"Then it's decided," Loyd smiled. "I haven't been to your new house."

Wait... Why did no one ask me if I give my consent to this gathering that's going to take place in my area of residence? Where are my rights in this?

I let out a sigh and shook my head. I have a feeling that tomorrow will be a very long day...