---
It was a calm morning.
No villagers worshiping me.
No one asking me to bless their goats.
Just me, Aelira, and a cup of questionable tea.
Then she slammed her hand on the table.
"We've got a situation."
I flinched. "Does the situation involve me saying 'leave' again?"
"No," she said, sitting down. "There's another Earthling."
My heart skipped.
"…Another?"
She nodded. "Near Valebrook. Someone reportedly gave a single order and wiped out three bandit groups. Sound familiar?"
I blinked. "I thought you said I wasn't the only one with this power."
"Yup," she said, sipping her tea.
"But—wait…" I narrowed my eyes. "Back in the forest, you said some Earthlings come with weird abilities. I asked if I was the only one with Obedience. You said no."
Aelira smirked. Slowly. Smugly.
Then—
She laughed.
A real, smug, teasing, victory laugh.
"You actually believed that?" she said, grinning. "Riku, you're the only one with that ability. I lied."
"…You what."
"I lied," she repeated. "You looked like you were about to cry when I resisted your power. I figured if you thought you weren't special, you'd get over yourself faster."
I stared at her.
"That's evil."
"That's psychological support, thank you very much," she said, brushing hair over her shoulder. "And it worked, didn't it?"
I groaned into my hands. "So there isn't another Earthling with Obedience?"
"Nope. Still just you, 'Your Majesty.'"
"…Then why say someone erased bandits near Valebrook?"
"Oh, that part's real," she said. "But probably not Earthling-related. Could be a rogue mage or monster. Either way, worth checking out."
---
My Brain: Blue-Screened
Let's recap:
I was told I wasn't special.
Now I am special.
I was lied to by the only person I trust in this stupid world.
And now I'm apparently going to a danger zone because "it's probably not your fault."
Fantastic.
I stood up, pushing my chair in with an exaggerated sigh.
"Fine. Let's go see what isn't my problem."
Aelira followed, humming casually.
"…You're not mad?" I asked.
"Oh, you'll get over it," she said. "Besides, you still have your crown."
I muttered under my breath.
"I hate this world."
"Say it louder," she smirked. "Maybe it'll obey you."
---
[To be continued…]