Chapter 08 The View of Luminecia

Letting out a deep sigh of annoyance, Alitia asked, "Is it Bill again? Did he get into an argument with Hermit, again? Regardless, I'll have to deal with it."

 She turned to me, her tone apologetic, "I'm sorry, Kazuki. I have to go before things escalate further. I leave you in Lumi's capable hands. Please convey my apologies for getting carried away and breaking our promise. I'll see you later, Kazuki."

With a smile, I reassured her, "Don't worry about me. I'll manage somehow." 

The little animal felt the shift in Alitia's mood and jumped off her head. I picked it up and made my way toward Lumi. As soon as she spotted me, she swiftly hid behind the door.

 With a playful smile, I peeked my head through the door, catching a glimpse of her standing there. She was leaning against the door with her head down, fingers twiddling nervously.

 "Hey, Lumi," I called out gently and placed Rabi-kun on her head. "Alitia wanted me to apologize on her behalf. She's sorry for her actions and for breaking her promise. Can you forgive her?"

Lumi slowly raised her head, her eyes meeting mine with a cute expression on her face. "It doesn't matter," she replied softly. "I'm not angry with big sis. We're always like this, always crossing the line and getting on each other's nerves. But after a while, we just move on like nothing happened."

 Taking a deep breath, she let out a sigh. "It used to be worse when Olivia and Alitia were in the heat of their rivalry, fighting over the position of being Luminecia's ruler, Helen's bodyguard. They treated me like a cuddle toy like I was a plush toy. Can you believe it, Kazuki? They would pamper me like a little kid, saying sweet and caring things, tucking me in, and giving me goodnight kisses. Dressing me in cute little dresses. Ughh! It was pure torture. But I didn't give up, no way. I finally learned my ultimate move to ward off these "thots" from me. And you witnessed the power of my ultimate move firsthand. It was super effective!"

As the memory of the comedic scene played in my mind, I couldn't help but respond with a lighthearted tone, aiming to bring a smile to Lumi's face. "Yeah, you really showed her, didn't you?" I followed with a bit more serious tone, "But perhaps it's time to return some of that warmth she gives you right back to her. From what I can gather, she has many responsibilities and is always busy. I believe she would appreciate your gentle support, having someone who deeply cares for her and showers her with sisterly love."

Lumi's eyes met mine, a hint of a blush gracing her cheeks, and she teasingly remarked, "Oh, Kazuki. I never took you for such a sentimental man. You managed to make me blush just by listening to you."

Her playful response provoked a chuckle from me as I replied, "Well, what can I say? I'm just an expert at bringing out the blushes in others. But really, Lumi, you deserve all the love and support in the world. It's clear to see that you're an incredible person, and anyone would be lucky to have you in their life."

Lumi's bashful expression softened, and she responded with genuine appreciation, "Thank you, Kazuki. Your words mean a lot to me. It's comforting to know that there's someone like you who sees me for who I am. Right, Kazuki? You see me as a woman, right?"

It was crystal clear that Lumi had a complex about her petite stature, despite being a grown woman. I didn't want to step on any landmines, so I tactfully changed the subject. "Yes, indeed," I replied with a gentle smile, "But how about we head to the kitchen? After our little duel with Alitia, my appetite is roaring. Hehe."

 Lumi's reaction was absolutely adorable as she overreacted, yelling, "Ghaaa! I completely forgot about that, sorry, Kazuki. Follow me, I'll lead the way."

As we strolled down the corridor, I took the opportunity to ask, "By the way, you told me about Hermit, the goblin who is one of the council members, but who is this Bill?"

 Lumi's voice took on a tone of annoyance, and she frowned as she explained, "Ah, Bill the grumpy grum grum, as I call him. He's always in a foul mood and easily angered. He's rude, rough, stern, and just plain mean. Every time he lays eyes on me, he never fails to call me a stupid little girl. I really don't like him. Bill is a Minotaur and also one of the council members. He's responsible for keeping the Minotaurs in line within this town."

The mention of minotaurs ignited a sense of wonder within me. Not only did this world possess fearsome monsters and enchanting magic, but it also boasted a diverse array of fantastical races - goblins, elves, dwarves, lizardmen, catpeople, and now minotaurs. The mere thought of such diversity and adventure filled me with excitement, kindling a deep longing to venture beyond the confines of the palace and immerse myself in the world outside. Since arriving in this new realm, I had yet to catch even a glimpse of the world beyond the towering walls of this magnificent building.

As we strolled through the palace corridors, my eyes caught sight of a balcony, its open doors beckoning me with the promise of a view that extended far beyond the palace walls. Unable to contain my curiosity any longer, I turned to Lumi and spoke with a hopeful tone, "Lumi, may I take a moment to explore the balcony? I want to see the town, the world I was summoned into."

Lumi's shy expression softened, a glimmer of understanding shining in her eyes. With a nod of approval, she gently held my hand and guided me towards the balcony. The doors swung open, I walk onto the balcony and saw before me a bustling medieval town, where harmony thrived amidst its varied residents. 

Tall stone buildings lined the cobblestone streets, their architectural styles reflecting the diverse cultures that called this town home. Detailed towers reached toward the sky, adorned with intricate carvings and colorful banners that fluttered in the gentle breeze.

The town square was a hub of activity, teeming with life. People of all races mingled and went about their daily routines. Dwarves with their robust frames and skilled craftsmanship conversed with graceful elves, their pointed ears giving them an air of elegance. Humans, with their diverse appearances, moved with purpose alongside nimble goblins and sturdy orcs.

Colorful market stalls lined the streets, displaying a myriad of goods. Traders from far-off lands showcased their wares, offering treasures from distant realms. The sound of haggling and laughter filled the air.

The town was not only a place of commerce and daily life but also a center of learning and culture. Libraries and academies stood as beacons of knowledge, welcoming eager minds from all races. The arts flourished, with music and performances resonating through the streets, captivating audiences and bringing joy to all who listened.

Standing on the balcony, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement coursing through my veins. The sight before me was breathtaking, a world brimming with possibilities and adventures. It was like a dream come true, an escape from the monotony and predictability that had plagued my previous life. I couldn't thank Lumi enough for whisking me away from that mundane existence and bringing me to this thrilling realm.

 I was well aware that this new world came with its own dangers. It was no walk in the park, and I had to be careful not to meet a horrible end. But the mere thought of facing those perils was infinitely more exciting than the monotonous routine I had left behind. No more days of being bound by rules and a predetermined path. This new world offered freedom, excitement, and the chance to carve my own destiny.

I turned towards Lumi, a soft smile gracing my face. "Lumi, I don't know what adventures await us in the future, but I want to express my gratitude for accidentally summoning me to this wonderful world."

Lumi, her eyes filled with bashful innocence, returned my gaze. "I-I'm glad you're happy about it. Honestly, I wasn't sure if you were okay with the unexpected situation. I feel relieved to hear your words."

Gazing at the enchanting town before me, I couldn't help but express my awe. "This town is incredible! Are all the towns in this world as amazing as Luminecia?"

Lumi shook her head gently. "I'm afraid not, Kazuki. Luminecia is truly one of a kind. It's the only town where monsters and different races live together in harmony."

Curiosity piqued, I leaned in closer. "Why is this place so special, then? How did such a town come to be?"

A faint smile graced Lumi's lips as she began to explain. "It all started with our ruler, Helen. She had a brilliant idea. Helen gathered all the monsters who sought harmony and the people who supported her vision. Together, they worked tirelessly to bring her dream to life and build this extraordinary town."

Surprised by the seemingly straightforward nature of it all, I couldn't help but ask further. "Wait, it can't be that easy, can it?"

Lumi giggled sweetly, shaking her head. "Oh no, silly! It definitely wasn't easy. It took Helen many years of hard work and dedication to create Luminecia in the way it stands now. But she didn't give up no matter how hard it was and it paid off. Now, we have this beautiful town as a testament to her dream. But If you want to know about our ruler's Helen adventures I have a book written about her adventures in life. I have it somewhere in my lab, the book is called 'Content of the Magic Box'"