People bustled about the lively streets, a steady rhythm of urban life humming in the background. Frieren, her silver twin ponytails swaying slightly, was being gently tugged along by Fern, her expression caught somewhere between helpless and amused.
At their side, Nozomi acted as the ever-reliable guide, cheerfully pointing out various buildings and landmarks to the two magicians. Even though they had glimpsed these sights before through TV broadcasts and digital feeds, hearing Nozomi explain them in person somehow made everything feel more vivid—like experiencing the city through a lens dipped in color and warmth.
"So this is what the human world really feels like..." Fern murmured in wonder.
Before venturing into this bustling realm, Frieren and Fern had mostly remained secluded in mountain ranges, devoting their lives to arcane research. Cities like this were alien to them—overwhelming and vibrant, a stark contrast to the solitude of magical study.
Frieren, true to her introverted nature, had always preferred quietude. Fern often found herself dragging the elven girl out of her magical sanctuaries. And since their arrival in Sakurasou, their outings had been few and far between.
Frieren hadn't even bothered to hide her elven ears. In this world, cosplay was such a prevalent phenomenon that most people brushed off her appearance as a committed roleplayer. Occasionally, curious passersby would pause, their eyes wide. One enthusiastic otaku with a camera dangling around his neck even approached them.
"Can I take a photo with you?!"
Nozomi didn't waste a second. He raised a hand in a practiced, silent warning: get lost. The otaku shrunk away immediately.
Afterwards, Nozomi led the girls into a nearby supermarket. He guided them to the clothing section, his eyes scanning racks of outfits. Without hesitation, he began picking garments he thought would suit them. His bank account dwindled with every swipe of the card, but he didn't flinch.
To Nozomi, this wasn't just shopping—it was pampering. Frieren and Fern were his women now. What was wrong with spending money on the ones you cherished?
Besides, their worth went far beyond currency. Two gorgeous, intelligent magicians? Priceless.
Every time Frieren's eyes sparkled at a particular outfit or Fern hesitated curiously over a new accessory, Nozomi added it to the pile without question. By the time they reached the register, he had the clerk schedule a delivery to Sakurasou to avoid lugging it all home.
Since Frieren was sensitive to the cold, Nozomi made sure to buy thick winter outfits for both her and Fern. And he didn't forget the others either—Sayu, Yukino, even Mahiru would receive thoughtful little gifts.
Speaking of Yukino, Nozomi had the perfect item for her: an angelic bra won from a treasure chest during one of his previous magical escapades.
Somewhere in the void, Angel Raphael groaned: "That's my bra!"
After leaving the mall, Nozomi brought the girls to an arcade. For two magicians unfamiliar with digital games, the place was a marvel of sounds, lights, and reflex-based excitement. Their eyes lit up with childlike joy as they tried everything from rhythm games to claw machines.
When noon came, he took them to a trendy restaurant for a proper meal. Then, as the sun dipped lower, casting golden light over the streets, they made their way to his favorite spot—the amusement park.
Yes, it was time for the legendary... carousel.
When the staff saw Nozomi return, now flanked by two stunning girls with fantastical appearances, they exchanged bewildered glances. Some looked like their worldview had just been shattered.
"That guy again?"
"How does he keep showing up with different goddess-tier girls?"
"Life really isn't fair..."
Nozomi ignored them all, focused entirely on Frieren and Fern. Together, they rode the carousel, then braved the roller coaster—where Frieren remained unfazed while Fern clung to the safety bar in quiet terror—and finally soared to the top of the Ferris wheel.
Their final challenge? The haunted house.
Predictably, neither girl flinched. Frieren had faced ancient dungeon specters. Fern had battled labyrinth guardians. A few rubber-masked actors and holograms couldn't faze them.
After a full afternoon of fun, the trio began the walk back home. Frieren, licking at her ice cream cone with surprising glee, looked visibly more relaxed.
This world might lack the high-stakes battles and chaotic magic of their past lives, but it had its own charm—entertainment, cozy comforts, and best of all... convenience.
"You can even shop online without going out," Frieren mused aloud. "This world is dangerously perfect for shut-ins."
As they passed an alleyway, Frieren suddenly stopped.
"Nozomi. Fern. There's a faint fluctuation of magic coming from over there!"
Fern tensed immediately, her gaze sharpening. "Could it be... someone from another world?"
Nozomi's eyes narrowed. "Let's check it out."
In the dim alley, they found a girl collapsed on the ground. Silver-haired and clad in silver-white armor, she struggled to lift herself.
"Damn it... where is this? Why can't I feel the sacred energy...?" she whispered, breathless.
...…
After the mysterious girl fainted, the radiant holy sword she clutched shimmered once—and then vanished, dissolving into a soft glow that was absorbed into her wrist. In its place, only a faint, arcane sigil remained, glowing dimly as proof of the sacred weapon's existence.
Her flowing silver hair, once glimmering with divine power, dulled and gradually shifted to a soft rosy red. The sacred aura that had clung to her presence dispersed like morning mist, leaving behind an ordinary—but still striking—girl. A single cowlick stood stubbornly at the top of her head, adding a cute, innocent charm to her delicate face.
"Lady Frieren, she seems to be completely unconscious," Fern reported, crouching beside the girl and checking her condition carefully.
Frieren gave a gentle nod, her eyes calm and steady. "Then we'll bring her back. Leaving someone like this alone—especially someone who clearly isn't from this world—is not an option."
Without hesitation, Nozomi stepped forward and scooped the girl up in his arms. She was light, her breathing shallow but stable. As he gazed at her face, a flicker of familiarity struck him.
(Wait a minute... Isn't she...?)
His mind flashed with recognition. The long red hair, the armor, the holy aura—she looked just like a character from one of his favorite anime.
Yusa Emi—Emilia Justina—the brave warrior from The Devil Is a Part-Timer!
Shaking off the coincidence, Nozomi carried her back to Sakurasou. Once inside, he gently laid her down on the bed in Frieren's room. The elven mage immediately got to work, examining the unconscious girl with trained hands.
"She's not injured, but... her magic power is completely drained," Frieren said, her tone clinical. "And her body isn't used to the energy of this world. That's likely why she collapsed."
"Can you wake her up?" Nozomi asked.
"Of course. One moment."
Frieren opened her suitcase and rummaged through various magical items and potions. Soon, she pulled out a small, ornate vial filled with a glowing green liquid.
Without hesitation, she uncorked it and gently poured it between the girl's lips. At first, nothing happened—then the girl's throat moved as she instinctively swallowed.
A second later, her eyes flew open.
"Ack—so bitter!" she choked, coughing lightly as she instinctively reached for her neck.
Fern, already prepared, handed her a glass of water. "Here, drink this."
"Th-thank you," the girl muttered, accepting it out of reflex. She took several gulps and let out a relieved sigh.
Then, realization hit.
Her back straightened, and her eyes darted around warily. "Wait—who are you people?! Where am I?!"
Fern responded calmly. "This is Earth—specifically, a place called Sakurasou. Also... you should know, there are no magical elements in the air here."
The girl's face fell. "No magic? That explains why I can't feel any sacred power..."
She looked down at her hands, then back up at them with a mixture of determination and confusion.
"Thank you for saving me. My name is Emilia Justina. I'm a warrior of the Empire—a brave. I'm hunting a fearsome enemy... the Demon King Satan. Have you seen anyone fitting that description?!"
Frieren and Fern exchanged a brief, meaningful look.
"We only found you," Frieren said softly. "No other presence nearby."
Nozomi chuckled lightly and stepped forward. "Name's Hozuki Nozomi. I own Sakurasou. That's Frieren—she's a magician from the elven realms. And the one who handed you the water is Fern, her disciple."
He smiled and extended his hand.
"Welcome to Sakurasou, Emilia Justina. You can stay here for now. Once you've regained your strength and adjusted to this world, you can start thinking about your Demon King business again. Sound good?"
Emilia blinked, stunned by the warmth in his tone. A brave hero from another world... now waking up in the home of another world's weirdest innkeeper.
Sakurasou, it seemed, was only getting more chaotic.