Right after that strange—and dangerously confusing—experience in the shower, I found myself being escorted by the same girl to where Andras and Slyther were waiting.
The castle was… enormous. Far larger than I had imagined.
"By the way," I asked as we walked, "do you know what kind of entertainment Andras has planned?"
Truthfully, I was curious. I had no idea what was considered entertainment in this world… or how things actually worked here.
"Huh?" the maid tilted her head. "I'm not really sure. But knowing Andras-sama, when she takes something seriously… you'll probably have to work pretty hard not to disappoint her."
She smiled, but her expression quickly turned serious as she stopped in front of me.
"She's placed all her hopes on you. You're the only person who can help her."
She stayed silent for a second before continuing.
"That's why I'm asking you to give it your all. Not just for Andras-sama, but for the Kingdom of Shadowfall. Even if this place looks imposing, it's no longer what it once was… the kingdom was reduced by almost eighty percent after the attack. Many people left."
"I don't want to depress you or put more pressure on you," she added quickly, switching back to a smile. "Oh—by the way, we're here."
She opened a massive door that led into what appeared to be the castle's central courtyard.
In the distance, I spotted three figures looking our way. I immediately recognized Slyther… and Andras, who looked completely exhausted.
The third person, however, was a woman I didn't know—though her resemblance to the maid was far too obvious to ignore.
Scre—…
If that woman found out what happened this morning, I was dead. And I hadn't even started my first side quest yet.
"Hey, Alexs!" Andras shouted, waving her hand. "Hurry up! We don't have time to waste. We need to start with the explanation… and your training."
"Y-Yes! Right away!" I replied, jogging toward them, followed by the orange-haired maid.
"Good morning, Alexs-sama," Slyther said, performing an elegant bow. "How are you feeling? I hope your room was to your liking."
"I'm doing fine, thank you. And yes… it was well beyond my expectations," I replied, returning the bow.
"There's no need to bow to me, sir.
Ah—and good morning to you as well, Celes-san."
Celes?
So that was her name.
"Good morning, Slyther-chan," she replied with a bright smile. "And good morning to you too, Andras-sama."
"Good morning, Celes," Andras said. "I hope it wasn't a problem waking him up. I know you were supposed to attend school today."
School…?
Damn it. What kind of mess did I get myself into now?
"Don't worry, Andras-sama," Celes replied. "Either way, it was far more educational to meet Alexs."
She gave me a knowing smile.
I could only swallow nervously as the memory resurfaced.
"That's enough chit-chat," the unfamiliar woman cut in, her voice irritated. "I don't understand why this guy is here. Is he really the one meant to save the kingdom?"
She pointed at me without the slightest hesitation.
"He doesn't look like much. I can't sense any magical ability from him, and his physique doesn't resemble that of a warrior either."
Her words made me uncomfortable… and irritated.
"I know it may seem sudden," Andras replied calmly, "but I have faith in him. Please, give him a chance."
"B-but, Li—" "Mayuri!" Celes interrupted sharply. "Respect Andras-sama's decision. You've had enough tantrums."
Her presence shifted completely.
She was imposing.
"Besides, show respect to the young man who has offered his help without asking for anything in return."
"I'm very sorry, Mother," the woman said, bowing her head. "And I apologize as well, Andras-sama… Slyther-sama… Alexs-sama."
Mother…?
"MOTHER?!" I shouted before I could stop myself.
"Oh! I'm sorry!" Celes laughed. "I forgot to introduce myself properly. My name is Celes, and this little ball of hatred is my daughter, Mayuri."
"Mother!" Mayuri protested, blushing furiously as she looked away.