My head and body felt heavy, as if a ton of stones pressed down on me.

  I vaguely saw a man sitting beside the bed where I had rested. He was squeezing a piece of white towel and then placing it gently on my forehead, his actions showing care as if I might shatter like fragile glass. The cold sensation of the towel seeped into my skin, jolting me awake completely.

  I opened my eyes to see surprise on the man's face as he began to greet, "You woke up quite early. It's best to rest; the dawn is not yet—"

  "Who are you?" I interjected, not allowing him to finish. This man was different from the person who had helped me. The young man who assisted me had long, beautiful, silky hair as white as winter snow with a hint of ocean blue, an air of solemnity, and elegance in every movement. Moreover, he was even more handsome than the man before me.

  However, this man was not to be outdone. His golden hair shone brilliantly under the dim light, almost unreal in its radiance, leaving me in awe. There was something about his beauty that reminded me of royalty.

  Their appearances shared one common feature, though—the captivating dark shade of red in their eyes. But even in this similarity, there was a difference. His gaze held a lighter hue than the previous man's, glistening as if infused with the brilliance of amethyst.

  "Was there no one normal in this world, or is this the standard for what is considered normal?" I wondered to myself.

  The man's lips curled into a faint smile upon hearing my question. His blushing cheeks resembled the hue of a peach, vivid against his pale, porcelain-like skin. With a sweet and melodious voice, he replied, "I'm Leonard, the younger brother of the man who helped you. You can call me 'Leo.' And what about you, young one?"

  Having observed people for 27 years, I had developed the skill to discern a person's nature with just a glance. This individual was kind to the core, selfless, yet exuded an aura of danger that warned against crossing them.

  "I am Nazari, Mr. Leo." I offered my hand for a handshake, but he merely glanced at it with an adorable, puzzled expression.

  "Sigh, please pardon the difference in culture, but this is how we seal the moment of becoming acquainted in my homeland," I explained, taking into consideration that it was on Earth after all.

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  "I see..." he responded, a look of realization crossing his features. He then extended his hand, shaking mine gently, and added, "Nazari, you appear to be more than just a simple child. You're quite unique."

  I brushed aside his comment and immediately delved into the main point: "Then, Sir Leo, where is Zarani? How is she? Is she alright? I need to see her."

  Attempting to sit up straight, I shifted on the bed, but a wave of dizziness overcame me, forcing me to recline again. 'How exhausted am I?'

  "You're not fully healed yet, child. Your body is still recovering from the fever. I advise you to rest a bit more. The regeneration of cells in your body was necessary when my brother healed you."

  Despite his advice, the concern for my twin was overwhelming. I couldn't find peace without knowing how she was faring.

  "No! I want to see her!" I stubbornly demanded. If he wouldn't allow it, I was prepared to use my greatest weapon as a child, 'the power of cuteness'—though I hoped it wouldn't come to that. Nevertheless, I maintained a burning gaze, unwilling to back down.

  Leonard sighed, his expression softening. "I was present when you pledged your service to my brother. You selflessly begged for your sister's life, even when your own was hanging by a thread. And now, upon waking up much sooner than the expected one-week recovery time under normal circumstances, your immediate concern is for your sister. It's important to take care of yourself, Nazari. But rest assured, that child is fine."

  'Selfless? No, he's wrong. I've spent my life caring only about myself. Now that I have a family, what does he expect? Being selfless is the complete opposite of who I truly am in my world.'

  "I want to see Zarani!"

  Leonard sighed once again, a sign of defeat. He suddenly removed the blanket and hooked his hands under my armpits without warning.

  "What are you doing?" I asked in panic.

  "Your body is still weak. I'll carry you to your sister's chamber," Leonard explained calmly.

  I had no reason to complain further, as he was right. But being in this position, it felt like I was a small child being carried by his handsome dad. Oh right, I almost forgot—I was in the body of a child.

  As we walked down the hallway, I couldn't help but notice that the light in the lamps came from white stones placed in every corner of the area.

  A crystal-clear stone emitted a gentle light that could be compared to a light bulb on Earth. It was then that I noticed my tattered clothes had been changed, and the wounds on my feet and body were gone without a trace.

  This only served to affirm that I had entered a world of fantasy where the impossible could become possible and where magic truly existed. It was a reassurance that Zarani would also be fine.

  Upon arriving in the room, I found Zarani resting peacefully, her complexion displaying more color than before. I asked Leonard to set me down, and without delay, I reached out and gently held Zarani's hand, feeling the warmth it radiated.

  "She's alive... " I whispered in relief, observing her steady breaths. Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. The weight of emotions inside me poured out, dissipating my previous anxiety and anguish like a bubble disappearing into thin air.

  Never could I have imagined that I would experience such intense emotions for someone else, as I had never cared about anyone this deeply before.

  Before, I existed simply by breathing, eating, and sleeping. I drifted through life without any ambitions, dreams, or even a hint of desire. I merely awaited the arrival of death. However, my perspective has shifted now; I fear death, especially since it seems to be accompanied by pain. Experiencing such agony once was more than enough for me.

  Now, I find a reason to embrace this life: Zarani. I press a gentle kiss to her hand, silently making a vow, 'I won't lose you too. Mom, Dad, I promise to protect her.'

  I turned my attention towards Leonard, who stood there quietly watching me. "How is she? When will she wake up?" I inquired.

  "That will likely be after another six months or so," a voice chimed in, echoing in the room. Shortly after, a boy with white-silver hair and adorned in a stunning silver robe materialized next to us. He seemed to have appeared out of thin air. This boy stood just slightly taller than me and appeared to be around the same age.