THE statues floating in the darkness were horribly creepy, almost ethereal.
As she stood in the garden, Yura took in the day’s challenges while trying to steady her breathing.
Why am I always running when I come here? Yura wondered.
It was like she was always running from something.
She looked around to see if anyone was there.
Just like in the afternoon, the fountain was dribbling water. The garden was dim. She took a detour, being careful not to slip on the half-dry paving stones, and then, she noticed him.
It was Sei. He was sitting with his back against a pillar.
“Sei!”
When she called his name, he put his hands on his knees and got to his feet. The sight made Yura smile.
He was carrying a book under his arm. Yura clenched both hands. For a moment, the sense of relief was dizzying.
“…You came.”
Instead of a reply, Sei blinked at her and met her gaze. Then, he took several steps forward. He stopped at her side.
Yura looked up, feeling apprehensive at the sight of his face.
“Umm…”
It doesn’t matter what. But I should say something to him.
“L-Leila and Sisty—they’re my ladies-in-waiting—they just gave me a bunch of things. They gave me the clothes I came to this world in. The things I’d been holding—they hid them for me, so no one else would be suspicious. But I can talk to you about it, right? I should’ve brought them to show you…” Yura faltered as she spoke.
Sei stared at Yura in silence. It was like the way one looked at a child while keeping their real feelings hidden.
“…I guess you really can’t believe me…” Yura muttered, looking down. She’d no more words to share.
Oh, I’m such a fool, Yura thought. He’ll probably laugh me out of here now. Or maybe he’ll just throw me out.
“I believe you,” Sei said reassuringly, just as she’d given up.
His words were so sober, Yura looked up. His face was calm but his eyes wide. Sei was looking right at her, without so much as a blink. Yura could hear her voice shaking.
“…You’re lying.”
“No.”
He shook his head. Yura realized for the first time that he was looking right at her.
“Really?” Yura asked.
Hesitantly, she gazed into his eyes. She struggled to think of what else to say.
“Can I really trust that you believe me…?”
On reflection, it was a strange question. But Sei didn’t laugh. He blinked thoughtfully. Then he lifted a hand and brushed Yura’s that clutched the hem of her skirt, trying to get her to let it go.
In a panic, Yura pulled her hand away.
Then…
Suddenly, Sei swept one hand across his chest and bowed his head to Yura. He looked at her and said, “I swear to you.”
Yura’s eyes grew wide.
“I realize you may doubt my words. That you may not trust me…”
Sei stopped abruptly. Yura was smiling.
“I swear to you, my lady…”
It was like a fire had been lit in her heart. Like she’d been suddenly illuminated by the light of the sun.
Yura stood as tall as she could, putting her arms around Sei’s neck. His eyes grew wide and he held in his breath.
“…Thank you!”
The tears suddenly overflowed and Yura sputtered. The tears warmed her cheeks that’d been chilled by the night air. It felt like the tears had been cold to start with. But today they were warm. Very warm.
“L-Lady Yura…”
A bit confused, Sei pulled away from her.
Blinking her tears away, Yura smiled.
She felt a bit embarrassed over how hard she’d cried the night before. She still couldn’t stop shaking.
She still remained clueless and in the dark, but…
“An unparalleled beauty.”
Yura lifted her head.
“The ugliest in the land.”
How does Sei see me right now?
Sei looked bashful as their eyes met. But he quickly looked away. That was all the answer she needed.
She felt sad she couldn’t look Sei in the eye when she said “Thank you.”
Yura stood tall and gazed at the sky. The corset pulled tight around her creaked. She was like a cog that’d been still so long, she’d forgotten how to move.
Someday, I will get back to Japan. Yura thought, making an oath to herself.
Until then, I’ll just have to deal with my strange looks and this corset…
But I will definitely find a way home!