The Unceratin Future (Part 2)

His thoughts were in disarray. Less than forty-eight hours ago, he had awoken with a complete and utter loss of memory. After rescuing a young girl from the clutches of ruthless bandits, he had committed himself to the temporary mission of ensuring her safe return home. In the process, he had become a surrogate sibling to her. And just as they had finally arrived at their intended destination, this unexpected turn of events had unfolded before him.

“And my weird powers.” Hiro contemplated while carefully donning the attire prepared for him.

He pondered whether they were extraordinary in their uniqueness, or were they more commonplace than he realized. He yearned to find answers by seeking someone's guidance. His power allowed him to visibly absorb the wounds of others through a mere touch, leaving behind black marks on his body that eerily mirrored the shape of the injuries he had taken in. These marks would then emit a faint, somber glow. However, along with this incredible gift came the burden of pain – not just the physical sensations, but also an emotional turmoil. These sensations were fleeting, yet discomforting in their own way.

“I wonder…” he mused.

A sudden surge of curiosity compelled Hiro to test a new hypothesis. With his eyes tightly shut, he focused on absorbing the bump on his left temple. Logically, the wound should vanish, replaced by a distinct dark mark. Yet, to his dismay, he felt no discernible changes. Perhaps he couldn't wield this power upon himself, or...

“Was, was it just a one-off thing? Then again…”

He recognized his abilities as a manifestation of magic. Though his memory remained elusive, he possessed a rudimentary understanding of the world he had awoken to—a realm where magic thrived and magical creatures roamed. Alas, the name of the very country he found himself in escaped his recollection.

“So instead of losing everything, it seems I have all the necessary information crammed inside my poor head. Convenient, although I can't help but question the reliability of my knowledge. Yet, my powers themselves stand as undeniable proof of the existence of magic, don't they?”

Numerous inquiries swirled within Hiro's mind, yet answers eluded him. For now, he realized the futility of fretting over matters beyond his control. Casting a disappointed gaze upon his reflection in the mirror, he sighed.

“True, my memories may be a blank slate, but that definitely isn’t my style.”

Adorned in an elegant white shirt, embellished with intricate patterns at the cuffs and boasting an unnecessarily large and pointed collar, he sported a pair of black derby shoes and dark trousers. If not for his disheveled hair, he could almost pass as a genuine aristocrat.

‘It's time to inform the insufferable butler…’ Hiro mused, contemplating the true nature of the enigmatic figure.

Just then, there was a knock on the door of the room where Hiro was currently staying.

“Come in!” Hiro exclaimed.

Two familiar figures stepped into the room - a young girl whom he knew well, and the man he had encountered earlier.

“Lili! You’re safe!” Hiro exclaimed, genuine relief washing over him.

Ready to rush towards her, he halted abruptly as Lili raised her hand disapprovingly, signaling him to stay where he was. Perplexed by her gesture, Hiro watched as Lili turned her attention to the man by her side.

“That will be all. Thank you for the escort, sir William.”

“As you wish. However, I must advise caution around this one. If he misbehaves, simply scream my name, and I will gladly administer the appropriate punishment.”

The menacing warning from William caught Hiro off guard, leaving him pondering about the true nature of this man. A sense of unease crept over him as he wondered what kind of person William truly was.

“That won’t be necessary, but thank you.”

As soon as William left the room, Hiro turned to Lili, his curiosity demanding an explanation.

“What's with the 'sir' thing? And, can butlers really punish their guests? Also—...!!” Hiro's string of questions was abruptly interrupted.

“Big brother Hiro, I'm so glad you're alright!” Lili's joy at seeing her older brother was evident as she embraced him tightly, momentarily putting the explanations on hold.

“There, there kiddo. I should be the one saying that.” Hiro responded with a soft smile, gently patting her head.

The relief of seeing Lili safe and sound washed over him.

“Anyway, not to interrupt this happy reunion and all... but I do have some questions.”

“Yes, yes. Of course.”

The two of them took a seat on the edge of the bed, ready to delve into a conversation. Hiro inquired about what had transpired, and Lili proceeded to explain that he had been knocked unconscious by a knight and brought to the room.

“Okay… Who exactly knocked me out, and why?” he questioned her, his voice tinged with worry.

“Sir… Wi--…” she began but quickly trailed off in a suspicious manner.

“Sir who? Just come out with it and say it.” he urged the girl.

“Sir… William?” Liliana revealed reluctantly, nervously twiddling with her fingers.

“Ah yes. Of course… You mean the butler isn’t a butler but a knight!?”

“Well, you see... William Lionheart is not just any knight. He's part of an order entrusted with protecting our family, and my personal attendant.”

Hiro's eyes widened in surprise, his confusion gradually giving way to a sense of intrigue. The complexity of their circumstances became clearer, and he began to appreciate the intricacies of the world he found himself in.

“So, this sir William is not just some random knight, but a protector assigned to you. That explains the unusual authority he seems to possess. But why did he knock me out?”

Liliana sighed, choosing her words carefully as she revealed the reasoning behind William's actions.

“He had concerns about your intentions, big brother Hiro. He didn't know who you were or what your connection to me was. To ensure my safety, he took measures to neutralize any potential threat until I could confirm your identity. I vouched for you, of course.”

Hiro's initial frustration began to wane, replaced by a mix of understanding and appreciation for Sir William's dedication to their well-being. He realized that their encounter was not just a random act of aggression but a precautionary measure taken to protect Lili.

“I suppose I can't fault him for wanting to keep you safe. But still, knocking me out was a bit extreme, don't you think?”

Liliana chuckled softly, recognizing the validity of Hiro's point.

Hiro felt a sting in his heart as silence enveloped him abruptly. He was haunted by the unsettling fear of the elusive dream he couldn't quite recall. Liliana was sensing his unusual demeanor the moment she stepped into the room. Although, initially attributing it to his predicament, she couldn't help but grow increasingly concerned.

“Big brother Hiro, what’s wrong?”

Lili's unexpected question and genuine concern caught him off guard, leaving him unable to formulate a coherent response.

“There’s something on your mind, isn’t there? Something beyond all of this I mean.”

For a brief moment, he contemplated denying it, but he realized that would be futile. Hiro didn't know how to reply, but he understood that he could no longer keep up his facade. After all, Lili was the only person in this world who could effortlessly see through his charade. She was his closest connection to family at the moment—his sole support. He had no one else. The boy yearned to overcome his amnesia and forge ahead, which fueled his sudden change in demeanor.

“Sorry, Lili. I've just got a lot going on inside my head right now. I didn't want you to worry. Honestly, I'm not sure what to do from here on out.”

“That’s easy!” Liliana responded with her usual confidence, her voice brimming with cheerfulness.

It echoed the tone she had when she came up with Hiro's new name. Intrigued, Hiro perked up his ears and eagerly awaited her explanation.

“Just do whatever this tells you to do.” she said confidently, pointing at Hiro's chest.

“My… heart?” Hiro asked, slightly perplexed by her seemingly simple answer.

“When you saved me... from what I've gathered so far, you didn't know anything about yourself. Just before you encountered the bandits, that's when you lost your memories, right?”

Even though Hiro hadn't disclosed every detail of his awakening in the forest, it was impressive that Liliana had managed to piece it together on her own. Affirming her statement with a nod, he remained attentive and eager to hear more.

“Soooo, where do you think did the decision come from? From a logical standpoint, it would have been more reasonable to run away after the first warning, or even try to make a deal with the bandits. You had those options right in front of you, but you didn't hesitate to risk your own well-being and bring me home. You even took into consideration the lives of those who threatened you. All of these decisions came straight from your heart, I'm sure of it. That's why I trusted you so easily. That's why... I was happy to call you my hero and my big brother. Because I knew that deep in your heart, you're a good person. Someone I can truly admire.”

Her heartfelt confession not only revealed her admiration for Hiro but also served as an earnest evaluation of his character. It was a revelation that shook him to the core, dispelling the negative emotions that had plagued him. The weight of anxiety, uneasiness, fear, and sorrow dissolved in an instant, replaced by a radiant smile that adorned Hiro's face. A few tears of joy escaped his eyes, a testament to the overwhelming emotion coursing through him.

Upon seeing Hiro's emotional response, Liliana couldn't help but blush with a hint of embarrassment. She quickly deflected the intensity of the moment.

“A-And besides...” she stammered bashfully, “I've always wanted an older brother. So you see, in the end, it was serving my own self-interest too. You just happened to be the first person I picked!”

She averted her gaze, attempting to maintain a semblance of composure, even as her heart fluttered with sincerity. Hiro's laughter filled the room, a joyful sound that echoed the newfound warmth between them.

“Stop laughing! It’s not funny!”

Liliana's protestations only served to fuel Hiro's laughter, making her playfully punch his arms in retaliation. He tried to apologize between chuckles, but the humor of her unexpected twist in the heartfelt speech proved too much to contain.

“I’m sorry! Hahaha… I’m sorry. It’s just… after that speech, for you to end it like this... I found it hysterical, I can't help it.” Hiro managed to explain, trying to regain his composure.

Despite her attempts to appear cross, Liliana couldn't resist a small smile at Hiro's infectious laughter. She groaned in good-natured frustration, but the warmth in her heart couldn't be hidden. Hiro noticed her blushing and playfully placed his hand on her head, patting it gently.

“Thank you. That's exactly what I needed to hear. You're an amazing little sister. I couldn't ask for a better one.” he said sincerely, a gentle smile gracing his lips.

The emotions stirred by her genuine words still lingered in his heart, and the connection between them felt stronger than ever.

With a swift movement, Liliana rose from her seat and extended her hand gracefully towards Hiro.

“Let’s go. Dinner will be served shortly, and my father is eager to personally meet you.” she said, her voice filled with excitement.

Hiro's curiosity got the better of him as he realized there was still much he didn't know about Liliana's background. He couldn't help but ask.

“Oh, right. I almost forgot. Who exactly are you? Or rather… who are your parents?”

Liliana's smile grew, revealing a hint of pride in her response.

“Well… my father is the youngest brother of the King, which grants him the honor of ruling this very region.”

Hiro's eyes widened in astonishment as he tried to process the implications of Liliana's revelation. His mind was buzzing with questions and thoughts about the significant social status of Liliana's family.

“Huh?” was all he managed to utter before their conversation was suddenly interrupted by the resounding click of the door, followed by the unexpected entrance of a knight.

“I apologize profusely for the interruption, Lady Liliana, but urgent matters demand your immediate attention. Allow me to escort your... 'friend', to his Majesty.”

Liliana looked apologetic, realizing that she had to attend to her duties.

“I guess it can’t be helped. I’m leaving you in good hands!”

She offered a graceful bow towards William and a mischievous wink to Hiro before making her exit.

Left alone in an awkward silence, Hiro and William exchanged unsure glances. Both men were uncertain about what to say next or how to navigate this unexpected situation.

“Um... so, about my sword... Can I have it back?” Hiro asked tentatively, breaking the ice.

“Not at the moment, I'm afraid. Please, follow me.”

“O-Okay.”

As they walked together, Hiro considered Lili's earlier advice, realizing the importance of addressing the misunderstanding with the knight.

“I think we might have started off on the wrong foot earlier. My name is Hiro. I didn’t mean to offend you or anything,” he began sincerely, “I guess I was still a little confused after waking up in this unknown place. Sooo, what do you say, William? Truce?”

Hiro's words reflected his genuine desire to mend the situation and build a positive relationship with William. He believed that forging friendships, rather than enemies, would be far more beneficial during his stay in this unfamiliar realm. However, as Hiro spoke, William abruptly halted his stride, his expression betraying a visible sense of dissatisfaction. He turned to face the young man who lagged behind.

“There is an unsettling aura surrounding you that raises my suspicions. Therefore, I will not offer an apology for my actions at the gate last night. I am unsure of your intentions towards Lady Liliana, but I caution you to tread carefully. If I detect even a hint of suspicious behavior, I will not hesitate to draw my sword against you. And finally, let me make it abundantly clear; we are not friends, so do not attempt to act familiar with me. Is that perfectly clear?”

William's response was icily delivered, every word carefully chosen and accompanied by a menacing stare fixed upon Hiro.

“I didn’t even do anything and you just straight up hate my guts?” Hiro retorted, his frustration apparent in his voice, “I just wanted to apologize. We don’t have to best friends but I’d be glad if you didn’t despise me so much.”

William averted his gaze, seemingly unaffected by Hiro's plea, and continued leading the way. The tension between them remained palpable as they walked together, eventually arriving at their destination.

Before them stood exquisitely adorned wooden doors. William pushed them open, unveiling the room beyond.

“My Lord, your guest has arrived.” William announced as he led Hiro into the splendid dining hall.

The sight that greeted him surpassed even his wildest imaginings. The hall was adorned with intricately shaped chandeliers, vibrant stained glass windows, and a masterfully painted ceiling, all of which paled in comparison to the immense round wooden table at the room's center. The grandeur of the space left Hiro awestruck.

“Guest… Let me introduce you.” William continued, guiding Hiro towards the man who was already seated at the table. “You are now in the presence of Lord Alastair Vaillant, the ruler of this region and the fourth brother of King Alden Vaillant, also known as King Alden the Wise.”

The introduction seemed to linger on for a moment, but before William could say more, Lord Alastair politely interrupted, showing a preference for simplicity.

“Please, I believe that will suffice, William. There's no need for formalities during a simple dinner. You may take your leave now.”

With a graceful bow of his head, William exited the room, leaving Hiro and Lord Alastair alone together. Hiro felt a bit unsure of what to do next, so he stood there silently, waiting for further instructions.

“Come now! Are you going to stand there all day?” Lord Alastair's playful voice broke the silence, urging Hiro to join him at the table.

Hiro blinked, still feeling a bit overwhelmed by the Lord's casual demeanor. The surreal nature of the situation made him question if he was trapped within a vivid dream.

“You must be Hiro, am I correct? My daughter has spoken volumes about you! Please, do take a seat and indulge in this humble dinner with me.”

Lord Alastair graciously invited Hiro to join him at the lavishly adorned table. Hiro managed to compose himself and replied.

“You say 'humble', but to me, it looks more like a feast.”

His gaze finally fell upon the grand display of culinary delights adorning the table, leaving him momentarily speechless as he marveled at the opulence.

“Haha! I like the way you think! I’m glad you feel comfortable enough to speak freely even though we’d only just met. All these titles and formalities are truly tiring.” Lord Alastair remarked, appreciating Hiro's candidness.

“Oh! Ummm... I apologize—no, forgive me, Sir... no, King... umm...” he stumbled over his words, trying to address Alastair with the proper decorum. However, the Lord swiftly reassured him, quelling any unease.

“Fear not, my boy! Let us enjoy this meal first. Our conversation will follow in due time.”

With that, they indulged in the sumptuous fare before them. Hiro felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the Lord's warm welcome and relaxed demeanor. As they dined together, he eagerly anticipated the discussions that would unfold, hoping to learn more about this realm, Liliana's family, and his own role in this mysterious world.

Lord Alastair, the fourth brother of the nation's King, looked like a man of commanding presence, befitting his noble lineage. Though seemingly in his early forties, he exuded a vitality and strength that made him appear younger than his years. His well-built and robust physique hinted at his warrior nature, giving him an aura of power and authority that demanded respect.

Alastair's attire, while casual in appearance, still carried an air of elegance that befitted his status as a Lord. He favored practicality over extravagance, often seen donning a finely crafted, deep indigo tunic made from sturdy yet comfortable materials. The tunic was adorned with subtle embroidery in silver threads, representing his royal lineage without drawing unnecessary attention.

The Lord's lower attire consisted of dark brown trousers, tailored for ease of movement, and sturdy leather boots that had seen their share of battles. He wore a wide leather belt adorned with a practical array of pouches and sheaths, carrying essentials for both courtly affairs and more rugged endeavors.

Alastair's face was an intriguing blend of rugged handsomeness and wisdom earned through years of experience. His steel-blue eyes exuded a quiet intensity, reflecting the depth of his emotions and the sharpness of his mind. A notable scar, a remnant of past conflicts, cut across his left cheek, serving as a permanent testament to the trials he had faced as a warrior and a leader.

His raven-black hair, streaked with silver at the temples, was kept at a medium length, tousled but well-maintained. A trimmed beard framed his strong jawline, adding a hint of distinction to his rugged appearance.

Despite his noble status, Lord Alastair carried himself with an air of approachability and down-to-earth charm.

As time passed and their appetites were satisfied, Hiro couldn't help but release a contented sigh. It marked the first occasion since losing his memory that he had truly relished a nourishing repast. Only now did he comprehend the depth of his hunger that had bothered him all this time.

Lord Alastair cleared his throat, preparing to address Hiro with a sincere expression on his face.

“Now then,” he began, “I’m most definitely in your debt. Your gallantry rescued my daughter from certain peril. It would be my honor to bestow upon you a token of gratitude for your noble deeds. Name your desired reward, within reason, of course. Haha!”

“Oh, I mean… I think I’ve been rewarded plenty already.” Hiro replied, feeling humbled and grateful for the Lord's kind words.

“Please! Don’t be so modest! Ask away!” Lord Alastair insisted, genuine in his offer.

Hiro hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts before speaking up.

“Well then, if it wouldn't be too much trouble... I would like to stay here a little while longer, if possible. As you may already know, I have somehow lost my memories. I’m at a loss, and…”

“Say no more!” Lord Alastair quickly interjected, weirdly eager to accept his request. “You shall be assigned the finest quarters I can offer. Stay as long as you like!”

A sense of relief washed over Hiro as he felt profound gratitude towards Lord Alastair. It brought him comfort to know that he would have a safe place to gather his thoughts and perhaps uncover the mysteries of his forgotten past.

As their conversation unfolded, several female servants gracefully entered the room, adroitly clearing the dishes and replacing them with pristine ones. Hiro couldn't help but be captivated by their appearance. Clad in elegant, maid-like uniforms, these servants stood out as a rare sight among commonfolk. However, it wasn't just their attire that caught his attention. These women looked unlike anyone he had encountered thus far, even with his fragmented memory. Their distinguishing feature, the one that deeply influenced his perception of them, was the remarkable shape of their ears – long and unusually pointed. Their skin possessed an ethereal paleness, akin to freshly fallen snow.

Yet, as Hiro observed them, he noticed something unsettling. The eyes of some of these maids lacked any trace of emotion or vitality, almost as if they were mere shells, devoid of life. They seemed afraid, terrified even. A subtle tremor ran through his hand involuntarily, signaling to him that there was something wrong.

Lord Alastair was quick to notice Hiro's reaction and felt compelled to explain the situation.

“These servants are remnants of the nearby tribes with whom we had a brief conflict years ago. Out of my magnanimity, I decided to offer them a chance to atone for the sins of their people. They belong to a race referred to as Elves.” with a cold detachment in his voice, he revealed.

The sudden shift in Lord Alastair's demeanor towards the Elves made Hiro uneasy. The Lord spoke with a tone of deep-rooted animosity and disgust, which deeply unsettled the boy. He turned his gaze back to the Elven servants, attempting to comprehend the Lord's perspective, but in doing so, he couldn't help but feel empathy for these unfortunate souls who were caught in the aftermath of conflict.

“Anyway, there's no need to worry. They are no longer a threat. Now, let's get back to the matter at hand, shall we?” Lord Alastair waved off any concerns with a dismissive gesture.

“T-That’s a relief. Right, there's also the matter of the sword I had with me before your knight brought me here. I would appreciate it if I could have it back.” Hiro replied, trying to regain his composure after the unsettling revelation.

Without his facts straight, it would be pointless for him to argue with the Lord any further.

‘His demeanor though… I just can’t shake this feeling…’ Hiro almost lost himself in his own thoughts yet again.

“A man's sword is his most loyal companion. I understand your attachment to it. You shall have it back.” the Lord acknowledged Hiro's request with a nod, and then his expression softened slightly.

“Thank you, Lord Alastair.”

It was an obvious decision for Hiro to stay as long as possible in this place, where he felt a genuine bond with Lili, the person who had become like family to him. As he began to immerse himself in the comforting ambiance, an unfortunate incident disrupted the serenity. A piece of fancy dinnerware used during the meal, came crashing down next to him. One of the servants responsible for clearing the dishes, had accidentally dropped it, leading to a hasty attempt to clean up the shattered fragments. In her rush, she cut her hand on one of the sharp shards, causing little droplets of blood to spill from her palm.

Without a second thought, Hiro knelt down beside the Elven servant, his instincts compelling him to help. He reached for a fresh napkin from the table and attempted to tend to her wound. However, the girl reacted with a mix of surprise and fear, immediately pulling her hand away from him. Meanwhile, Lord Alastair remained an impassive observer, silently witnessing the unfolding scene.

“Are you okay? I didn’t mean to startle you. Would you mind showing me your hand?”

Hiro's voice was calm and reassuring as he spoke to the distressed girl. Slowly, she raised her gaze to meet his, tears forming in the corner of her big blue eyes. It was an expression of fear and uncertainty, emotions that Hiro had become familiar with through his own experiences. After a brief moment of hesitation, she cautiously extended her palm towards him, though still clearly on edge. Focusing on the task at hand, Hiro paid no mind to the tense atmosphere around them.

“The cut isn’t deep.” he examined the injury and reassured her.

As he gently traced his finger along the wound, he noticed the same dark aura he had seen back in the forest while tending to Lili's injuries. Determined to help, he focused on the cut and attempted to once again perform the miraculous healing, or rather, absorption, that had saved Lili before. The girl winced slightly in pain, but it lasted only a few seconds. Soon, the cut had closed and seemingly healed. Her anxiety and fear began to dissipate as well.

Before the servant could say anything, Hiro quickly covered her palm with the napkin and locked eyes with her, speaking in a hushed tone.

“Don’t tell anyone, okay?”

The girl obediently nodded, and a grateful smile appeared on Hiro's face, appreciative of her cooperation and understanding.

Impatience now evident in Lord Alastair's demeanor, he cleared his throat disapprovingly, signaling for both Hiro and the wounded servant to stand up.

“It’s just a scratch! Nothing to worry about, right?”

He turned to the Elven servant, seeking confirmation, and she nodded in agreement before bowing politely and making a swift departure. Another servant took charge of cleaning up the mess, but something about her behavior seemed different. Hiro couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he sensed an underlying rage in her demeanor and the look in her eyes.

Little stains of blood were left on the boy’s finger, from when he was looking over the other girl’s cut.

“Clean your hands at once!” Alastair shouted, noticing the stains on the boy’s hand.

Without uttering a word, Hiro promptly wiped off the blood with the remaining napkins on the table. Lord Alastair's gaze was filled with disgust, treating the blood as if it were some sort of poison.

“I appreciate your kindness, even towards... it.” Lord Alastair remarked coldly, referring to the Elven servant.

“Huh? It?” Hiro, taken aback, asked. The Lord elaborated.

“With your amnesia, certain things might be confusing for you. But don't associate yourself too much with their kind. I say this out of concern for the man who saved my daughter.”

Hiro fell silent, deep in thought, trying to decipher the meaning behind Alastair's behavior. It was evident that the Lord held strong prejudices against the Elves.

The girl who had dropped the plate appeared visibly distressed, leading Hiro to wonder if her tears were driven by fear of punishment. He couldn't shake off the nagging questions about the unusual situation he had just witnessed. Recalling what Lili had told him about the city not being what it seemed, Hiro considered the possibility that there was more to Lord Alastair's household than met the eye.

“Ahem. William is waiting just outside the door. He shall be your escort. Please, relish your stay for as long as you desire.” Lord Alastair's warm voice resonated.

“Right! Thank you very much.” With a grateful nod, Hiro replied.

Though still uncertain about Lord Alastair's true nature, one undeniable fact persisted – Alastair had extended his welcome, offering clothing and nourishment without any expectation in return. Amidst his lingering doubts, Hiro found moments of gratitude for the kindness shown to him.

Stepping out of the room, he came face to face with the knight, William, who was leaning against the wall with a rare vulnerability in his posture. It was an unusual sight to witness. Before Hiro could utter a word, William tossed the familiar scabbard in his direction.

“Ai told me what happened in there. It seems Lili was... possibly right about you. Let's find out if you're up to the task. Follow me.”

“Wait, what's going on? Why are you speaking differently now? Where are we headed? And who the heck is this Ai?” Confused, Hiro questioned.

“Just shut up and follow me. They’re waiting.”

Hiro couldn't fathom what had transpired to cause such a sudden change in William's behavior. Nonetheless, he complied with the Knight's instructions and trailed behind him, eager to uncover the mysteries that awaited.

Together, they traversed the seemingly endless corridors of the Mansion until arriving at a staircase leading deep underground. The descent appeared to lead to the basement, yet extended further than the eye could see. Halfway down, William halted, ensuring they were not being followed. With a practiced hand, he pressed specific bricks on the nearby wall. To Hiro's surprise, the wall parted, unveiling a concealed entrance.

“Are you planning to leave me here to rot or something? Because I’m really beginning to worry right now.” Feeling nervous, Hiro jested.

“This isn’t the time for jokes.” William's response was stern.

He pushed Hiro into the revealed passage and followed closely behind, the wall seamlessly closing itself once more.

As they journeyed through the dimly lit corridor, they reached a small room adorned with books and a grand round table at its center. To Hiro's bewilderment, both Lili and the Elven servant from before were already present.

“Lili? What's going on? Where are we, and why am I here?” startled, Hiro questioned.

“Ah, yes. Explanations are in order, indeed. Please bear with me; it might take some time to explain everything!” with a serene smile, Liliana replied.

William guided Hiro to take a seat at the table, and soon, the pieces of the puzzle began to fit together.