Kazuma and Rin walked along a crumbling stone road, each step causing the bricks beneath their feet to crack and shift. As they moved forward, a dazzling yellow sphere of light slowly emerged on the horizon, banishing the darkness ahead.
As the shadows receded, the morning light revealed a massive stone wall in the distance. Hajime, already awake in Rin's arms, stared in awe as the towering structure grew larger with every step.
"Wow, that wall looks massive! I wonder how big it is. I can't wait to see what the city looks like—it must be so cool!"
The wall stood around fifty meters tall, made of aged stone, with a sturdy metal gate as its entrance. A single guard stood on each side of the gate. As they approached, Hajime squinted to get a better look. The guards appeared pale, clad in full metal armor, with expressions of exhaustion etched across their faces. Their bodies slouched as if they were moments from collapsing.
Kazuma and Rin reached the gate, but the guards didn't react until Kazuma spoke.
"Umm... excuse me, may I enter the city?"
At the sound of his voice, both guards quickly straightened their posture and looked up, meeting eyes with Kazuma and Rin. But something changed in their expressions—shock, then reverence. They instantly bowed and called out:
"Greetings, Lord Kazuma and Lady Rin!"
Hajime, still resting in Rin's arms, nearly jumped in surprise but remained still, stunned.
Did… did he just say "Lord"? No way… the people who rescued me are nobles?! I'm really going to be living the good life now… Haha! This is amazing! I'm set for life—I can do all the things I never could before!
Still absorbing the reality of his new life, Hajime's attention shifted to the crowds moving past them. People in worn tunics carried tools or guided farm animals along the road.
Wow, this really is another world… Everyone looks like they're from medieval times. I can already see it—I'll be one of those cool protagonists, known as a genius.
While Hajime daydreamed, Rin looked down at him, her expression shifting into one of concern.
"Kazuma… what are we going to say about little Hajime? Everyone knows we don't have kids. How are we supposed to explain how we became his parents when he grows up?"
Kazuma looked up at the sky thoughtfully before answering.
"Why not just say we adopted him? That his mother came to us, half-dead in the forest, and begged us to care for her son before she passed. Or… we could just tell him the truth—that we found him alone in the forest."
Rin's brows furrowed, her voice tightening.
"Kazuma, don't you think that's a little too dark? When he's older, I don't think I'll have the heart to tell him his mom died in front of us… and that we only took him in because of her last wish. Look at him—he's so cute. I just couldn't do it."
Kazuma sighed. "That's a problem for later. Let's just get home and rest. We're exhausted—and so is little Hajime."
"…Alright," Rin agreed softly. "We'll talk about it later."
After more walking, the trio finally arrived in front of a modest yet elegant mansion. The building was mostly white, with minimal decorations. The lawn was neatly trimmed, and two rows of servants lined the walkway leading to the entrance. At the doors stood an older man, dressed in a formal suit with an eyeglass over his right eye and an eyepatch over the left.
As Kazuma and Rin approached, the man stepped forward, bowed deeply, and addressed them.
"Greetings, Master Kazuma and Lady Rin. I hope you had a pleasant journey. Forgive my forwardness, Lady Rin, but… may I ask who that child is you're holding?"
"Oh, this little one?" Rin said, smiling. "His name is Hajime. We found him abandoned in the Quiet Forest while returning from the Dultria Kingdom. Kazuma and I have decided to adopt him."
The butler blinked, momentarily surprised, but quickly regained his composure.
"I see. Shall I prepare clothing for the young master, Lady Rin?"
"I'd love that, Bradly. And could you prepare some warm milk for him as well?"
"Of course. I'll see to it immediately. If you'll excuse me."
Bradly bowed again, turned on his heel, and walked toward the entrance. Kazuma and Rin followed behind.
As they neared the mansion's grand double doors, Hajime stared in awe. Intricate engravings of a crest adorned the center of each door, and two small knight statues formed the handles. Despite his amazement, Hajime remained in a daze from everything he had experienced in just a single day.
As the doors slowly opened, ushering him into his new home, only one thought echoed in his mind:
I guess this is where my new life begins.