After the two confirmed that Noel had left, Alum sat down, not saying a word. He gave Rigeld a slightly snide glance as he sighed. “You know… did we have to play him like that?” Alum suddenly asked.

 Rigeld chuckled at his words and handed him the paperwork, “Well, it’s your mess, and I don’t think you’d understand his worries if you were to tell him. Better not, right?”

 Alum skimmed through the documents, trying to find any fault and correct them when he did, handing them to Rigeld to do a double-check.

 “...that was fast,” Rigeld commented as he took the paper Alum just skimmed through as they spoke.

 Alum ignored his comment and continued their previous conversation, “...I suppose it wasn’t that important anyways.”

 “...Haaa? Well… whatever you say.”

 Rigeld went back to his workspace and glanced at the youth. In turn, a somewhat loathing look came his way, making him grin. (What an odd one.)

 ‘Tch…’ Alum clicked his tongue, thinking, (This is technically your mess, and I wouldn’t have any part in this… old man…)

 “Ah-hahaha! It’s not a whole lot!” Rigeld exclaimed, then his voice turned quiet, ‘At least with you as my aide…’ he mumbled.

 “Hey… I heard that….”

 “.....”

 Rigeld shrugged, “C’mon! I’ll treat you to something later, so isn’t that fine?” He knew that Alum had a sweet tooth, and he was quite easy to handle in one way or another. But then again… Rigeld knew that Alum took the bait willingly despite knowing the meaning behind each action.

 “Then… the most expensive ones, fresh and handmade by a professional.”

 (…mass-produced ones are out, huh…. But even though I think they’ve gotten better… this guy just wants it to be expensive with the extra costs… damned this guy…

 Well… at least it isn’t an issue since my sweet niece loves these sorts of things as well, so… I can just have her chef make some.

 How about that?

 Then again… he’s a promising one out of all the otherworlders and… similar to her. Maybe things would work out…

 But…

 Although I didn’t witness it myself, it does make me wonder…. Is he that sort of guy? He doesn’t look like he’s interested in those sorts of things, and I could get away with this were it only business…)

 With a smug smirk on his face, Rigeld laughed to himself while Alum gave him a strange look. And suddenly, Rigeld asked, “You truly like sweets, don’t you?”

 “...well, not that they tasted anything for the past 18 years,” Alum commented, but… his complexion then turned somewhat expressive as his lips curved upwards.

 (18 years? Hmm. I see, I see… he really is similar to her.)

 “Say, about those sweets, my sweet, sweet niece has a chef that specialises in baking,” Rigeld said before muttering something again, ‘Well… at least she does now…’ and continued as if he didn’t say a thing, “how about having a tea party with her? She’s a sweets lover, too, and I think you’ll make good friends.”

 “.....” in that instance, Alum stopped moving. (She’s the one in charge of training Noel and the others?) He was surprised, to say the least. “...Really now? Sweet tooth? That—The Princess has a sweet tooth?”

 Alum became cautious. If they were speaking of the same individual, then it had to be The Princess. A genius who’s academically gifted. Unfathomable in duels, and has recently achieved something very impressive, such as becoming a commander of a mage squad at 16 years of age.

 “Well~ how about it?”

 “...I’ll have to refrain,” Alum replied.

 Rigeld heaved a heavy sigh, “...well, it was to be expected—”

 “But I’ll still have those sweets.”

 “.....” Rigeld quietly nodded and went back to work, feeling a little unhappy about things not going his way. He then saw a document that reminded him of something. (…is it really a coincidence?) he pondered.

 …a few days ago, he’d received a request. Whilst it wasn’t unusual, it was from The Church and, most of all, The Saint herself. She’d wanted to help out to instruct the newly arrived wanderers in their endeavour of pursuit, trying to adjust to a new civilisation. (—Well, something along those lines, but… I highly doubt that’s the case, and… things got a bit more complicated.)

 And as for the other one… that was none other than The Hero herself. However, this case was more understandable since Chely was directly under their command, and she’d been meaning to take a break from her other duties.

 (Still… it came as a surprise that she’d want this instead of an actual vacation wherever she wanted—actually, it makes a whole lot of sense… after all, she loves her sister.)

 There was a lot of stuff that was happening, and some of his plans were almost in shambles.

 (Well… at least I’ll have more competent staff for the job. Yet I wouldn’t have any time to relax….

 I suppose I can take it as an overall positive, but… finding a candidate like Al is… going to be a pain. It’s likely she wouldn’t take an interest in Al either, for that matter…

 Ahh… brother, it seems like you’ll have to rely on your son….

 Wait…

 Nothing’s confirmed, so… if it works out, then—)

 “—Hey, what are you grinning on about? Stop that and get back to work…” Alum complained with a light frown. He didn’t get why Rigeld was making so many expressions, from disappointed to hope-filled ones, in the span of a few seconds.

 Although there was some hint of annoyance in his words, Rigeld knew better, knowing that Alum only sounded polite to people he didn’t like. So… in Rigelds eyes, it came off as playful instead.

 “Ohh, don’t say that~. I mean, how can I not?” Rigeld cheerfully replied. “The Saint and Hero want to teach you wanderers and newcomers—oh! I forgot! You’re not in on that!” he exclaimed. (If it’s true… then he’d be disappointed for sure…)

 Alum silently stared at him, making a complicated expression as if he’d missed out on something. He let out a soft sigh, turning to his usual indifferent self. “I saw those documents two days ago. Incredible. You can finally relax, not having to scout for new staff or take away any from other fields,” Alum said as he wrapped up the work he’d just finished.

 However…

 Rigeld’s expression turned slightly sour and grumpy, “Finding someone isn’t so easy, as not many are qualified for the position. And we’re short-staffed in this department since they’re researching the things you wanderers brought.”

 (…that’s indeed the case.) Alum thought, but… “Don’t you have a military academy? Why don’t you just send us there instead of keeping us in the headquarters?” he asked. Alum knew that there was a military academy not too far from the capital, about two days or so. And sending them there wouldn’t be difficult at all.

 “Sigh… listen, kid. There is more to it than that. Although that is an option, we would prefer you get used to the capital. And besides… sending you lots to campus in the wilderness would lead nowhere when we’re trying to incorporate you into society.

 And based on what I know. Your world is pretty peaceful. And based on the reports I’ve been given, you don’t even know how to fend for yourself since you came from a world without magic.

 Well… there are some exceptions… you get the gist of things, right?” Rigeld said. It was a pretty lengthy speech, but his points did get across to Alum. His reasoning was perfectly well… reasonable.

 Rigeld then continued, “Not only that, the academies out there require combat experience. Even if we were to send you out, you’d be mocked for lacking in that department. All in all, it’s easier this way, even if it complicates things a little.”

 And with all that said, a smile slowly crept up, making Alum softly smile. “My, my? Aren’t you awfully considerate? For someone that has a strange habit of following people.”

 In response, Rigeld stiffly laughed, “Well… I didn’t tag along all the way, so it’s fine, isn’t it? Showing up when it matters.”

 “.....”

 (Well… it did seem like he had it under control…) Rigeld thought as he looked back at what had happened.

 Alum thought about it for a moment but decided not to comment on it. “I suppose you’re right…” he said, letting the matter go.

 “Right…” Rigeld uttered before asking, “By chance… are the rumours true?”

 Alum tilted his head, “Rumour?” he asked. “What are Rumour? Well… I’m rather uninterested in subjects regarding gossip. I’ll be on my way then….”

 When Rigeld heard that, he got his hopes up again and decided to try something. “Al, wait,” he sharply commanded.

 “.....” Alum stopped and glanced back. “Something the matter?” he frantically asked.

 Rigeld smirked, “You like quiet places, right?”

 “...I do. What of it?” Alum inquired as he saw nothing but ulterior motives. (Well… it doesn’t appear to be a deleterious kind.)

 “He-hehe, you see, there’s a secret library that’s never used by ordinary staff. It’s quite the privilege, don’t you think?”

 With scepticism, Alum took the bait, “And?”

 “Here’s a map, don’t worry. I’ll be sure to prepare the treats next time.”

 Alum received the map and briefly skimmed through, only to find more than the designated location. And as he looked at Rigeld, there was a smug smile on the old timer's face.

 “What’s this?” Alum asked.

 Rigeld didn’t say a word and stuck out his palm, gesturing Alum to do the same. And as he does, Rigeld placed something with quite some weight dispute the size.

 “A ring?” Alum inquired as he looked at the expensive-looking crystal ring.

 “It’s an access key, don’t lose it,” Rigeld replied. “Though… I’d appreciate it if you didn’t try to open facilities you’re not supposed to. If you do, an alarm will trigger, so… save me from that headache, will you?”

 Alum stared at the ring and at Rigeld. He heaved a sigh, “...I’ll be careful….”

 Rigeld nodded and seemed satisfied, but Alum had to ask, “Are there any benefits to all of this? You’ve been awfully generous since I’ve arrived.”

 Rigeld smirked and laughed, “Ah-hahaha! Kid, it’s only natural to show some favour, isn’t it? I’ll be blunt, but I want you to trust me and with that. I have a feeling you’re the loyal type that doesn’t even consider betrayal once you trust someone. I want to be one of them,” he replied.

 “....” with wide-open eyes filled with astonishment, Alum stared at Rigeld. He felt happy for some reason. And when it came to the subject of trust, Alum felt a little embarrassed to admit that all that Rigeld had said was true. Alum is very self-aware of himself and others around him, even if it doesn’t seem that way.

 Seeing the bashful youth, Rigeld patted him on the shoulder, “This key can access my office, the secret library, and training facility UM.07, my personal facility.”

 “......”

 As Alum heard that, he got a slight headache. It was simply a lot more responsibility that he was willing to bear. But… (Is this a test of some sort? There are important documents in the office. Is he telling me that he trusts me? In exchange for my own…? I suppose that’s fine. It’s not as I’ll look into private matters.) Still, he couldn’t help but make a strained, troubled expression.

 And seeing Alum in distress, Rigeld wasn’t able to hold his laughter. Especially when he witnesses the youth's distressed expressions, as well as the minor reactions… he wished to see some of these reactions from his niece as well.

 “I’ll come by now and then to see how you progress and all. I look forward to it, Al~.”

 “I know you’ve got ulterior motives. Truly, what is it about?”

 “Ha-haha,” Rigeld laughed, brushing off Alum’s query. “Kid, you’ll see. It wouldn’t be a surprise otherwise, right?”

 “Fine… whatever,” Alum replied and started to walk, “see you later then…” he said, pausing and giving Rigeld a glance and a small wave before exiting the room.

 In response, Rigeld softly smiled, saying, “See ya later, kid,” as he looked at the youth who’d exited the room. “...she should be there around this time—that is, if he decides to go there tonight,” Rigeld uttered under his breath.

 He went back and leaned back on his chair. His bird friend landed on his shoulder, chirping playfully. “The moon is pretty, don’t you think?” Rigeld asked his companion as he stared out the window, welcomed by the beautiful full moon.

 “Chruu?”

 …

 …..

 …

 After some time of wandering around, Alum made his way to a slightly dimly lit underground corridor. He’d received a map from Rigeld and decided to look for facility UM.07—which he eventfully found.

 Feeling a little cautious, he opened it—no alarms went off, and the doors slid open. Upon entering, he found more doors, but this time, one led to a changing room whilst the other went into the training ground itself.

 (…I get to use all of this…?) Alum thought as he briefly looked around. He wasn’t really planning to stay long and decided to leave. He’d only want to take a quick look before going back to his room. And luckily for him. The library was around that area as well.

 As he walked to the closest elevator, he met a familiar face when the door opened. His eyes met with theirs, and the two would look at one another in silence before Alum entered.

 The mood was slightly awkward. (Out of anyone, it had to be Alver…) Alum thought while closely observing him.

 Alver was the knight who led him and Chely to the meeting when he first arrived. He’s somewhat uptight and strict. So… naturally, he found Alum’s calm, mellow self strange. Making his guard rise each time they saw one another. This time wasn’t any different either.

 “What matters did you have to attend down here so late?” Alver sceptically asked while giving Alum a snide glance.

 In response, Alum gave him a map, saying, “I received this from Sir Rigeld. Thus, I decided to take a look before heading to the dorm.”

 “In the middle of the night?” Alver queried, raising his eyebrow. He then took the map, skimping through it. “...I see,” he said after seeing a signature. “Well then, do be careful. This map has a basic layer of the base. Thus, shan’t get into possession of evil.”

 He looked at Alum and handed him the map, saying, “I’m at my designated floor. I’ll have to excuse myself now.”

 Alum replied with a slight bow, thus ending their short exchange.

 And a brief moment later, he arrived above ground and headed straight to the secret library. He found it after some walking around in the quiet, empty halls. Using the ring, the door slid open, and he was greeted by bookshelves and a beautiful and gentle moonlight that softly illuminated the room.

 (…are there enough books here to count this as a library? Was I tricked or something…?) Alum pondered. He then considered the possibility that it could be a study of some sort.

 Which means…

 “My, my? I presumed it to be an assassin. Turns out it was only you?” someone said.

 Alum recognised this voice, and so… he decided to walk around the bookshelf. He found a girl reading in the moonlight. She wasn’t paying him any attention until he came into full view.

 (…is this déjà vu?) Alum pondered.

 Their eyes met, and the girl curiously stared at him and closed her book, walking up to him. And the girl was none other than Princess Luna Ilifel. The first and only Princess.

 Similar to Alum, she had black hair, but half of it was silver as it shone beautifully in the soft moonlight. Her eyes were silver-coloured, having a strong resemblance to the moon.

 (…I was set up, of course; no one came here… just you wait, old man… ) Alum thought while accepting that he took the bait willingly. He sighed inwardly as their eyes locked on one another.

 “I meant not to disturb. I didn’t expect to find Your Highness Princess Luna here. Well then, if you excuse—”

 “Wait,” Luna softly spoke and grabbed his coat, stopping him from leaving. Without an expression on her face, she looked up, staring into his eyes. “As it happens, Uncle told me something interesting… he told me about you. We’re similar, and… he told me we could become good friends. Will you spare some of your time to keep me company?”

 Despite her expressionless look, he could tell that her curiosity was someone piqued by what Rigeld had said. Yet… at the same time. Why would she take an interest?

 “Sir Rigeld certainly mentioned the notion,” Alum replied.

 He then laid his eyes on some sweets and tea on the table, and Luna took notice of it, asking, “Is that a yes or no?” in a soft tone.

 Alum didn’t feel any tired anyways, so he decided to just take her offer, “In that case… I’ll take that offer of yours.”

 Thus, Alum was led to the couch. He then received some tea and sweets from Luna, who was sitting beside him, giving him a curious glance.

 “.....” Alum felt that it was a little odd to be served tea by a princess. Not only that, but she seemed to show him interest, which she hadn’t done before. “Princess Luna, would you mind not staring too much, please?”

 As he pointed that out, Luna realised she’d been staring too intensely, “Oh…? My apologies for that. I couldn’t help but admire your deep, beautiful eyes. And the moonlight that’s reflecting on your dark hair also contrasts nicely with your eyes, making it difficult not to stare,” Luna replied.

 …Alum was a little taken aback by how frank she was. (Uncle Rig told me we’re similar… was he referring to this?)

 “Mmm, I could say the same about you, Princess,” Alum said without thinking too much, blurting the same thing embarrassing thing Luna did.

 “Hmm~” Luna mused after hearing his reply. Her expression softened a little, and she became more mellow—she was in a good mood. “Thank you,” Luna somewhat cheerfully expressed. “I think we’ll get along just fine.”

 Luna had a soft smile on her face, making Alum think, (She can make a smile like that too…? Then again... I don’t know her well enough, and perhaps this is her usual self.)

 Of course, it wasn’t strange for him to think that. After all, Luna made a cold expression or none at all. Other than that, there was something Alum had to confirm. “Do you come here often, Princess Luna?” he inquired.

 To which Luna softly giggled, “Did Uncle not tell you?” she inquired. “After all… this is my private study, which I often frequent.”

 (Figured…) Alum complained in his mind. “I see… this inquiry of mine may perchance come off as rude, but… did Sir Rigeld intend for us just to be friends? Or… something more?”

 Luna gently smiled, “Perhaps more?” she said, tilting her head, asking, “Am… I not good enough?” she teasingly asked.

 “.....”

 Seeing Alum’s silent response, Luna chuckled, saying, “I jest. Besides… I doubt anything would occur between us.”

 Alum felt a little relieved and agreed with her, saying, “...yeah… I doubt that as well,” dropping his formality.

 Luna giggled when she saw how relieved Alum seemed. “...recently, there’s been a rumour about Saint Amethely. Something about her finding a man for herself. Are you aware?”

 Alum froze as he heard that, (…huh…? She had someone in mind? But… based on what I know, she’s not supposed to have anyone like that…)

 “...Is that so…?” he somewhat dishearteningly replied. He may seem indifferent, but Luna knew she’d been onto something.

 “It appears he’s quite handsome,” she said while looking up from her book, sending him a glance.

 “......”

 Alum didn’t want to hear about it, and Luna could tell. With a smile, she said, “He has jet-black hair and deep golden eyes…. Don’t you think that’s rare in this kingdom? Mister Handsome?”

 “Ohh…” Alum finally realised that she was referring to him, and he’d relax a little. Feeling happy that it was him the rumours referred to.

 “You’re quite easy to read, aren’t you? At least on certain occasions,” Luna teasingly said.

 “It was love at first sight,” Alum softly confessed. He then said, “Please don’t tease me too much.” After all, being teased by a girl almost two years younger than him made him feel defeated in a way… making him ask, “...is there anyone you fancy, Princess Luna?”

 …Luna didn’t expect him to fire back, but… regardless of that, she sipped her tea, “I’ve not given it much thought, but my parents, however, entertain the idea of getting me a fiance…” she flatly said. She then handed Alum a book—the one she’d been holding onto. “Here, read this, and once you finish reading it, I’d like you to relay some thoughts about it.”

 Alum wasn’t that interested in the topic of romance, so he didn’t mind her abrupt halt of the previous subject. “Sure,” he replied as he received the heavy-looking book. He started to flip through some pages and soon realised it was handwritten and… “Is this… magic and mana control?”

 “Oh? Did you understand that from flipping through the pages? Could it be your unique skill?” Luna inquired while seeming a little impressed.

 …Alum didn’t understand his abilities all that much since he hadn’t used them at all… at least knowingly. “That may be the case…. Anyhow, the pages I’ve read were easy to understand. Are you perchance the one who wrote this, Princess Luna?”

 “...yes,” Luna replied in a slightly shy manner.

 “That’s impressive,” Alum said, further complimenting her.

 “Thank you… I heard you’ll be independent, so… I wanted you to try it as educational material…” Luna said with an innocent look. She felt slightly embarrassed that she’d show someone her notes from when she attended the academy.

 Alum realised that despite her cold exterior, Luna was quite a shy girl. And he could tell that she was trying to open up to him. Still… he had no idea why.

 But… oddly enough, he felt pretty relaxed with her, despite falling into a trap set up by that elusive old man….

 Alum gently smiled. He didn’t want to admit it yet, but he’d become more relaxed ever since he came to this world. Was it because of the change of scenery? Or did he just see things differently after falling in love?

 “No… I should be the one to thank you, Princess Luna,” he gently said.

 “Mm,” Luna nodded with a gentle smile.

 After that, nothing eventful happened as the two quietly read a book each, just enjoying the other’s company.

 Unexpectedly, Luna was the one to break the silence, asking, “Have you seen any assassins as of late?” while flipping a page.

 “No,” Alum softly replied.

 “...I see, but are you fine?”

 Hearing her concern, he took his eyes off the book, and their eyes met. Her eyes were soft and gentle, taking him by surprise.

 “The agents assigned to me are doing good work at keeping them away, at least… I can sneak out like I used to…” Alum replied with a soft smile, putting down the book.

 Luna giggled at his remarks. But… she was also thinking, (Does it not bother him at all?)

 Still… he didn’t expect it… and it occurred right after he learned that Amethely was a Saint. He thought that he was somewhat lucky to find out what her name was, but… he just had to walk into a murder scene… then again… it wasn’t the first time he’d experienced it.

 (…his really does rarely change. From what I know of these wanderers, they all came from a peaceful world. They were all repulsed by the idea of killing, but… he’s indifferent.)

 Luna wanted to know more about this mysterious young man. After all… he was the one to catch the heart of someone she admired. And she wanted to know just why Saint Amethely fell for him. That is if rumours are to be trusted. Nevertheless, she had a feeling the rumours were true due to the sudden request.

 But as much as she wanted to pry, she decided not to. “Still… to think those underground thugs would come after you for just witnessing their murder scene… but… it’s probably our fault for lending you those clothes…” she apologetically said.

 Alum just shrugged it off, saying, “Don’t be. The general public didn’t seem to notice….”

 “...not everyone is aware… but that’s also why they decided to hunt you relentlessly. Were you an ordinary citizen, they’d probably let you go after some… interrogation and brainwashing.”

 “...well, the person lying dead was important, and they thought we were related, so that’s a given, I suppose.”

 (This guy somehow makes it seem like it’s not his problem…) Luna thought as she sipped her tea, saying, “He was an agent going undercover. However, were it not for you, we wouldn’t have known he was a double agent.”

 Alum took a cookie, “Mmm, well, that’s what he gets for being careless, but I suppose it was a fortunate mistake for us, right?”

 Luna giggled at his response. “...well, that is certainly a fortunate mistake. But then again, you were quite lucky that Uncle decided to follow you.”

 Hearing it, Alum frowned a little while staring at her, “We both know he used that as an excuse to escape work….”

 “Mm, he~he~,” Luna softly chuckled. “Now, now, you needn’t be so harsh on the frail old man.”

 (…frail old man… is he, though?) Alum pondered. He sometimes had no idea as to why, but did people really see Rigeld as a frail old man? In his eyes, Rigeld was someone devastatingly dangerous not to be messed with.

 “...I suppose he did save my life,” Alum said. Despite what he thinks of the whole ordeal, he did feel grateful.

 Alum tried to brush it off nonchalantly, but Luna could tell by the soft smile on his face that he was trying to hide that he was slightly bashful.

 “Mm, you did give him more paperwork, did you—then again, I suppose he was the one creating more work for himself.”

 “Pff…” Alum chuckled as he found the irony funny. While Alum tried to hold his laughter, Luna chucked as well.

 “We’re very similar, are we not?” Luna asked with a warm and gentle smile.

 Alum felt a little bashful, scratching his cheek, “Mmm,” he replied with a nod.

 Thus… a strange friendship was born.