I sat in the living room, staring at the beautiful woman in front of me.
She was casually sipping tea, a serene smile on her face. The soft rustling of her dress, the way she held her cup with delicate fingers—everything about her radiated elegance and confidence.
And yet, I couldn't relax.
(How did I end up in this situation?)
Let's rewind a few minutes.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You don't need to be wary of me, boy."
The mysterious woman smiled gently, but something about her gaze sent a shiver down my spine.
I kept my stance firm, carefully watching her.
"…Who are you?" I asked cautiously.
She tilted her head, amusement flickering in her golden eyes. "Ara, where are my manners? My name is Dia von Neredras. Pleasure to meet you."
(That name… She must be a noble.)
She pinch the hem of her skirt and curtseyed gracefully as she spoke, introducing herself.
"My name is Yuuya. Glad to make your acquaintance."
Since she has a family name I assume she is a noble. I don't want to have a problem with a noble
I introduce myself, placing my right hand over my chest respectfully with a light bow. For the noble, this was a formal pose that showed more respect than a bow to other person. It wasn't a gesture that an uneducated person would use naturally,
But I somehow found a book about noble etiquettes and manners of noble in Regis' house. Since then, I been learning about noble bit by bit.
Her lips curled into a playful smirk. "My, how polite. You've been studying noble etiquette, haven't you?"
"I just picked up a few things from books," I admitted.
"Dia-san, currently Regis is not home for the time being. Why don't you have a rest inside the house for now." Dia chuckled. "How diligent. Regis told me you were an interesting child, but I didn't expect this much."
Regis?
(Wait… Is she the friend Regis mentioned?)
"If you're looking for Regis, he's not home right now," I said. "Would you like to wait inside?"
"Oh my~ Such a gentleman," Dia teased. "I suppose I'll accept your hospitality."
That's how we ended up drinking tea together.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The tea you made is delicious, Yuuya," Dia said with a smile.
"It's nothing special," I replied modestly. "By the way, what brings you here?"
She pouted cutely. "Before that, I have a request."
I raised an eyebrow. "A request?"
"Can you call me Dia-oneechan instead of Dia-san?"
"…Eh?"
Dia clasped her hands together, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've always wanted a cute little brother!"
I blinked. (What…?)
"Urm… Are you sure?" I hesitated.
"Yes, I insist." She leaned forward slightly, her expression determined.
(Why does she look so serious about this?)
I sighed. "…Alright, Dia-neechan."
Dia clapped her hands happily. "Fufu~ Good boy."
(She's totally enjoying this.)
I coughed lightly. "So… Why exactly are you here, Dia-neechan?"
Dia placed her teacup down, her expression shifting.
(…The air changed.)
A sharp aura radiated from her as she locked eyes with me.
"Yuuya, why don't you tell me about that blue fire you used earlier?"
My body tensed.
(So she really did see it.)
Her golden eyes bore into me, her playful nature now completely gone.
(…She's testing me.)
I averted my gaze. "Urm… I'd really appreciate it if you just forgot about that, Dia-neechan."
I forced a shaky smile, but my hands clenched into fists under the table.
If I told her the truth, I'd have to explain my past life knowledge. No five-year-old should be able to think of that experiment, and I had no other logical excuse.
Dia stared at me for a long moment before sighing.
"I see…. I guess you have a reason to hide it, but I really hope you will tell me one day."
Dia sigh. I'm glad she didn't want to pry further.
Her eyes softened slightly, but there was a hint of disappointment in them.
"I won't pry," she said. "But I hope one day, you'll trust me enough to tell me."
I relaxed slightly. (That was close…)
Just then—
The front door swung open.
"I'm home…! Brat, get over here and take these groceries. I'm exhausted from running all over town using magic."
Regis's familiar voice echoed through the house.
…And then—
"Ara, Regis-kun~"
Regis froze mid-step.
"…EH?"
His entire face went pale as he slowly turned toward the living room.
A vein popped on Dia forehead. Look like she is angry.
"D-Dia-san?! When did you get here?"
Dia smiled sweetly. "Oh, just a little while ago. You didn't even notice?"
Regis took a step back. "I-It's not what it looks like! I just asked Yuuya to help me a little!"
Dia's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Ara~ So you're making a child do your chores?"
A vein popped on her forehead.
(Oh no, he's dead.)
"From now on, Regis," Dia said slowly, "you are not allowed to order Yuuya around."
Dia glared at Regis. I check all the grocery that Regis buy.
"Anyways, since we have the ingredient why don't I bake you some apple pie?"
I give a suggestion to brighten up the atmosphere.
"You should. Please make the most delicious apple pie, I don't want to die yet."
Regis begging me. What this feeling of winning, this feels so good. I have a broad grin
"I will bake it now, Regis, please don't annoy Dia-neesan."
Dia chuckles. I turn my back and head to the kitchen.
"That brat, why should I dig my own grave."
I headed toward the kitchen, leaving Regis to dig his own grave.
"Regis is he perhaps the one you mean in the letter?"
Right after I left the room, the atmosphere in the room start to become serious again.
"Yes, he really is extraordinary other than kids around his age. What do you think Dia-san."
"When I arrive early, I saw him practicing with magic, I can say that kid is different."
"Even Dia-san say he is unique huh, anyways Dia-san can you help me?"
Regis swallowing his saliva.
"Perhaps it has something to do with Yuuya?"
Dia ask with a focussed gaze toward Regis.
"Yes, it is so…"
"I will help."
Dia cut off Regis's words. Regis blinking shocked.
"Why you look so shocked."
Dia have a vein pop in her forehead, Regis face immediately turn pale and avert Dia eyes
"Ahem, nothing. Let me fill you with the story."
Regis start to tell Dia about Yuuya's situation. Without realizing it has been quite some times and I already finish baking apple pie.
"Regis, Dia-neesan the apple pie already done."
"Wow!! It looks delicious."
Dia has a sparkling eye.
"You will be shock how good Yuuya's cooking Dia-san."
Regis has a smug on his face. Why you look so proud old man.
Dia takes a piece of the pie and start eating.
"Yummy! This is Yummy! This is so much better than noble food."
Dia has a big smile; she looks just like a kid. Looks like she enjoys it really much
"I'm glad you like it Dia-neesan. If you want I can give you the recipe."
"Really, please give the recipe to me."
She happily devoured my offering of apple pie. Regis ate too, and he seemed to approve.
--------------------------------------------------------------
It was already midnight when I went to bed, but Regis and Dia remained in the living room, continuing their conversation.
"I understand the situation now," Dia said, swirling the tea in her cup. "So, you want me to investigate whether Yuuya's village really exists?"
Regis nods.
"Yes, if what he says is true. That's mean he has been teleport into this forest."
Regis hands tightening into a fist. His killing intent leaks a little bit.
"Calm down Regis, I heard that guy doesn't even leave his territory this day."
Dia sigh. Regis exhaled, controlling his emotions.
"Anyway Dia-san, what your thought about Yuuya?"
"He is genius. Why don't you let him under my wing?"
Dia Initiating and maintaining eye contact.
"He is my disciple. Even it was Dia-san, I won't back off."
though Regis tried to act tough and brave, his face was visibly pale..
"I see, he really precious to you huh?"
"I guess so."
Regis look away avoiding eye contact with Dia.
(This is the first time I see he make that face.) Dia smiled softly. (That boy… He's changing Regis.)
Dia giggled. Dia and Regis decide to end the conversation and go to sleep.