★19
SAI'S POV
I arrived at their home through teleportation, the space folding soundlessly behind me. The small house lay in uneasy silence, broken only by the soft rustle of leaves brushing against one another.
The air felt thin, fragile, as though even sound hesitated to linger here. Without hesitation, I crossed the yard, my footsteps soundless against the earth. Ryota stood just ahead, unaware of my presence, his shoulders tense as if burdened by worries far heavier than his years.
I stopped a step behind him, close enough to sense his shallow breathing, yet far enough that he did not notice. For a brief moment, I simply observed.
Then I spoke, my voice calm, cutting through the stillness like a blade drawn cleanly from its sheath.
"Hello, Ryota."
He jolted violently, nearly dropping what he was holding as he spun around, eyes wide.
"Ar—Sai… Sai-san…!"
He stammered, clutching his chest.
"You scared me!"
"Sorry. I didn't mean to."
"No problem. What brings you by here?"
"Where's your mother? I need to talk to her."
"I'll take you to her. Come with me."
Before I could say anything more, he reached out and grabbed my hand, tugging me forward with unexpected urgency. He led the way around the side of the house, his grip firm despite his small frame.
When we arrived, she was already there.
Ryota's mother sat outside on a simple wooden stool, her posture relaxed as she basked in the morning light. The warmth of the sun painted her face softly, and for a moment, she looked almost peaceful, as though the hardships of the past days had never touched her.
"Morning, Miss Fujimaru."
I said, breaking the calm.
She looked up at the sound of my voice, surprise flickering across her features before settling into recognition.
"Oh, Sai san. You came back... early."
"Yes."
"Nice to hear that. Can we talk for a moment?"
"Sure."
Ryota didn't protest or linger. With a quiet nod, he stepped away, giving us the privacy we needed.
"What I'll be saying is that it's just the truth, you just have to believe it, ok?"
"o...ok"
"I'm a clone."
"C...clone? What clone?"
"A clone to my master. I'll explain everything."
"Sure."
"My master who's an otherworlder has an ambition to become a Demon Lord."
It all came crashing down like raindrops, no space left to breathe.
"D... demon Lord?"
She stammered, eyes widening. That fear.
"I know it sounds crazy but that's the truth. So yesterday, I asked his permission to bring you and Ryota to his palace and he agreed. That's why, I can focus on what's ahead of me without worrying about you guys."
"...you've done enough already and you still want to help us?"
""No problem. You'll be staying in my room. It hasn't been occupied yet, and I'll be leaving on another mission soon, so it'll remain empty for a while."
I said calmly.
""Mission?"
I nodded. There were no secrets between us, so there was no point dancing around it.
"My mission is to join Cerberus, the organisation from the other day."
"...are you sure you want this?"
"We're all good. All I need for you to accept this request."
She paused for a moment, her expression thoughtful as she considered the offer. The prospect of starting a new life, away from the small confines of their current home, weighed heavily on her mind.
"…fine, then we will go."
She finally said, a quiet determination underlying her words.
"Good. Take only a few essential items with you. The rest will be provided later."
I instructed, keeping the instructions simple but clear.
"O…ok."
he murmured, nodding in understanding.
"Now's the time for farewells."
I added, giving them a moment to process the reality of leaving.
"We're the only ones living here. We shall leave once we've finished packing."
She said softly.
"Ok then."
I replied, acknowledging her resolve.
Miss Fujimaru went over to Ryota and explained everything to him, the plan, the journey ahead, and what would be expected of them. He listened intently, absorbing every detail.
After about an hour of preparation and final discussions, they were ready to depart.
"Good, let's go."
I said, signalling that it was time to leave their old life behind and step into the uncertain path ahead.
I teleported them to the Star Palace, materialising at the entrance. Their baggage had already been placed in their new room, neatly arranged and ready for them.
As the door opened, they stepped out, making their way down the hall. The Master and Hinamatsuri appeared before them, dressed in matching white and gold attire that radiated elegance and authority. We approached them.
"My Lord, they are here."
I announced.
As Miss Fujimaru laid eyes on him, she couldn't help but admire his striking presence, the combination of beauty, charisma, and an aura that drew attention effortlessly.
<
(Menh, there's nothing I can do about it. I just feel the need to add their thoughts even though they're not active.)
"Nice to meet you, Miss Fujimaru and Ryota kun."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, your highness."
She bowed.
"No bowing please. We're all on the same level here."
<
"Sai, I hope you've explained everything?"
"Yes sir."
"Good, take them to your room, show them around and get going."
"As you wish."
The Master's gaze now fell on Ryota.
"Ryota‑kun, there are a few children here. It will be fun to see you all playing together."
"Yay!"
Ryota exclaimed, his excitement bubbling over at the thought.
"Apologies for late introductions, this is Hinamatsuri."
"Nice to meet you, Lady Hinamatsuri."
"Lady? No need. Just call me by my name, ok?"
Hinamatsuri waved dismissively.
"Ok."
"Excuse us, my lord."
I led the two up to the second floor and showed them my previous room. She paused, taking in the elegance and comfort of the space, unable to hide her awe.
"Are we really going to be living here? For free?"
She asked, her voice a mixture of disbelief and excitement.
"It's yours I won't be staying here."
"...what happens when you get back, where will we go?"
"That's if I come back, you'll always be here. As clones, we don't need room and the likes."
"...thank you so much."
"No, problem. As you can see, all the clothes are here for you and Ryota. I'll ask Elafria to send one of her elves here."
"Servants? Working for me?"
"Not actually, but yeah. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll head back to the Eastern Empire."
"S..Sai san... good luck and be careful."
"Thanks."
I closed the door behind me, and, by chance, Elafria could be seen walking along the corridor.
"Lady Elafria, Miss Fujimaru might need a hand. Care to send someone over?"
"As you wish. No matter who it is, you're still my Lord. No need for honorifics between us."
"Hmm, like he said we're his clones but we act independently so don't blame me."
"Um..."
I vanished and appeared in the Eastern Empire again.
<
To be continued...