When they entered the guest room, things were slightly different from yesterday. There were two two-person sofas placed facing each other, but now two more two-person sofas had been added.
Martina wondered what all these sofas would be used for. As she was pondering, Haruka pointed to the sofas and addressed the five of them.
“Please, have a seat. Yesterday, I made everyone stand except Martina, and I became even more flustered, yelling and crying… I’m truly sorry.”
Seeing Haruka bow her head while standing, Martina hurriedly spoke up.
“Please, raise your head. The one who should apologize is me.”
“No, Martina, you’ve already apologized many times yesterday. That’s enough.”
“But…”
“Anyway, would you like to sit down? I had the sofas prepared.”
With Haruka smiling softly, Martina and the others, though still confused by Haruka’s friendly demeanor, sat down on the sofas.
“Well, excuse me then.”
After everyone sat down on the sofas, Haruka was the first to speak.
“Once again, I’m sorry for yesterday. I was just so overwhelmed, and I ended up being really harsh to you, Martina.”
“No, if I were brought to an unfamiliar place all of a sudden, I think I would have reacted the same way, if not worse.”
(I think I would’ve panicked even more if I were in Haruka’s shoes.)
“I’m glad you understand. After being alone yesterday, I thought a lot about things. First, could you listen to what I have to say?”
“Of course. I’m happy to listen to anything.”
Martina nodded immediately, and Haruka hesitated slightly before speaking slowly.
“First, Martina, yesterday you said you would find a way for me to return home, right? Do you think it’s something that can be found soon?”
“…No, it will be difficult to find a solution right away. I’m trying to create a return spell based on the summoning circle that brought you here, but I can’t tell you when it will be finished.”
Martina lowered her brows but clearly stated the facts, and Haruka’s eyes widened slightly.
“A return spell… you think you can create something like that?”
“I can’t guarantee it, but I’ll try.”
“Nothing is certain, I understand that. But just knowing that you’re trying to make it gives me some reassurance. Thank you.”
Haruka placed her hand on her chest and smiled, and Martina couldn’t hide her confusion. Had Haruka really overcome the sadness, anger, and hardship of being suddenly summoned?
But then, she quickly dismissed that thought.
(She might be smiling to protect herself in a world where she has no allies. If that’s the case, it must be very painful.)
“Well then, I suppose I’ll be staying in this world for a while.”
While Martina’s thoughts were wandering, Haruka continued speaking.
“Yes, that’s right.”
“If that’s the case… I want to help this world as a Saint.”
“Eh?”
Martina froze upon hearing Haruka’s unbelievable words. Her mind went blank as she repeatedly processed what Haruka had just said.
But no matter how many times she replayed it in her head, the words stayed the same.
“Did you say you want to help this world?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
When Haruka nodded in confirmation, Martina’s thoughts resumed, and combined with the worries she had been considering earlier, she reached the conclusion that Haruka might be pushing herself too hard.
(Without us even asking, Haruka probably realized how dangerous her current situation is…)
Martina felt a deep sense of guilt and couldn’t speak for a moment. If Haruka was offering her cooperation, it would likely mean better treatment for her compared to being forced to obey, but it was clear this was not Haruka’s personal wish. Martina’s fist clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palm, as she felt unable to express that Haruka didn’t need to force herself.
It seemed that Haruka noticed this, as she spoke up with a caring tone.
“Martina, please don’t look so pained. I’m not saying this out of obligation. Well, I do have a bit of a selfish thought, like that cooperating might result in better treatment, but that’s not it…”
Haruka cut herself off, then smiled at Martina before continuing.
“The truth is, I really do want to help this world. If I have to stay here for a while, and if I have the ability to help, then I want to do so. Honestly, I do have mixed feelings about being suddenly summoned, but after hearing about this world’s situation, I think it can’t be helped. If this happened in the world I come from, I probably would have summoned someone without hesitation too.”
Haruka smiled as she spoke, and she looked incredibly strong and beautiful.
Martina was filled with emotion and found herself unable to speak.
At that moment, Sophian lowered his head. It was a gesture befitting a prince, elegant yet deep in gratitude. His voice was full of sincere appreciation as he spoke.
“Thank you. On behalf of the Raksaria Kingdom, no, on behalf of this world, I wish to express my gratitude. We are truly thankful for your mercy, Saint.”
“That’s a bit too much. As I said yesterday, I’m just a student. —But I do accept your gratitude. I’m honestly happy that I can be of help to so many people.”
Haruka said this with a nostalgic expression and slowly continued.
“Actually, I lost my parents in an accident when I was little, and I’ve been helped by many people up until now. Among them, the director of the orphanage I stayed in always said that when I grew up, I should help people in need. That was the biggest way to repay their kindness. And now, I’ve remembered that.”
Haruka placed her hand gently over her chest as if cherishing a precious memory.
“Helping people from another world wasn’t what I imagined, but I’m truly glad that I can give back.”
Martina was deeply moved by Haruka’s story and her way of thinking. Tears welled up again, but this time for a different reason, and she tightened her eyes to hold them back.
(Haruka is strong, and her heart is pure. She’s truly a wonderful person.)
“Haruka, thank you. I’ll make sure to repay the kindness you’ve shown me from now on.”
Haruka deepened her smile and nodded happily.
“Thank you. Well then, I look forward to working with you.”
With that, the conversation with Haruka took an unexpected and pleasant turn, filling the guest room with a peaceful atmosphere.
