Time For A Change(1)

--- Lefiya's POV ---

"What a disaster... a real mess!"

It felt like chaos had gripped our Familia, maybe even the entirety of Orario, for the first time.

In a blink, I went from a not-so-appropriate dream to being tossed onto the floor as the city trembled. Buildings crumbled, and adventurers hurriedly dawned their armor, fearing an attack on the Familia.

Barely a heartbeat later, uproar erupted from Ais' room, jolting my mounting anxiety. Disregarding my armor, I sprinted to her room, weapon in hand, hastily conjuring Elvish Magic.

I wasn't quicker than higher-level adventurers, so it wasn't surprising to find our Commander already there, spear in hand, his expression grim.

If someone dared to mess with Ais Wallenstein, and by extension, Ren...

They had to be strong.

No time for pondering; we swung the door open, revealing a scene both shocking and terrifying.

Ais was still on her bed, bewildered, eyes fixed on where the... um... window used to be?

My thoughts halted.

Nothing remained.

The sturdy wall, the elegant window—vanished without a trace. It was as if a monster had torn through the very fabric of the building with a single hand, leaving nothing behind.

The edges were twisted and contorted in a surreal dance of destruction. The room now exposed to the outside cold gusts of wind only made it all feel worse.

There were no traces of magic. Whoever did this used their pure physical strength...

While high-level adventurers might boast the strength to break through walls, these particular walls had been meticulously imbued with the combined magic of skilled mages.

Even Bete-san would find it challenging to destroy something like our Home's walls with a single punch...

I stood in stunned silence for a moment, then shook myself back to reality.

"What happened, Ais? Are you okay?"

I yearned for answers, but Finn was quicker. I bit my lips anxiously, holding back my questions.

Ais didn't respond. Her gaze wasn't fixed on the absent window; it seemed to stretch far beyond our reach. A terrible feeling washed over me, realizing she believed we couldn't help.

Finn persisted with questions, but seeing her state, I swallowed hard, understanding my role. 

If I didn't act now, everything I went through would be meaningless.

She needs Ren, and if she is looking that far, that means he can only be there.

"Commander, please stop asking. We won't get answers now. Ais-san, what are you waiting for?"

I assisted her to her feet, giving her an encouraging pat on the back.

"Go get him!"

As if awakening to her purpose, Ais-san sprinted off. I didn't comprehend the situation fully, but I hoped I had acted correctly.

Finn shot me an awkward look; I chuckled nervously, evading his eyes.

I hope there won't be strange rumors about the Sword Princess going out in pajamas...

"Let's hope she comes back soon."

Moments later, the rest of the Loki Familia burst into the room, armed and resolute, ready to confront whoever had "invaded" us.

What could I possibly tell them now?

Before any of us could utter a word, our Goddess spoke, her voice cutting through the air like a blade.

"I'm in the dark about what happened; something obstructed my vision. However, I have a gut feeling that a taboo has been broken."

A...taboo?

I tilted my head, deep in thought. What kind of broken law could lead to the huge commotion we just witnessed?

"What do you mean, Loki?"

Our Commander, ever the pragmatist, was the first to seek answers.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, we swiftly relocated the discussion to the meeting room, while a few among us hurried to pacify the alarmed executives of our Familia.

"Let me lay it out for all of you. While I suspect a taboo was breached, I lack concrete proof. Picture this: if it were true, the city wouldn't be merely trembling. In the worst-case scenario, we could all be six feet under. The situation has de-escalated too quickly..."

It became evident that our Goddess was grappling with the same confusion that gripped the rest of us.

If it's truly a taboo and Ren had broken one...did he perhaps try to protect Ais by fleeing?

And if that was the case...would both of them be alright...?

I hoped so from the bottom of my heart as the conversation continued...

---

As I fixated on Ren's unconscious body, a tumult of thoughts engulfed my mind.

Days had passed since the chaos unfolded, yet Ren did not wake up. For high-level adventurers like Ais and me, going without sleep for several days wasn't a major concern, but an uneasy worry settled within me. What if Ren's awakening took months, or worse, years?

In a twisted revelation, I contemplated how my past self might have reveled in this situation. The prospect of him not waking up could mean I'd be the one to comfort Ais and relish her company without hindrance.

The self-reflection hit hard—just how awful had I become?

Amidst Riveria's efforts to persuade Ais to take a break to at least eat something, I found myself alone in the room with Ren.

A soft laugh escaped my lips.

"How ironic. You and I, trading insults, playing enemies not too long ago. I yearned for Ais-san's affection incessantly, yet you monopolized it all. I used to wish to witness you like this every day... but now, here I am to say..."

I took his hand in mine, fixing my gaze on his face with resolute determination.

"Come back, you... you idiot! How dare you make Ais-san cry and keep her waiting for so long? Are you truly the man who wouldn't surrender her to anyone else...?"

The childishness of my words hung in the air, but I was aware of the truth more than anyone else—Ais-san needed him more than she would ever need me.

Strangely, my sentiments toward Ren had evolved, even into a semblance of friendship, though I staunchly refused to admit it.

Lost in my contemplation, my ears twitched at the sound of a chuckle.

"That was cute. 10/10. Also, your hand is quite hot, friend. Are you sure you do not have a fever?"

Of all the times to wake up, it had to be now!?

...Wait, did he just call me 'friend'?

"What did you...?"

Shock rendered me momentarily speechless, but the surprises were far from over.

"It's better if you sleep instead of using your head to overthink. I can see the bags under your eyes."

He gently pulled me through our connected hands, and before I realized it, I found myself in the bed while he settled into the chair.

"...Sleep, please."

His words cradled me in comfort, as if all worries had dissipated. My heavy eyelids succumbed to the suggestion, and as I drifted into sleep...

"Please... take care... of Ais-san..."

I mumbled so as I let all my piled up fatigue win.

"I will."

That was all I heard before falling asleep.

---

Author's Note:

Join the Discord Server, it's a trade.

I get:

- A new Member

You get:

- Pictures of Ren and his family & More!!

- A community of degenerates to be part of

- The chance to vote on stuff regarding the novel