"Oh, you're awake?"
Yuma turned toward the door and gave a small nod. Rue clicked his tongue, then walked over to where Yuma stood by the window.
"Didn't I say I'd wake you? You should sleep properly."
"Did I sleep well yesterday?"
Yuma let Rue pull at his cheek while the man wore a displeased expression.
"I suppose the rumor about you spending almost the entire day at the Guardians' dorm is a lie."
A faint smile appeared on Yuma's lips.
It was true that he had visited them. But it was also true that they had kept insisting he rest. He had originally intended to check on their condition and training, yet in the end, they were the ones telling him stories about their school life.
Yuma knew where the rumor had spread from, but considering their discipline, he didn't feel the need to scold anyone. They knew when—and where—to speak.
"Don't push the Guardian team too hard. Lavis is already terrifying enough, making them maintain barriers while other teams train."
"It's good practice for their focus and composure in judgment."
"Hmm, I heard Camelia and Lavis attack at random, and the Guardians have to put up barriers wherever the attacks come from."
"That's not terrifying. It's proper training."
Yuma recalled the members of the Guardian team lying around and groaning yesterday, and a faint smile lingered.
They had said that if they failed, they had to do a hundred sit-ups.
"Don't overdo it."
Rue shrugged indifferently and clapped his hands.
A moment later, several servants entered, each carrying a box. As they left, Rue stepped closer to them.
"Hm?"
He gestured toward Yuma, who looked confused.
"What is this?"
"First."
Rue opened a small box. Inside were three rings.
"Ah… Professor?"
"Yes. At first, he planned to use a necklace. But considering its position under clothing and how inconvenient it would be to remove, a bracelet was chosen. However, given your nature, you'd find it troublesome to get used to something on your wrist."
Rue picked up one of the rings and slipped it onto Yuma's index finger.
"So I suggested a ring."
Yuma quietly observed the black ring on his finger.
"Try pressing it with your thumb."
When he did, a needle suddenly emerged from the center—right through the gemstone.
"…?"
Seemingly satisfied, Rue smiled brightly.
"If some annoying brat touches you or bothers you… stab them."
The word "stab" was spoken with unsettling emphasis, as if he were biting into something he truly despised.
"..."
"Understood, my cousin?"
"…"
Yuma pressed the ring again, watching as the needle retracted.
"…Do you remember this is just a school full of children, brother?"
"Yes. Because they're children, I only told you to stab them with a needle—not a sword."
"..."
Yuma let out a quiet sigh at Rue's unyielding expression.
"Alright… what's inside it?"
"Just a fast-acting anesthetic."
"You worry too much. I'm strong enough if something unexpected happens."
"It's not that I don't trust you. But you tend to be gentle. I'm certain you'd just endure it and smile faintly. You see them as children—but you're a child too, aren't you?"
As if remembering something, the calm expression on Yuma's face cracked ever so slightly.
"Yes… that's right… I'm still a child right now."
The murmur was soft enough that Rue, busy checking the other two rings, didn't hear it.
"I understand."
Rue closed the small box and handed it to him.
"The other two are spares, in case your power overwhelms the seal and breaks it. Tell me when you're down to one, understood?"
"Mm…"
Seeing Yuma nod, Rue opened another box.
"These are your clothes for today. Your uniform and the rest have already been sent to your villa in the academy district. The villa is under your name—here's the address. I've also assigned servants there."
"A uniform, even though I haven't enrolled yet?"
"The entrance test is just a formality. Richard will be kneaded like dough if he dares fail you."
Yuma let out a small laugh and nodded.
"I also reserved a private dorm for you if you need it. A merchant's son should be able to afford that—that's what Camelia said."
"Camelia?"
"Yes. She also asked me to give you this sword."
"Oh?"
"It's sturdy enough to withstand your power. She discussed the forging materials with the professor."
As Yuma examined the blade, Rue added:
"Remember—don't directly solidify your soul power. Only experts can do that properly. As much as possible, channel it through the sword, alright?"
"If I recall correctly, I registered as a Guardian?"
"There's nothing wrong with carrying a sword."
"None of our Guardian students use swords."
"Because they're simply weak."
"…Guardians have weaker offensive power due to their soul type, which is close to healers and purifiers."
"Close—not impossible. They're just lazy and weak."
Rue said something that would surely earn him the Guardians' hatred, all while keeping a perfectly calm face.
"I think a monster ate your conscience."
At the familiar voice, Rue shot a sharp glance toward the window.
Lavis was hanging upside down there.
"You're still alive."
"Of course! Do you underestimate me? I could still run around the district ten times!"
"I should've broken both your legs…"
Ignoring the dark muttering, Lavis jumped in—rather inelegantly.
"Ow—!"
He slipped and fell flat on his face. He was certain he had seen a flicker of soul energy beneath his feet—something that had tripped him. And he was just as certain it was the work of the narrow-eyed creature in front of him.
"Damn you, Rue."
Ignoring him, Rue opened the last box.
Inside were a folding knife and a pepper spray.
"…"
"Woooah…"
Yuma fell silent, while Lavis was amazed at how much Rue resembled a nervous mother preparing everything for a child going to school for the first time.
He was even certain that, if he could, Rue would attend the academy with Yuma and wait for him there every single day.
Ignoring Lavis, Rue placed the items neatly on top of Yuma's clothes.
"I've got something too, Yuyu!"
Lavis rummaged through his pocket and pulled out a small book.
"Don't give him something weird."
"Heh, compared to a knife and pepper spray, mine's better."
"What?"
Frowning, Rue stepped closer as Lavis showed the contents.
"Ta-da! '100 Ways to Make Friends and Become Popular' by the great Lavis!"
"…"
"Is that… good?"
Yuma's blank expression turned slightly confused when, strangely enough, Rue nodded in approval.
"…What?"
"He's right."
"For once, you've done something good.
"What do you mean for once?!"
"For once means for once."
"…Wait, both of you."
"Hm?"
"Yeah, Yuyu?"
"…What am I supposed to do with this?"
"Make friends!"
"Try reading it. It might be useful."
"…Don't forget I'm entering the academy for reconnaissance."
"Yes, I remember."
"Sure, but it wouldn't hurt, right, Yuyu?"
"Haa…"
Massaging his temple, Yuma finally took the small book.
"Alright. I'll get ready, so leave."
"Diana will escort you. She's waiting at the palace gate."
Yuma nodded as Rue added:
"I wanted to go with you, but my identity is too conspicuous. Besides, I need to prepare more things to send to your villa."
"You don't need that many things."
"I told you—you're still a prince, Yuma. I can't just leave you like that. I planned everything with Camelia, so I know what's normal for a wealthy merchant's child. So don't worry."
"Mm."
"Alright, then I'll—"
"You're coming with me."
"Eek! Don't—! Let go of my collar! Are you still mad?! You're so petty! Your contamination will rise—calm down! Calm down!! AAAAA!!"
"Be quiet. I can ask Kru if my contamination rises, so don't even try to run."
"You're insane! Do you not remember I was paralyzed the whole day yesterday?! How cruel can you be?! Has your conscience completely rotted?! Everyone!!! Evil Rue has been born!!"
"I said, be quiet, Lavis."
"Kyaaaaa someone help me!! I'm choking—let go of my collar—Yuyu help—!"
Bang.
Yuma blinked blankly.
"…those two… honestly…"
*
"They're crazy, Master. But strangely enough, they work very well together. Don't they get tired of arguing?"
"That's what friendship is. They argue not because they're angry, but because they're close."
"I don't understand."
"You will, once you've fully learned what it means to be human."
"If being human means being that noisy, I refuse to understand."
"Hahaha."
*
Yuma pressed his hand tightly against his chest, his expression still calm.
Now, he could no longer remember how he had felt when he spoke with Kazuki back then.
He pressed harder.
"…It seems my emotions have truly dulled… I can't even be called a normal human anymore, can I?"
Searching within himself, Yuma couldn't tell whether he felt happy, nervous, or sad about leaving the palace.
There was nothing.
Not a single thing.
Letting his hand fall, Yuma exhaled and picked up the clothes prepared for him.
"It's alright."
Yes.
As long as he remained alive… that was what mattered.
"I pray for your happiness, Master."
Yuma paused for a brief moment—then continued walking calmly.
After all....
He had already forgotten how to feel happiness… and how to be normal.