A Brave New World

Ngh…

Waking from the ground, Saeko sluggishly moved her hands across the softness of damp grass before sitting herself up. Her hair was a bit disheveled, and her school uniform had spots of dirt and fallen leaves. She looked around only to be surrounded by dense forest.

Where… Where am I? she thought, blinking.

She turned her head in every direction only to see trees rustling in the wind around her. From above, the warm sunlight pierced its way through the forest, casting a subtle glow on her dandelion-colored eyes.

Her head felt unusually heavy, as if she slept for years on end. She tried to recall what happened before, but it was all hazy. Thinking harder now, she was barely able to remember.

Oh, that’s right! Some strange woman put me here! Damn you…!

Her face started to wrinkle in frustration, putting a fist up in the air until something startled her.

From a short distance, the bushes rustled as if something bulky was weaving through, and, from the shrub, a stout man appeared and called out to her with a rough voice. “You there!” the voice loud and blaring,” are you okay?”

Huh? Confused, she looked, seeing a group of three men all relatively holding heavy bags. One of them held a bow, while the others held spears. Who are they?

One of them, a young man with a strangely soothing voice, approached her with a look that betrayed his gentle features. It was a suspicious look, but not once has she ever noticed it. He gently set his bow on the ground. “I’ve never seen a skirt so short before!” he said in surprise, “are you from around here?”

“Um… No, not at all,” her voice frail and parch.

“Hmm… I see.” He looked back at his fellow mates, raising both his brows, and looked back at her. “Why don’t you come with us so you can wash up, yes?” noticing the dirt stains on her clothes. His broad hand attached itself to her delicate shoulder.

A feeling of discomfort rose to her when he laid his hand. Her voice became nervous, unsure what to do. “It’s okay. I’m fine, thank you.”

“Please we insist,” tapping her thigh, “our place is not far from here.”

Not knowing what to do, Saeko froze as the young man continued to tap her thigh. Behind him, the two other men were giggling at his bold move.

“So, what do ya say?” lowering his voice. The leg tapping eventually became a deliberate stroke approaching the hems of her skirt.

Crap. What do I do? She started to panic trying to shake off the young man’s hand. She was no longer in control of what was happening, and this was the result.

“Hey, what’s going on here?”

A sharp, firm voice pierced the air.

Behind her, a woman wearing a black robe and a dark triangular hat appeared. She seemed to be no more than her mid-to-late twenties.

“Oh?” the young man’s expression turned smug and he lifted his hand off. “We’re just helping her to a nice place to wash up. She seems quite dirty, as you can see.”

The two other men behind him stopped their giggling, taken aback by her sudden appearance. They only stood still.

Her face was partly hidden due to shade of her hat, but her voice was something of a serious tone, a tone that didn’t play around. “Oh, really? Then, why is your hand on her thigh with her apparent discomfort?”

The man went quiet for a moment, thinking of a response. “Discomfort? She’s only uncomfortable because her looks are disheveled, not from me! If you were a man, wouldn’t you do the same, especially if that girl happens to be beautiful? You must be sick if you don’t treat her back to a nice washing! Here,” from his pocket, he pulled a small sack of coins, seemingly heavy, “why don’t you take this and we can forget everything that happened here, yeah?”

The strange woman looked at the bag of coins before glaring at the men behind him; both were startled and fearful.

Before them, a staff with an intricately bright jewel at the end appeared in the woman’s hand. It was until then that they felt an odd and dense feeling in the air. For Saeko, the feeling only felt heavier in her panic.

“You’re a mage! No, a witch!” the young man shouted, frightened. He jolted up, dropping the sack of coins on the dirt floor.

The two behind him disappeared, already off in the deep forest. The young man cowered and muscles tensed before running off into a random direction. The lingering heaviness softened, but was still present.

The strange woman approached her, her staff disappearing into thin air.

“Are you okay?” extending her hand.

Closer under her sunlit spot, she could see the subtle features of her face. This woman, or mage apparently, had deep black eyes that seemed to absorb all the sunlight hitting it. Her was no different.

Saeko, unmoving of shock, took her hand and stood. What’d just happen…? Her mind was still trying to process all sorts of things in such a short time.

“Assuming your fine, it’s probably best you head back to the city and take some rest there.” She picked up the sack of coins. “Take this for your inconvenience. If you ever plan to out into the forest like this, I’d suggest getting a few friends.” She paused and looked at the surroundings. “Well I’ll be off now.”

Before the women wandered off, Saeko was lost and unsure what to do. She knew nothing of this place and everything about it, even the people, were peculiar. Before the woman could walk away, she called out. “Wait…” her voice suddenly trailed, “where… am I?”

“Hm?” the woman turned her head. “Well, you’re a little deep in a forest, but if you head north of here, you’ll hit the southern gate of Lauterkeit. It’s not too far from here.”

There was this awkward silence, and she looked at her with directionless eyes as if what she said was a whole, unsolvable puzzle piece. “Um, see, I’m not from around here… Would it be possible if you can guide the way?” I’m not one to usually ask favors, but I truly don’t know where I am…

The woman looked over and examined her with curious eyes. “Judging from your clothes… they are quite strange. Where are you from?”

“Um… I’m from up north.” She lied.

“From Moroz?”

“Moroz...? Wait—no, actually…” her words started to falter. “See, I’m just not from around here.”

“Then, where are you from?”

“It’s a long story…” Saeko said nervously.

Well, I’m not one to pry, the woman thought, if she’s lost, she’s lost… I could probably just borrow her in exchange for guidance. “Why don’t you come with me then. If you help me collect some medicinal herbs, I’ll take you to the city in exchange. Does that sound like a deal?”

Huh? Herbs? Saeko looked up at the sudden easy task. Sounds easy enough. To her, it felt like an obvious decision. “Yeah. You have yourself a deal.”

"That’s great. Now, why not we introduce ourselves as we walk? The field is not far. I’ll start; I’m Irisia, a wi—mage, but you can just call me Iris. What about you?”

“Me?” trailing behind her, her voice a bit in ease “My name is Saeko Fujiyama, a student… Well… an ex-student.”

“Oh? Ex-student?” seemingly captivated, “What did you study? Magic, alchemy, medicine…”

“Huh...?” tilting her head. “Um… none of those.”

“Oh,” there was a hint of disappointment. “Well, we’re here.”

They arrived to a tiny green field surrounded by tall trees. Without wasting time, they got to work under the intensity of the sun, and, in their time picking and gathering, Saeko would often get confused at the weird names plants and herbs were given. Not soon after her back would eventually start hurting while the witch continued to pick as if it’s the most normal thing in the world.

※

Frowning upon the southern gate of Lauterkeit, Saeko’s face was dripping with sweat. So much so, she removed her blazer and started using it as a towel. Never in her life has she gone out to pick herbs or berries or weird-looking plants. She wondered how people like these even manage to do it. Her clothes, that was once dirty when she first appeared in this world, was now even covered with more grass stains and grime.

This woman! The gate wasn’t even that far! I’ve been used! How dare she! Saeko cursed her out, upset at the fact she had to do manual labor.

“Well then,” Iris began, “this is probably where we split ways. Have any questions before I go?” She held a bag of herbs in one hand while a bag of berries on the other.

Saeko stood still, thinking of what she could at the moment. Her back was breaking and needed a place to rest, especially from the mid-to-late afternoon sun.

“Do you know any place where I could stay and rest?” There was a sense of panic and worry in her eyes. Though, her slight frustration never left her.

The witch looked at her, confused. Is she really not from around here? she thought to herself. With a small sigh, she looked at her with pity. “Can you use magic?”

“Magic?” tilting her head, “I don’t know. How would you know?”

“Let me see your hand.”

Saeko approached her with weariness, extending her hand obediently. Iris examined her arm as if something lingered inside it before coming to a conclusion. Her magical energy feels… different… How odd. Letting her hand go, she took interest at this magical signature. “Seems like you can,” she nodded, “but I doubt you can use it.”

“Huh?” her pride felt attacked, “what do you mean I can’t use it? Why not?” In her, she thought she can be as capable as anyone.

“You didn’t even know if you could use magic before I asked if you can!” She took a deep breath in and a deep breath out. “I don’t have a reason to take care of you, but…”

“But?”

“But I’ll let you come with me for the time being. Your magical energy reads a bit different from mines or any other I have encountered. So, I’ll just study you.”

Thank goodness… wait, “what do you mean by ‘study’?”

“Just observation. I’ll teach you some magical stuff and see if they are any different if you cast them… And don’t worry, you’ll get fed and the likes. Does that sound fine?”
Fed? Why, I don’t mind. “Sure. I’m fine with that.” As long she is fed good food, she’ll be happy for the sakes of it.

“Then, follow me.”

As they walked through busy streets and market stalls, Saeko couldn’t help but be mesmerized at the buildings. Instead of sleek glass, they’re rugged, lined with cobbled bricks and wood. There were restaurants and cafes bustling with so many people that she wondered how they could fit them. Even the people’s clothing is different! Though, many wore plain tunics. Alongside the streets were many fruit stands, and there were plenty of them. Some sold exotic-looking fruits while others sold familiar ones.

“Alright, we’re here,” Iris said.

In front of them stood an inn, an inn that’s not too fancy but not to… shabby. To the locals, it probably looked like an ordinary inn, but to her, it looked like a poor man’s shelter.

“This… place...?” Saeko questioned in disappointment.

“Why, what’s wrong with it?”

“N-nothing…” I just thought it would be a bit nicer.

The witch looked at her as if she was a spoiled girl, but Saeko was too focused on the inn to notice.

Entering the inn and then being greeted with the smell of lavender (perhaps it’s not too bad), Iris lead the way to the room on the second floor. Upon entering the room, there were only bare necessities: a desk and a bed, in which there happens to be two. Iris settled down the bags of herbs and berries on the floor.

Perfect, a bed to myself… However, as she looked around the room, she thought something was awfully missing…

“Hey… where’s the bathroom?”

“Bathroom...?” tilting her head, thinking for a moment. “Oh, do you mean the wash room?”

“Yeah… Where is it?”

“Follow me,” leading her down the hallway. To the left, she opened the female washroom, in which stood two tubs, divided by a curtain.

“…” The look on Saeko’s face was beyond disappointment, it was one of shock as if her soul left her body. How does one live like this…?
“Something wrong?” Iris asked confused.

“No… nothing is wrong,” sounding defeated.

“Well then, since you’re all sweaty and dirty, why don’t you wash up? Though, you should probably wear some new clothes…”

“Huh!? What’s wrong with these?” clutching her blazer with great pride.

“They’re too… foreign. Plus, you stick out like a sore thumb.”

“How rude. I think my clothes look nicer than everyone else’s,” turning her back to her.

This girl is quite delusional. I might actually abandon her, holy.

“Yeah, yeah, say what you want, but you still have to get new ones. If you’re so conscious of how you look, I’ll get you something that matches your hair or eyes or something.”

Saeko seemed a bit reassured… for the clothes, of course. Not the bath. “Fine,” she said reluctantly.

“Sounds good. Now, remember that small bag of money that one guy dropped? I’m going to need it.”

“Huh? Why? Don’t you have your own money?”

“Why, of course I do!” She doesn’t. “But since it’s your expenses, your money has to be used. Plus, it’s local tradition.” That was a lie, but Saeko was too naïve.

She gave a sigh. “Fine, here,” handing her the small bag.

“Thank you. Now go wash up and I’ll meet you in the room in about… twenty minutes or so? More or less.”

“Okay,” sulking.

With that, the witch left with her small bag of coins.

Entering the wash room, everything about it felt foreign.

Why is there another tub? Does privacy not exist?

Looking around, there doesn’t even seem to be a faucet, or nob, or lever, to put water in. However…

“A bucket, huh?” she muttered to herself.

After filling the tub with water, she finally undressed herself and submerged into the steamy, warm water.

Finally~

The bath felt deserving and euphoric. The back soreness she had earlier vanished with every second and her body relaxed. She washed herself with the nearby bar soap and cleaned her hair. To her, it felt like the best bath she has ever taken.

Once she finished, she grabbed a towel and wrapped herself in it before walking back to the room. Inside, she only put her underwear back on, putting her dirty clothes on the bed near her (there were items on the other bed, so that must be Iris’s). And there, she sat on the chair, waiting for the strange witch to arrive.

Sigh.After waiting for what felt like hours (seven minutes), the door finally clicked. Walking in was a familiar figure.

“I got you some clothes. Hope you like them.”
“Finally, thank you.” She took the bag and opened it… they’re all black, except a white top. “Hmm… may I ask why it’s nearly all black?”

“Huh?” putting her hands on her hips. “What’s wrong with all black?” glaring at her.

“N-Nothing. Nothing’s wrong with black.”

“That’s good,” suddenly smiling.

Unpacking the new clothes, there was this distinct quality to them. They feel more durable yet surprisingly light compared to her school uniform that lie on the bed. One by one, there was a white top, a black coat, black pants, and then a pair of black boots.

“These boots look nice,” she muttered under her breath.

After putting them on, she looked at the mirror. Perhaps black doesn’t seem to be too bad, she thought, turning back and forth. It really does compliment my hair and eyes. She was content, and Iris could sense it.

“So,” the witch began, “how do you like it?”

“It looks good. Better than what I’ve imagined.”

“I’m glad you like it,” smiling. “Now, the next step seems like I have to teach you some magic.”

“Magic?” tilting her head.

“Yeah, but maybe tomorrow. It’s getting quite late.” She looked out the window, the sun about to set. “Once my apprentice arrives, we can go eat. Shouldn’t take too long.” She took off her triangular hat and placed it on the bed as if she wasn’t going to wear it anymore for the day.

“You have an apprentice?” she looked curiously.

“Yes, he’s about the same age as you… I think. Perhaps just a little bit older—quite hard to tell… How old are you?

“Seventeen.”

“Yeah, about the same age as you. Well, he’s been studying magic under me for quite a while.”

“That’s interesting… Wait—it’s a ‘he’?”

Before Iris could respond, the door clicked, and a boy walked in holding a bag of fruits. Like her, he wore all black except his pants, which were a dark grey. His hair was black, while his eyes were a deep crimson color. He was taller than Saeko herself, but not as tall as Iris.

“I’ve brought—oh? Who’s this?”

“This is Saeko” Iris replied, “I met her in the forest when I was out collecting some herbs. Saeko, this is Ren.”

“Nice to meet you,” he said plainly before bowing..

“Oh, nice to meet you too,” she bowed back.

He looked back at Iris as if returning from a long trip. “I’ve bought some fruits after training. I’ll put them here,” placing what seemed heavy but was light to him on the desk.

“Since your back, why don’t we all go out and eat?” Iris offered, clapping her hands together.

“Do you have money to pay for the three of us?” Ren asked as if she was always broke.

“I got some leftover change from Saeko,” holding the small bag up… seemingly looking smaller than before.

“Hey! I thought that was mine!” Saeko cried.

“Well,” looking all smug, “think of it as future compensation for taking care of you and teaching you magic.”

“But—!”

“Ah, ah, ah,” waving her finger, “you’re already this far, might as well, right?”

This witch! How greedy! She grew quiet, her face exasperated.

The boy watched the playful banter of his master, looking relieved as it wasn’t him that was the target. “Then,” he interrupted, “let’s go before any of the restaurants become too full.”

“Huh?” Saeko turned her head, confused. “is there an event going on that’s making it full?”

“Event…? No, restaurants just happen to be full nearly all the time.”

“That’s interesting…”

“Well then, why don’t we head out?” the witch stood up and swung the door open.

As they walked out the inn, the city lit up with its gentle lights and warm lamps.

Saeko, who was walking behind Ren and Iris, blinked at her surroundings in awe, taken aback at just how gentle and comforting the lights were. Their glow was soft and warm; none of it felt sterile. Even then, the streets were just as lively as they were in the afternoon.

Not long after walking, they arrived at a restaurant that seemed to be holding well. Outside it were tables surrounding the building, bustling with people chattering and eating.

“Well, we’re here. It’s not too full yet, we can perhaps find a seat somewhere…” Before Iris could look outside, a waiter appeared from the busy place.

“Good evening! How many people?” The waiter said with a buoyant smile.

“Three, please.” Iris responded in alarm.

“Okay! Right this way please!”

When they went in, the atmosphere was bright and spirited. Lamps, ignited by what seemed to be a small flames, hung from the ceilings, and the smooth and pleasant aromas of the food was heartening.

Though, Saeko has never eaten anywhere this packed, the closeness of it all felt overwhelming. When they all sat, she shifted in her seat in an uneasy manner.

“Are you alright?” Ren asked, noticing her constant, unsettling movements, “you seem nervous.”

“Oh… I’m fine. It’s just that I’ve never seen so many people in one building before.”

Ren and Iris glanced at each other and then looked around the room. To them, it felt normal. The tables were a bit crowded together, sure, but it was nothing unusual.

“Why don’t we eat, then?” Iris said, trying to bring attention away from her discomfort.

When the waiter came by, everyone ordered the same meal. Honestly though, Saeko didn’t know what to get, so she got what the witch got, while Ren tagged along as he was the last to order.

A few minutes later, the food came in, settling itself with a warm welcome. This looks good… Saeko thought, her mouth practically salivating. The vegetables, the meat, and even the bread—yes, the bread!—looked good. Without time to waste, she dug in as if she hadn’t eaten in days. It even tastes good! How could one even miss out on this! Her eyes lit up with joy.

Her nervousness started to vanish with every bite she took, and from across from her, Ren and Iris stared at her, both feeling somewhat relieved and content.

“Even strange people can’t resist food, huh?” Iris commented with a smile.

“Seems like it,” he replied plainly. “I have a question. How exactly did you meet her?” tilting his head in curiosity.

“To simplify… she was laying on the ground and was being harassed by a guy and his buddies. I just happened to stop by, and, apparently, she’s not from around here.”

“Not from around here?” raising a brow.

“She said it’s a long story, but I didn’t ask any further. Her clothing and demeanor already felt unusual for where we are at.”

“Sounds a bit sketchy…”

“I know, but her ignorance says it all. From what I could examine, she could use magic, but her signatures read a bit differently… What a strange individual.”

“You know I’m right here, right?” Saeko looked up in exasperation, already halfway done through her meal.

“Anyway,” looking back at Ren, “I decided to bring her with us for a bit just to study.”

“That’s interesting,” the boy commented. “but I have my suspicions. I don’t know if it’s a great idea to take her with us.”

“Well,” she sighed, “if anything happens, I’m here, right? Plus, I’m just curious about her magical readings. Even her strangeness is interesting.”

How rude, Saeko thought to herself.

As everyone ate their meals, the clanging of forks and the vitality of the room was satisfying. Every bite and pleasant smell were captivating in its own way.

On a table behind them sat two men talking about a recent disappearance of two of three hunters. Their tone sounded serious yet mournful.

“Two men got lost in the woods, huh? What about that other guy that came back?”

The other man responded, his voice hoarse. “I don’t know. He came in through the gates talking nonsense, like he was delirious! Now, there’s a investigation going on, and, apparently, the delirious guy said that there was a mage casting all sorts of stuff. Oh! You should see the reward for when that mage is caught—200 golden Marks! Can you believe that?!”

Ren and Iris got wind of the conversation, listening carefully.

“That’s awfully a lot! It’s like they’ve been looking for the mage for a while and are desperate. But why?”

“Beats me... I heard she has some legal troubles with the Courts.”

“Why don’t we look for this mage, yeah? It’s a lot of gold too!”

“Hells no! What makes you say that? Are you delirious too? You can’t even use magic, dumbass! What do you do? Fish? That’s all! Mages are dangerous. Some might treat you, but they’re dangerous!”

Ren glanced at Iris in which Iris glanced at Saeko. Saeko looked at them confused and ignorant.

“A rouge mage?” Ren asked, his face plain.

“Seems like it,” she replied, “though, I don’t think it should concern us. The amount of golden Marks is enticing, though… But what would a rouge mage be doing at a time like this? ” She looked at her food, thinking.

“What’s wrong?” Saeko probed, eating the last bite of meat.

“Nothing, there’s just some troubles happening within the Courts. Doesn’t concern us, though,” Iris replied before looking over her plate. “Wait, huh? You’re finished with your food already?” She was barely half way done.

“Of course, I am. The food’s good. Sorry for enjoying some good food after making me pick up herbs under the sun.” Saeko crossed her arms after her sassy remark.

“Miss Iris,” Ren began after a short pause, “she’s a bit irritating.”

“HUH!? What did you say? Take it back.” Her sense of self felt threaten and she slammed her hands on the table.

“Now, now. Calm down,” Iris interjected, “Why don’t we order dessert while Ren and I finish up our meals?”

“Fine.” Saeko’s pride returned to its baseline state.

As they finished up their meals, Saeko was able to get her dessert—a piece of cake that was soft and fluffy, dazzled with powdered sugar and chocolate.

So good! Her eyes even lit up.

In everyone’s content, however, two men, who wore elegant beige and blue uniforms, approached them through the lines of tables. More specifically, they approached Iris with a formal fashion. Their postures were stiff yet refined, and they spoke in a disciplined manner.

“By any chance, are you Miss Irisia, a mage?”

Everyone at the table looked up in concern and alertness, the casual air replaced with a vague tightness. However, Irisia felt a sense of suspicion.

“Why, of course. What is the matter?”
“We are here to deliver a letter from His Majesty and the Courts.” One of them extended their hand, revealing an envelope with a wax seal.

The atmosphere felt tense underneath the chatter and clicking of glassware. Even the sweetness of Saeko’s cake felt the heavy weight of it all.

“Thank you,” taking the envelope.

“We’ll be on our way now.”

As they left, the air still felt tense with uncertainty.

What could the king and the Courts need from me? How strange… Iris thought.

“What’s with the letter?” Saeko asked.

“I’m not sure yet… We should head back to the inn once we’re finished.” Her voice carried a tone of concern and apprehension.

Ren and Saeko didn’t question her but only nodded. The sly and mischievous attitude that was once on her face was now replaced with one of firm seriousness.

※

“So, what does the letter say?”

Saeko sat on the edge of the bed across from Iris’s bed, while Ren was in the washroom. The lamp near the window casted a warm, luminescent glow.

“Well, in essence, I’m being asked to be summoned to Royal Chambers for a request. Though, it’s being quite vague about it.”

“The Royal Chambers?”

“I guess you’re really not familiar here,” she sighed before pointing out the window. “See that big building over there? That’s the city center and the royal palace. In there, there’s a specific building called the Royal Chambers that relates to anything the royal family… Of course, I’m curious as to why I’m being called specifically.”

Outside in the far distance, a tall, beige-colored building stood firm with two towers pointed up. Across the many windows on the walls, about half of them were lit.

“Does the letter have any hints as to why they’re calling you?” Saeko questioned, tilting her head.

“Well, I’m not sure, so we have to wait and see. But I don’t need to be there until the late afternoon…” she paused, thinking, “perhaps in the meantime, I could teach you some basic spells tomorrow morning to get the ball rolling studies.”

“Alright then, sounds like plan…” her voice trailed off as if reminiscing about a distant memory.

“Hm?” Iris sensing her tone in voice, “what’s wrong?”

“Nothing really… I’m just feeling a little homesick.”

Homesickness, huh? She thought, You get kind of used to it once you find out you’re traveling all the time… The witch didn’t know what to say for a moment, unsure how to comfort her. All she can do was try her best.

“What was your home like? From where you came from.”

“My home…?” her eyes seemingly a bit more interested, “I lived in a decently sized house, and my family had a personal chef. I don’t get to see my parents often since they’re always on business trips, but I do miss them…I miss my bed too, it was so, so soft.”

“I see…” Holy, she’s spoiled. “Well, things change, and things happen. All you can really do is look forward, right? I mean, you’re here now.”

“I guess you’re right. Everything is just so… different.”

“Well, you’ll get used to it eventually.”

“Maybe I’m just tired after today,” Saeko leaned back, laying on the bed. A nostalgic smile tugged at Iris’s face.

As they settled into the night, the door clicked open, and a familiar figure appeared with a slight breeze of steam. It was the boy, wearing loose pants, a tunic, alongside a towel that hung around his neck.

“Welcome back,” Iris smiled.

As he nodded his head, he glanced at the bed that Saeko was laying on with the eyes of disbelief. “Am I sharing the bed with her?”

“Huh?” Saeko turned her head in a jolt. “I don’t want to share a bed,” she said quickly.

“Is that so?” Although his face was plain, his voice had a slight hint of displeasure.

“Well,” the witch pitched in, “where’s he going to sleep?” she asked, looking at her.

“Anywhere but this bed,” crossing her arms as if the bed was hers to begin with.

Ren gave a small, practical sigh of disappointment. “I’ll be fine sleeping on the floor,” he said calmly as if it was something he did many times.

“Oh, are you sure?” Iris asked, worried. “You could just scoot on to the side of her bed.”

“How about he sleeps next to you?”

“Oh, I don’t like sleeping when there are others in my bed.”

There was a brief moment of silence.

“Well, me neither! And plus… it’s strange…” Her voice trailed off, suddenly shy and low.

“What’s strange?” Iris asked. “Sharing a bed?”

“Huh? What do you mean “what’s strange?” Is it not strange for a boy and a girl to sleep in the same bed?”

“Miss Iris, Saeko,” Ren interrupted, “I can sleep on the floor so everyone’s satisfied. It’ll be fine.”

From the closet, he grabbed a blanket and laid it on the space between the two beds, flattening it before placing a pillow at the top.

“If it’s fine by you then…” Iris said.

Saeko felt a tinge of shame, but she was too determined to not give up the bed. She disliked the idea of sharing a bed, let alone sleep on the floor.

That night, everyone fell asleep, thinking it was perhaps the strangest day they ever had.

And for Saeko, it was the start of a brave new world.