So, excited beyond measure to meet characters from Sword Fantasia that I had once played with, I spent an enjoyable day showing Asha and Franz around the city, sharing a meal with them, and simply having a good time.
And after that delightful time together…
“Alright, it’s about time for us to head to our next destination. Thank you for introducing us to that wonderful restaurant. The food was amazing. And thank you so much for the honey gift for Asha as well.”
“You’re very welcome. Thank you for stopping by our city today. It makes me genuinely happy to know you enjoyed yourselves, even just a little.”
We had this conversation near the carriage stop heading to the neighboring territory.
During lunch, they mentioned that their destination today was the adjacent domain. They didn’t share the details, but it’s probably something related to the military or the Holy Maiden.
As for Asha, she had been searching for delicious food for her grandfather, and since the neighboring Alphonse territory is famous for its delicacies, she decided to drop by our city on a whim.
So, my encounter with Asha and Franz today was truly a stroke of luck. Honestly, it was sheer fortune—a very lucky coincidence.
“Ugh… I wish I could have talked to you more, Seras…”
“Well, Asha has an urgent matter in the neighboring territory, so it can’t be helped. But I’m always here in this city, so whenever you have time, feel free to visit again.”
“Yes, I promise to come back! And when I do, we’ll talk again, okay, Seras?”
“Of course. Next time, I’ll treat you to honey-lemon soda again, so let’s enjoy it together.”
“Really!? Yes, we’ll definitely drink it together again! It’s a promise!”
“Yep, it’s a promise.”
With those words, we laughed together and made a promise to reunite. Then Franz smiled warmly and said to me:
“Heh, we only stopped by this city by chance, but I’m so glad we met a kind-hearted noble boy like you. And I’m especially happy that someone as wonderful as you became Asha’s friend. Honestly, this girl is shy and tends to be reserved… She hasn’t had many friends, so I was a bit worried.”
“U-Uncle! What are you telling Seras!?”
“Sorry, sorry. But, as Asha’s older brother figure, today’s events made me incredibly happy. Thank you for being her friend. I’m looking forward to seeing you again someday, Seras.”
“Yes, of course. I’ll be looking forward to meeting you again too, Franz.”
With that, I shook Franz’s hand firmly. For someone who loves Sword Fantasia as much as I do, this was an experience I would never forget.
“Alright, Asha, it’s time to board the carriage.”
“Got it, Uncle. Thank you so much for today, Seras! I’ll never forget this day! I’ll definitely come back to see you again!”
“Yeah, I’ll never forget you two either. I’m looking forward to seeing you again, Asha. Take care!”
“Yes! Until next time!”
After our goodbyes, Asha and Franz boarded the carriage heading to the neighboring domain, and it departed shortly after.
I kept waving until their carriage was out of sight.
“…Hnnn—Phew…”
Once the carriage was gone, I stretched and took a deep breath.
Today was such an eventful day, but it was also absolutely amazing.
I mean, I got to meet characters from the game I love so much. And not just any character—Asha, my favorite! It was like a miracle.
“But in the game’s story… Asha meets such a tragic end…”
I suddenly remembered Asha’s fate in the game. But I won’t let her meet that same ending here.
I’ll make sure to train myself so I can protect her. I’ll become strong enough to fend off bandits or any threat.
“Alright, time to head home and get back to my training!”
With a slap to my cheeks to psych myself up, I resolved to give it my all—not just for myself, but for Asha as well.
And I prayed silently that, in this world, Asha could live a life full of happiness without ever being hurt…
With that thought, I made my way back to the Alfeid estate.
