As Martina and her companions were moved by Haruka’s pure heart and felt immense gratitude, Haruka slightly changed the tone of her smile and leaned forward with a curious expression.
“Um, I couldn’t ask much yesterday because I was overwhelmed, but could you tell me more about this world? A world with magic sounds so fascinating,” she said.
Haruka’s words carried the innocent curiosity typical of a high school student, and Martina and the others softened their expressions. Martina felt genuinely delighted that Haruka was showing interest in their world.
“Of course. I’ll tell you anything you’d like to know,” Martina replied.
“Thank you! Oh, but before that, I suppose I should introduce myself properly. My name is Yuzutori Haruka. I’m not used to being called ‘Saint,’ so if possible, please call me Haruka. I’m seventeen years old and was a student in a country called Japan,” Haruka said with a smile.
Hearing this, Martina and the others took turns introducing themselves.
“I’m Martina. I’m a commoner and work as a civil servant in the administrative department,” said Martina.
“My name is Sophian Luxaria. I’m the second prince of this country, though I’d prefer if you didn’t treat me differently. I work as a royal librarian and diplomat,” Sophian added.
“Wait, you’re a prince?!” Haruka exclaimed, reacting like a typical high schooler to the word “prince.”
“Yes. Does your country have princes as well?”
“No, there aren’t any in my country. Oh, what should I call you then, since you’re a prince? Should I say, ‘Prince Sophian, Your Highness’ or something like that?”
“No, just call me Sophian. You don’t have to follow this world’s rules of rank and status,” Sophian reassured her.
After a moment of hesitation, Haruka nodded. “Then, I’ll call you Sophian.”
“Thank you. I look forward to getting to know you,” he said warmly.
With that conversation settled, it was time for the remaining three to introduce themselves.
“I’m Roland. I’m from a viscount family and work in the administrative department as Martina’s supervisor,” he said.
“I’m Sylvan Cadour. I come from a count family and work alongside Martina in the administrative department,” Sylvan followed.
“My name is Nadia. Like Sylvan, I’m also Martina’s colleague,” Nadia said with a refined tone.
After hearing their names, Haruka turned her gaze to each of them in turn.
“Roland, Sylvan, and Nadia. Nice to meet you all,” she said cheerfully.
After the introductions were complete, Martina was the first to make a move. Relieved that they had reconciled with Haruka and gained her cooperation, Martina’s mind had room to notice a booklet placed on the table. Her curiosity lit up at the sight of this unfamiliar object.
“Um, I’ve been wondering for a while now, is that a book…?” Martina asked, leaning forward.
Haruka, tilting her head slightly in puzzlement, responded, “Yes, though it’s more like a notebook. I used to keep it in the inside pocket of my blazer, so I ended up bringing it to this world as well. At my school, every student was given a student handbook.”
“Does it have writing in it…?!” Martina asked, her eyes sparkling.
“Of course. It contains the school rules, a calendar, the lyrics to the school song, and some blank pages for writing notes or a diary,” Haruka explained.
As Haruka spoke, Martina gazed at the student handbook with rapt attention, almost as if she could bore a hole through it with her eyes. Haruka, still looking slightly perplexed, picked up the handbook and held it out to Martina.
“Would you like to read it?”
“Are you sure?!” Martina asked, her voice filled with excitement.
“Yes, though I don’t think it’s particularly interesting. I haven’t written anything in it,” Haruka said modestly.
“Even so, it’s more than enough!” Martina exclaimed as she took the student handbook with a mix of enthusiasm and care, losing herself in her own little world.
Watching Martina’s behavior, Haruka wore a slightly puzzled expression. Roland, noticing this, chuckled and explained, “Sorry about that. Martina loves books. She’s probably thrilled to see a book from another world.”
“Ah, I see,” Haruka said with an understanding nod.
“Oh wow… the leather feels amazing, the paper is high-quality, and above all… it’s written in another world’s language!” Martina murmured, her inner thoughts slipping out in her excitement.
“Even though I can’t read it, it’s still so enjoyable…!”
“Martina, you’re adorable,” Haruka said with a giggle. “I think we’ll get along well since I also love books.”
Hearing this, Martina, who had been wholly engrossed in the student handbook, snapped her head up in surprise.
“You love books too?”
“Yes. I even finished reading almost every book in my school library,” Haruka replied.
“You’re just like me…!” Martina said, her excitement reaching new heights.
Meeting someone her age with the same love for books, and who likely knew of countless books Martina had never read, filled her with joy.
“Please tell me about the books from your world. Oh, but first, I’d love to learn about your language. If it’s not too much trouble, that is…”
“It’s no trouble at all. I’m happy to have a friend who loves books too,” Haruka said, smiling.
“I’m happy too,” Martina replied.
The two leaned in closer, laughing together. Then Haruka suggested with a warm expression, “Would you mind dropping the formal speech? I’d really like for us to be friends on equal terms. I don’t have anyone I know in this world, so I’d love to have close friends. Oh, and no feeling awkward about me being summoned here, okay?”
Her kind smile and tilted head made it impossible to refuse. Martina smiled back and nodded.
“Alright, Haruka. Looking forward to being friends!”
“Me too, Martina!”
Haruka turned to the others and added, “Oh, and everyone else, you don’t need to use formal speech with me either. In fact, I’d prefer it. I imagine you’re all older than me anyway, and in Japan, it’s common for younger people to use formal speech with older people.”
Though the other four seemed a little hesitant, Sophian was the first to agree, which prompted the others to follow suit.
“Got it. I’ll call you Haruka then,” Sophian said.
“Haruka, looking forward to working with you,” Roland added.
“Same here,” Sylvan said.
“I hope we can get along well,” Nadia said warmly.
“Thank you, everyone! I look forward to getting to know you all,” Haruka said with a bright, natural smile, feeling closer to everyone now that the formality between them had lessened.
