“The clothes that Kauxar made turned out amazingly.” Saki praised taking a good look at herself in the rooms full length mirror.

  The outfit in question fit snugly, with a layer of shining silver armor that perfectly covered her torso. Along with said breastplate, came a matching set of shin and forearm guards that looked both stylish and functional. Finally to complete the outfit were a belt with a integrated slot for a sheath and a pair of leather boots that hid perfectly behind the shin guards.

  “It really suits you, shame that I can’t wear mine too much.” Kouki lamented looking down at the clothing his magic had created.

  “Well you heard the princess, the clothes are made of magical material that will be able to protect you way better than what Kauxar can currently make.” Saki stated, earning a small cough from the cat-man who returned from the backroom.

  “Oh, sorry Kauxar I meant no offense. Your work is amazing as is.”

  “It’s fine my dear, I take no offense just be aware that many do not take kindly to unconstructive critiques.” Kauxar commented, earning an apologetic smile from Saki.

  “Excuse me, is everyone decent?” Called Celina from the outside of the changing room, opening it slightly.

  “Yes Celina, you can come in.” Kouki answered, Saki still apologizing to Kauxar.

  “Thank you…Oh, you look lovely Lady Saki!” Celina admired, gaining Saki’s attention as she smiled lightly.

  “Yes, it fits perfectly and is perfect for what it’s going to be used for.” Saki complemented, earning a smile from Kauxar.

  “Wonderful, is there anything else you would like done to increase it’s durability or any tools you need for training?” Celina asked, a genuine look of awe in her eyes that Saki was not used to being used on her.

  “For now no, I have had hand-to-hand combat training before but I will wait to see as the training progresses to see if I need to adjust things with my clothing or equipment.” Saki answered honestly, earning a nod from Celina.

  “Understandable, and you Sir Kouki? I know that it wasn’t ideal but I assume that the outfit your power surge created fits well and doesn’t need any adjustments?” Celina asked, earning a shake of the head from Kouki.

  “It’s actually surprising how great it fits, I can move and it is well made almost like from some of my live stage events.” Kouki answered, spinning around causing the coat to almost look as if it were floating to show off the rest of the outfit.

  “Do I have to be here?”

  The group turned to the still open door to see the demoness, her annoyance clear on her face as she stood guard at the door.

  “You are their slave, and until you have proven yourself not an enemy of humanity that is how you will stay.” Celina stated coldly, causing a chill to run down the room.

  The demon scoffed, clearly not threatened by the princess’ aura. Celina let out a sigh of exasperation, looking back towards the two heroes before her.

  “I do hope you both are ready for what is to come, many of the cities residence saw the light Sir Kouki created with his magic and many more felt it’s healing properties.” Celina addressed, causing Kouki to shuffle nervously.

  “It isn’t something to be concerned over, in fact my mother was greatly impressed by your power and knows it will be an essential help in the near future. There have been talks as to assign you more protection that what Lady Saki wished for, and from what happened yesterday many of the nobles who were against your request have suddenly changed their views from before.” Celina explained, earning a smirk from Saki.

  “There were nobles who didn’t wanna help us? Even though we are the Heroes?” Kouki asked baffled, earning a sigh from the princess.

  “Unfortunately yes, there are a fair number of selfish and greedy nobles who believe that you will take valuable resources for yourselves. While you are, it is a necessary sacrifice they had to get past which only happened after your spectacular display of power as well as some careful negotiations from myself and mother.” Celina smiled, giving Kouki a sense of calm.

  “Seems as though she and her mother are birds of a feather when it comes to negotiations.” Saki thought.

  “I’m thankful of course, and I will say that you have gained more of my trust Celina.” Saki admitted, causing the princess to look confused.

  “In what way?” Celina Questioned.

  “You seem to be just as strategic as your mother, and seeing that versus how you initially showed your more humane side tells me you have been genuine with us this whole time.” Saki explained, earning a smile from Celina.

  “Why thank you, I am happy to have earned your trust further and hope to continue to do so as your friend.” Celina stated, a determined look on her face.

  “Pr- I mean, Celina I know that so far it may have been seen as a positive thing but I do apologize for yesterday.” Kouki apologized, bowing his head slightly earning a chuckle from the princess.

  “Well it was a surprise, but all in the castle understand it wasn’t in your control. Hopefully it doesn’t happen again, but the teachers we have assigned to you will help you with whatever you need.” Celina stepped forward to him, placing a hand on his head to comfort him.

  “There is no need to apologize, just continue to do your best.”

  Kouki blushed, causing Saki to pull him back towards her protectively.

  “About these instructors, what are they like? They aren’t cruel or will be too hard on Kouki correct?” Saki bluntly changed the subject, earning a gentle laugh from Celina as she lightly cleared her throat.

  This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.

  “Yes…they are well renown instructors from our magical academy, which study an assortment of magical theory as well as battle tactics and general swordplay. While I don’t expect Sir Kouki to fight on the front lines, I would assume you would like him to learn the basics at least if I’m not mistaken.” Celina questioned, a knowing smile on her face as she struggled slightly to stop laughing.

  “I agree.” Saki nodded, earning a concerned look from Kouki.

  “I really hope this doesn’t mean she’ll go back to her Drill Sargent mode…”

  “As long as they aren’t being pulled away from anything more important…” Kouki Chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head.

  “Don’t be modest Kouki, they need us and I won’t have anything less than the best you can provide.” Saki stated bluntly, earning a nod of agreement from Celina.

  “Indeed, under the correct circumstances your lives would even be put above the King and Queen.” Celina admitted, which caused both Saki and Kouki to worry.

  “That…I was unaware of…” Kouki admitted, rubbing his arm uncomfortably.

  “It will happen sooner than you think…”

  The rooms occupance once again to turned to the demoness standing by the door, a smirk clear on her face as her eyes glew with a threatening flame.

  “Our armies are strong, and after we regather our forces I can guarantee that there will be hordes of demons, orcs, and beastmen tearing down these walls and make toys out your people.” The end of her statement ended in a growl of sorts that caused a weight to be added to Kouki’s heart, with Saki simply gritting her teeth at the predicament they found themselves in.

  “You underestimate us, humanity is far from being finished.” Celina stepped forwards a look of determination and defiance in her eyes.

  “If I’m not mistaken, your forces also lost a number of its own strongest. Plus, knowing how you fought in our last battle what makes you think that you won’t get killed in the crossfire?”

  “That would be better than my current situation, being at the beck and call to such inferior beings.” The demoness snarled, a clear intent to kill in her gaze but a surge of magic seemed to glow off her as she fell to the ground in pain.

  “You forget, any hostile intent is reprimanded when under the slave crest. So do watch yourself Astarte…” Celina teased, catching Kouki’s attention.

  “Her name is Astarte?” Kouki questioned.

  “Ah, yes you wouldn’t know due to you being unconscious. This is Astarte, one the top tier healers of their armies and a close aide to one of the 3 demon generals Castor who’s title from what Astarte told us is The Broken Oracle.” Celina stated, causing Saki to start contemplating.

  “Can he tell the future then? Maybe influence it? Due to his name, it must have something to do with their ability yes?” Saki questioned, and as if lightning had struck Astarte began to speak unprompted.

  “Lady Castor’s ability is to see into possible futures…ugh…she uses this ability to ensure her survival in any scenario.” Astarte struggled, trying to fight her given slave crest but failing as she panted in pain.

  “I see, I may need to ask more questions later would that be alright Celina?” Saki asked, accepting the idea that Astarte will have to be honest with her as she turned to Celina.

  “Of course, the crest has been fine tuned so that only you, Sir Kouki, and the royal family can command her to do anything.” Celina assured, earning a nod from Saki.

  “Now, I must depart on other matters. Your training partners shall be in the castle courtyard, and my maid will stay behind to lead you there when you are ready.” Celina continued, gesturing to a maid that entered the room.

  “Will we see you again?” Saki asked, gaining a smile from Celina.

  “Yes, we will meet again at dinner when we discuss how the training went.”

  “So we won’t be introduced to the public yet?” Kouki confusedly asked, causing the princess’ eyes to widen in realization.

  “Oh heavens no, that is to be done in a more…festive event. We are already planning things out, but until that day you will be training your skills.” Celina explained, an apologetic smile on her face.

  “That’s fine, thank you Celina and sorry to keep you.” Kouki stated, looking a little bashful at the thought of keeping her too long.

  “It’s no trouble, we are friends aren’t we?” Celina responded with a smile, earning a smile and an eager nod from Kouki.

  “Then I will see you at dinner, please don’t overwork yourselves.” Celina stated, making her way out of the door.

  “Same to you princess.” Both Kouki and Saki stated, slightly bowing towards the princess as the door closed.

  “You seem to be getting used to the whole ‘Slave’ thing rather quick.” Kouki’s voice came out in a more serious tone which caught both Kauxar and Astarte off guard at the intensity behind it.

  “We are in a different world Kouki, we have to adjust as best as we-”

  “I KNOW where we are.” Kouki interrupted, a sudden feeling of power coming off of him as his iris’ to shine brightly.

  “The problem I have is that I don’t agree with slavery.”

  “HA! What are you some bleeding heart?” Mocked Astarted, only for Kouki to direct his look towards her.

  “Shut. Up.”

  Fear. Fear is all that Astarte felt in that moment and all from one boy who wasn’t much taller than her breast plate. To Astarte, it was like she was facing her master in a head to head battle where the power gap was just too much to bare.

  “It’s like I can’t breathe…my legs are like noodles…” Astarte thought fearfully, clamping her mouth as commanded.

  “Kouki calm down, I-”

  “Why are you so calm? I get you used to do this to others, but you don’t do it to me. I need a reason, a reason that will let me accept a slave, a reason to let me accept you going into battle, a reason to-”

  Something soft touched Kouki’s lips, a feeling he has felt so many times when it was just them. Yet, here they were again. Saki’s lips, kissing him as tears began to flow from her face.

  “Tears?” Kouki thought in surprise.

  “I know!” Saki yelled, a desperation in her voice that immediately brought Kouki back from his surprise.

  “I know this a all fucked, I mean we were summoned to this strange place without any warning, we have to become heroes on top of that? I mean, how else can it be described?” Saki began, earning a look of worry as Kouki struggled to interrupt.

  “I just want to do everything I can to keep us safe! You heard her right, one of us wasn’t supposed to be here and by all accounts the princess made it clear in everything but words that it was supposed to be you that was left behind and…” Saki was brought to her knees, a look of pure horror and dread came to her face as she began to try to wipe the tears away.

  “I…I can’t…I can’t…losing you would break me, so yes I will accept anything and DO anything to make sure the person I love the most is safe!” Saki finished, her crying getting the best of her as the room became silent.

  “Why didn’t you just tell- No, I would’ve done the same in her position…” Kouki lamented, realizing the weight of his words when he all but yelled at Saki.

  “After everything she’s done for me…I shouldn’t have been so harsh, I shouldn’t have doubted her…”

  After a moment, Kouki reached out and held Saki close taking a knee to bring her head to his shoulder. Saki still crying all the while, returning the hug as if the entire world were trying to pull him away from her.

  “I’m sorry Saki…I’m so sorry…” Kouki began to tear up, but held her all the tighter as she cried out all the tears she no doubt had been keeping in. All the fear from the bus accident, the despair of knowing it would be near impossible to get home, and even just the idea of having us put in such a dangerous spotlight all came together as she shed each tear.