A guest of realm

The long hallway of Akarihoshi palace stretched before them, sunlight spilling through the tall crystal windows, casting prismatic reflections across the floor. Akihiko led Aiko toward the council hall, the weight of responsibility pressing on him like gravity. His posture was calm, almost casual, but inside, his mind replayed the words he would speak before the council over and over.

Every word matters. Every gesture counts. I cannot fail—not now.

“I have to explain myself before the council,” he said, his voice steady, though his chest tightened slightly with anticipation.

Aiko tilted her head, observing him with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Her thoughts spun, trying to grasp the enormity of this strange world, and the man walking beside her.

He… seems calm. But I can feel the tension beneath it. How is he so composed?

“I used the teleportation system without authorization. It wasn’t an assigned task… but there was no time to hesitate.”

For a brief moment, his eyes met hers. Aiko caught a flicker of something powerful there—a blend of determination, care, and quiet conviction.

“I know I broke the rules. But if it had been necessary, I would do it again,” he added, voice firm, unwavering.

Aiko’s cheeks warmed at the weight of his words. She looked down, unsure how to respond.

“And… the council? What will they do?” she asked, voice barely above a whisper.

Akihiko inhaled slowly, steadying himself.

“They’ll want to know why I used an unauthorized system, the procedures I followed, the responsibilities I took. I may be punished. But… that’s a price I’m willing to pay. Every rule exists for a reason. Sometimes, though, the only choice is to break it.”

He straightened slightly, taking on a more formal tone.

“The council will respect you. And whatever happens in there… just be yourself.”

He extended his hand—not as a prince, but as a companion stepping into uncertainty.

Aiko hesitated for a heartbeat, then placed her hand in his. The warmth and firmness of his grip lent her a spark of courage she didn’t know she had.

Step by step. I can do this.

The steps toward the council hall were deliberate, echoing in the corridor. Each one felt heavier than the last, but Akihiko’s inner resolve burned brighter: duty, responsibility, care—qualities shaping a leader who does not waver, even in impossible circumstances.

I must protect her. Whatever it takes.

The council hall loomed ahead, its crystal-alloy doors tall and gleaming. Inside, all eyes turned toward them as they entered. Six council members stood with quiet authority; robes of dark blue trimmed with silver flowing elegantly around them. King Kaito and Queen Hanae flanked the chamber, their expressions serious yet gentle, like parents allowing a child to face a trial on their own.

Aiko instinctively lowered her gaze, feeling the gravity of the hall press gently against her chest. Her skirt swayed softly with each step. No whispers, no judgment—only a profound, respectful silence.

Everyone is… watching me. Evaluating me. I need to be careful… but… I can do this.

Serian Valtor, the elder and head of the council, spoke first. His voice was calm, deliberate, and precise.

“Miss Aiko. Welcome to the Akarihoshi council hall. Your presence—dressed according to our courtly code—demonstrates respect for dignity. We are grateful.”

Velia, an older council member, studied Aiko with sharp eyes.

“Your appearance reflects more than mere clothing—it shows awareness. You carry it with poise, befitting a guest of our world. That is not learned overnight.”

Aiko’s heart fluttered at their words. She bowed gently, hands at her sides, doing her best to mimic the composure Yarami had taught her.

“Thank you for welcoming me. I know I am here by chance. I will respect your customs as long as I am your guest,” she said softly, her voice steady despite her nerves.

A quiet, meaningful pause followed.

“Words born of sincerity carry more weight than a thousand ceremonial bows,” Serian added.

Akihiko’s expression remained unreadable, but inside, relief washed over him. Aiko had made an impression—not as weakness, but as quiet strength.

She’s doing well… better than I expected. She can handle this.

King Kaito’s voice broke the stillness.

“Akihiko. It is time to explain why you used the royal teleportation system without authorization, and why you brought a foreigner among us.”

The chamber fell silent; all eyes fixed on him. Aiko’s gaze remained lowered, tense, but her heart raced.

He… he’s going to explain everything. I just need to trust him.

Akihiko bowed slightly and stepped forward. His voice rang clear and confident.

“I did not seek permission because there was no time. I was warned of imminent mortal danger on a distant planet. The girl standing here before you would have died in that instant. I acted to save her life.”

The council members listened without reaction, only quietly assessing the facts.

Aiko felt a slight shock. In her mind, the thought echoed:

“So… that truck…? He really saved me from certain death.”

“I used a portable royal portal because it was the fastest and most reliable method. I violated protocol, and I accept the consequences. But I would do it again. Because life—every life—matters. Even if it’s… ‘just an Earthling.’”

His voice trembled slightly, not in weakness, but in measured intensity.

“I did not want her to remain here. But the teleportation system was damaged during the transfer. It is too late to undo the act without risk. Therefore, she remains under my personal responsibility. I promise to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.”

Velia fixed him with a piercing gaze.

“So, you admit the violation… and still believe you did the right thing?”

“Yes. And I accept the consequences. But I do not regret my actions.”

Serian’s tone was calm, almost approving.

“You saved a life. And you upheld honor. In a world where power often overshadows ethics, this is rare. Are you willing to take responsibility if her origins are revealed?”

“I am. If necessary, I will face the people and bear the full burden. But as long as I can protect her existence—I will. It is my duty.”

King Kaito nodded and proudly smiled.

“A right action at the wrong time requires courage. This is not weakness, but responsibility. The council must decide—despite her being from Earth—whether to trust your word.”

All council members rose.

“Saving a life is more important than protocol, as long as no one else is endangered. Let the record remain sealed. The girl remains a protected guest under Akihiko’s personal care. No one will speak of this outside this circle.”

Aiko lifted her gaze for the first time. Her eyes met Akihiko’s. A few meters apart, but the connection was clear.

Not duty.

Choice.

King Kaito concluded:

“Very well. Akihiko, Aiko is under your care until her return to Earth. Her identity must remain hidden. And Aiko, I hope your stay on AAkarihoshi will be as pleasant as possible.”

Akihiko stepped forward, escorting her from the hall.

In the palace hallway, Aiko’s chest still felt tight. The gravity of the council lingered, but a small warmth spread through her chest as Akihiko walked beside her.

I can trust him… he saved me, and he’s serious about keeping me safe.

Two figures approached, and Akihiko greeted them.

And introduced them both to Aiko:

“Aiko, this is Mika, the best strategist i rely upon, and Naoru, who serves under me with loyalty. But first and foremost, they are my friends.”

Mika and Naoru bowed respectfully. Aiko bowed to them with same respect.

Naoru then smirked at Mika.

“And we’re still trying to figure out which of us is more stubborn.”

Mika smiled wryly.

“Perhaps that will remain an eternal mystery.”

Aiko watched them, curiosity mixing with relief. She felt the unusual warmth of belonging, even in a foreign palace.

Naoru asked Akihiko, with concern in his voice:

“So… how did it go?”

Akihiko exhaled.

“Fortunately, for now, without consequences.”

He turned to Aiko.

“They’ll make sure you’re comfortable here. You can rely on them if you need anything.”

Then he turns to Mika: “And Mika, consider her your distant relative if anyone asks.”

Mika nodded, and Aiko smiled for the first time in days. She felt safe, protected, and… oddly at home. Her fear is almost gone.

Akihiko spoke again, quietly:

“Mika, can I leave Aiko with you? Show her the palace? Naoru and I have a training session to finish. I need to clear my mind after the council.”

Mika’s gentle smile reassured him.

“Of course. Akihiko, make sure you give Naoru a proper beating instead of me.”

Akihiko smiled faintly, while Naoru shot Mika a mischievous glance. Together, Naoru and Akihiko started down the hallway, their footsteps echoing softly against the quiet walls.

Mika glanced at Aiko.

“Come, I’ll show you the important corners of the palace. It’ll help you find your way around.”

Aiko followed silently, her mind a whirlwind of wonder, curiosity, and a growing sense of belonging.

This world… it’s not dangerous nor scary… if I have someone like him watching over me.